Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Labardee.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I felt called to build Luna Linda as a way to merge several parts of my life into one purpose driven brand. It began with creativity as an outlet, but it quickly grew into something deeper. I wanted to represent Latina women, especially those of us who live between cultures, and to help strengthen identity, culture, and representation within our community while giving back in meaningful ways.
I am of mixed heritage, white and Mexican, and I have often felt caught between worlds. That experience has shaped how I see myself and how I move through the world, and it is something that deeply informs Luna Linda. But this feeling is not unique to me. Many Latinas share bicultural experiences, whether through immigration, mixed heritage across countries, or simply navigating life as Latina American women. There is often a sense of not fully belonging anywhere.
Luna Linda exists to honor that space in between. It is about embracing who we are in all our complexity and celebrating the richness of our identities. Through this brand, I want to help create visibility, pride, and representation for Latinas who deserve to feel seen, valued, and powerful exactly as they are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road, and I do not think meaningful growth ever is. One of the biggest challenges has been building everything from the ground up while wearing every hat, including designer, marketer, operator, strategist, and founder. When you are self funded and intentional about growth, every decision matters, and there is a constant learning curve.
Another challenge has been visibility and momentum. Launching a brand is one thing, but earning trust, attention, and consistency in a crowded digital space is another. There is a lot of testing involved, including what resonates, what converts, and what feels aligned, and not every effort works the first time. Learning to see those moments as data rather than failure has been essential.
Time and energy have also been real constraints. I have been building Luna Linda alongside professional work, family responsibilities, and other creative projects. Staying focused, avoiding burnout, and choosing long term sustainability over quick wins has required discipline and clarity.
That said, every challenge has strengthened the brand. The slower and more intentional path has allowed me to build Luna Linda with integrity, resilience, and a deep understanding of my audience, and that foundation is something I would not trade.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Luna Linda?
Luna Linda is a women-owned, culture-forward apparel brand rooted in storytelling, identity, and empowerment. We create thoughtfully designed t-shirts, sweatshirts, and lifestyle pieces that celebrate Latina strength, humor, resilience, and pride without relying on stereotypes or fleeting trends. Every design is intentional and created to feel both wearable and meaningful.
What sets Luna Linda apart is that we do not just sell products. We build connection. Our designs are inspired by real experiences, conversations, and cultural moments, and they are created to resonate emotionally as well as visually. The brand blends bold color, modern design, and culturally affirming language in a way that feels inclusive, confident, and authentic.
Giving back to the community is a core value of Luna Linda. We believe in supporting the people and communities that inspire our work. The brand has sponsored a girls softball team, participated in fundraisers supporting immigrant rights, and donates to organizations that uplift and serve our community. These efforts are not separate from the brand. They are part of its foundation.
We specialize in limited, purpose-driven collections that highlight themes such as cultural pride, mental wellness, community, and self-expression. As a founder-led brand, I am deeply involved in every aspect, from design and messaging to marketing and customer experience, ensuring that Luna Linda remains aligned with its values as it grows.
What I am most proud of is the foundation we are building. Luna Linda is still early in its journey, but it is being built intentionally, ethically, and with long-term sustainability in mind. The feedback we receive, especially from women who say our pieces make them feel seen, proud, or empowered, continues to affirm that we are creating something meaningful.
What I want readers to know is that Luna Linda is about representation and resonance. It is about wearing something that feels like you. As the brand grows, our goal is to expand thoughtfully, collaborate with aligned creators and organizations, and continue using apparel as a vehicle for visibility, confidence, and community.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a few meaningful ways people can work with, collaborate with, or support Luna Linda. The simplest is by supporting the brand through shopping our collections, sharing our work, and helping spread the word within their communities. That kind of organic support makes a real difference for a growing, independent brand.
We are also open to thoughtful collaborations with creators, community leaders, organizations, and brands that align with our values around culture, empowerment, and representation. Whether that involves co-created content, limited-edition pieces, events, or cause-driven partnerships, we are most interested in collaborations that feel authentic and mutually supportive.
For creators and advocates who genuinely love the brand, we offer opportunities to collaborate through UGC, ambassador-style partnerships, and storytelling features. For those who simply resonate with the mission, engaging with our content, leaving reviews, and sharing feedback is one of the most impactful ways to support our growth.
Above all, Luna Linda is community-driven. We believe in building relationships rather than transactions, and we welcome connections that are rooted in alignment, creativity, and shared purpose.
Pricing:
- Free shipping with all orders
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lunalindashop.com
- Instagram: @lunalindashop
- Facebook: @lunalindashop
- Other: TikTok @lunalindashop
