Margarita Ruyra And Valentina Suárez-Zuloaga

Creative, hardworking, family-oriented, and affectionate—that is how Margarita Ruyra and Valentina Suárez-Zuloaga describe themselves, mother and daughter and creators of the Spanish slow fashion project ES Fascinante.

Biography

Margarita was the founder and director of the magazine *Museología*, a consultant in the financial and museum sectors, and is currently the director of the Zuloaga Foundation and co-founder of ES Fascinante.

Valentina worked for a few years in the luxury cosmetics world, then moved to London where she began her professional career in the fashion world at Stella McCartney and later at Temperley London, until creating ES Fascinante in 2018.


Why did you decide to join forces and start a business in Spanish slow fashion?

It was a passion we both shared, and we decided to do it together because we saw it was the natural path to take. At the time we started, there was no talk of Spanish slow fashion, nor did we feel it was being given the importance it deserves. We saw the opportunity and the need to work to give it visibility and make it accessible to an audience that was unaware of it.
Moreover, family entrepreneurship has always been in our family's DNA.


What is it like to work together?

It is a huge stroke of luck to be able to share and spend so much time together doing what we are passionate about.
Sometimes it is complicated to separate the personal from the professional, but we have always known what our role is within the organization, and that has facilitated our work dynamic.


What have you learned from each other professionally? And personally?

Valentina: Personally, I have learned from my mother the importance of being patient and generous, even in the professional sphere, as these types of projects are so complex and are a marathon, not a sprint.

Margarita: From Valentina, I have learned to be practical, and I admire the leadership character she has developed.

“It is a huge stroke of luck to be able to share and spend so much time together doing what we are passionate about.”

What does being a mother mean to you?

For us, being a mother is the best thing in life. It is a "job" that on a daily basis might feel unrewarding, but it gives meaning to everything we do.


How has your life changed?

Having children is life's greatest miracle. It changes everything: your priorities, your needs, your daily life, and of course your long-term plans and the meaning you give to what you do.


What values are important to pass on when you are a mother?

Respect for yourself and for others, generosity, loyalty, and hard work.


What advice would you give to a mother-to-be?

Do them the favor of raising them; they will always thank you for it.
And that being a mother is not being a "friend." You have to know how to distinguish, even if it is hard.
Be very affectionate with your children and make them feel special and that they can achieve anything.

“For us, being mothers is the best thing in life.”

-Relationship with beauty:


What is beauty to you and how do you experience it in your routine?

For us, beauty is health, well-being with yourself. The truth is that until recently, it was not something we treated as a routine, I suppose due to a lack of knowledge and lack of time. Our daily routines can be summarized as cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection during the day and at night.


What or who inspires you on a day-to-day basis?

I am inspired by people who seek excellence in everything they do, whatever that may be. I am inspired by people with constant curiosity and a desire to learn.


Who are your beauty icons?

Beatrice Borromeo

Caroline of Monaco


What is the best advice your mother ever gave you?

Valentina: Do what you are supposed to do at your age, don't try to skip steps or rush. Take care of your family, as it is the legacy you leave behind.
-Beauty Questionnaire:


What is your care routine?

Cleansing and moisturizing, and in the morning with sun protection. We use a mask occasionally, and then when we go out to an event or dinner, an illuminating ampoule. Once every 1-3 months, a deep cleaning and ideally an Indiba session once every six months.


An infallible trick or product

Sun protection


How do you take care of your beauty from the inside?

My mother takes vitamins. Trying to sleep and getting those 7-8 hours of sleep. It is also very important to stay hydrated and take care of your diet by eating everything but in reasonable amounts.


Pending task (as far as beauty is concerned)

Valentina: Getting blood work done to understand how I am on the inside.
Margarita: Taking care of my diet, as I have intolerances that cause me discomfort.

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