Carmina De Young - Canadian Sustainable Fashion

Carmina’s father worked as a welder in Mexico City, 2 hours away from the family home in Puebla, Mexico. Maria raised the family and made things that she could sell such as breads, foods and clothing.  Her father brought the goods into Mexico City to fulfill orders.  Maria taught Carmina how to sew so she could make clothing as birthday gifts for family and friends.

 Carmina’s parents often took people in who needed shelter, feeding them and asking for nothing in return. Carmina recalls coming home from school to spend long hours washing clothes by hand – including the clothes of those who they were helping, so that her mother would not have to do it.  It was on those long days while doing laundry that she would dream of living in another country, being successful and making enough to provide a better life for her parents.

Carmina left Mexico in 1996, starting the journey to find her dream.  She moved to Canada in 1999 and started her own family.  She decided to go back to school, considering a business degree until her husband suggested fashion, knowing how much she loves it!  It wasn’t long after enrolling into Fashion Design her dream was realized – to be a successful designer of a ready to wear line. 

After graduating Carmina started her business working from home and within a year she had a list of regular clients.  As her business grew, Carmina’s charisma, passion and eagerness brought her many mentors and organizations who were eager to help her succeed.  She launched her first ready to wear collection under the ‘Carmina de Young’ label in 2015.