Born and raised in Mexico City, Erika moved to London in 2012 after leaving behind a stable corporate career to follow her calling in fashion. She completed a Master’s degree in International Fashion Marketing at the British School of Fashion and went on to launch two collections while partnering with brands to promote Mexican arts and crafts in the UK and across Europe.

The pandemic marked a pivotal moment — a profound challenge for the fashion industry that also became a catalyst for reflection and change. After spending a year in lockdown in London, restructuring her business model and reimagining her vision, Erika returned to Mexico to reconnect with Indigenous communities and develop the first samples of what would later become KOUA Studio.

She completed the Women Leading Change: Shaping Our Future program at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and remains deeply committed to empowering artisans, advancing ethical and circular fashion practices, and contributing to closing the gender gap within the industry.

In 2025, Erika made the decision to move to Paris to continue her mission on a global scale, and she has already presented one collection in the city.

Driven by collaboration, cultural preservation, and social impact, Erika’s work goes beyond garments , it tells stories, protects heritage, and creates opportunities. Her goal is not only to leave a meaningful mark in the fashion industry, but to transform lives through creativity, dignity, and purpose.