The world of fashion has never been foreign to Cartagena actress Karen Martínez, who began her career at the age of 14 as a television commercial model, then moved on to the runways of fashion fairs and major advertising campaigns.

Although she later transitioned to acting, she did not distance herself from the fashion world. In recent years, she has decided to explore it further, leading to the creation of her own collection, 'Astral,' in collaboration with the brand Agybo, which has been available for just a few days.

With an idea that emerged in late 2019, during the pandemic, Karen Martínez, along with her husband Juanes and good friend Fonseca, brought this project, Agybo (a-yi-bo), to life. The name comes from the words love, gratitude, and good vibes, which have become its motto, offering the public urban and sporty-style garments designed for everyday casual wear or sports.

In record time, they are presenting their third collection, in which Karen was fully involved, while also relying on professional advisors who helped bring each of her ideas to life.

From Miami, Karen Martínez shared the details of the creation of this collection, which is available through the website www.Agybo.com.

FAMILY ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Just a few days ago, you launched this collection. What have the initial reactions been?

We held a gathering of influencers to give them an experience of who I am and what I do, and the reaction was incredible because the quality of the garments is really very good. Women love clothes that support and shape us without suffocating us, which was what I wanted in the collection. I wanted comfortable clothes that you can wear all day without feeling uncomfortable, along with a color palette for all tastes.

When did the idea for this project begin?

I always wanted to do something related to fashion. This opportunity arose with Agybo, a new clothing brand created by friends who came together to create a company with a beautiful concept. When the idea came up for me to design this third collection, I immediately felt it was the right moment to create a collection that involves my main interests, such as exercise and well-being, not just physical but also emotional. I love yoga and everything related to holistic well-being. That's where the idea began, imagining how to create and bring Karen's world into a collection. With the help of the team, we started brainstorming ideas, getting to know me better, and understanding the direction I wanted for the collection. That's how the name 'Astral' came about, from my interest in the universe and the stars.

What is your relationship with astrology?

I studied astrology during the pandemic. I had my first astrological chart done at 16, and I've always been connected to that subject. It has always fascinated and intrigued me. I think it's important how we are connected to the universe and our environment, which is why I wanted a balance between our astral body and emotional, physical, and mental well-being. That's where the idea for the colors and the placement of the symbols on the garments came from, which are simple but powerful.

How did Agybo start during the pandemic?

It all started in Miami, where we live. For a whole year, we only saw the same friends all the time because we didn't go out, and we shared our concerns about what to do and how to reinvent ourselves. Starting a business always feels scary, but it was beautiful to do it among friends in a natural way. We now have a young company with a desire to be known and share a positive message.

Agybo works with O2 Reserve, a company dedicated to the management, conservation, and protection of the tropical rainforest, initially located in the Colombian Magdalena region. They donate 1m² of tropical rainforest for every sale made...

We always have to help and contribute to the planet in some way, and this is a small step towards improving the world. There are many projects in Colombia that need support, but we found this one particularly beautiful and close, so we decided to support it. We hope to continue supporting it and other projects in the future. Nowadays, people are more conscious when buying clothes, wanting to know the story behind them and how they can help. We should all contribute to improving the planet's health in our daily lives.

You have launched three collections in a very short time...

We are still learning because this is all new to us. It's a long journey, not a sprint. Building a brand takes time and effort. The second collection was clearer to us. I am not the designer for all the collections, but the brand has a clear concept that makes people feel comfortable in urban clothes, with the added value of having Fonseca and Juanes supporting and promoting it. This has allowed people to quickly become familiar with the brand.

Is comfort becoming more important in the fashion world?

The idea of comfort comes from the ability to stay at home, work from home, and not have to dress up as before. Now that the world is reopening, the idea is to balance the comfort of dressing as if you were at home with the design and style needed for work or running errands.

Are your children also involved in the family business?

My daughters, who are now young ladies, love fashion. We plan to collaborate with them in the future, and they are already designing with me. As women, we enjoy looking good and feeling good.