How Johana Hernandez Built GLAUDI from Compton to Couture Fame

A groundbreaking Latina designer reshapes high fashion, community, and confidence through her couture journey.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 30, 2025

A groundbreaking Latina designer reshapes high fashion, community, and confidence through her couture journey.

Johana Hernandez: Stitching Her Dreams from Compton to Couture

Born and raised in Compton, California, Johana Hernandez did not have a conventional start in the world of high fashion. The daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, she grew up amid the hum of sewing machines and the tireless work of her parents in Los Angeles garment sweatshops. Yet, it was among those factory floors that Johana would find both the challenges and the inspiration she needed to become a rising star in the global fashion industry.

From Humble Beginnings

Johana’s parents would take her to work in factories, where they toiled for brands such as Guess, Calvin Klein, and Gap. The experience instilled in her the realities of the fashion pipeline behind glossy runways. Despite the hardships, watching her parents’ dedication sparked a passion for clothing and entrepreneurship within Johana. She recalled, “I just saw my parents, or Latinos, working as workers; I never thought I could have my own business or make a living out of making beautiful clothes.”

The Making of a Designer: Early Achievements and Rising Prominence

At 19: Landed her first job as head designer, with her inaugural collection featured in the Wall Street Journal.
At 22: Became head designer for Seven7 Jeans, leading categories including plus size.
Designed for Isaac Mizrahi Jeans, Elie Tahari, Hannah Montana (Disney), and other influential brands.

Johana’s technical skills quickly set her apart. By her early twenties, she was designing for leading brands, helping boost the visibility of plus-size fashion before inclusivity was mainstream.

Industry Recognition

Nominated in PEOPLE en Español’s 25 Most Powerful Women (2014)
Featured as one of Latina Magazine’s 30 Favorite Stars Under 30
Honored in Alegría Magazine’s 10 Most Influential Latinas in Los Angeles

Her ascent in the industry was accompanied by regular media appearances and accolades, acknowledging both her creative vision and her increasing impact as a Latina designer.

Launching GLAUDI: A Brand with Purpose

At 24, Johana launched her own collection: GLAUDI by Johana Hernandez. The brand was created not just as a vehicle for luxury fashion, but also as a platform for giving back. GLAUDI’s core mission became raising funds through the sale of couture designs to support children living in poverty in Latin America.

GLAUDI Collections: Specializes in haute couture evening gowns and bridal wear, crafted with sophistication, sexiness, and the cosmopolitan energy of Los Angeles.
Celebrity Following: Designed custom gowns for major stars, including Paulina Rubio, who wore GLAUDI for her Latin Grammy-winning ‘Best Dressed’ look. Celebrity clients also include Gloria Trevi, Princess Theodora of Greece, Lucero, and more.
Community Impact: Proceeds have gone toward building orphanages and a school in El Salvador, expanding her philanthropic reach beyond the U.S.

GLAUDI’s success quickly surpassed initial expectations, becoming a sought-after luxury brand for elite red carpet events and special occasions.

Breaking Barriers in Fashion: Leadership and Representation

Johana’s journey disrupts fashion’s status quo. As a Latina and the first Salvadoran to show at Paris Fashion Week, she blazed new trails in a traditionally exclusive industry. Reflecting on her path, she explains:

“It’s very empowering to let people be proud of where they come from.”

GLAUDI’s Brand Philosophy

For the Modern Woman: Each GLAUDI piece aims to make its wearer “fashionably unforgettable,” combining elegance, power, and a sense of self-worth.
Empowerment Through Design: Johana believes gowns should enhance confidence and serve as tools for achievement, not just beauty.
Personal Touch: Many designs are inspired by her mother, Gladis, and created in collaboration, grounding luxury fashion in familial values.

Challenges and Triumphs Along the Way

Johana’s rise was far from easy. She faced tough business decisions, cultural barriers, and the practical obstacles of establishing a couture label as a woman of color in a region where such brands were rare.

Overcoming Challenges: Balancing creativity with entrepreneurship required constant learning and adaptation. Johana notes that discipline and an unwavering focus on her vision propelled her forward through periods of discomfort and uncertainty.
Staying True to Values: Her strong faith played a pivotal role in conquering fears and persevering in the face of adversity.
Business Innovation: Johana’s decision to open GLAUDI’s first flagship store in Downey, distant from the established luxury districts, was both bold and strategic, designed to make couture more accessible.

GLAUDI Today: Couture for a Cause

GLAUDI is now globally recognized for its sophisticated, custom-made pieces. The brand’s identity is closely tied to community investment, with Johana actively involved in mentorship and charity work.

GLAUDI Highlights	Details
Headquarters	Los Angeles, CA (Flagship in Downey, Boutique in Beverly Hills)
Main Offerings	Haute couture gowns, bridalwear, select menswear
Social Impact	Funds schools and orphanages, mentors young designers, builds pride in Latin heritage
Celebrity Endorsements	Paulina Rubio, Gloria Trevi, Princess Theodora of Greece, Lucero, Serena Williams

The brand’s narrative is one of empowerment—empowering not just clients, but also entire communities, reminding others to stand tall in their origins and dreams.

Lessons and Advice for Aspiring Designers

Embrace Your Roots. Johana credits her background, family, and heritage as key ingredients to her approach. “You have to know your story… and never be ashamed of your roots. They are your strength.”
Stay Focused, Yet Adapt. The fashion world is both ruthless and playful, but Johana urges new designers not to be intimidated by competition. Instead, she recommends constant self-improvement and a steadfast focus on one’s own goals.
Value Hard Work Over Hype. Despite the glamour, true success in the industry comes from relentless effort, discipline, and a commitment to creating with purpose.
Pay It Forward. True accomplishment, she argues, lies in building up others, not just oneself.

Johana’s journey exposes the necessity of resilience, resourcefulness, and heart—showing that the most remarkable designers are those who stitch personal history and compassion into every fabric and business decision.

GLAUDI’s Impact in the Latinx and Global Fashion Community

Johana’s work is larger than clothing: it’s a statement about Latina visibility and a challenge to industry standards. By highlighting diligence and heritage, GLAUDI offers a new template for what luxury and leadership can look like.

First Salvadoran designer to show at Paris Fashion Week
Featured on network television and international press, including NBC’s Fashion Star
Active voice for Latina empowerment and broader representation on and off the runway
Enabled educational and economic progress in Latin America, notably through school construction in El Salvador

As a result, GLAUDI is both a fashion label and a beacon for emerging designers from underserved backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is Johana Hernandez?

A: Johana Hernandez is a renowned Latina fashion designer from Compton, California. She is the founder of GLAUDI, a luxury haute couture and bridal brand, and is recognized for empowering women and investing in community causes worldwide.

Q: What makes GLAUDI unique among luxury brands?

A: GLAUDI is known for blending sophisticated couture with a strong philanthropic mission, creating custom gowns while funding educational programs for children in Latin America and celebrating diverse backgrounds.

Q: What challenges did Johana Hernandez face in her career?

A: Johana overcame economic struggles, cultural barriers, and underrepresentation as a Latina in fashion, using persistence, creativity, faith, and an unwavering focus on her vision to achieve international acclaim.

Q: Who are some notable clients of GLAUDI?

A: Celebrity clients include Paulina Rubio, Serena Williams, Gloria Trevi, Princess Theodora of Greece, and Lucero, among others.

Q: How does GLAUDI support communities?

A: Proceeds from GLAUDI help fund schools and orphanages in Latin America, support local communities in Los Angeles, and provide mentorship to aspiring designers.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Today, Johana Hernandez’s work as a designer, philanthropist, and role model continues to open doors and shatter ceilings for young Latinas and aspiring creatives worldwide. Her achievements illustrate that with courage and connection to one’s roots, even the world of luxury fashion can become a canvas for social good, beauty, and personal pride.

Website: GLAUDI’s official online store and platform highlights latest collections, charitable projects, and event updates.
Appearances: Johana remains a regular on television and fashion panels, inviting young women to believe in themselves and their dreams.
Global Impact: GLAUDI and Johana Hernandez prove that true fashion is measured not only by external style, but by its power to uplift, educate, and empower.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete