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This case study explores how Mexican sustainable luxury brand Sentient uses authentic folklore-inspired design to boost brand recognition and open new global sales channels. By blending cultural heritage with ethical craftsmanship, Sentient turns storytelling into a powerful growth strategy for international expansion.
In the heart of Mexico City, Sentient is redefining what it means to carry the world forward. Founded by Jimena Suárez Ibarrola, the sustainable luxury brand creates sculptural, cruelty-free handbags that prove that ethics and elegance can coexist — timeless, structured, and future-focused.
For decades, luxury was synonymous with exclusivity — often at the expense of transparency and compassion. Sentient was born from a different truth: that beauty and ethics can move in harmony.
Each handbag is crafted from next-generation vegan materials that replicate the texture and durability of leather without harm. Locally produced by artisans in Mexico, Sentient’s pieces blend architectural form, precision, and conscience, reflecting a future where design honors both people and the planet.
“Leather, long revered in fashion, isn’t a symbol of sophistication — it’s a relic of the past. Luxury must evolve.” — Jimena Suárez Ibarrola
When Sentient first applied to a United States-based marketplace Nordstrom through The Folklore's Multi-Channel Selling tool, the brand encountered a familiar challenge for many Latin American designers — limited access to U.S. fulfillment and logistics infrastructure.
Without affordable fulfillment options, even established independent brands often face hurdles bringing their products to international retailers and customers.
“One of the reasons they didn’t take me was because I wasn’t fulfilling or shipping from the United States.”
After Jimena shared her experience with The Folklore’s team, they took action. Within a short time, The Folklore tapped into their community of service providers to provided a U.S. fulfillment solution tailored to help Latin American brands like Sentient manage inventory and shipping from the United States.
This change made all the difference — allowing Sentient to reapply successfully to the marketplace, improve delivery timelines, and better cater to global customers.
“They found a fulfillment option and called me within a month. It validated me as a founder — I wasn’t navigating it alone.”
The Folklore’s Multi-Channel Selling tools also helped Sentient expand its reach beyond a single marketplace. With these integrations, brands can manage listings, pricing, and inventory across platforms like Nordstrom, Tiktok Shop, Faire, Etsy, and Google Shop, all from one place.
“They integrated with Faire.com, which is huge for Latin American brands that aren’t physically based in the U.S. They’re always innovating and building tools that help brands monetize.”
Beyond logistics and sales, Sentient found immense value in The Folklore’s Mentorship Program — which connects brand founders with global retail and fashion experts.
After an initial scheduling issue with her first mentor, Jimena reached out to the team, who immediately provided additional sessions and matched her with professionals who aligned with her goals. One of those connections — a former enterprise retailer executive — continues to guide her expansion strategy today.
“Through those mentorships, I connected with experts who are now helping me grow in the United States.”
The Folklore’s mentorship program allows brands like Sentient to gain strategic insights, refine operations, and build meaningful relationships that support long-term growth.
Through its partnership with The Folklore, Sentient gained access to the infrastructure and community needed to scale sustainably.
With fulfillment handled, global channels connected, and expert mentorship in place, Jimena now has the tools — and confidence — to bring her designs to international customers while staying true to her purpose.
“They genuinely want brands to grow — real, tangible growth. They want founders to make a living doing this.”
The Folklore’s ecosystem allows brands like Sentient to remove logistical barriers, expand selling opportunities globally, and operate more efficiently — empowering the next generation of sustainable luxury.
Sentient’s journey reflects a growing movement in Latin American fashion — one where innovation, ethics, and community redefine success.
Through The Folklore’s support, the brand has proven that conscious design can compete — and thrive — on a global scale.
From Mexico City to the world, Sentient is a testament to what happens when creativity meets access. Through The Folklore’s Community Benefits and Multi-Channel Selling tools tools, independent brands can grow sustainably, share their stories globally, and carry the industry forward — consciously.
Join brands like Sentient using The Folklore to sell across global sales channels and streamline operations.
To learn how The Folklore can support your brand, sign up for a free trial today or book a demo call.
The Folklore is empowering brands to grow faster, save more, and sell globally through easy-to-use commerce, dropship, and shipping technology.
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