Behind Eva Hughes bright smile, soft Spanish accent, and flawless style are a work ethic and perseverance as strong as steel, which together with a commitment to family, define her. Eva returned to Miami after a twenty-year career in the editorial industry –including an eight-year stint in Mexico City, as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue and CEO of Condé Nast Mexico and Latin America– carved through hard work and perseverance. Back in Miami, she redefined her professional profile. Tireless and energetic, she currently hosts a weekly podcast, Eva Talks; has established coaching, consulting, and public speaking enterprise while being an active part of fashion industry school Instituto Maragoni's Advisory Board and the Latin American Fashion Summit.
You are constantly involved in empowering and inspiring women to fulfill their dreams. What is your source of inspiration?
Women empowerment is a crucial issue in my new stage of entrepreneurship and professional reinvention. Through my conferences and coaching programs on leadership and personal brand, my goal is to share my own story and the challenges I faced: to equip women with the tools they need to make strategic choices in all areas of their lives and to feel that they belong at the table.
Are you optimistic about the future of the fashion industry?
Absolutely! The fashion industry is evolving. The future of fashion has a new meaning now, with the advancement of artificial intelligence and NFTs, and the Metaverse. Adaptability is the name of the game. Sustainability and digitization are the two major categories determining and changing fashion in the coming years.
What have you learned from your involvement with Istituto Marangoni?
Education is one of the most powerful resources available to provide people with the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence needed to achieve their goals. Being part of a distinguished and respectable school's advisory board and working with a top-notch faculty is an honor. Two years ago, I co-founded the first Fashion Business Entrepreneurship and Leadership Executive Program in Spanish for Istituto Marangoni Miami. I taught a course in their master's program on leadership and entrepreneurship. I am convinced that leading implies, among many other responsibilities, sharing your experiences and learning. If you have stumbled when forging your path, change the direction you are driving; reflect, meditate, and learn.
Being constantly on the go: How do you relax?
Everything begins with your thoughts. You must take control of your thoughts, what you visualize, and the actions you decide to take. When I need to reboot my mindset, I disconnect from everything, talk to friends, or sometimes even spend time on my own to balance my thoughts and emotions.
How do you prepare for your podcasts?
The first step is to speak with the interviewed person before the podcast to frame the topic and focus. What do we want people to take away from the podcast? That is my second step. Then I develop preliminary questions.
Where do you feel most at ease?
At home, on my terrace. That's where I relax, go through my thoughts, and find peace of mind.
Who are your favorite writers and filmmakers?
I enjoyed Influence is your superpower, a book by Zoe Chance that my sister Ana gave me. My favorite director is Christopher Nolan of Batman Begins. There is a scene where Bruce Wayne's father asks him: "Why do we fall?" He says, "So that we can rise stronger."
What music do you listen to regularly?
Everything! I love soundtrack music, piano, pop, country, and even reggaetón. I am also a romantic by nature, so songs that speak of love are always on my playlist.
Fashion has been a constant in your life: How do you define your fashion style?
Feminine, romantic, and traditional. My motto is to wear clothes that make you feel good.
Easy to wear and versatile pieces, suits, and dresses, are at the core of my wardrobe. On weekends, I go for jeans and a t-shirt!
Favorite fragrance
Bulgari BLV II Eau De Parfum.
What makes you smile?
My nieces and nephews.
What irks you?
Lack of empathy and inconsistency.
What must you always have with you?
My phone and reading glasses.