What’s in a name? To say the least, Amparo is a colorful sanctuary of unique cross-cultural experiences. Blending heritage, hibiscus tea, and hummingbirds with inspiration from her home town of Monterrey, Mexico, and travels across the world, Mariana Barran de Goodall and her husband Taylor Goodall bring it all together in their new home store in Mountain Brook’s English Village. Their latest creative venture offers a wide selection of unique and artisanal finds guaranteed to brighten your day. Read on to discover more of the special story behind Amparo Fine Living.
Amparo
…
For the now Texas-based needlework artist, Mariana Barran de Goodall, Amparo Fine Living is not her first rodeo.
On Heritage and Hibiscus
After receiving an MBA, in Australia, Mariana moved to Texas where she and her husband live and stay busy with their numerous creative ventures. Only a few years ago, in her late 20s, Mariana drew on her roots to found Hibiscus Linens. Her first business, named after her mother’s beloved hibiscus tea served frequently during home gatherings growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, honors a centuries-old hand stitching artisanal technique she was taught in school as a child. You can find these creations online (where you can also purchase patterns or take a virtual class!), in the storefront in Houston, and now at Amparo. On the website, she describes:
“Our fine linens are handmade with classic shapes in a wide range of fabrics for all styles and uses in the modern home.”
The couple’s most recent venture began in 2019 with the grand opening of Hotel Amparo, in a 300-year-old former mayor’s mansion in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, recently named the number one boutique hotel in Mexico, and second in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine’s list of Top 100 Hotels in the World. You can purchase the artisan pottery made in collaboration for the hotel’s restaurant at Amparo, pictured below.
Amparo’s logo mark portrays a shield with a hibiscus flower at its center.
Hand-embroidered colorful masks by Mariana
On Store Experience:
As welcoming as her mother’s hibiscus tea, those who enter the store are greeted by a prismatic journey of color and light. Lyn Garrett, Mariana’s mother-in-law and store manager, along with the charming Elizabeth Hamn help ensure a lovely experience to help you find what you are looking for or simply explore the many treasures Amparo offers. Infinite variations of texture and colors characterize this unique craftsmanship of items in the store. Rich in color and texture, a sampling of these delightfully captivating finds might include beautiful French paper by Antoinette Poisson of Paris, Spanish hummingbird art by Tomas Ramirez, or vibrant Portuguese soaps. Because owners Mariana and Taylor choose to work with local artisans, it’s easy to see how visitors will find themselves quickly transported through a worldly experience inspired by relationships and personal connection.
Antoinette Poisson paper goods made in Paris. 160 white pages made of vellum paper cream colored; journal cover imprinted with hot foil.
Looking Ahead…
Always seeking ways to connect and inspire, Mariana looks forward to developing a special experience for interior designers and textile enthusiasts through offering a selection of wall coverings and textiles for the home in the store soon.
Upcoming News and Store Hours:
Amparo Fine Living is currently holding regular hours Monday to Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm with masks and social distancing practices in place. Call, visit online, or stop by with your mask to meet the charming women of Amparo, and mark your calendars for a special Hibiscus Linens truck show beginning on September 10th!
To keep up and stay inspiration no matter your location… visit one (or all) of the links below, you’ll be glad you did!
Online: Amparo Fine Living Website / Instagram
Keep up with all of Mariana’s creative ventures on her Instagram
A big cheers to the Amparo team on their newest adventure and best wishes for continued success in years to come! We can’t wait to see what is in store!
Article written and photographed by Maison de Carolyn