Gabriela Goldbaum is an Ecuadorian fashion designer and founder of Essentially Mindful. She studied Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni in Milan before moving to New York, where she worked with Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, and Theory.

In 2009, she founded Valdez, a luxury hat brand rooted in Ecuadorian craftsmanship. Valdez was stocked by Opening Ceremony, Colette, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Intermix, Anthropologie, Holt Renfrew, Beymen, and Urban Outfitters, and collaborated with Club Monaco.

Her years in fashion and working closely with artisan communities shaped her belief in collaboration rather than manufacture. In 2025, she founded Essentially Mindful to create contemporary objects in partnership with artisans across Ecuador, using traditional techniques, locally sourced materials, and equitable partnerships.

Through her work, Gabriela brings together her experience in fashion and design with a deep respect for Ecuadorian craftsmanship and the people who carry these traditions forward.