In this week’s interview, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Karla Prompers, Founder of RougeMex.
The inspiration for creating the RougeMex brand came to Karla when she saw her sister in Mexico wearing a beautiful top, all handcrafted and embroidered by Mexican artisans.
She fell in love with that top and saw immediately an opportunity to bring that unique Mexican classic style to Asia and thereby promote the traditions and the work of Mexican rural communities.
At RougeMex, they believe that preserving ancestral know-how can be exported to new markets, and they find new purposes for traditional creations such as their garments and accessories.
Connect with Karla
Let’s start with the timeless 60 seconds ‘elevator pitch’, what’s yours?
Hi, I’m Karla, the founder of RougeMex – our brand is the only brand in Hong Kong that collaborates with Mexican artisans. We are a slow fashion company, all our clothes and accessories are made of natural cotton, wool, and linen. Our aim is to preserve the Mexican heritage. If you are interested to collaborate or support a more sustainable brand please let us know.
At one point or another, it is inevitable that challenges will pop up in business. What’s your approach to overcoming challenges?
I am very lucky to be surrounded by a lovely tribe of entrepreneur moms, we support and help each other’s businesses.
Sales and marketing are two very important, but different, functions within a business. What is your number one sales tip?
To be authentic, to involve your clients and customers in your brand – we focus on our customers and explain the cultural heritage the product bring, to ensure our customers also identify with the brand and its underlying slow fashion message.


What is your favourite business tool or system?
Monday.com and Xero
It is important to celebrate your achievements, particularly during the difficult times. How do you celebrate your achievements?
With my family and my girls – I try to get my girls involved as much as I can in my brand RougeMEX as one more reason to launch this brand was to transmit the love and the rich Mexican cultural heritage to my half Dutch/ half Mexicans triplets daughters.
Being in business is like an education in itself, what are the three most important lessons you’ve learned in your business?
Lesson 1: To delegate, focus on the important aspects and find a great team to delegate tasks in your business to ensure you can focus on key strategies.
Lesson 2: Find your entrepreneur network, join a group of entrepreneurs, share ideas, learn and support each other.
Lesson 3: Find the right communication channel for your business to keep in touch with your clients and potential clients: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin
What business-related book or podcast has inspired you the most?
“Marketing over coffee” is a great podcast you can listen to while you’re sipping on your morning coffee and getting ready for the day.
Book: Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh
The purpose of such an interview is to promote your business. Please tell us, who is your dream client?
RougeMex ideal clients are conscious buyers who are into slow fashion, and who buy garments that can last more than a season.
If you are Karla’s dream client, please contact her through her website, www.rougemex.com
Thank you for taking the time to connect with us Karla. We are delighted to showcase you on our site.
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Women Business Owners Asia is a passion project to showcase the women, living in Asia, who have taken the plunge and started their own business.
“There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.” – Unknown
If you’d like to see a Women Entrepreneur profiled, please ask her to fill out our interview form.