We recently had the chance to connect with Grethel Gonzalez and have shared our conversation below.
Grethel, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
BORK is often mistaken for a simple fashion line due to its bold colors and vibrant aesthetic. In reality, our brand is rooted in purpose. We design medical wear that elevates the emotional well-being of patients by reminding them of vitality, dignity, and joy. BORK is fashion with intention — renewing spirit, confidence, and hope in every piece.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Grethel Gonzalez, and I am the founder of BORK — a fashion-forward medical wear brand I created with my daughter, Grecia. BORK was born from a deeply personal place. After years of watching my son fight cancer, I witnessed how cold, colorless, and emotionally draining the healthcare system can feel. Every time he had to undress for treatment, the discomfort in his eyes stayed with me.
When he passed, we knew we had a mission. It took years of research, fabric testing, planning, and perseverance, but five years later, our first collection is finally here.
BORK is not just clothing — it is emotional support you can wear. Our designs blend fashion-grade quality with medical functionality to restore dignity, comfort, and hope to patients during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Every adaptive detail, every soft fabric, every vibrant color is intentionally chosen to uplift and empower.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that shaped us forever was losing Diego — an unthinkable loss for any mother. That experience changed everything about how we see the world. It taught us that nothing matters more than having our loved ones healthy, present, and able to share moments we can carry in our hearts. Everything else — the noise, the stress, the material things — is temporary and superficial. What stays with us are the memories, the love, and the people we hold close.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wound of our lives was losing a son, a brother, and the sense of purpose that held our family together. When everything happened, it felt as though the ground had disappeared beneath us. Healing didn’t come quickly — it came from holding onto the love we still had for each other, and from remembering what he would have wanted us to do in his absence.
Rebuilding our purpose meant creating something meaningful in his honor. This mission — to bring hope and dignity to others through BORK — has been our way of transforming pain into strength. Working toward this vision continues to help us heal, day by day, reminding us that even in loss, light can be rebuilt.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
We are committed to bringing hope to as many patients and families as possible. This project began five years ago, and we will continue working until our mission is fulfilled — no matter how long it takes. For us, this isn’t just a brand; it’s a lifelong promise.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
The process and journey of Grief
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.my-bork.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybork_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyBork
Image Credits
Photography by: Keira Kaptures / IG: keirakaptures,
Grey, Black and White outfit by: NKF Atelier / IG: nkfatelier
