Cristina Nelson

Cristina Palomo Nelson is the co-founder and designer of FRĒDA SALVADOR, a footwear company designed in California and handcrafted in Spain.12 She comes from a family with a rich shoemaking heritage spanning over 70 years.35 Her grandfather started a footwear manufacturing business in El Salvador, which was later expanded by her father.5

Palomo Nelson's background in the shoe industry began at a young age, spending weekends at her family's factory and accompanying her father on business trips.5 She met her business partner, Megan Papay, while working on the design team for another footwear company.3 Together, they founded FRĒDA SALVADOR, combining Palomo Nelson's shoemaking lineage with Papay's background in styling.2

The company, FRĒDA SALVADOR, focuses on creating reimagined classics for women, with a unique approach to design that balances style and function.2 Their products are handcrafted in family factories in Spain and El Salvador, using high-quality, responsibly sourced leathers.2

Palomo Nelson's role in the company involves co-designing all collections with Papay, and she takes pride in carrying on her family's legacy through her creative work in shoe design.5 She is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically in Mill Valley, where she balances her role as a designer and entrepreneur with being a mother of two children.4