Meet Andrea Sarmiento Sandoval

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrea Sarmiento Sandoval a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Developing your confidence and self-esteem is an ongoing process that we should always be mindful of and ensure is strong. Based on my experience, this can be the pillar determining whether you succeed or not in your business or project.

It hasn’t been easy for me, which is why I decided to emphasize this topic. Be gentle with yourself, speak to yourself with love and respect, and celebrate every single achievement you make, no matter how big or small it seems. It’s an achievement.

A little exercise I like doing when I start doubting my potential or judging my growth process because it’s not moving as fast as I expected is to stop and look at where I was a year back. I see every single step I have taken forward and feel grateful for where I am and all that I have achieved.

Remember, you are exactly where you are meant to be.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hi there, my name is Andrea, and I am the owner and creator of a brand called DeLata. We create accessories and clothing from the ring pull tabs of soda cans, using only recycled materials. By crocheting these pieces together, we create conversation-starting wearable art.

With this company, I support a foundation for single mothers in Colombia, my home country. This foundation is comprised of single mothers who have suffered domestic violence. They are the ones who bring DeLata to life.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Enjoy the Process, Be Present
Creating a brand is a journey filled with both challenges and victories. Embrace and enjoy each step along the way, and be fully present in the moment.

2. Be Gentle with Yourself
Building a brand can be demanding and sometimes overwhelming. It’s important to be kind to yourself throughout the process. Acknowledge your efforts, celebrate small victories, and don’t be too harsh on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Self-compassion helps maintain your mental well-being and keeps you motivated.

3. Be Authentic and Trust Your Instincts
Authenticity is key to building a strong brand. Stay true to your values and vision, and trust your instincts when making decisions. Your audience can sense when you’re genuine, and they are more likely to connect with a brand that feels real and honest. Trusting your instincts will help guide you through challenges and keep your brand aligned with your core principles.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

OMG, there are so many obstacles! Every day, new ones arise while others are left behind and overcome. The best way I deal with it is:

Remind myself that everything is going to be okay in the end. If it’s not okay yet, it’s because it’s not the end.
Move my body and eat clean. Exercise generates dopamine and helps me release stress. Food is really important; we are what we eat. That statement is so true. Be mindful that our body and brain are the machines that empower us. We need to look after them so they can run smoothly. That’s how I like to look at it.
Meditate and practice gratitude daily.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://delata.shop/
• Instagram: @delata.shop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Delata.bags