We were lucky to catch up with Claudia Martinez Azzara recently and have shared our conversation below.
Claudia , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My adventurous nature has exposed me to a range of situations that tested my determination, resilience, and mindset. But through it all, I’ve learned that resilience is not just about surviving—it’s about adapting, growing, and finding a way forward, no matter what.
I was born and raised in Venezuela, but at 16, my life changed forever. I was awarded a scholarship to study in Europe, and while the opportunity was incredible, it came with immense challenges. I had to learn a new language, adapt to a different culture, and push myself to succeed at one of the top business schools—all while figuring out how to support myself financially. My scholarship covered the essentials, but I had to make ends meet and find ways to visit my family, whom I missed dearly.
When I finally returned to Venezuela, I was met with a country deeply divided, on the brink of dictatorship. For years, I had longed to go back home and start my life there, but instead, I found myself having to leave again. If I wanted to become the financially independent woman I aspired to be, staying was not an option.
With only three months left on my visa, I returned to Italy with a clear goal: find a job before my time ran out. Those 30 days were filled with interviews, rejection, and moments of doubt. But I kept pushing forward. Finally, an international bank took a chance on me, offering not just a job but a work visa. That moment changed everything.
Another test of my resilience was 9/11. I was near the Twin Towers when the planes hit. I had just arrived in the city a day or two before and wasn’t familiar with the area at all. When I realized what was happening, I ran—I took my shoes off and ran as fast as I could, desperate to find my boyfriend (now my husband), who had just taken a taxi to work. I couldn’t find him, but I didn’t let that stop me. I had a small map, gathered my courage, and made my way to his parents’ house—my next safe space. He wasn’t there; he was out looking for me. A couple of hours later, we finally reunited.
That day changed all of us. It changed the world.
But my biggest test of resilience has been my business journey.
Opening Color Me Mine Upper West Side in December of 2019 was a dream realized, but nothing could have prepared me for what came next.
The uncertainty of the pandemic hit us immediately. Customers were afraid, team members left, new ones came in, and we had to provide a safe space for our community while navigating challenges we had never faced before. Even as we adapted and grew—fast—COVID forced us to constantly adjust, rethink processes, and evolve. The aftermath is still shaping the way we operate today.
In the midst of all of this, I also lost my mother that year and I still don’t know how I kept going, but I did. I am still dealing with her loss and I miss her everyday.
Through it all, my team and I worked hard to create a space where families, friends, and the entire New York City community could escape, create, and find joy. And this year, we were honored with the Top Sales Award for 2024.
That moment wasn’t just about business success. It was proof that I can overcome even the most painful and difficult moments in life.
Resilience is not just about surviving. It’s about adapting, growing, and refusing to let the hardest moments define you. But resilience is also a teacher—one that challenges, humbles, and pushes us to evolve.
I’ve faced moments that tested my strength, but I know the journey isn’t over. Change continues to shape me, and resilience continues to teach me. Some hardships don’t have clean endings, and I’m still learning how to navigate them. But if my journey has taught me anything, it’s that I will always find a way forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the owner of Color Me Mine Upper West Side, a pottery painting studio where creativity and community come together. What I do is more than just running a business—it’s about creating a space where people can slow down, express themselves, and connect with one another in a meaningful way.
What excites me the most about my work is seeing the joy on people’s faces when they create something with their own hands. Whether it’s a child painting their first mug, a group of friends unwinding after work, or a family making memories together, I love that our studio provides an experience that feels both personal and special.
At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we’re always evolving. Every month, we curate a calendar of events with fun and unique offerings, ensuring there’s always a reason to visit us. From family-friendly activities to themed adult paint nights, there’s something for everyone. We also bring our pottery painting experience to schools, businesses, and offsite events, making creativity accessible beyond our studio walls.
More than anything, I want people to know that Color Me Mine is more than just painting pottery—it’s about creating moments of joy, self-expression, and connection. My goal is to continue building a creative community where everyone feels welcome and inspired.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are adaptability, resilience, and courage.
Adaptability – Turning Challenges into Positive Change
Life and business are unpredictable, and the ability to adapt has been crucial for me. Whether it was moving to a new country, learning a new language, navigating political instability, or running a business through a pandemic, I’ve had to adjust, pivot, and find new ways to move forward. My advice: Embrace change as part of the process. When things don’t go as planned, look for the opportunity within the challenge. Stay open, flexible, and willing to try new approaches.
Resilience – Pushing Forward Despite Uncertainty
Resilience has been the foundation of my journey. There were moments I doubted myself, faced rejection, or felt completely overwhelmed—but I kept going. Running a business, facing personal losses, and dealing with setbacks have taught me that success isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up every time. My advice: Expect obstacles, and when they come, remind yourself that struggles are temporary. Build a strong support system, take care of your mental and emotional well-being, and trust that perseverance pays off.
Courage – Not Letting Fear Stop Me
Fear has shown up many times in my journey—fear of failure, of uncertainty, of not being enough. But I’ve learned that courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s acting despite it. Moving across the world at 16, navigating 9/11 alone, and opening a business right before a global crisis all required me to step forward when it would have been easier to retreat. My advice: Don’t let fear be the reason you don’t go after what you want. Fear will always be there, but confidence is built through action. Take small steps, and each step will make the next one easier.
At the end of the day, growth happens outside of our comfort zones. The more you lean into adaptability, resilience, and courage, the stronger you become. The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Our biggest challenge right now is expansion—figuring out how to bring the same creative and welcoming experience we’ve built at Color Me Mine Upper West Side to other areas in the city.
We want to grow thoughtfully, ensuring that every new space reflects the same sense of community, creativity, and joy that makes our studio special. To do this, we are focusing on creating a strong plan that allows us to expand while maintaining the quality and experience our customers love.
It’s an exciting challenge, and we’re committed to taking the right steps to make it happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://upperwestside.colormemine.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colormemine_uws/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMMUPPERWESTSIDE
Image Credits
TWIST BRANDS
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