Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Catalina Gonzalez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Catalina , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Growing up in Colombia, a third-world country marked by daily poverty, profoundly shaped my worldview. However, it was my move to America for college that ignited a transformative shift in perspective. Witnessing the stark contrast between the two worlds fueled a deep-seated desire to contribute positively. I felt a genuine calling to address the challenges faced by women and children in my home country.
This calling led to the creation of Dondolo Clothing, a brand with a purpose. Our clothing is not just a product; it’s a story of empowerment and support. Manufactured in Colombia, each piece is lovingly hand-made by local women and mothers. This initiative provides them with the means to financially support and nurture their children.
In Dallas, where Dondolo is based, we proudly collaborate with local non-profit organizations dedicated to assisting women and children in need. The symbiotic relationship between our business and the community reflects our commitment to social responsibility.
What brings me immense joy is the knowledge that every customer who chooses Dondolo is actively participating in changing lives. Their purchase extends beyond a transaction; it becomes a meaningful contribution to the well-being of families in Colombia and the local Dallas community. It’s a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving, and I am grateful to be part of it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At the heart of Dondolo lies a commitment to craftsmanship and creativity. I have taken joy in exploring and nurturing my creative side, bringing to life intricately detailed designs that set our brand apart. Dondolo prides itself on using quality fabrics, ensuring each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, embodying heirloom quality.
Dondolo was born out of a deep desire to give back, particularly to children, mothers, and their communities. Personally driven by a commitment to make a positive impact, I embarked on a journey that blends philanthropy with creativity. Our clothing is manufactured in Colombia and hand-made by local women and mothers. Central to our identity is the Dondolo Gives Program, a testament to the brand’s heart and soul. The program enables us to directly support mothers and their children within our local community. The name “Dondolo,” meaning “to swing” in Italian, encapsulates our belief that the love you give is returned to you.
Excitingly, we’ve expanded our horizons by launching a wholesale line, La Boutique by Dondolo, reaching boutiques around the world. Looking ahead to 2024, we are thrilled about the new launch strategies, responding to the requests of our loyal customers. Dondolo has always been synonymous with special moments, and now we’re elevating the everyday by providing day-to-day outfits that infuse magic into daily moments. We are genuinely enthusiastic about the journey ahead and the countless moments we’ll create together.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three key elements played a pivotal role: an insatiable curiosity, a growth mindset, and a commitment to kindness. Always wanting to learn and being inquisitive allowed me to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Embracing a growth mindset turned setbacks into stepping stones for progress. Choosing kindness and actively helping others, especially women and children, added profound meaning to my journey. My advice for those starting out is to cultivate curiosity, adopt a growth mindset, and prioritize compassion. Fearlessly ask questions, seek mentorship, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, especially women. In doing so, you’ll navigate your journey with resilience, purpose, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The primary obstacle we are currently navigating revolves around the challenge of accurately forecasting sales. Balancing the production of our products has proven tricky, as we’ve encountered instances of manufacturing either too much or too little, leading to imbalances in meeting demand. To address this, we’ve taken a proactive approach by engaging a consulting company. They are conducting a comprehensive three-year evaluation, delving deep into our numbers and crafting a strategic roadmap for the future. This initiative is aimed at refining our understanding of demand and optimizing our sales projections. Recognizing our limitations in knowledge and experience in this area, we have sought insights from peers, early friends, and fellow women entrepreneurs, leveraging their expertise and referrals to enhance our learning curve and navigate this challenge effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dondolo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dondolo.official/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dondolo.official/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dondolo-official/about/
- Other: PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/dondolo/
Image Credits
Jessica Isaacs Photography Domus Aurea Portraits Jason Kinding Photography
