Meet Claudia Botero

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claudia Botero. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claudia below.

Claudia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I believe my resilience comes from my father. He was an entrepreneur who showed me, through his actions, what true determination looks like. I remember him waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning to sell tools and hardware at flea markets when he was just starting out. It wasn’t glamorous, and it wasn’t easy, but he never gave up. Little by little, through his persistence and vision, he was able to open his own brick-and-mortar shop. That journey left an indelible mark on me. His advice was simple but powerful: “If you start something, continue. Never give up until you achieve it.”

From him, I inherited not only a work ethic but also the understanding that resilience is built one day at a time. It’s about waking up early, showing up, and continuing forward even when success feels far away.

For me, resilience also comes from passion and love for what I do. Those are the motivators that keep you going when the road feels uncertain. Leaving a successful career in journalism to start CB Designs was one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I found something that filled my soul with joy and gave me a renewed sense of purpose. That happiness is what fuels me to keep pushing, to adapt, and to believe that no dream is too big.

I truly believe resilience is born from love—love for your craft, your mission, and the people you serve. My father’s example taught me that with hard work, faith, and perseverance, you can turn even the smallest beginnings into something lasting and meaningful.

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?

I am the founder of CB Designs, a resort-style fashion brand of bags and accessories handcrafted by artisans from Colombia, my home country. Most of the women I work with are Indigenous artisans, and through our collaboration I feel proud to showcase their incredible talent while also helping to keep their cultural traditions alive. Every piece is more than just a product—it carries a story, a heritage, and an opportunity for these women and their families.

Before starting CB Designs, I spent over 25 years as a TV anchor and investigative reporter, giving a voice to those who needed it most. Today, I feel I’m helping in a new way—by empowering artisans and connecting cultures through design. One of the most rewarding parts has been creating my own designs and watching them come to life, then seeing the joy they bring to customers who wear them with pride.

For me, CB Designs is more than a brand. It’s a bridge between tradition and modern style, between Colombia and the world, and between creativity and purpose. I’d love to invite readers to discover our collection at claudiaboterodesigns.com or join our community on Instagram @CB_claudiabotero.

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?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are vision, perseverance, and curiosity.

First, having a clear vision has always guided me. Knowing what I want and holding on to that dream has kept me grounded, especially in the hard moments. The beginning is never easy, but if you carry your vision in your heart, you’ll find the strength to keep moving forward.

Second, perseverance. My father always told me, “If you start something, don’t give up until you achieve it.” That work ethic is in me. Things will get difficult, but giving up is not an option. You must continue with faith that your dreams can come true.

Finally, curiosity and the hunger to keep learning. As a journalist, I was trained to dig deep, ask questions, and search for the truth. I’ve carried that into my business—always looking for new ways to grow CB Designs. I’ve also found great mentors in books. Reading stories of women entrepreneurs who overcame their darkest moments has reminded me that struggle is part of the process, and resilience leads to success.

For anyone just starting out, my advice is this: hold on to your vision, work tirelessly for it, and never stop learning. Surround yourself with inspiration—whether through people, books, or experiences—and remember that tough times don’t last forever, but resilient people do.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

I love this question because I truly love books, and they’ve played such an important role in my life. One that has impacted me the most is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I have read it several times, and each time it speaks to me differently depending on where I am in my journey. It’s a story about following your dreams, listening to your heart, and trusting the process—even when it feels uncertain.

The most valuable lesson I took from it is captured in one of its most famous lines: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” That message has guided me through my own path, reminding me that obstacles and detours are not there to stop me—they are part of shaping me into the person I need to become to reach my dreams.

As I transitioned from journalism to entrepreneurship, this wisdom gave me strength. It reminds me that with resilience, passion, and unwavering faith, we can keep moving forward and create something meaningful. For me, that is the ultimate nugget of wisdom: believe in your vision, walk with faith, and never give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://claudiaboterodesigns.com/
• Instagram: @CB_Claudiabotero