We recently connected with Fefi Rosado and have shared our conversation below.
Fefi, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome isn’t something I feel you ever overcome fully. It’s a continuous process, and I find myself working through it in different areas of my life. The most important technique for me is self-talk. When I feel those doubts creeping in, I take a moment to have an honest conversation with myself. I remind myself of what I’ve accomplished, the reasons I’m in the room, and the unique perspective I bring. This simple act centers me and helps me refocus. It’s about acknowledging those feelings but not letting them have the final say. It’s a practice of reminding myself of my worth and the hard work that’s brought me here.
Additionally, I’ve learned to focus on doing the best I can and let go of what doesn’t serve me. Instead of punishing or being hard on myself, I’ve shifted to seeing each experience as a chance to learn and grow. This mindset allows me to move forward with more grace and self-compassion, knowing that even setbacks can offer valuable lessons. It’s a way of being kinder to myself and embracing growth rather than perfection.
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?
I grew up surrounded by the magic of art and design. My great-grandfather transformed glass into beautiful, intricate mirrors, and my father runs a glass and glazing business where I still spend a lot of time learning about the beauty of materials and the importance of craft. Those early experiences left a lasting mark on me, but it was my background in fashion design from the Istituto Europeo di Design that truly opened my eyes to how form, texture, and aesthetics can tell a story. Later, working in public relations and special events at Saks Bal Harbour taught me that with hard work and the right mindset, nothing is impossible—a lesson I carry with me every day.
This passion for art and design led me to co-found Curator Project, an art curation and advisory venture focused on promoting Latin American contemporary artists and connecting them with collectors and art enthusiasts. Curator Project was inspired by my and my co-founder Ericka’s experiences traveling through Colombia and other parts of South America. We developed deep relationships with artists whose stories and work deserved to be shared more widely. We saw a need to make this incredible art more accessible, breaking down barriers for people who might be intimidated by the traditional art world.
What sets Curator Project apart is our focus on creating meaningful connections. It’s not just about buying art; it’s about understanding the stories, heritage, and emotions embedded in each piece. We represent a range of talented artists, each bringing unique perspectives and narratives to their work, and we offer personalized gallery tours and art advisory services to help people start or grow their collections.
What makes this work so fulfilling are the relationships we build, both with the artists and with people who come to us wanting to add something meaningful to their lives. Each piece of art has a story—sometimes about resilience, other times about celebrating culture or reflecting on our shared history. When people connect to those stories, it’s incredibly powerful.
We’re constantly evolving. Our private gallery tours have become a way to share these experiences in a welcoming and approachable way. We’re also collaborating with local restaurants to create events that pair art with food, engaging all the senses and bringing people together in unique ways.
One lesson I’ve learned is that everything takes time and patience. The most rewarding moments come from building real connections, whether with artists or collectors. It’s not just about placing a piece of art on a wall but about the conversations, memories, and emotions that art can spark. For me, every experience—both the wins and the challenges—has taught me something valuable, and that’s what keeps me inspired to continue sharing the beauty of Latin American contemporary art.
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 qualities have been the most impactful: resilience, a strong sense of curiosity, and the ability to build genuine connections.
Resilience has been crucial, especially during challenges or moments of self-doubt. Building a business in the art world isn’t always straightforward; there are setbacks, and things often don’t go as planned. My advice for developing resilience is to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Every setback holds a lesson if you’re open to it. Instead of being too hard on yourself, focus on how each experience can help you grow and strengthen your resolve.
Curiosity has always driven me to learn more about art, design, and people. It’s this desire to understand the deeper stories behind each piece of art that keeps me inspired and engaged. For those beginning their journey, I encourage you to nurture your curiosity. Stay open to new experiences and ideas. Ask questions, explore different cultures and perspectives, and never stop seeking knowledge. This will enrich your work and help you recognize opportunities that others might miss.
Relationships are the foundation of the art world, as they are in many industries. The connections I’ve built with artists, collectors, and collaborators have been incredibly meaningful and have opened doors I never anticipated. To develop this skill, focus on truly listening to people and understanding what’s important to them. Be authentic, and don’t underestimate the impact of a simple conversation. People remember genuine interactions, and those connections can lead to exciting, unexpected opportunities.
For anyone starting out, I’d say: be patient with yourself and the process. Invest in developing these qualities because they will support you through both the highs and the lows. Keep learning, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with others—you never know where those connections might lead!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Curator Project. We’re always looking to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations who share our passion for making contemporary Latin American art more accessible and celebrated.
We’re especially interested in partnering with interior designers, architects, and real estate developers who want to incorporate unique, meaningful art into their projects. Collaborating with local restaurants and event spaces is another exciting avenue for us, as we love creating immersive experiences that combine art with food, wine, or community gatherings. We’re also open to working with other art curators, cultural institutions, and brands that see the potential in showcasing Latin American art in innovative ways.
If this resonates with you, or if you’re excited about the idea of collaborating to bring art into everyday spaces or unique events, we’d love to hear from you. You can connect with us through our website, reach out via social media, or even drop by one of our events or gallery tours. We’re always eager to explore new ideas and see where collaboration can take us!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.curatorproject.com
- Instagram: @curatorprojectmiami
Image Credits
1. Refugio / Omar Mendoza
2. It’s a Beautiful Day / Camilo Rojas
3. Nostalgia / Juanita Echeverry
4. Keith Green Lantern / Tomas Martinez
5. Arcanos /Lucia Dalel
6. Fefi Rosado & Ericka Witkowski / Curator Project Co-Founders
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.