Meet Tatiana Quintana

We recently connected with Tatiana Quintana and have shared our conversation below.

Tatiana, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming impostor syndrome wasn’t an overnight process for me. It came with learning to enjoy every win, big or small and appreciating the entire journey.
As I built my brand, I realized that it’s not just about reaching a specific goal or milestone; it’s about valuing each step of the process. Whether it was collaborating with talented Colombian artisans, developing new materials, or expanding into international markets, I began to see every achievement as a reflection of the hard work and passion behind it. Celebrating those wins helped me build confidence and quiet the self-doubt.
Now, instead of questioning whether I belong, I focus on the progress I’ve made and the joy I find in creating.

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?

My passion for shoe design started when I was a child, watching my uncle work as an artisan. Although he didn’t have formal training, his skill and dedication showed me the power of creating something unique with your hands. That connection to craftsmanship deeply impacted me and motivated me to take his legacy further, blending tradition with a modern vision.

When I migrated to the United States, I was seeking opportunities for my brand that I couldn’t find in Colombia. I knew I wanted to tell a story with every pair of shoes, one of quality, innovative design, and, above all, the hard work of the Colombian artisans I’ve had the honor to represent. It wasn’t easy at first but I decided to focus on enjoying every win, no matter how small. I learned to appreciate the process, to celebrate everything, from the sale of the first pair to participating in international fashion shows.

Today, my brand is present in more than 15 countries, and each collection reflects that balance between tradition and modernity, my personal story, and my love for design. Everything I’ve achieved has been possible thanks to the support of my team, confidence in the quality of what we create, and the vision of continuing to build a Colombian fashion industry that stands out globally.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, creativity, and adaptability. Resilience helped me push through the tough moments, especially when I faced self-doubt or challenges in growing my brand internationally.
Creativity wasn’t just about designing shoes; it was about thinking outside the box, from developing new materials to finding ways to tell the story of Colombian craftsmanship in a global market. Lastly, adaptability has been key, whether it was moving to a new country or navigating the ever-changing fashion industry, being flexible allowed me to evolve without losing sight of my vision.

For those early in their journey, I’d say focus on developing resilience by learning to embrace failure as part of the process. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and improve. When it comes to creativity, never be afraid to experiment. Push boundaries in your work, and don’t limit yourself to what’s been done before. And finally, adaptability is something you can strengthen by staying open to feedback, learning from your environment, and being willing to pivot when necessary. Success comes from not just having a vision, but being able to evolve with it.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believe in my dream from the very beginning and support me every single day, even when the path wasn’t clear. They’ve been my biggest source of motivation, always reminding me that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. Whether it was offering encouragement during difficult times or helping with the practical side of building a business, they’ve been there at every step. Their unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to take risks and pursue my passion. Even today, they remain my foundation, pushing me to keep going and reminding me of the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shoesalta.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alta_shoes

Image Credits