Meet Camila Montoya

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Camila Montoya. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Camila , 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.
This question has been one of the most challenging for me to address. I’ve extensively researched this syndrome because, unfortunately, I frequently experience it, especially when the brand achieves something remarkable.

It’s widely acknowledged that women tend to feel this syndrome more than men, often stemming from the pervasive inequality in our society. One strategy I employ to overcome it is to recall the difficult and challenging days, reminding myself of the effort I’ve invested. Taking a moment to look back helps me recognize that I deserve the positive outcomes.

In the entrepreneurial realm, there’s another term, the “lucky girl” syndrome, that often comes up and has stuck with me when I face imposter syndrome. Embracing the “lucky girl” mindset involves channeling energy into doing things right, with confidence that positive outcomes will follow.

To simplify my response, overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t a one-time accomplishment; it’s a daily battle. When reflecting on my progress compared to a year, 5 months, or even yesterday, I recognize that I deserve the successes due to the hard work I’ve consistently put in. While it may sound straightforward, taking a moment to pause and look back has been crucial in understanding and appreciating the journey.

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’m Camila Montoya, proudly Colombian. After three years of extensive research, trial and error, and meticulous brand planning, I took the plunge and launched d’Francisco. It’s a sustainable jewelry brand that draws inspiration from nature, utilizes cutting-edge 3D technology in its design, and is crafted from recycled materials. This endeavor currently occupies my mind, soul, and heart.

Despite always being immersed in creative pursuits, something I find immensely enjoyable, I never envisioned myself entering the jewelry industry. I studied and worked as an architect for five years, and while my time studying architecture was one of the happiest periods of my life, my experience working as an architect turned out to be the opposite. Driven by a desire for more creativity, I began taking jewelry classes, captivated by the fascinating properties of metals.

Gradually, almost unknowingly, I found myself deeply engaged in an industry about which I knew little. Armed with my background in architecture and years of experience in 3D technologies, I decided to meld these skills with jewelry-making. After three years, numerous classes, countless attempts, investing my savings in a 3D machine, and swapping social outings for drawing sessions on many nights, I reached a point where, despite my fears, I was ready to take the leap. I believed it was time to showcase a new approach to creating jewelry to the world.

d’Francisco has reached the age of 2, during which we’ve exclusively utilized recycled silver sourced from electronics, x-ray films, old jewelry, and more—crafting new pieces from existing products. In these two years, we’ve introduced three collections, actively participated in various events, pop-ups, and secured placements in stores both in the US and Colombia. Presently, we’re excitedly developing new materials for our upcoming collection, which, in line with our commitment to sustainability, will also be recycled.

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?
Persistence, simple beginning, and perfection can be the adversary of true excellence.

Allow me to break down each of these principles:

Persistence is as straightforward as pushing forward even when motivation is low. It’s about continuous effort and maintaining unwavering belief, especially during moments of doubt from those around you. Falling deeply in love with your idea means persistently pushing, cultivating not just persistence but also resilience. Those who have built empires from scratch were notably persistent in pursuing their dreams.

The concept of “simply beginning” may sound straightforward, but taking that initial step is often one of the most challenging. Why? Because it requires stepping outside your comfort zone, facing discomfort, and summoning the courage to start something new. Starting something new demands courage because venturing into uncharted territory can be intimidating. Remember, change only happens when you do something different, so embracing change is crucial.

Lastly, a piece of wisdom my dad shared during my studies in architecture, which I’ve tried to apply to my brand: “Perfection can be the adversary of true excellence.” Let’s be clear – your first prototype won’t be perfect, but it marks the beginning of something. Every journey has a starting point, and you need that initial step to continually improve. Don’t wait for perfection before launching a brand. Dive into what you love, explore new ideas, or embark on entrepreneurship. If I were to compare the first pieces I launched with my current work, the improvement is evident. That’s the enchantment of a brand—to continually evolve. Evolution is genuine, an inherent part of the process, and it starts with taking that initial leap.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is something we all experience at some point in life, and while I’m not an expert, I believe that finding balance is the key to overcoming it. Achieving balance is essential for a happy life, and personally, it’s my biggest aspiration—to be content and enjoy every moment. When faced with a multitude of tasks, challenges, and emotions, managing time wisely is crucial. This involves identifying priorities, setting boundaries, and taking breaks when necessary. Balancing work, relationships, self-care, and activities that bring joy can instill a sense of tranquility. It’s about recognizing when to concentrate on specific aspects, learning to say no when required, and carving out time for rest and rejuvenation.

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