Meet Claudia Botero

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claudia Botero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claudia, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At CB Designs, social impact is at the heart of everything I do. This is more than a business—it’s my mission to uplift communities, preserve culture, and create meaningful change.

Every bag and accessory is handcrafted by women artisans in Colombia. With each sale, I’m helping provide sustainable income that supports not just one woman, but her entire community—their children, their families, and their elders.

The messages I receive from the artisans mean everything to me. They thank me for the opportunities, but truly, I feel grateful to them. Their talent, strength, and resilience inspire me every day.

I am also deeply committed to preserving their traditions. Many of these techniques have been passed down for generations, and through my work, I help keep those cultural practices alive.

Sustainability is a core value of my brand. My pieces are made using natural fibers and are designed to be cherished, not thrown away—this is the opposite of fast fashion.

I proudly support fair trade practices, ensuring that every artisan is paid fairly and treated with dignity and respect.

My goal is to create beautiful products that not only bring joy to the people who wear them, but also empower the women who make them and uplift entire communities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Storytelling has always been at the center of everything I do. For over 25 years as a TV anchor and investigative reporter, I used my creativity to tell stories that empowered, informed, and at times even changed people’s lives. I truly believe storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have—and it’s something I now carry into my work with CB Designs.

While my medium has changed, my purpose hasn’t. Through CB Designs, I tell stories in a different way—through each handcrafted piece created by the women artisans I work with. Every bag and accessory carries their story, their culture, and their love.

What sets my work apart is that it’s not just about design—it’s about connection, purpose, and impact. I design each piece, but it’s brought to life by incredible artisans whose craftsmanship and traditions make every item truly special.

My journey has never been about taking the easy path. When I started in television, I worked long hours and had to constantly learn and grow. The same is true with building my business—there are challenges every day, and it takes dedication, patience, and resilience.

But I’ve always followed my heart and my passion. I’ve always loved helping others, and I’m a very spiritual person. I constantly pray to be given opportunities to make a difference. I felt I was doing that through my journalism, and now I feel that same purpose through my business—supporting and uplifting women artisans.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that nothing worthwhile comes easy, but when you are driven by passion and purpose, every challenge becomes part of the journey.

I feel incredibly blessed to have found not one, but two passions in my life—storytelling and creating—and to use both to make a positive impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
How fun! If my best friend were visiting, we would start our days with long walks on the beach. That’s my zen place—where I find peace, clarity, and happiness. There’s nothing like the ocean to reset and start the day right.

From there, we’d explore some of the amazing restaurants in the South Bay. There are so many incredible places to eat, and I love sharing those hidden gems with friends.

We’d definitely spend time outdoors—hiking in the beautiful mountains of Santa Monica or along the stunning trails in Palos Verdes. Being in nature is something I truly cherish.

I also love the arts, so I would take them to see a play, and if it’s summer, a night at the Hollywood Bowl is a must. There’s something so magical about live music under the stars.

And honestly, some of my favorite moments would be the simplest ones—just being at home, sitting around, talking, laughing, and enjoying a beautiful charcuterie board with a great glass of wine. Those are the moments that fill my heart the most.

For me, the best experiences are a mix of nature, culture, great food, and meaningful connection—and that’s exactly what I would want to share.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel incredibly blessed to have a family that has always supported me, believed in me, and cheered me on every step of the way. They are truly my pillars, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and encouragement.

But if I had to give a special shoutout, it would be to the women artisans who bring my designs to life. I may design each piece, but they are the ones who create them with their hands, their talent, and so much love.

These women are the heart and soul of CB Designs. Their craftsmanship, dedication, and resilience inspire me every single day. Without them, my business simply would not exist.

This journey is not just mine—it’s ours. And I am so grateful to walk it alongside them.

Website: https://claudiaboterodesigns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cb_claudiabotero/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-botero-44ba8a242/

Image Credits
Claudia Botero Designs