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

Andrea , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The Risk That Changed Everything

Nine years ago, I took the most significant risk of my life—I packed up everything and moved from Colombia to Utah, following love. Leaving behind the familiar was terrifying, but I believed in the journey ahead.

Once in Utah, I quickly realized that sitting still wasn’t my style. I wanted to create something unique that reflected Colombia’s vibrant spirit. Colombia had so much to offer with its rich fashion, textiles, and craftsmanship, yet Salt Lake City lacked that touch.. But let’s be honest—where could you find stylish vacation wear during the colder months IF YOU WANTED TO SCAPE WINTER? That gap in the market became our opportunity.

With the unwavering support of my amazing husband, we took a bold leap and introduced Colombian resort wear with the tagline “It’s always summer somewhere.” Bringing tropical fashion to a snowy land was a considerable risk, but it paid off. The Colombian Marketplace was born, opening doors for Latin designers and leading to platforms like Utah Latin Runway—an event dedicated to showcasing Latin American designers and celebrating diversity on the runway.

Now, I’m taking another leap into Arizona with more experience but the same fearless spirit. Our vision? To become the ambassador of Latin fashion in the Western U.S., One risk changed everything before, and I know it will again.

Andrea , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Andrea Zambrano, founder and Creative Director of The Colombian Marketplace. My journey into the fashion industry is fueled by a deep love for my culture and a passionate desire to elevate Latin American designers on the global stage.

The Colombian Marketplace is far more than a fashion platform—it’s a bridge that connects cultures, a vibrant celebration of heritage, and a space where creative talent from Colombia meets the world. Through the clothes we wear, women can feel empowered, confident, and unique, embracing their true selves with every piece.

One of our most outstanding achievements has been collaborating with incredible Colombian artists and designers to create two unique edition scarves, each crafted with love and purpose. This initiative is close to our hearts, as the proceeds directly benefit the Triunfadoras Cancer Survivors Alliance Community Center, which provides vital support to Hispanic women battling cancer.

We believe in the transformative power of fashion. It’s not just about what we wear—it’s about how it makes us feel, connects us to something greater, and empowers us to become the best version of ourselves. When you follow us or engage with our work, you’re not just supporting a brand—you’re joining a movement that honors Latin heritage, uplifts women, and celebrates the power of self-expression.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Our reputation within the market has been built on a foundation of authenticity, a deep passion for our culture, and a strong commitment to empowering others. We focus on building meaningful connections across the fashion industry, collaborating with talented designers, models, photographers, content creators, and supporting the communities we care about. Through events like Utah Latin Runway, Walking for Gold Runway, Utah World Fashion Week, Brassileida fashion Show, Salt Lake City Fashion Week, and Art Meets Fashion, we’ve been able to showcase the incredible talent of Latin American designers and establish a powerful presence in the industry. These events, combined with our ongoing dedication to collaboration, demonstrate that we’re not just talking about change—we’re actively creating it. By supporting initiatives like the Triunfadoras Cancer Survivors Alliance Community Center and providing a platform for designers to shine, we’ve proven consistent in our mission.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Our resilience is our power. Through this journey, I’ve learned that the opportunities we create are just as significant as the ones we seize. We build our own paths and carry each other forward, and this is only the beginning.

One of the most powerful moments of resilience in my journey was leaving everything familiar behind and moving to a new country. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it became the foundation of everything we’ve built today. We started from scratch, uncertain of the future, but driven by a heart full of hope and unwavering determination.

The road wasn’t always smooth, but along the way, we were blessed to cross paths with the right people—mentors, supporters, and those who believed in my vision. Each challenge became an opportunity for growth, a lesson in strength, and a reminder that resilience is not about avoiding setbacks but about rising every time we fall.

Piece by piece, we built this platform, and as I reflect on what we’ve created, I see not just success but the strength of this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thecolombianmarketplace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecolombianmarketplace/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolombianmaketplace

Image Credits

Rony Suarez, Jesica Cobabe, Kristin Rose Davis,Emily Sorensen