We were lucky to catch up with Alejandra Lievano recently and have shared our conversation below.

ALEJANDRA, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

As a restless, left-handed Sagittarius, I’ve come to believe that taking risks is woven into the fabric of my soul. To me, it’s a practice, a creative process, a portal that opens up opportunities for me to experience life fully. Every leap, every decision that has sent me falling (sometimes literally) into the unknown has been both a lesson and a reminder that my soul craves expansion.

I’ll never forget the adrenaline rush of jumping from a helicopter, feeling the air slap my face as I fell toward the earth. Or the heart-stopping thrill of bungee jumping off an old railway bridge, high above a river that roared below me. I felt alive in a way I can’t fit into words.

Some risks I’ve taken have been quieter, but no less profound. At 16, I left home to start a life in another city, navigating how to survive and thrive on my own. By 17, I launched my first swimwear business—only to lose everything by 19. That failure didn’t break me; it shaped me, instilling resilience and preparing me for even greater ventures. (Disclaimer: risk doesn’t guarantee success. It guarantees growth.)

One of the most transformative leaps of faith came when I sold everything I owned to move to a remote coastal town of 120 people in the middle of the tropical rainforest, trusting my gut that screamed, “This is where you need to be right now.” I spent nine years there, I grew, I learned, and I came to trust even the tiny and turbulent (sometimes three-passenger) plane that took me there, knowing it was guiding me exactly where I needed to be. I feel a deep trust in the great mystery; everywhere, everything, and every moment can be sacred.

Risk, I’ve learned, isn’t about proving something to others, or even to myself. It’s about creating a life that is sacred to me. And sometimes that means stepping into the unknown with nothing more than a dream and faith.

Almost two years ago, I left behind what I’d considered paradise (the simplicity of my coastal town) to chase a new vision in New York. With only $30 to my name, I applied to The New School, knowing that if I was going to truly live my dreams of becoming a creative director, I had to take this risk. I got a scholarship, and angels have appeared in my life in the form of extended family who have supported me every step of the way. The city has been a great teacher, exposing me to even greater uncertain feelings that have become familiar companions. I’ve learned to play with them.

I often imagine my soul, before it came to this earth, begging for the opportunity to experience life in all its raw intensity. Now that I’m here, I owe it to myself to embrace it fully. I want to live honoring life as the art of dying.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I SERVE THIS WORLD CREATIVELY.

This means I design experiences and create across multiple disciplines. My work spans surf swimwear, visual design (such as brand books, branding, and web design), and fashion design, but my true passion lies in experience design. I thrive as a creative producer for festivals, exhibitions, music events, and public performances.

My journey began at 10, imagining myself as an artist hosting my own gallery, proudly hanging my paintings around the house. I’ve always been curious and easily bored, which pushed me to explore diverse extracurricular activities. Some of my fondest memories include painting at an art studio near my parents’ workplace, horseback riding, and attending nature camps. I was also the youngest volunteer at my grandmother’s nonprofit, spending time making art with children in the cancer wards of the hospital. Those moments shaped my worldview, teaching me that art isn’t just a personal outlet; it’s a way to serve others and honor the land I stand on.

As I grew older, I pursued a degree in fashion design, which allowed me to travel across Colombia and meet some of the most inspiring mentors of my life. Through weaving, I fell in love with ancestral wisdom and local crafts, and I became deeply committed to the idea that these traditions can provide a life of dignity and purpose.

I’m proud to say that this belief is reflected in all my entrepreneurial endeavors:

Blue Candela Visual Design Studio: I work with clients to bring their creative visions to life, offering services in branding, web design, and visual storytelling.
Fundación Casa Múcura: A nonprofit I founded, dedicated to facilitating holistic development through culture and art. Our work creates spaces for peace and educational opportunities while fostering sustainability and community empowerment.
Festival del Aguacero: As the creative producer of this festival held in Nuquí, Colombia, I’ve created an immersive event that celebrates biodiversity, Afro-Colombian heritage, and ancestral knowledge through art, music, and community-led initiatives.
El Majagual Guest House: My newest project is a guest house that I’m building to create a space for meaningful connection with nature, art, and community.
My clients come from all walks of life. Some are just beginning their creative journeys, unsure how to bring their ideas to life, while others are ready to materialize their dreams through a product, service, or experience. I also collaborate with those who want to explore their connection with nature through thoughtful designs that honor both themselves and the planet.

And then, there are the audiences who attend the events I create. My goal for them is simple: to FEEL. I want them to dance, laugh, cry, connect, and rediscover joy in its purest form. What sets me apart is my ability to weave service and creativity into everything I do, ensuring that each project not only reflects my clients’ visions but also serves a greater purpose. Whether I’m creating a brand, a piece of clothing, or an immersive experience, my focus is always on connection—connection to self, to others, and to the world around us.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Since I can remember, I’ve dreamed of becoming a mother. At times, I’ve hidden that dream behind fears (fear of losing my freedom or uncertainty about the kind of world my children would inherit). But deep down, Magdalena and Costas have revealed themselves to me in visions and dreams. Though they aren’t yet here on this plane, they’ve been growing in my heart, guiding me along my path.

I feel their presence as a certainty, inspiring me to nurture a piece of the world where they can one day grow, learn, love, and protect. This vision motivates me to live a life filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment. My art and creative practice are how I cultivate this dream. By moving beyond comfort zones and pursuing what truly satisfies my soul, I am building a foundation of magic. Whether it’s weaving communities together, creating art that inspires, or designing spaces that honor the earth, every step I take feels like part of a larger purpose.

I’ve spent years learning about children, being a godmother to 10 and an auntie to 20. These experiences have taught me that creativity and care go hand in hand, and they’ve deepened my understanding of the kind of mother I want to be. At its core, everything I do is driven by this dream. It’s not just about creating art or experiences; it’s about paving the way for a life where love, connection, and purpose guide me. Every project, every risk, every moment of growth is helping me prepare to welcome my future children into a world I hope to nurture for them.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most profound lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the belief that I could (and should) do everything by myself. For a long time, I equated being “Miss Independent” with strength, thinking that doing things alone—so as not to bother anyone or prove myself—was the way to stay safe. I built walls around my heart, believing they would protect me.

When I was 21, I moved to Nuquí, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and lived there until I was 28. It was a transformative, magical period, but also one where I met my own shadow. Moments of hurt, sickness, and pain showed me that this world is not meant to be navigated alone. I learned the value of community, the importance of leaning on neighbors, trusting others, and letting people in, even when it feels vulnerable.

Holding onto the “Wonder Woman” mindset of invincibility came at a cost. My body became my teacher, manifesting the weight of isolation through gastritis, migraines, and other physical signs begging me to stop. The lesson was clear: I needed to embrace interdependence and release the armor I had built around my heart.

This path also taught me to see the innocence and tenderness in others, rather than focusing on their shadows. I realized that my own walls were not just shields, they were barriers to empathy, connection, and understanding. Unlearning this belief has allowed me to approach life with more openness and grace, offering compassion to myself and to those whose hearts are also guarded.

This shift wasn’t easy, but it’s been life-changing. It’s now a daily practice to live with innocence, to not take things personally, and to trust in the magic of vulnerability. I learned that true power doesn’t lie in doing things alone, but in allowing others to walk the journey with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bluecandela.com
• Instagram: @alejandralievanno
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandralievanno/?locale=en_US

Image Credits

Federico Esguerra
Juan Cuadros
Diana Gutiérrez
Camila Curiel
Alejandra Lievano