Jennyluz
Hi! My name is Jennyluz. My parents migrated from Colombia and I was born and raised in New York City (NYC).
I grew up in a traditional setting; becoming successful while constantly educating myself was instilled in me from a young age. I grew up as an only child and my parents both worked long hours to create a better quality of life for me.
At the young age of 8, I became a self-taught designer, learned how to use a sewing machine, and my ideas became endless. In high school, I would sell jean bags I hand-made and would custom design clothes for classmates. While maintaining stellar grades and holding a recognized student leadership position, I became the bridge between my peers and the teachers. This later set the platform for much of my entire life.
Being able to freely express myself as an American-Colombian Latina woman gave me much strength. I travelled back and forth to Colombia every other year, learning the culture but never fully dipping in and living in it completely. Along the way at 16, I started the search for my career, always working after school. I continued my studies and at age 29, I decided that I wanted to start a company and sell my products. I founded Designedforlove and created a full athleisure line in 2012. I have not stopped creating new products since. The risk of being an entrepreneur has always been high but extremely rewarding.
Once my parents retired, I decided perhaps it would be a great opportunity to relocate to Colombia as well. I wanted to indulge in my roots, feel the warmth of my family, and learn a different culture entirely. Being fluent in Spanish helped but not knowing the culture was the challenging part. At times I felt as if I didn’t belong. I had moved to a completely new country from the one I had once called home.
I am currently living in Colombia and continue to find that I have so much more to learn from my roots. The beauty is finally being able to immerse myself in this culture; understanding why my parents had worked so hard and always pushed me to be my best. Because in Colombia, jobs are limited, there are evident social clashes and constant reminders of a male-dominated culture. I continue to create and sell products, and I am constantly educating myself on new subjects that assist me in evolving my career.
Being an American woman and currently living in Colombia has been the best decision I ever made. I worked all my life in NYC and I am finally in a place where staying in the race is no longer required of me. Colombia is a breathtaking country, with landscapes that inspire me; a place where everyone takes a break from 12:00 pm -2:00 pm - a new relaxing place to bring to life new ideas and to rest. Being a female only child growing up in a traditional Latino home in NYC was not the easiest, but it built me into who I am. It gave me the courage to never give up, to create, and to venture out and never turn back.