Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Hoyos.
Hi Patricia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Colombia but spent most of my life abroad—growing up and living in places like New York, Paris, Le Mans, Fès, and Casablanca. Over a decade ago, I made Orlando my home. Yet, every time I visited Colombia, something powerful stirred in me. I fell more in love with the warmth of its people, its vibrant culture, and its extraordinary biodiversity. Colombia has a magic that’s impossible to ignore—it quietly calls you home.
With each trip back, I felt a stronger desire to reconnect with my roots and give back to the country that shaped my soul. That’s how ¡ColomBien! was born—out of a deep love for my heritage and a determination to share Colombia’s beauty with the world through fashion and art. I truly believe that Colombians are privileged to be born in a land so rich in culture, biodiversity, and natural beauty. ¡ColomBien! is my way of honoring that privilege by showcasing the incredible talent of Colombian artisans and their stories through handmade, sustainable creations.
With a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Hispanic and Spanish Literature from St. John’s University in New York, I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling. ¡ColomBien! is storytelling in another form—where every handcrafted piece tells a story of resilience, heritage, and creativity.
Our handmade jewelry collections—featuring Tikuna Jewelry by Patricia Acosta, Alejandra Valdivieso Jewelry, and Claudia Fajardo Jewelry—are inspired by Colombia’s rare and beautiful flora and fauna. Each design reflects the country’s natural wonders and rich biodiversity. In addition, our eco-conscious nature jackets, crafted from recycled PET plastics, showcase endangered species such as the jaguar, Andean bear, ocelot, manatee and others. These pieces go beyond fashion—they are bold expressions of identity, environmental awareness, and cultural pride.
Recently, global pop star Karol G chose to wear Tikuna jewelry for the launch of her foundation ConCora and during the release of her album TropiCoqueta, signaling a growing wave of appreciation for authentic, meaningful design.
I’m especially excited to announce the newest designer in our showcase: Elena Matallana. After bonding with Elena in a conversation that felt more like a homecoming, I realized I had found my tribe—someone whose values, aesthetics, and soul aligned deeply with mine. Our connection was immediate and powerful, rooted in a shared reverence for Colombia and the Jaguar, a sacred symbol of strength and protection in our culture and in our lives. For both Elena and I, the Jaguar represents not just biodiversity, but spiritual guardianship and the fierce beauty of the wild.
With ¡ColomBien!, I’m not just building a brand—I’m building a bridge between Colombia and the world. This is just the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Transitioning from eight years in new construction—where I worked face-to-face with clients in model homes—to becoming an independent entrepreneur and launching an online store has been both liberating and challenging. In the world of new construction, everything was brick-and-mortar. I was physically present, building relationships one conversation at a time. The shift to selling online meant learning how to connect with people digitally—without the in-person spark I was so used to.
I became a Realtor to fund ¡ColomBien! and give myself the freedom to travel, curate new pieces, and grow the brand. That flexibility has been a blessing, but the reality is that traveling to events like Expoartesanías in Bogotá or the New York Now winter show comes with a steep price tag—and often no clear return on investment in the short term. When there isn’t a budget, every decision counts, and I’ve had to be extremely resourceful.
One of the biggest challenges has been building an online community from the ground up. Communicating a message that blends fashion, conservation, and cultural pride isn’t easy—especially in a space flooded with fast fashion and trends. It takes time and intention to educate people on why a handcrafted jacket made from recycled PET plastic or a jaguar-inspired jewelry piece matters. I’m not just selling products; I’m asking people to care, to connect, and to choose consciously.
Despite these challenges, I’ve found strength in storytelling, collaboration, and staying aligned with my mission. Every artisan I meet, every jacket that sparks a conversation, and every piece of jewelry that finds a home reminds me why I started. I’m still building, still learning—but I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
We’ve been impressed with ¡ColomBien!, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
¡ColomBien! is more than a brand—it’s a movement rooted in cultural pride, artisan empowerment, and environmental consciousness. We specialize in showcasing handcrafted fashion and jewelry from Colombia, inspired by the country’s extraordinary biodiversity and rich ancestral heritage. Every piece we offer—whether it’s our intricate Tikuna jewelry line showcasing fauna and flora from the Amazon, Elena Matallana’s “Guardian” collection highlighting the endangered and sacred Jaguar, to our eco-conscious nature jackets, —each item tells a story of Colombia’s wild beauty and the talented artisans who bring that story to life.
What sets us apart is our deep commitment to craftsmanship with a purpose. We don’t mass-produce. We collaborate with Colombian artisans—whose techniques have been passed down through generations. We are proudly preserving tradition while innovating with sustainable materials, like jackets made from recycled PET plastic and jewelry inspired by endangered species. Our pieces are wearable art that educate, empower, and inspire.
For our eco-jackets campaign, I sought to find models of different ethnicities, a child with Down syndrome, and even a senior citizen because I want to be inclusive–¡ColomBien! is for all!
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the intentional curation behind ¡ColomBien! Every designer and artisan is hand-selected not just for their artistry, but for their alignment with our values—conservation, cultural respect, and conscious living. A perfect example is our newest addition, Elena Matallana Jewelry: a breathtaking fusion of fine art and figurative design. Her pieces have been worn by actress Naomi Watts and seen on red carpets like the SAG-AFTRA Awards, yet they stay true to their Colombian soul.
We want your readers to know that when they support ¡ColomBien!, they are investing in more than fashion. They’re supporting a mission—to amplify Colombian voices, protect our ecosystems, and prove that beauty and responsibility can coexist. Whether you’re wearing a pair of jaguar earrings or a jacket that saves water and repurposes plastic, you become part of a larger story—one of heritage, heart, and hope.
¡ColomBien! exists to carry Colombia to the world—and we’re just getting started.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There’s no way I could have built ¡ColomBien! alone—this journey has been deeply personal, but it’s also been beautifully communal.
First and foremost, my husband deserves endless credit for his unwavering support. Leaving the secure, familiar world of new home sales to pursue an entrepreneurial dream was no small leap, but he has been my biggest cheerleader. He’s the one who constantly reminds me, “Follow your passion, follow your heart.” That belief in me has been a guiding light, especially in the uncertain moments.
I’m also incredibly grateful to my son, Adam Chani of ChaniCuts, for making time in his busy schedule to help with my photos and videos. His creative eye and technical skills bring life to the visual storytelling that fuels our brand.
And then there’s the beautiful, diverse network of people who make this dream possible every day—the designers, seamstresses, artisans, models, shipping staff, baristas who let me turn coffee shops into brainstorming hubs, and every single person who has helped me understand, navigate, and grow my presence on social media. Their contributions may happen quietly behind the scenes, but they are the backbone of ¡ColomBien!
Finally, I have to mention Luca, my loyal dog, who sits by my desk as I work long hours. His quiet companionship and unconditional love are grounding forces that help me keep going when things get overwhelming.
This brand is built on collaboration, love, and passion. I carry the support of my tribe with me in everything I do.
Pricing:
- Guardian Crown Bracelet $350
- Guardian Universe Ring $315
- Eco-Conscious Nature Jackets $99
- Peacock Day & Night Earrings $199
- Maizal Raw Emeralds Choker $599
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colombien.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.colombien/
