I was eight when my father was kidnapped. Before that my childhood was filled with love and laughter. I grew up in Venezuela in a comfortable home. My dad worked while my mum took care of us. That event changed my life and taught me resilience from a very young age.

From my mother I inherited her innocence. From my father his resilience. After being kidnapped, he rebuilt our lives from scratch while supporting a family who depended entirely on him. My strength and determination come from him.

What happened in Venezuela showed me how corruption and unstable systems can destroy people’s dreams, and it made me determined to build mine elsewhere.

I never truly felt at home in Spain. I wanted to live somewhere I could dream big and achieve more. I imagined London as a fashionable, cosmopolitan city where dreams could come true; my version of the American Dream.

Watching my mother work in a job she hated made me promise myself I would build the life we once had. That’s why I left home, moved abroad and worked to create something meaningful.

If you want something badly, you must work really hard to get it. This is what my my dad once said to me and I’ve tried to live by that rule ever since.

Ambition and a desire for a better life brought me to London. It felt like a city that welcomes everyone, no matter their background, race, or beliefs. But It’s much tougher than I imagined; you have to work non-stop to succeed.

I worked as a cleaner in the morning, studied English in the afternoon and waited tables at night. I was exhausted and lonely, but it built the strength that shaped who I am today. barely spoke English,

I’ve always been passionate about fashion. My mother owned a boutique in northern Spain, and I loved trying on all the new arrivals. My fascination with style and femininity never left me.

The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome is not being taken seriously and going unnoticed. Being a Latin woman in finance, I was often underestimated and sexualised. It made me stronger and more determined. I learned to put myself out there, knock on doors, show up online and started organise empowerment events for women.

Being Latin American taught me you have to work twice as hard to prove what you are capable of. We didn’t cross borders to live small lives, we came to achieve more.

I get pleasure out of helping others believe in themselves. Sharing my story shows that with resilience and self-belief, anyone can succeed.

Life in London is incredible. I’m surrounded by inspiring, ambitious women, especially from the Latin community. I get to host fitness and empowerment events that bring people together and create lifelong connections. There’s always something new to discover — you can never get bored.

I faced racism working at a government-owned bank but I’ve also encountered the kindness of strangers. I adopted a chihuhua through a stranger I met on the streets of London. Someone else helped me find a job when I needed it most. I met my partner through the dating site Hinge. He was once a stranger and now he’s part of my story.

My perfect Sunday in London entails walking on Wimbledon Common drinking a matcha. I love the streets of Chelsea, Elephant and Castle as I can get the best Colombian food and Notting Hill Market on a Saturday. My favourite places to eat are Sushisamba (I love their cocktails and sunset) and Leños al Carbon as they make sensational empanadas. 

My favourite word in English is sensational

When I think of home I think of the Beach. If I get homesick I’ll try to I travel anywhere that reminds me of Caribbean weather.

I would tell my younger self If you want to build an empire, govern yourself first.

I’ve learnt that..Time is everything.