Interview by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of Mariana Zuluaga
Mariana Zuluaga was inspired to create her jewelry brand BOTERA after growing up watching her mother craft fine jewelry for more than 30 years. NYOTA got to talk with Zuluaga about what she’s learned through starting the company, the significance behind the gemstones BOTERA uses, and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Tell our readers about BOTERA. What motivated you to start the brand?
BOTERA is the culmination of a lifelong journey and a passion passed down from my mother, who has been crafting fine jewelry in Colombia for 35 years. After an enriching eight-year career in marketing, my move to New York for a new role reignited my pull towards jewelry, reminding me that it’s never too late to pursue your passion. In 2023, I completed a specialized program in Jewelry at Pratt Institute, marking the start of a new chapter and the birth of BOTERA.
More than a collection of pieces, BOTERA is a celebration of self-evolution and boldness, woven into the rich tapestry of Colombian jewelry heritage. My vision for BOTERA is to redefine jewelry with a fresh perspective on Colombian craftsmanship, centered around its most treasured and high-quality stone: the emerald. I also aim to elevate the standard of luxury by offering premium emeralds while simultaneously working towards more sustainable practices. Our artisans, with their time-honored skills, bring to life jewelry that does more than just adorn. It tells a story; it’s about valuing our heritage and creating pieces of art that carry a legacy.
An important aspect of BOTERA’s pieces is the emerald gemstone. What is the significance of Botero’s gemstones and what makes the gemstones stand apart?
Our Colombian emeralds are at the heart of BOTERA’s identity, revered globally for their exceptional quality and rarity. The main reason for their allure is their color. Sourced from the famous Muzo mines in Colombia, these emeralds exhibit a balance of radiance that’s neither too blue nor too yellow. This unique coloration is thanks to a geological advantage: the presence of chromium in their composition, unlike other emeralds in the world. This natural phenomenon endows our emeralds with an intensely vibrant green, making them unparalleled in quality and beauty.
While color is the paramount feature, other characteristics like clarity, cut, and treatment also set our emeralds apart. Each stone’s ‘jardin’ of inclusions tells a unique story, contributing to its identity and ensuring optimal brilliance. The meticulous cutting process further enhances their allure and value.
Beyond these physical attributes, Colombia’s history necessitates an ethical approach, ensuring our emeralds reflect responsible luxury. As we grow, supporting sustainable mining and positively impacting local communities is a top priority.
What often inspires the designs of BOTERA pieces?
At BOTERA, our designs reflect nature’s vivid palette and shapes, especially the lush landscapes and the captivating sea. The inaugural collection showcases this inspiration with its tapestry of vibrant green hues and contrasting shapes, reminiscent of the lively and dynamic elements of the tropics.
Each BOTERA piece strikes a balance between classic elegance and modern design. This collection embodies an interplay of light and movement, resulting in creations that are fresh, elegant, and timeless, capturing the spirit of nature’s beauty.
Since starting BOTERA have you learned a lot about yourself?
Launching BOTERA has been a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Overcoming the fear and uncertainty of leaving my comfort zone has allowed me to embrace the power of dreaming big and acting boldly. This experience taught me that boundaries are often self-imposed, and with confidence and resilience, we can redefine our limits and turn dreaming into transformation.
Finding a purpose that resonates deeply has been another critical learning. The opportunity to add value to all the local artisans we collaborate with, and to work toward a sustainable path for one of Colombia’s most treasured resources, has been incredibly challenging but motivating. This purpose has become my guiding light, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Moreover, I’ve realized the significance of a supportive community. Though the path of entrepreneurship is often solitary, I’ve been fortunate to have been enriched by the support of friends, family, and mentors. Their belief in me and in BOTERA has been a constant source of strength, challenge, growth, inspiration, and has reinforced my belief that family and community are not just part of BOTERA’s foundation; they are its very essence.
This might be the same as someone asking a parent to pick their favorite child but, do you have a favorite BOTERA piece?
Choosing a favorite is a difficult task, but the Medusa ring would be my standout choice. This ring is an ethereal enigma, seemingly weightless, as if suspended in the sea. It features six solitaire gemstones, each anchored by a hidden gold structure. This highly sophisticated setting allows for maximum light exposure, enhancing the gemstones’ brilliance and showcasing their vibrant green hues in full splendor. Ethereal and delicate, this piece captures light from every angle and appears to float on the finger, creating a show-stopping illusion. This piece is a testament to BOTERA’s ethos: a harmonious blend of boldness with timeless sophistication.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Understanding your ‘why’ might seem academic, but it’s about grasping the deeper reason behind your venture. What impact do you want to make? What drives your passion? This clarity fuels perseverance: challenges become less frightening, and uncertainties and doubts transform into catalysts for growth.
Boldness in pursuing your ‘why’ then is not just an impulsive choice but a day-to-day approach to life. It’s a willingness to stay true to your purpose, regardless of the economic outcomes. This approach ensures that whatever the journey brings, it leads to fulfillment and growth.