NATALIA (NATY) BOTERO-NEVIN
Design Strategist & Creative Marketer / Owner |
Hi, there!I truly believe that we are products of our experiences, and for me that experience began as a child growing up in my native home of Colombia, South America. Many years later, I had the great fortune of being awarded a full-scholarship from the Rotary Club of Lansing, Illinois to come live in the United States as an exchange student for one-year. I lived with host-families (yep, four wonderful families to be exact!) and attended high school as a senior during that year. That was by far, the best experience of my life and one that without knowing, would change my outlook and future forever.
Two and a-half years later, I came back to visit my host-families, and while being here that summer, I decided to stay and go to school here. I got all my paperwork in order and transferred my school credits, and pursued an advertising and marketing education at Columbia College in Chicago (interesting parallel, wouldn’t you say?). While still attending Columbia full-time, I launched a graphic design career at one of the city’s fast-growing design agencies where I worked at for 7-years. But, as experienced by many others throughout 2007–2008, growth suspended as the American economy took a deep nosedive into one of the worst recessions on record. (Lucky for me, I have the best husband in the world and friend anyone could ever ask for.) One day and without me knowing, he placed an ad out offering my graphic design services, and in no time, he surprised me with what would be my first official client. I knew then, it was time to take that big leap of faith and make a change. When I opened Botero Design in the fall of 2007, I was literally pinning my hopes and dreams (and, oh yes, my financial future) to a door without any supporting walls. It was an opportunity, but it was also one of the riskiest times to start a business. However, I was armed with the love and support of my husband, as well as my education, experience, and professional background. Whoever said knowledge is power had it right, but I personally might have to add that passion and determination were also key ingredients. As business steadily grew from year to year, I began to understand the true meaning of the American dream. And although it might be a different dream than the one I started with years ago, it was more fulfilling than I could have imagined. And it’s what drove me to become an American citizen in the spring of 2011. That same year, we decide it was time to leave the cold behind and relocated to Gilbert, Arizona. This is our home—we love it here! It’s this type of satisfaction and fulfillment that I long to bring to my clients. With my professional and personal experience, I believe in delivering a product that will outshine any you might get from a large agency with expensive overhead and few concerned parties, or someone who simply just doesn’t have the expertise to help you. I believe in your business because I’ve seen what it has done for mine. Here's to living our lives to the fullest. Cheers, Naty |