Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia.
Hi Claudia , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Catrina Curia began as a quiet dream many years ago, a vision that remained with me throughout my healthcare career.
I was raised in underprivileged circumstances where resources were limited, yet my dreams were not. My parents, despite limited means, instilled in me a deep belief in education, perseverance, and hard work. Now I understand that those early challenges did not define me; they strengthened me and pushed me to dream bigger. Over time, I achieved goals that once seemed impossible, building a meaningful career helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life. That professional foundation gave me the confidence to pursue another long-held aspiration: becoming a business owner and expressing my artistic vision by creating something truly unique and beautiful.
Catrina Curia officially came to life in November 2023, during a season of reflection when life slowed down, and my creative ambitions resurfaced with clarity and purpose.
With Catrina Curia, my intention is to help reshape the narrative in a predominantly male-dominated industry by creating leather handbags and accessories for women, by women. Our mission extends beyond crafting exclusive, elegant pieces with exceptional quality; it is equally about creating dignified employment opportunities for women and a few men in underserved communities. We intentionally partner with factories that operate under ethical conditions, ensuring fair wages, respectful work environments, and long-term stability for families.
Our handbags are thoughtfully designed, small-batch luxury pieces made with premium materials and care. Each limited collection preserves exclusivity while honoring craftsmanship. In addition to our signature pieces, this year, we start curating meaningful corporate gifts that allow businesses to show appreciation to employees and clients through products that carry intention and story.
Although Catrina Curia is still a small company, I see a bright and promising future. Our goal is to intentionally maintain limited production while expanding into a carefully selected boutique presence. At the same time, we aspire to become a preferred partner for companies and organizations seeking distinctive, personalized gifts and products that reflect quality, purpose, and thoughtful design.
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?
Building a business is never easy, especially when your professional background is in an entirely different industry. Transitioning from healthcare into fashion and manufacturing required me to learn everything from business planning and supply chains to daily operations, production timelines, and importation procedures. Every step has been a learning experience. One of the most challenging parts was finding a production partner who shared my commitment to ethical practices, quality craftsmanship, and dignified working environments. In an industry still heavily dominated by men, it was difficult to find someone willing to genuinely collaborate rather than take advantage of my initial lack of industry knowledge. Too often, quality is promised, but once products arrive — whether from Mexico, India, or elsewhere — they fail to meet the agreed standards and specifications. Finding a partner who not only delivers excellence but also truly understands and believes in my vision was a challenge. Now that I have found her, I feel confident, aligned, and ready to grow my business with integrity and purpose.
We’ve been impressed with Catrina Curia, 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?
Catrina Curia is a women-owned and operated leather handbag and accessories company. Our mission is to offer unique leather pieces with exceptional quality while creating dignified employment opportunities for women and men in underserved communities.
Our handbags are thoughtfully designed, small-batch, which creates true exclusivity. They are made with premium materials with precision and care. In addition to our signature pieces, we curate meaningful corporate gifts that allow businesses to show appreciation to employees and clients through products that carry intention and story and that they will not find in other places.
What matters most to you?
The three pillars that guide my life are family, community, and health.
Above all, family is my foundation. They are the reason I strive to grow as a person and to leave the world better than I found it. Every goal I pursue, and every decision I make, is rooted in the desire to create a positive and lasting impact, not only for my loved ones but for the community around us.
I firmly believe that true growth happens when we lift one another. I have seen that strong communities are built through generosity, collaboration, and compassion
Health is equally essential. As a healthcare professional, I have witnessed firsthand how fragile health can be. Without it, even the greatest achievements lose their meaning. Good health is the foundation that allows us to fully experience joy, and be around the people we love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.catrinacuria.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catrinacuria
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095309993995
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107124889/admin/dashboard/
