Her Story
About Paola
I came to the United States from Colombia with a drive to succeed that I can't fully explain - there's just something inside me that cannot quit. I started my career in luxury retail at Saks Brickell, working for prestigious brands like Jo Malone and Kilian in the beauty department, where I became a top seller. While working full-time and raising my daughter, I made the decision to invest in myself by pursuing my master's degree at Keiser University, waking up at 4 in the morning to complete my education. That degree completely changed the way I see the world and gave me more credibility - the bosses at Saks and even at Estée Lauder started to hear me more and give me more voice when I prepared myself. Recently, I transitioned to Clive Christian, because of my preparation and success as a seller. Working in this environment is completely different from other retail - it's like a private club where you have to be the best of the best. My husband is Italian-American, and I'm proud that my daughter has followed my path of continuous learning. I'm now even investing in the stock market, always focused on learning more and creating a better future for my family. Being a Latina woman in a different country, there were times when I thought I might not make it, but that energy and drive inside me has carried me through this journey to where I am right now.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Paola
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to discipline and never quitting. I believe that discipline is what makes changes in your life, because a lot of people want everything now and that's why they quit so easily. When you don't think about the results momentarily and just focus on doing little by little without quitting, that's what makes changes in your life and your future. I also believe in always trying to learn something new, because when you are in a routine and you don't learn, you become the same person every day. Learning is so important - it makes you better every day, so don't stop learning.
Another key is having intelligent control of your emotions. A lot of people are very impulsive and fail in my job because they lead by emotions, but when you have emotional intelligence and control of your emotions, you are unstoppable. You can do anything that you want because you are in control of your life and you don't just react. I also invested in myself by getting my master's degree, which changed completely the way I see the world. When you invest time and money in yourself and prepare yourself to learn more, learn different languages, and develop your skills, it makes such a difference in your life. There's something inside me that I can't explain, but this energy and drive has carried me through my journey to where I am right now.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I hold true to is consistency, because consistency is what builds discipline. I have learned that discipline is what creates real change in your life, especially in a world where many people want immediate results and instant success. This mindset is often the reason why so many people give up on the goals they set for their future. However, when you stop focusing on immediate results and instead commit to doing small things consistently, without quitting, that is when true transformation happens in your life and career.
I also believe that learning something new every day is essential, because when you stay in a routine without growth, you become the same version of yourself over and over again. Continuous learning is what helps you evolve, improve, and stay competitive, so you should never stop investing in your knowledge.
My education at Keiser University also taught me the importance of emotional intelligence and self-control. In my profession, many people fail because they act impulsively and let emotions guide their decisions. However, when you develop emotional intelligence and learn to manage your reactions, you become unstoppable. You can achieve anything you set your mind to because you are in control of your life instead of simply reacting to circumstances. Feeling nervous or uncomfortable is normal—we are human—but what matters is that you keep going. Never quit.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You must create a world for yourself where every decision you make comes from your heart. Do not be afraid to trust yourself and follow what feels right and true to who you are. And if fear appears, do not see it as a limitation—see it as motivation. Because every time you step outside of your comfort zone, it means something greater is coming into your life.
The decision to create value for yourself is one of the most important choices you will ever make. Creation is what allows you to move forward toward your goals, because we are all creators by nature. If you wait for others to build your future, you will remain stuck in expectation instead of growth. You must take initiative and become the architect of your own path.
However, every decision should be guided by honesty, integrity, and respect for the work you do and the people around you. True success is not only measured by what you achieve, but by the values you uphold while achieving it. Invest in yourself with love, stay grounded in your principles, and never lose your humanity while pursuing your goals. Because it is through meaningful relationships, built with authenticity and respect, that your greatest achievements truly gain value.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is maintaining a healthy balance between my professional life and my role as a mother. For me, family is the center of society, and finding that balance as a woman is not always easy. The pace of life and the constant pressure of time often make it challenging to meet both personal and professional expectations without feeling overwhelmed.
Because of this, clear planning and intentional goal-setting are essential in my life. I make a conscious effort to stay organized and aligned with both my career objectives and the needs of my daughter and my husband. This helps me ensure that I do not lose focus or fall short in either area.
Ultimately, my priority is to grow professionally while also being fully present and committed as a mother and wife. Maintaining this balance requires discipline, structure, and self-awareness, but it is also what gives my life meaning and purpose
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For me, the most important values in both my personal and professional life are discipline, consistency, honesty, and a commitment to continuous growth. I strongly believe that discipline is not just about working hard, but about staying committed even when results are not immediate. Consistency is what turns small daily actions into long-term success, and it is the foundation of sustainable achievement.
I also deeply value honesty, both with myself and with the people I work with. Being honest allows me to make decisions aligned with my principles, act with integrity, and build trust in my professional and personal relationships. Without trust, there is no real growth or authentic leadership.
Finally, continuous growth is essential to me. I always seek to learn, evolve, and improve because I understand that personal development has no limits. At the same time, I deeply value the balance between my professional life and my family, as they are my greatest motivation. For me, true success is not only achieving career goals, but doing so without losing my humanity, my values, and the love for the people who surround me.
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