Art Meets Strategy – Interview with Enrique
FOR ME, EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED— ART, MUSIC, DESIGN, BUSINESS. TOGETHER THEY DEFINE WHO I AM.
Who is Enrique?
We are here with Enrique, a Colombian entrepreneur who lives in California. He focuses on coaching and strategy. I was always a dreamer. I'm from Barranquilla, Colombia—like Shakira. I grew up around the same places she used to hang out... Innovation was part of my upbringing.
Origins and Artistic Beginnings
At 17, I started playing music. Barranquilla is colorful, full of art, especially with the Carnival. In Latin America, careers are often diverse, not focused on just one thing. I learned editing, graphic design, Photoshop, 3D modeling, and more. It was stressful, but those skills gave me a broad foundation for everything I do today.
Moving to California
While living in Ecuador, I met a woman. We traveled through beautiful places in Ecuador and Colombia, and eventually, we got married in California. It was hard. Here I had to work extremely hard—it was a shock compared to the more relaxed lifestyle in Latin America.
Sumate Colombia
I started my first company, Sumate Colombia, working for the Colombian government. Sumate Colombia is a company I created to help Colombians establish businesses in the U.S. The goal was to bridge the gap between Colombian entrepreneurs and American opportunities.
The Pandemic and Reinvention
You were already in the U.S. during the pandemic. How was that experience? Very difficult. But it was also the moment I reinvented myself. I painted murals in Sacramento, helped essential industries, and focused on new creative projects. Music became my part-time passion again. THE PANDEMIC WAS HARD, BUT IT WAS ALSO WHEN I REINVENTED MYSELF AND DISCOVERED NEW PATHS.
Multiple Talents and AI
You've worked across many fields. Why so many talents? Since childhood, I loved reading and learning. My mother sold books, and the first one I read was 'Develop Your I.Q.' I admired Leonardo da Vinci. Today, with AI, it's possible to combine talents in ways never before possible. WITH AI, WE CAN ALL BECOME MODERN DA VINCIS—COMBINING TALENTS AND CREATING ACROSS FIELDS.
Vision and Future Projects
From now, in 2025, what is your next step? I consider myself successful because I came from a poor community and achieved my dream. My goal was never just to be rich—it was to create ideas that solve problems. Now, I'm consolidating my projects, finishing my books, and inspiring people through my projects. With AI, I coach entrepreneurs and help local communities with sustainable solutions.
Advice for Young Professionals
Before we finish, what advice would you give to young professionals with big dreams? You must choose between sacrifice or staying the same forever. Identify your role in society, stay focused, and listen carefully. Listening is one of the most important skills. SACRIFICE TIME FOR BIG CHALLENGES— SOMETIMES EVEN WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE. THAT'S THE REAL PRICE OF DREAMING BIG.
Final Thoughts
LIFE GAVE ME MUSIC, ART, AND BUSINESS, BUT WHAT I REALLY GAINED WAS THE COURAGE TO CONNECT THEM ALL. MY JOURNEY IS PROOF THAT WHEN YOU DARE TO DREAM WITHOUT LIMITS, YOU DON'T JUST CREATE SUCCESS— YOU CREATE MEANING.