LocaL Designer Ximena Rozo ~ Creates Beauty & Opportunity

Ximena Rozo Design

By Natalie Downey

When Ximena stepped into the United States and, eventually, Columbus, Ga, she brought dreams, vision, and talent with her.

Ximena Rozo, a local designer who says her heart is split between two countries, has made it her mission to produce items that are beautiful, functional, and ethically made.

Ximena Rozo Design Collaborating with Gina Tew Designs

Design is a creative process that results in a tangible product reflecting the experiences that have given color to the life of the designer. Ximena Rozo’s experiences have no doubt given much color to the pieces she designs, and her story of hope and hard work is one that can be read in her collections.

At the age of 24, Ximena moved to the United States from Colombia to pursue a master’s degree in Industrial Design. After receiving her master’s, she went on to work in airplane design with Boeing in Seattle. With more than 15 patents for her aircraft designs, Ximena’s work in industrial design has been a success.

Ximena Rozo Desgin

Being a military spouse at the time, Ximena traveled a lot, and her work in design shifted from corporate to entrepreneurship. She loved how she could continue her work in design while on the road, and her business began to take off.

With the unveiling of disturbing details about sweatshops and underpaid workers overseas in recent years, ethically-crafted products are becoming more of a priority to today’s shopper. Whereas people did not previously think about where their products come from.

“It’s something we all are taking more time to consider these days,” Ximena says.

With this in mind and with a passion for designing more than airplanes, Ximena’s work shifted to home décor and hospitality items as she began her business with the unique mindset to use her work to make the world not just prettier, but a better place. Ximena has made it her mission to produce items which are beautiful, functional, and to find a way to include both of the countries she loves in her work.

Ximena Rozo Design

With a heart for seeing people use their skills to develop quality products and transform their lives, Ximena began collaborating with artisans in Colombia for the production of her products. She was already familiar with many artisan communities in her home country, and today works with artisans in over 13 communities in Colombia. Her goal in selecting artisans to craft her designs is to not only bring them profit financially, but also to give them a sense of pride in their work by honoring their craft.

After designing a piece, Ximena co-creates with artisans in Colombia for the production. Everything she designs is handmade. She works mostly with female artists with the goal of providing a source of income who might not otherwise have it. “My vision is to empower female artisans because we know that when we empower women, we empower the whole village,” Ximena explains. She emphasizes a respect for their craft, knowing they are building and maintaining a legacy.

When Ximena is seeking an artisan for a particular project, she often visits craft shows, interacting with the artisans and getting to know their stories. Some of the artisans who craft Ximena’s designs have received awards for their work, and she is quick to point out that they don’t work for her – she works with them, as a collaboration. Her respect for their work is evident, and she seeks to ensure they get the credit they deserve.

Keeping in close contact with the artisans she works with is important to Ximena. She travels to Colombia at least once a year to visit with the artisans who produce her items and maintain a connection with them.

Ximena describes her creations as being made from “high quality material, traditional craft, and contemporary design.” From pillows to planters, each of her designs are unique and the process of creating the items from concept to craft is conscientious and intentional.

Planning to narrow her focus to hospitality items in 2021, Ximena is excited to have her unique pieces featured at a new hotel in Columbus, Hotel Indigo. With an emphasis on functionality and a “sense of home,” Ximena creates pieces that “give you the feeling of being welcome, in a place you love.”

Ximena Rozo Design

After her years in industrial design, Ximena understands that her pieces must not only be beautiful, but also functional and sustainable. She understands the value of objects that tell a story, honoring a contemporary approach to tradition. “My products feel like they come from a unique place,” Ximena says.

Though her products are made in Colombia, their concept and design come from someone in our own community. Understanding the value of local entrepreneurs in our community, Ximena says “The energy of an entrepreneur in shaping the local environment is important. We bring a special synergy. That energy is so vital for the enthusiasm of the city.” Ximena works with local assistants, fellow designers, marketers, and photographers on her projects and takes pride in the fact that her products are designed and created in the two places she loves: Columbus and Colombia.

Ximena Rozo Design

Ximena says that she is always working on projects, and launches a new collection at least once per year. She travels to New York City each year to show her collection and acquire new clients. With the changes that Covid has brought to life as we know it, an emphasis on comfort and home is more important than ever, and Ximena is focusing more of her efforts on items that make a person feel at home.

If you are interested in Ximena Rozo Design handmade products or for wholesale inquiries, she can be reached by phone at (860)581-3384, or by email at design@ximenarozo.com. Her work can be found on her instagram page @ximenarozoedesign and website ximenarozo.comu

Ximena Rozo

Sitting On Infinity Pouf By Ximena Rozo Design For Hotel Indigo Columbus Riverfront ~ Photo by Jess Jones Boudoir