Gutierrez shared candidly how from an early age she had a particular interest in designing and creating, one that drove her from a young age to teach herself how to work a sewing machine. She shared how her grandmother had a sewing machine and that she passed it down to her so she could make her first designs for her dolls. “It was never just a game, it was a calling."

Gutierrez went on to study at Taller 5, one of Bogotá’s top design institutes, graduating with honors. Early work in the luxury resort wear industry helped refine her creative identity. That calling would lead Claudia far from home, through personal battles, across continents, and eventually into the heart of Central Florida's fashion and philanthropic circles. Today, she is not only a celebrated independent designer but also a local force for good, using her creativity and platforms to raise awareness and uplift lives through intentional collaboration and purpose.

Gutierrez’s recent showcase at Florida Fashion Shows’ Swim Week placed her at the center of the region’s style spotlight, following previous appearances at events like Winter Park Fashion Week and her standout moment dressing 16 contestants for Miss USA Florida. And yet, her rise in the industry is not only defined by accolades but by the intention behind each step she’s taken.

Her first major break came from a contest hosted by La Prensa, a local newspaper. A friend and photographer, Luis Bonetti, happened to mention the opportunity. Claudia entered the contest with her debut collection and won. “From there, the shows didn’t stop,” she recalls. “It was a turning point.”

Yet perhaps the most profound turning point came from something more personal. During her son’s health battle, Claudia came into contact with the Hope for More Foundation, a Central Florida nonprofit dedicated to empowering children, families, and underserved communities. The Foundation selected her son as a recipient of one of their wish-granting programs; an act of kindness Gutierrez never forgot. “Fashion and Hope is very dear to my heart,” she says. “I remember what it felt like to receive that support. Now, I’m happy to help other parents who are going through what I went through.”

This connection would evolve into an ongoing collaboration between Gutierrez and the Foundation for the past 13 years. Each year, she participates in Fashion and Hope, an annual charity runway show organized by Hope for More. The show raises funds and awareness for families facing crisis; specifically in the areas of childhood illness, domestic violence, veterans’ support, and access for underprivileged youth.

JR Tanghal, the Foundation’s President, says, “Claudia has been part of Fashion and Hope since the very beginning; From the moment our paths crossed, her passion to be involved was undeniable. Tanghal celebrated her heart and her commitment to the event saying, “Our brands have truly grown side by side, and what makes Claudia’s success so special isn’t just her designs, it’s her heart. That’s what leaves the biggest impact.”

“Fashion to me is the glamorous way to give back to our community,” Gutierrez explains. “It’s not only something superficial, it’s something real. You can use it to give hope, you can give someone a reason to have a good experience.”

In an industry often criticized for being detached from reality, Claudia Gutierrez’s ethos cuts through like a clean hemline: fashion can and should do good. Whether through the tactile intimacy of her designs or her advocacy on behalf of others, she proves that creativity, when aligned with compassion, becomes something enduring. Her work is infused with femininity, strength, and a reverence for beauty that uplifts those around her. She credits early mentors like Lucy Barragán, who welcomed her into the design world, and every small act of generosity along the way that built the path she now walks. “Fashion can do a lot of good,” Gutierrez says.

Local fashion designer and pageant coach, Peter Morales says, “Claudia Gutierrez is one of the most talented swimwear designers I know. She’s part of that rare group of people who never give up, who continue to create, inspire, and connect with others no matter the challenges. Her passion is relentless, her spirit unshakable, and her presence a gift to everyone around her.”

Gutierrez’s story is rooted in her Colombian heritage and shaped by the life she’s built here in Orlando. She’s a proud Latina designer whose work speaks to something bigger than fashion. Through every collection and collaboration, she’s showing what’s possible when creativity is guided by heart. Her impact now stretches beyond the Latin community. She’s inspiring anyone who’s ever had to start over, anyone who’s chased a dream while carrying real life challenges. She’s proving that you can honor where you come from and still build something entirely your own.