In a world where resilience and creativity often pave the way for groundbreaking success, Viviana Millan, the CEO and Founder of Fajas Tributo, stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with determination, vision, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity.
A self-made millionaire, Viviana’s journey from a patriarchal society in Colombia to the helm of a 7-figure annual revenue company in the United States is nothing short of inspiring.
Viviana’s story is one of overcoming odds, rewriting norms, and creating a lasting impact on both the compression wear industry and the entrepreneurial landscape. Despite lacking formal higher education, Viviana harnessed her intuition and creativity to identify a gap in the compression and post-operative industry.
Determined to break free from the confines of a society where women typically stood behind their spouses, she embarked on a path that would change her life and the lives of countless others.
At the heart of Fajas Tributo’s success lies Viviana’s inclusive mindset. Not content with just creating customizable compression garments for mainstream audiences, she recognized the needs of underserved populations, such as Fem Boys, and developed a unique product tailored to their requirements. This commitment to inclusivity is a testament to Viviana’s empathy and her desire to make a positive impact on diverse communities.
Viviana’s journey is adorned with notable career highlights that showcase her exceptional accomplishments. The patented products offered by Fajas Tributo, including garments with rods and post-operative accessories, position the company as industry pioneers. Recognition in prominent magazines across the United States and her role as a keynote speaker on women entrepreneurship in Latin America solidify her standing as a trailblazer and thought leader.
However, the path to success was not without its challenges. The tumultuous political climate in Colombia in 2021 disrupted the company’s operations, particularly impacting the workers in the factory. Viviana’s innovative approach ensured the safety and well-being of her team by providing private transportation during trying times. She navigated supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 by proactive negotiations with suppliers and efficient inventory management, demonstrating her leadership and adaptability.
Viviana’s wisdom is distilled into several invaluable lessons: trust your instincts, stay calm in adversity, embrace progress over perfection, find joy in your work, and prioritize people – both employees and clients. Looking ahead, Viviana envisions Fajas Tributo continuing its double-digit growth, diversifying its product portfolio, and becoming the foremost brand in the compression wear industry. She also aims to leverage AI for personalized client interactions, while continuing to aspire to leading the way in sustainability by becoming a carbon-neutral company.
“We are very focussed on embracing AI,” says Viviana. “We want to enhance our customer interactions by offering personalized communications for each and every customer in order to smooth the purchase journey.”Like any other e-commerce platform, she says, there is a massive challenge in sizing and fitting. “Even though our products are custom-made to fit clients’ measurements, we always face the challenge of clients measuring themselves incorrectly following the instructions provided.”
Knowing the struggle that this might be, Fajas Tributo has started to offer video consultations to assist people in their purchase and take measurements online. And to go one step ahead, they have partnered with Fit:match, a leading AI company, which will allow customers to 3D scan themselves and discover the best-fitting garments based on their shape. “Ultimately,” says Viviana, “this will also allow us to make more accurate compression garments.”
In essence, Viviana Millan’s journey is a remarkable narrative of an entrepreneur who defied societal norms, embraced inclusivity, and built a thriving company that embodies innovation and social responsibility. As a Colombian woman making her mark on the US market, Viviana’s story resonates with those who seek inspiration in the face of adversity, and her vision for the future is one that holds promise not only for her brand, but for the industry as a whole.
