Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Hurtado.
Hi Laura, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My birth name is Laura Ángel Obando, but after marrying the love of my life, I chose to take his last name. Today, I proudly go by Laura Hurtado
I am an immigrant from Bogotá, Colombia, and I arrived in the United States in 2017 with nothing more than a suitcase full of dreams and 100 dollars in my pocket. I was filled with hope, even though the road ahead was uncertain. From the very beginning, I experienced God’s mercy through people who offered me their help and kindness. However, those first months felt endless—long days of hard work, moments of solitude, and a deep longing for my family.
Seven months after arriving, I moved into my first space on my own. I remember walking into that empty room with nothing but the bed I had bought for $100 on OfferUp and my suitcase. Everything felt heavy—not just physically, but emotionally too. But then something extraordinary happened. The next time I opened that door, the room was fully furnished: a TV, nightstand, wardrobe, washer and dryer… and what moved me the most—a drawing table.
Since I was a child, I had always loved art. Drawing allowed me to escape, to dream, to imagine a world where I could be a fashion designer, a storyteller, an artist. That table felt like a sign. And as if destiny already had everything planned, that very same day I met the love of my life.
Time went on. I kept painting and drawing, and he invited me to his church: Church of God Ministry of Jesus Christ International. That invitation changed everything. I had been silently battling depression—a sadness and emptiness I couldn’t explain, a pain that no one could soothe. But that day, God spoke to me through the gift of prophecy. He made promises about my future—in work, in love, and in education. And little by little, as I continued to seek Him, I began to see those promises come true. Joy returned to my heart, and that quiet depression began to fade, without even saying goodbye.
I worked as a waitress at Hookita Lounge, where I also designed flyers by hand and built their website. Later, I painted a mural for an ice cream shop called Popsy, and that same owner invited me again—this time to paint at a Thai restaurant called Lung Yai Tapas. (To this day, I still believe they serve the best Thai food I’ve ever had.) I painted a large wooden table with elephants, using materials I barely understood. Even so, every finished piece amazed me. I knew for certain it wasn’t just me—God was guiding my hands.
Later on, a sushi restaurant opened in that same space. I painted a mural there too. I still remember those long nights and how proud I felt of the final result. That restaurant, Ahí Sushi, quickly gained popularity, led by the talented Chef Brian, who worked with a quiet joy that inspired everyone around him.
After that, a company called Clay World hired me to teach after-school clay modeling classes. Working with children changed me. They were my first true teachers—their sweetness, creativity, and imagination brought out the best in me and pushed me to keep going.
I also worked at the Pérez Art Museum, managing the parking area. Whenever I had the chance, I would sneak inside to admire the exhibits and feel inspired all over again. Later, I worked part-time at Giralda Place, giving out parking tickets. (Sorry if you were one of the unlucky ones!) I used the rest of my time to build my brand.
In 2020, my first business was born: Bompilori & Swann—a name that joined my husband and me. I designed the logo, built the website, and took free business courses with Mira USA.
At the beginning of 2021, I had my first interview on the Latino Live TV channel, in the entrepreneurship section.
That same year, I came across a book that changed my life: Experiences by María Luisa Piraquive. Through it, I discovered a new form of art: embroidery. The story of Dr. María Luisa Piraquive—a self-taught, talented woman who used her gifts to serve, teach, and transform lives—inspired me deeply. Embroidery became my new language, and I began to develop my own technique.
In 2022, I rebranded, and Be a Swann was officially born. On October 13th of that year, I registered Be a Swann LLC as my art company.
In 2023, I had the opportunity to take two life-changing courses through the María Luisa de Moreno Foundation. Their teaching model gave my work new meaning. That’s when I created the concept that now defines everything I do: “You are a piece of art.” Each handmade gift includes a poem and is created to celebrate the values and virtues of the person receiving it. The true work of art is the human being—their story, their strength, their beauty. Every piece is made with love, time, and purpose.
That same year, I participated in the 2023 International Entrepreneurship Fair organized by the foundation—an incredible opportunity that marked a new chapter in my journey.
And now, in 2025, I had the great honor of presenting my work at the Feria de Servicios para Colombianos en la Florida, sponsored by the Colombian Consulate in Miami and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I exhibited my art in the gallery, surrounded by incredible artists—a dream come true, another fulfilled promise I once only dared to imagine.
My path has been built brick by brick—each job, each success, each failure, each experience has been a step forward. Today, my mission is clear: to use art as a way to connect, to humanize, to inspire. Because in the end, “You are the piece of art”.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, I feel that the hardest part was believing in myself. I constantly doubted whether it was even worth it. It saddened me to realize that this journey required time and consistency. But over time, I came to understand that everything is a process—a step-by-step path. And even though I couldn’t see it that way back then, today I feel fortunate for everything I lived through to get to where I am now.
I was guided by those inner instincts, driven by my love for art and creativity, and above all, inspired by someone I deeply admire—Doctor María Luisa Piraquive. God renewed my strength again and again. Of course, I had moments when I gave it all up for a while—mostly because of time. The different responsibilities in my life didn’t allow me to continue pursuing my art. But that’s where the key and virtue of patience came in. And little by little, step by step, that patience carried me forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create digital illustrations, embroidery art, and photo embroidery. I’m really good with crafts and creative ideas. I love to write—and right now, I’m in the process of writing my own book. I consider myself versatile in art; if I don’t know how to do something, I’ll learn. If you need cards or designs, I’m here to help! I’m also working on tote bags and T-shirts—it’s a project in progress.
Little by little, I’ve started to get my name out there. There’s a funny saying that goes, “Only a mother would know them,”—and maybe that fits me! (Just kidding!) But the truth is, some people do know me, and I’m proud of the fact that what I’ve longed for is finally taking shape.
What makes me different? I do everything with heart. I take the time to listen and understand the person I’m working with, because to me, every piece is like a poem. And through that poem, I remind people that they matter—that their work is valuable, and that it’s worth it to keep going.
Yes, we’re millions of people in the world, but even one grain of sand can make a difference and contribute to the good of society. That’s something we often forget. Routine and daily life keep us so busy that we forget to nurture the values that matter more than money. Kindness and warmth really do matter—because one sincere smile can change someone’s entire day. It might even save a life.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In this field, it’s so important to have someone who inspires you—not just because they know the art or the craft, but because their life itself is an example. An example of values, of purpose, of integrity. Someone whose journey uplifts you in more than one way, and who motivates you to become a better human being for a society that truly needs it.
For me, that person is Dr. María Luisa Piraquive. Through her life and work, and through the Fundación María Luisa de Moreno—which stands as a living tribute to all she represents—I found that source of inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beaswann.com/en
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaswann1
