Our Story

For years, I admired that purse every day, always wondering about its origin. As I researched its story, I discovered it had been handcrafted by the Indigenous Wayuu people of La Guajira in northern Colombia, and these iconic handmade bags are known as Wayuu 'mochilas.'

That discovery inspired me to travel to La Guajira, where I had the opportunity to meet a Wayuu family who welcomed me into their home and introduced me to other families who were skilled artisans. During my time there, I spent time with Wayuu communities and learned about their culture, traditions, and way of life. I also came to appreciate that each bag is far more than an accessory. It is an expression of the artisan's creativity, heritage, and craftsmanship. Every combination of colors, patterns, and designs tells its own unique story, making each piece a beautiful reflection of Wayuu artistry.

After meeting the Wayuu community, I traveled back home to Dallas and began sharing their story while selling their handmade goods at flea markets and pop-up events throughout Texas. Through Tambora, dozens of families within the Indigenous community were able to earn a sustainable income to help meet their daily needs, and some were even able to pursue higher education.

As Tambora grew, I expanded into more established markets, including the Round Top Antique Show and Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Market. Each of these incredible experiences inspired me to continue growing Tambora and helped bring my vision for the brand to life in ways I never expected.

It was during my years as a traveling trunk show that I realized I wanted to expand my horizons into the fashion world. Along the way, I found myself dreaming of opening a boutique of my own.

Fast forward to 2024, and that dream became a reality. I opened my first brick-and-mortar boutique in Historic Downtown McKinney, Texas, which I'm so grateful for! I'm thrilled to be living this moment with all of you in the McKinney community. My hope is to share my love for handmade goods and beautifully crafted fashion pieces that celebrate creativity, individuality, and the feeling of confidence that comes from wearing something special.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my Tambora journey. I’m so happy to have you as part of our Tambora community. You can continue following along through our social media and blog posts as we share more stories, inspiration, and the beautiful journey behind Tambora.

Xoxo, Claudia