Check Out Juan J. Carvajal Ciodaro’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan J. Carvajal Ciodaro.

Hi Juan J., thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, in a city called Barranquilla, with Italian roots on my mother’s side. I grew up surrounded by the ocean, and as teenagers, we were deeply passionate about surfing and sports. The surf lifestyle became part of our identity — the way we lived, dressed, and saw the world.

My connection to fashion started even before surfing. Around 1998, I began buying clothes in the city center and reselling them in wealthier areas of the city. That early hustle sparked a deep interest in clothing, design, and entrepreneurship. Over time, I worked at a surf wear store, began traveling to Panama and later Miami to buy surf apparel, and co-founded a retail business. We opened two stores in Barranquilla and Cartagena, selling imported surf and streetwear for over 15 years.

Eventually, the rise of the U.S. dollar — almost 40% — made importing unsustainable. That’s when the need to create our own clothing emerged. In 2016, I designed my first collection of surf and casualwear using 100% Colombian materials and labor. that’s where Panccio Surf was born as a brand of its own.One year later, I left Colombia to explore the world — spending around 8 years living across continents, producing, selling, and learning everything I could about fashion, design, and culture on the road.

But at one point, I realized we were boxing ourselves in — too attached to just surf wear. That’s when I decided to expand the vision. I wanted Panccio to become something more universal, a container brand that could include multiple lines: surf, casual, urban, workwear, and even elegant collections. So, we rebranded as Panccio Co, and registered the brand officially in Catalonia, Barcelona (Spain).

Today, Panccio Co. is a true global brand — with roots in North America, South America, and Europe. We move through continents, absorbing cultures, styles, and textures. Most recently in 2024, we were living in Vancouver, Canada, where a new design language emerged — one that blends hippie, surfer, tropical, formal, and informal elements. Linen, prints, layers, bold combinations — everything rooted in culture and authenticity.

We no longer just design surfwear — we design a lifestyle in motion.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all — it’s been a long road, full of highs and lows, but always guided by faith in my purpose and deep belief in my brand.

There were times when things got really hard — doing jobs we didn’t want to do just to survive, dealing with people who tried to block our path, and facing all kinds of challenges while living in different countries, learning new languages, and adapting to unfamiliar cultures. Some days, there wasn’t even enough to eat — but we stayed focused, holding onto the vision.

I’ve had moments when I felt like giving up, like maybe it was time to walk away and start something new. But passion always wins. Even if you step away for a while, you always return to what feels like your essence — your life. Even if it means working other jobs just to keep investing in your dream, you keep going. Because it’s not just about profit — it’s about purpose. It’s about waking up each day with something to fight for, even if the results don’t come right away.

When you love something deeply, the applause, the money, the visibility — all of that becomes secondary. The real reward is creating, designing, bringing your ideas to life. That becomes your inner applause. That becomes the reason you keep moving.

I’m grateful for every difficult moment, because those were the ones that taught me the most. And I’m also grateful for the people I met along the way — those who helped, supported, and believed in me without expecting anything in return. They became part of the project, part of the story.

Every piece we create holds a story, a place, a moment. Our clothes speak without needing a voice. And behind every creative journey — behind every person fighting for their dream — there’s a book waiting to be written.

The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly meaningful. And I know the path ahead still holds powerful lessons and surprises for those who keep walking with focus, passion, and purpose.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Panccio Co is a clothing brand that was born from surf culture, but has since evolved into something much deeper — a nomadic, multicultural, and free-spirited expression of style and identity. We design from wherever we are in the world, drawing inspiration from the landscapes, people, and cultures that surround us.

We specialize in casual, urban, beach, and elegant wear — often blending elements of each into hybrid pieces. Our collections include linen shirts, printed button-ups, wide pants, caps, graphic tees, and one-of-a-kind garments. We work in exclusive limited editions, with no mass production — every drop is intentional, small-scale, and crafted with care.

Each item is infused with the energy of the place where it was made — whether it’s Latin America, Europe, or North America. Every piece has a story.

What sets us apart is our authentic cultural fusion. We don’t follow trends — we live inside them. Panccio Co is genderless, borderless, and rule-free. We create from intuition, from real experiences, and from the heart.

We’re proud to still be standing, evolving, and creating — no matter where we are. What we want readers to know is that Panccio Co is more than clothing: it’s a lifestyle, a global perspective, and a form of expression for people who live freely, think independently, and wear their story.

We offer worldwide shipping through our online store at www.panccioco.com, delivering across Latin America, North America, and Europe.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes — I’m deeply inspired by books that connect inner growth with purpose. A few that have impacted me the most are:

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse – a powerful story about self-discovery, detachment, and spiritual evolution.

The Dhammapada – sacred teachings of the Buddha that bring clarity, peace, and discipline to my daily life.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – a classic that reminds me of the power of mindset, vision, and persistence.

These books keep me grounded and help me stay focused, especially during challenging moments in business and life. They’ve taught me that success begins internally — with discipline, awareness, and a strong connection to your purpose.

Pricing:

• We offer a range of products and prices depending on the materials, location of production, and exclusivity of each item. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, please visit our official store: www.panccioco.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.PANCCIOCO.COM
• Instagram: @PANCCIO_CO
• Other: https://WA.ME/16722000483