Daily Inspiration: Meet Carolina Leiva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Leiva.

Hi Carolina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Wine runs through my veins; I grew up in the countryside, surrounded by the earth and with a deep love for local culture that would ultimately shape every step of my journey. Added to this root is a profound conviction: sustainability, recycling, and environmental care are not just concepts, but ethical and vital pillars that run through everything I do.

This conscious perspective was also nurtured in the classroom. For ten years, I worked as a university professor, teaching design at the undergraduate level and leading the Green Brands course in an MBA program at Univates University in Brazil—a space that allowed me to explore how projects can truly transcend through environmental responsibility and purpose-driven innovation.

My academic background serves as the compass for my aesthetic and creative vision: my degree in Graphic Design gave me the essential visual tools, my Bachelor’s in Product Design sharpened my ability to detect real needs, and my Master’s in Strategic Communication opened the definitive doors to the world of wine. This led me to lead the marketing department for two prominent Chilean boutique wineries, managing operations from deep within the industry for nearly a decade.

This internal perspective allowed me to build memorable experiences: I created the wine tourism department, managed national and international press, and designed every experience for key clients and journalists visiting the winery. Furthermore, I worked hand-in-hand with winemakers to co-create new wine projects and product launches rooted in the land.

When the pandemic hit, my network within the gastronomic and wine scene became an engine of resilience and creativity. Alongside great industry figures, I spearheaded unforgettable projects: we hosted nearly 300 in-person and virtual dinners with Frederic—the Frenchman who owns Chile’s best wine bar—and Gino Falcone—the Peruvian chef behind the “cocina Travesti” concept, which rescues international recipes using local ingredients. At the same time, for two years, I hosted a live Monday Instagram show called “Maldicion Gitana” (under the motto “tomamos el lunes, tomamos toda la semana” — “we drink on Monday, we drink all week,” which carries a playful rhyme in Spanish), conversing live with winemakers, restaurateurs, and key figures, foreshadowing what we now know as podcasting.

This dynamic momentum led me to serve as Director for Latam for Wines of Chile, also encompassing the domestic market. From that role, I coordinated massive, high-impact initiatives such as Master Classes, the Wine Gala, and wine fairs spanning ten city blocks in Chile, celebrating our liquid identity on a grand scale.

Today, life has brought me to a new and passionate adventure in the United States, a geographic shift where my Instagram account (@caroleya) has gained even greater traction. From here, I communicate wine from an everyday perspective, under the premise that wine makes everything better. My posts weave together daily recipes with more sophisticated dishes, always seeking to generate sensory awareness and respect for origin.

This unique journey—which blends design, sustainability, corporate strategy, haute cuisine, and digital closeness—is what brings me a very special recognition today: being invited for the second consecutive year to the VinoInfluencers World Awards 2026, to be held this September in Valladolid, Spain. This international event brings together the top 100 content creators and industry leaders from over 30 countries. Being part of this gathering validates a different way of communicating wine: without solemnity, honest, and deeply connected to the land and the people.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any path worth taking, it hasn’t been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. Coming from the corporate world and traditional marketing in Chile, adapting to new markets, reinventing myself on digital platforms, and now building a new home in the United States has required constant resilience.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest challenges wasn’t external, but internal: combating imposter syndrome. That persistent voice that makes you question whether you truly belong on big stages, alongside international leaders, or up to the standards of such a global industry. In the beginning, exposing yourself digitally and sharing your vision in front of experts from over thirty countries makes you second-guess your own worth.

However, I learned to turn that self-demand into my greatest engine. Instead of paralyzing me, imposter syndrome became the driving force pushing me to study harder every day, sharpen my perspective, and convince myself that my voice—built on authenticity and daily hard work—truly brings a unique value. In the end, every difficulty has been a lesson, teaching me that true growth happens right when you decide to push through your own self-doubt.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I dedicate myself to digital wine communication and experience design under my handle @caroleya. My specialty is bringing wine culture closer to global audiences from an everyday, honest perspective free of unnecessary technical jargon, always connecting wine with gastronomy and everyday recipes. I am recognized for this fresh and approachable style—acting almost like a culinary lifestyle diary—and for representing Chile internationally, having been invited for the second consecutive year to the prestigious VinoInfluencers World Awards 2026 in Valladolid, Spain. This international recognition builds upon nearly a decade of leading marketing for Chilean wineries, directing Latin American strategy for Wines of Chile, and combining design, sustainability, and haute cuisine.

What are you most proud of?

I am deeply proud of having built a genuine bridge between wine and people, managing to strip away its solemnity without ever losing its depth. I am also proud of my resilience and ability to reinvent myself: transitioning from corporate marketing and university teaching to building a global digital community from the US, all while staying true to my roots, sustainability, and respect for the earth.

What sets you apart from others?

What sets me apart is my cross-disciplinary background and my strategic, aesthetic vision. Coming from a design (graphic and product) and corporate strategy background gives me a unique sensibility for curating experiences, understanding consumer needs, and communicating with a strong visual and narrative sense. I don’t talk about wine from the pedestal of traditional criticism, but rather from the dinner table, the kitchen, and daily life, making anyone feel that wine is accessible, enjoyable, and an essential part of their everyday routine.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
If you see me sharing a glass of wine, cooking with ease, or showing a relaxed smile on social media, you would probably never guess these three behind-the-scenes secrets that truly define me:

First, I am extremely structured! Even though my brand feels organic and effortless, the reality is that everything I do is meticulously studied. I analyze every alternative, every scenario, and every detail down to the millimeter, because I firmly believe that success is never an accident—it’s the result of a very well-thought-out strategy.

Second, I suffer from stage fright. People who watch me interact, speak at events, or connect with crowds are always shocked to learn this. My personality is upbeat, positive, and very easygoing, but behind that facade lies a wave of nerves that I have to master every time I step into the spotlight. I’ve learned that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but rather moving forward despite it and refusing to let it paralyze you. That adrenaline rush is actually my greatest driving force!

And third, my ultimate life compass boils down to my personal motto: “Everything has a solution… except death and taxes!” That little dose of humor saves me every single time. When facing any difficulty, I don’t waste time complaining; my mind instantly shifts into solution mode, focusing on how to fix it and keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroleya/?hl=es-la
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caroleya1/about
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-leiva-yañez
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caroleya