Manuela Proaño is a leadership coach from Ecuador whose journey reflects courage, reinvention, and deep self-discovery. From the world of fashion and luxury branding to guiding leaders through personal transformation, her story embodies resilience and intentional growth. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Manuela for her commitment to empowering women to rise in their authenticity — a message that strengthens our 5M+ community of He-for-She and She-for-She supporters.

Q: What inspired you to start your journey as a coach?
A: My journey began with a personal challenge. I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for fashion, branding, and business. But after returning to Ecuador, I realized the fashion industry wasn’t developed, and then COVID hit — everything fell apart. I hired my first coach at a time when I felt I either had to transform my life or remain stuck forever. That transformation inspired me to get certified as a leadership coach. I saw a gap between my fashion background and the deep personal work I had done, and I wanted to help people step into their best version.

Q: What were some of the major challenges you faced?
A: One of the biggest challenges was transforming how people perceived me. Everyone knew me for fashion, but internally, I was shifting into leadership and personal transformation. Imposter syndrome was a big part of that journey — questioning “Who am I to do this?” I also had to build clarity on what I wanted and guide others to do the same. Most people don’t truly know their vision, and gaining that clarity is essential for transformation.

Q: What is your proudest milestone so far?
A: Being able to confidently charge the value of my work and the transformation I offer. When I began coaching, I never thought it would feel this natural. Clients now come to me asking for support, and that reflects the inner work I’ve done around self-worth. Money and self-worth are deeply connected, and helping clients elevate both is part of what I do today.

Q: What is your perspective on women in leadership today?
A: Many women feel they need to adopt masculine energy to lead — to become “another man in the room.” But our actual power lies in our femininity. Most overwhelmed women leaders I work with feel misaligned because they aren’t leading from who they truly are. When women access their feminine power, their impact becomes undeniable. We can be strong and direct while staying authentic to who we are as women.

Q: What message would you like to leave for aspiring women leaders?
A: Fashion and style are powerful tools for confidence and identity. The way you dress isn’t superficial — it’s telling the world how to treat you. When your clothes feel like your second skin, your presence becomes magnetic. Understand who you are from the inside out, and let your outward presence reinforce that identity.

Q: Are you currently a solopreneur?
A: Yes, though I’ve gone back and forth between having a team and returning to solo work. I’m now in a phase where I’m building a new team, but at the moment, I consider myself a solopreneur with support.

Q: What is your idea of success?
A: Success is living a life of freedom — creatively, financially, and with my time — while generating wealth. It’s finding harmony between abundance, beauty, joy, and purpose.

“In the journey to becoming who you want to be, the most powerful thing you can do is align your inner identity with the way you show up in the world.”

Connect with Manuela Proaño  Manuela Proaño | LinkedIn

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