I’m Carolina Navarro, the creator and heart behind Tatanka.

I grew up in Chile, surrounded by the vast beauty of the Andes Mountains, with my feet often in the sand and my spirit deeply connected to nature. From a young age, I felt drawn to Native American cultures and tribal beliefs—Tatanka, meaning “buffalo” in the Lakota language, reflects that connection.

My journey as an artisan began in 2015, after stepping away from a more conventional path and setting out to explore the world. Along the way, I discovered a deep calling to create with my hands. Without formal training, I began working with leather and beads—learning through curiosity, intuition, and trust in my own creativity.

I like to believe that this passion runs in my blood. My grandfather, whom I never met, was a skilled leather craftsman, making shoes and other pieces by hand. In many ways, I feel that his spirit lives on through my work.

Today, I call South Africa home, living along the beautiful Garden Route, surrounded by forests, mountains, and endless inspiration from nature.

I feel incredibly grateful to do what I love and to share it with others. Every piece I create begins as a dream—brought to life by hand—so it can be worn, loved, and carry its own story.