Andrés Felipe Barrios Tovar

I am Andrés Felipe Barrios Tovar, born in Colombia.

For many years I thought that success was an automatic consequence of studying, working hard, and following the traditional path.

 Life taught me that it doesn’t always work that way.

Today I am Emerald Rank at b:hip, a leader in international expansion and creator of a system that operates in various markets.

But my story did not begin with results. It began with doubts.

BEFORE b:HIP — THE REALITY

I graduated in International Business Administration and was recognized as one of the best administrators of my graduating class in Colombia.

I thought that would open doors. It didn’t.

 I tried multiple businesses:

  • Online clothing and sneaker sales
  • Personalized cards for special occasions
  • Desserts for Mother's Day and Father's Day
  • Selling sandwiches at a sports facility on weekends

Always trying to generate income with dignity. But still, I could not achieve stability.

THE INTERNAL STRUGGLE

There was a moment when the problem was not financial, it was internal.

I felt I had done everything “right”:

  • I studied.
  • I worked hard.
  • I tried to entrepreneurship.

And still, I saw no results.

  • That generates anxiety.
  • That generates frustration.
  • That makes you question yourself as a person.

I decided to move from Ibagué to Medellín looking for a change. I wasn’t looking for fame. I was looking for direction.

DISCOVERING THE OPPORTUNITY

When my wife told me about this opportunity, something was different.

I didn't feel pressure. I felt structure.

I didn't see exaggerated promises. I saw a system I could learn.

I started from zero. Learning. Making mistakes. Persisting.

THE FIRST RESULT

Our first great achievement was reaching the first leadership rank and being able to buy a vehicle.

It was not a luxury car. It was a Chevrolet Aveo.

But for us it meant everything.

We went from getting around by bicycle… to having our own car.

It wasn’t the car. It was the evidence that the system worked.

Success depends on you. You cannot expect other people to do it for you.

Andrés Felipe Barrios Tovar

There were moments when family doubted. When friends questioned.

But resilience and vision are what sustain a leader.

Over time I understood that leadership is not about speaking well.

It is about doing the work even when no one believes in you.

TODAY

Today I lead teams in different countries. We work on expansion in markets like Brazil and Chile. We operate under structure, not improvisation.

But beyond the business, what I value most is this:

  • I have grown as a person.
  • As a husband.
  • As a future father.

This business didn’t just give me income. It gave me purpose.

WHAT DEFINES ME AS A LEADER

I am not a leader who shouts. I am not a leader who pressures.

I am a leader who teaches the system. Who leads by example. Who works alongside their team.

When someone loses focus, I show them the way by working.

My story is not perfect. It is real.

And if there is one thing I have learned, it is this:

When you understand the right system, your life changes.