Forbes Colombia recently presented the list of the ‘15 Small Giants of Colombia’, a selection of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) from different regions of the country that have had a remarkable growth in the last year and whose business models stand out for their potential for business scalability. This list includes two brands from Santander: Sixxta and Alicia Wonderland, both created by graduates of the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS).
“It is a recognition for the company, my family, our team and for the footwear sector in Santander. Thanks to the work of more than 15 years, we found the ‘DNA’ of our products and have created a community with a lifestyle that is reflected in Alicia Wonderland,” said Sergio Andrés Serrano, founder and CEO of Alicia Wonderland.
The publication highlights that MSMEs support the economic structure of the country, represent the majority of the business fabric and are generators of formal employment in Colombia. The selection recognized those companies that, with innovative proposals and strategic vision, managed to stand out in the national business landscape.
“The UIS taught me to understand that the sky is the limit. My alma mater was an injection of discipline and self-learning, it taught me to strive and be self-taught,” said Sergio Serrano.
Alicia Wonderland: creativity and connection with the digital community
The Alicia Wonderland footwear brand was founded in 2009 by Sergio Andrés Serrano, a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering program at UIS. According to Forbes Colombia, it currently has monthly sales of more than 5,000 pairs of shoes, which evidences its consolidation as a benchmark company in the urban fashion sector.
The company’s success has been based on the innovation of its products, the organization of time, the resilience to adapt to market dynamics and the strategic use of digital platforms. What began as a venture with reduced capital and a commitment to unconventional designs, today is one of the most recognized brands in the country.
During his participation in the Eureka Summit, led by the UIS Emprende program, Sergio shared that “the key to the success of a venture in social networks is that, beyond offering a product or service, it is possible to create a community with followers, with valuable content that brings them closer to the product”.
Sixxta: fashion with purpose and Gironese roots
Sixxta was founded in 2012 by Mayra Gómez, creative director, and Lúdwing Serrano, CEO of the brand and Industrial Engineering graduate from UIS. The Forbes publication describes it as a “family brand that believes fashion can be responsible and fun”.
Since its inception, Sixxta has established itself as a company that promotes female empowerment and highlights local traditions, especially in the municipality of Girón, Santander. Its garments are made in its own workshops, led mostly by women, with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
Mayra and Lúdwing shared their entrepreneurial experience in an edition of ‘Tell your Story’, a conversation with entrepreneurs promoted by UIS Emprende, where they highlighted the brand’s purpose of “highlighting femininity without complexes. A brand by and for women”.
The UIS Emprende entrepreneurship program has highlighted the work, trajectory and success of these companies from Santander, which have become a reference for entrepreneurs in the region and the country.
The publication of Forbes Colombia magazine is available at: https://forbes.co/2025/04/11/negocios/las-15-pequenas-gigantes-de-forbes-pymes-que-estan-transformando-sus-negocios
