Beyond Borders: How Yvonne Niwahereza Colangelo Merged Art And Finance To Create A Unique Personal Brand

Where most see boundaries, Yvonne Niwahereza Colangelo, founder of renowned brand marketing consultancy, Breathe88, sees bridges.

Her innovative journey merges the meticulous world of finance with the transformative power of art, creating a hybrid space where vibrant creativity meets meticulous analytics. This fusion, embodied by her venture Breathe88, disrupts conventional marketing and brand strategies, proving that the most compelling innovations often arise from the union of distinct and seemingly unrelated fields. Yvonne’s story is a vivid illustration of this phenomenon—a testament to the untapped potentials that exist where diverse worlds collide.

Yvonne’s leap from finance to founding Breathe88 was driven by her profound realization of art’s power to express, connect, and revitalize. This pivotal transition was not just a career change but a personal evolution from the rigid structures of financial management to the fluid, expressive world of art. This journey began during a critical moment of introspection and challenge that tested her resilience and pushed her to explore beyond the conventional boundaries of her previous career.

In her financial career, Yvonne excelled through her analytical rigor and strategic thinking. Yet, she felt a deeper call to integrate her creative passions with her professional skills. The world of art provided her with the emotional and expressive outlet she needed, and it became clear that her path would take a new direction—one that would blend the precision of finance with the passion of art.

With Breathe88, Yvonne has created more than a consultancy, she has sparked a movement that embeds art into the DNA of brand strategy. Her firm empowers businesses to tell their stories in a way that resonates emotionally with audiences, transcending traditional marketing tactics that prioritize transactions over connections. 

Yvonne’s decision to intertwine art and commerce has set a new industry standard, challenging businesses to rethink how they interact with customers. Her work at Breathe88 has not only elevated the brands she collaborates with but has also established her as a thought leader in the creative and financial industry where she was awarded the 2024 40 Under 40 Business Award, recognizing her innovative approach and impact in the business world.

Parallel to growing Breathe88, Yvonne embarked on another deeply personal project: writing her book, “Reclaiming My Name, Niwahereza”. This memoir is not only a tale of personal triumph and identity but also a call to others to discover and assert their true selves. In it, Yvonne shares her journey of overcoming adversity and embracing her unique identity through the transformative power of art.

Her book delves into the challenges of navigating two highly contrasting worlds—the logical realm of finance and the emotive sphere of art. “Reclaiming My Name, Niwahereza” serves as a testament to Yvonne’s life philosophy; that embracing our true selves enables us to forge genuine connections and make impactful contributions to society.

Yvonne Niwahereza Colangelo’s story is a beacon for innovation, resilience, and the power of authentic self-expression. Through Breathe88 and her writing, she continues to inspire individuals and businesses alike to bridge the gap between their artistic visions and commercial realities. Her leadership not only redefines the boundaries of creative and financial enterprises but also shows how from the synthesis of diverse experiences arises a story of extraordinary influence and inspiration.

Yvonne embodies the ultimate fusion of life’s canvases, art and finance, demonstrating that the most profound connections come from a deep understanding of our most authentic selves. Through her story, we see not just the beauty of transcending traditional boundaries, but the power of a narrative that weaves resilience with creativity, turning life’s trials into triumphs of the human spirit.