Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Hernandez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Mexico. After watching my Mother and Grandmothers sew and create garments, I got fascinated by the process and decided to join in the family tradition, which led me to Los Angeles, California with the desire to attend fashion design school.
However, in 2005, I decided to give back to the country that has given me a life-changing opportunity. Therefore, I joined the U.S. Navy and served on board USS Pearl Harbor where I got deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism and also during Operation Enduring Freedom 2012.
In 2014, I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion design from the Art Institute of California-SD and also received a scholarship during the 6th annual fashion show competition receiving the most creative award.
Because of my diverse background, I decided to incorporate my military experiences with my first passion, Fashion design. For this reason, I created the brand Veteran Couture founded in 2015. In my creations, you will see vibrant colors, various textures, unique embellishments, asymmetrical silhouettes, and fabric manipulation techniques which tease and trick the eye.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Well, when I moved to the US, I didn’t speak any English so that was my first challenge but my willingness to learn was so big that I enrolled in ESL classes on the evenings while I worked in the mornings just so I could learn it.
Another challenging time was when I joined the Navy. Working in a male-dominated community there is no room for weakness, you have to work hard and prove yourself in order to be part of a strong team.
My honest advice to women, in particular, is to continue educating themselves and invest in their physical, psychological and spiritual being. By meditating, walking, reading, learning and surrounding yourselves with people that can mentor you. This would allow you to feel great and become a better version of yourself.
Our capabilities are so amazing but sometimes, we take for granted how valuable we are.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a very creative artist, a Fashion Designer. I consider myself a storyteller because every collection I create, it starts with an inspiration, and then fabric selection, after that it goes through the cutting and sewing stages all the way to the final look. Everything including accessories is designed and made by me.
What makes me proud of my brand is that I am freely expressing my creativity without any restrictions. Every country I have visited, it left a remarkable experience in my life and all I am doing is transmitting them into the results of my creations.
What sets me apart from others is the fact that I enjoy seeing the emotions that my clients express when they are wearing my designs. Its such an incredible exchange of positive energy. That makes me happy, which is something that money can’t provide.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I honestly think that we are capable of doing any job as long as we stay focus on what we are aiming for. The opportunities are everywhere especially in this country where have so many rights and a lot of freedom compared to countries where women just stay home and take care of the kids.
In the Fashion Industry, it is very common to see women in positions of authority. In my personal opinion, every time I see a female as a truck driver, bus driver, mechanic or any other “masculine job,” it puts a big smile on my face because we show the “I can do it” mentality and break stereotypes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/veterancouture
- Phone: 323-420-4347
- Email: veteran_couture@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteran_couture
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veterancouture
Image Credit:
Photographers: Antony Mitchell and James Giovanni Pan, MUAH: Jessica Hernandez & Alondra Hernandez, Models: Marjorie Prolla, Elle Michelle, Oprah Bambui, Kim Ryberg, Joan Urchin, Gmonay Houston, Ariuka Nergui, Stephanie Guerrero, Brianna Yamamura, Katelyn Miller, Anya Tychinskaya, Ammy Beke & Stacia Johns
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
