We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carolina Hernandez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carolina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I am happy to know that I am utilizing my creative skills to develop art and projects that come from my own imagination based on the places I visited or my surroundings. I don’t think there is nothing more rewarding in life than bringing your own ideas to life. There are some days where I get too overwhelmed by everything I am doing and that’s when I know It’s time for a walk on the beach.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a creative fashion designer, owner of brand Veteran Couture & I am also a Veteran advocate. After serving in the US Navy for almost 19 years of combined active duty and reserves, I can say that I truly enjoy giving back to the community by supporting veteran, women, art and latino related events. I think when you shift your energy to engage with other like minded people is when you get to discover your full potential and achieve greatness.
Some of the problems I solve in my industry is creating fashionable garments that are unique and well made in USA. From hair accessories, to hats and full gowns my attention to detail in craftsmanship is the same every time I come up with something new. I want my clients to have peace of mind knowing they bought durable products from my brand.
I would say that I am very proud of the people who I get the opportunity to work with when I do a runaway, a fashion editorial or simply attending an event where I get to bring my models. To me, that is very meaningful because I get to apply different skills, develop relationships with others and grow my network at the same time.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing my own fashion designs during a fashion show or at a magazine publication. I think being able to see the final product of something that was created by my own hands adds credibility to my journey as a creative.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Reading books has definitely provided me tremendous knowledge that had helped me minimize mistakes and grow at a personal and professional level. Some of my favorite books are: Think and grow rich, The 10X rule, Atomic Habits, Good to Great, and Relentless to name a few. Also, reaching out to mentors for guidance on different aspects of my journey has been key in making the right decisions or at least getting different perspectives before making big decisions.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://veterancoutureart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veterancouture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veterancouture
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/73777577/admin/feed/posts/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chcarol72
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8lhjkfzxWCOM0H_-gcNxw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/veteran-couture-downey-2?osq=veteran+coture
Image Credits
*Models: Jena Masero, Penelope Decire, Joan Chu, Lachelle Pickens, Azhu Duzet, Henry Willis, Quincy Tao, Marc Cinocco, Brandon Williams, Bobby Britton, Alexia Norris, Victoria Kammerzell Chavez, Luana Ceratti, Phuonganh Nguyen, Jorge Chavez, Ksenia Rublevskaia, Violet & Khen. *MUAH: Natalie Bohlin *Photographers: Carolina Hernandez, Lightheart Danceart Photography & Alma Salomon Photography *Fashion Designer: Veteran Couture