We recently connected with Carolina Hernandez and have shared our conversation below.

Carolina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school

In 2010, I enrolled at The Art Institute of CA-SD where I graduated with a bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts-Fashion Design. During my time there, I learned different things from color theory, drawing, and painting to sewing, drafting patterns, and creating digital illustrations. At that time, I didn’t realize all the skills that, I was acquiring because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my career besides becoming a fashion designer. Years after I graduated, I started utilizing some of the skills I learned, and the more I used them, the more I developed other skills. For example, I took basic digital illustration classes where we learned how to use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and In Design. The fact that I learned those skills and continued practicing after my time in school now I work for a Veteran non-profit organization creating all their marketing material from two inch stickers, to flyers, posters, and digital content to eight to twelve feet banners. Aside from that, I create fashion designs by applying my sewing and pattern-making skills. You never know what opportunities will come your way, but it is good to be open-minded and benefit from having more than one skill.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Navy Veteran and Fashion Designer owner of Veteran Couture fashion brand. As a creative designer, I design and make masterpieces from non-conventional items such as paper, balloons, bubble wrap, plastic, pom poms, and refurbished military uniforms. During my design process, I enjoy applying fabric manipulation techniques to create texture and enhance the silhouette of the garments I make. Since I make everything from scratch, I can bring my ideas to life and create one-of-a-kind pieces. Some of my designs are inspired by the places I have visited during my time in the military such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Bahrain, Dubai, and others. Sewing has been a therapeutic way to decompress and find solutions to problems even when I am tired. When I am cutting a pattern and I am about to start sewing the pieces together I have to think ahead on the order I will stitch them together. Is the same thing in life, often we have to think ahead and analyze the steps we need to take if we want to achieve something. In my opinion, sewing has helped me develop those skills, and sometimes when I am in the zone, “sewing” I am able to think of ways to solve real-life issues.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I believe that we are living in the best era because we have technology available at our fingertips. We can connect, develop and create relationships with just one click with any person around the world. The best part is social media is free, the downside is that It can be time-consuming if you are trying to stay relevant and are constantly creating content. Every platform online has some value if you apply it correctly. I sold one of my dresses via Linked in when I shared a picture and an Army veteran contacted me telling me she was interested in purchasing a dress from my editorial. Another story is when I got contacted by a representative of The Kelly Clarkson show via Instagram. Two days later, I was at the show during her segment of Veterans in the Arts. You don’t have to have the most expensive camera or be a professional photographer to create content. You can share your action photos from your phone, any collaborations with other artists, and anything related to your craft. Displaying your work on social media platforms will allow other people to connect with you and get inspired by your work and vice versa. Go ahead and maximize the free resources!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a brand has been one of the most time-consuming processes that I have ever experienced, but making the most of every little opportunity has been a way to develop my brand with the reputation I have now. During my time in school, and my early years’ sewing I always make sure I did my best. Even when my best wasn’t the greatest. I participated in multiple fashion shows and a lot of the time we had more people backstage than attendees, but the one thing I learned is that when I would look at the pictures I couldn’t tell if the venue was empty or fully packed. The images looked flawless and made the fashion show appear a great success even if it was a total disaster. From that point forward, I always said yes to everything even when I was tired, or when I had to drive three hours to get to the venue, run around all day, and not get paid at all. In addition to that, at every event I was part of, I always met incredible people with who I developed long-lasting relationships. Those days were an essential part of the development process because I learned to appreciate every aspect of building my brand.

Image Credits
Models: Gmonay Houston, Lachelle Pickens, Shuudertsetseg Purev-Ochir, Selina Hall, Lindsey Rummings, Marie Cornell, Jannesa Balito, Yoanna Nedyalkova, Satya Mai, Vilena MUA: Isabel Valencia Photographers: Anthony Mitchell, Steve Manivog, KC Slagle, Julia Silverman Jewelry Designers: Coco + Peach Jewelry Stylists: Ilaria de Plano & Irena Iverson