We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carolina Hernandez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carolina below.
Carolina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
I am a Navy veteran and during my time on active duty I had the opportunity to deploy and visit different countries all over the world on board USS Pearl Harbor. When I got out I enrolled at The Art Institute of CA-SD to become a Fashion Designer and once I graduated, I created my brand “Veteran Couture” which is the combination of my military background and my creative skills as an artist.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Since I am the 4th generation of seamstress in my family I inherited the passion for creating, sewing, and designing fashionable pieces and accessories. When I am developing a collection and going through the process of turning fabrics or unconventional items into functional garments or wearable art thats when I am the most efficient. In 2000, when I was 18 years old, I moved to the United States and in 2005 I joined the US Navy where I had the opportunity to deploy to the Middle East and South America which allowed me to see other cultures and experience their traditions.
Once I got out I enrolled at The Art Institute of CA-SD where I graduated with a bachelors degree in Fine Arts-Fashion Design. In 2015, I created my Veteran Couture clothing brand where I am able to make garments and apply different fabric manipulation techniques working with wide range of materials besides fabrics such as; leather, vinyl, plastic, foam, bubble wrap, balloons, pom-poms, news paper, etc.
Ever since I started my business it has never been the perfect time, but the fact that I am constantly creating new designs and working with talented people is what opened up doors for me and my teams getting us published in local and international magazines. Also, all my contributions led to being part of multiple television interviews for: CBS News, Univision, Estrella TV, Pen Fed foundation, Vice Media and my most recent one at The Kelly Clarkson show.
The one thing I take from my journey and all the failures and little milestones is that success is the result of little accomplishments. In order to continue growing, the key is to make the most of every single opportunity even when you think is a waste of your time and collaborate with people who have the drive and passion to grow as a team.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
After my military service I went to fashion design school but when I graduated I struggled finding employment. When I went to different job interviews I was told that I didn’t have the fashion design experience and also that my style was a bit too much. At that point I decided to get a job just so I could pay the bills but I continued designing on my free time to keep my creativity flowing. In addition to that, I continued serving in the Navy reserves because I enjoyed working with people from different walks of life. Through out the years, I have been going back and forth from one industry to another one but I can honestly say that this is what has been helping me have a more meaningful life. Specially when I am around veterans or working with passionate artists.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
I sell some of my accessories on Etsy on https://www.etsy.com/shop/VeteranCouture . The one thing I like about Etsy is that I am able to sell different handmade products under the same store. Customers can leave reviews and I can make custom orders when a client wants specific requirements. The down side of it is that so many companies sell there that is not about crafters and artists only. Another issue is having clients who harass artists and when you report it to Etsy they don’t do anything about it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.veterancoutureart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veterancouture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veterancouture/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chcarol72/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chcarol72
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VETERANCOUTURE
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/veteran-couture-downey-2
- Other: Tik tok: @veterancouture
Image Credits
Models: Selina Hall, Nicole Hernandez, Madi Salazar, Tracy Wong, Natalie Wojtaszek, Kimberly Stevens, Lachelle Pickens, Karenn Beltran, Marie Hermann, Lindsey Rummings, Merci Odima, Megan Kutschal, Francesca Manz. Photographers: Chris West, Anthony Mitchell, Liana Grigorian, Anjanette Arnold & Trudy Moylan. MUAH: Amy Galibut, Isabel Valencia, Carolina Hernandez, Irene kim, Amanda Coots, Michelle Limon,