We were lucky to catch up with Caterine Sanchez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Caterine, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I decided I wanted to be an artist by the age of seven. I had always loved drawing and painting and knew it was what I wanted to do. However, It took me many years to figure out how I wanted to express my artistic inclinations. I started receiving commissions for portraits in high school and imaged myself one day owning an art gallery. This idea stayed with me into college, where I enrolled into an arts program at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, BC. It was a very experimental program where I explored all aspects of art and design; everything from bookmaking, screen printing, and ceramics to color theory and graphic design. I had always had an interest in fashion, however, it wasn’t until I took a semester abroad in Milan and studied fashion and textile design that I realized that is the direction I wanted my life to take.. I loved being able to create the textiles and design clothes. I was drawn to the movement and craft of creating something that a person could live in, that would influence how they felt about themselves, how others saw them. I loved the fact that my art could be a part of someone’s story- the favorite dress they wore to a special occasion or a special piece worn throughout the whole season.

Once I returned to Canada I continued on in my studies, and even went on to grad school, but the desire to create original textiles on my own designs grew. Between working and full-time studies I was beginning to get burnt out, so in the summer of 2009 created.a small batch of dresses that I hand- painted. My friends adored them, and I sold out immediately, getting commissions for the collection as well. This was the beginning of my brand and gave me the confirmation that I would be able to succeed and grow as a business.

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

Caterine Sanchez is a womenswear brand based in NYC with feminine silhouettes and vibrant, floral patterns. The brand has a ready-to-wear line with rental service available. The brand recently collaborated on a capsule collection with global online retailer Shein, for Caterine Sanchez X Shein.

As a designer, Caterine Sanchez has also been involved with wardrobe for various productions, most recently the NYC musical “Inconvenient Miracle”, and Netflix’s ‘Partnertrack’. For Netflix, she provided the real life inspiration behind the show’s fashion design character, Valdo.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One thing I wish I learned about myself earlier as a creative was the profound impact consistent exercise could have in my artistic output. Neither of my parents were artistic to be able to guide me in this and I shied away from sports in general throughout my childhood. Being perfectionist I loathed gym class in particular since I was no sports star. I enjoyed dancing and did so regularly, however I found the more I danced or did exercises like running, the better I felt. I found my moods were much more consistent; I felt more positive and happy -and my creative energy flowed much more easily. I began to be much more productive and gained more metal resilience which really impacted how I created my work.

Any advice for managing a team?

I think good communication is the key to managing a team well. To maintain high morale, care and respect should be shown to the whole person. I love to offer plenty of praise and positive feedback.

Contact Info:

• Website: caterinesanchez.com
• Instagram: @caterinesanchezcollections
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaterineSanchezCollections
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caterine-sanchez-585b5826/

Image Credits
Hideki Aono