We recently connected with Karen Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Karen , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Upcycled Collective by Sizzle Arts

The Upcycled Collective program by Sizzle Arts goal is to foster a sustainable fashion ecosystem that inspires and empowers creativity. Through the art of upcycling, the program seeks to reduce waste, raise environmental awareness, and promote a culture of sustainability. By supporting designers and artists to reimagine and repurpose materials, Upcycled Collective aims to drive innovative solutions for climate action while building a community dedicated to eco-conscious living. The initiative provides resources, platforms, and opportunities for collaboration, culminating in creative presentations such as Upcycle Fashion Week, to spotlight the transformative power of sustainable design.

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?

Karen Smith, aka Sebastian: A Visionary Leader in Fashion, Music, Sustainability, and Design

Karen Smith, professionally known as Sebastian, is a multifaceted creative force whose career encompasses music, fashion, sustainability, and philanthropy. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, Karen combines a passion for service with an entrepreneurial spirit, crafting a legacy that bridges the arts, advocacy, and empowerment.

From Healthcare to Creative Industries
Karen’s career began in healthcare, where her nursing background instilled values of dedication and compassion. These principles fueled her transition into the creative world, where she became a self-taught stylist, designer, and producer. Early in her journey, Karen styled for the R&B group Men of Vision and produced acclaimed projects like the Women of Hip Hop Calendar, featuring icons Lauryn Hill, Left Eye, and Eve. She also created the Women of Music Calendar, showcasing stars Monica, Mya, and Aaliyah, and produced the T-Boz Calendar, with proceeds benefiting sickle cell anemia research.

Sizzle Arts: A Platform for Creativity
As the founder of Sizzle Arts, Karen established an organization that empowers emerging artists, designers, and models. She curates prominent events such as the Sizzle Arts Festival and Sizzle Arts NY Fashion Week, offering creatives a global platform to showcase their work.

Karen is also the editor of Fashion Sizzle Digital Magazine, an influential publication covering fashion, lifestyle, health, celebrities, travel, and more. The magazine serves as a hub for inspiration and information, reflecting her commitment to fostering creativity across industries.

Owner and Designer of House of Sizzle Vintage
Karen is the proud owner and designer of House of Sizzle Vintage, a brand dedicated to blending timeless style with modern sensibilities. The brand’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and heritage of vintage fashion while promoting sustainability through the reuse of iconic designs. House of Sizzle Vintage aims to inspire individuality and reduce environmental waste by encouraging a culture of thoughtful fashion choices.

Championing Sustainability and Innovation
Karen is a leader in sustainability, spearheading initiatives like Upcycle Fashion Week, which promotes eco-conscious design and innovation. Her brands, House of Upcycle and Upcycled Collective, focus on transforming pre-loved and recycled materials into fashion-forward creations, reducing waste while fostering creativity.

Education and Empowerment
Karen’s latest endeavor, Sizzle Arts Academy, offers online programs like Model Blueprint, designed to educate and inspire aspiring professionals in fashion and creative industries. Additionally, her Sizzle Models Agency supports diverse talent by providing mentorship and opportunities for growth in a competitive industry.

Advocacy Through Philanthropy
Through her nonprofit, the Sizzle Arts Foundation, Karen extends her creative vision to underserved communities. The foundation promotes sustainability and provides opportunities for emerging talent to thrive. Her philanthropic efforts, such as the T-Boz Calendar, showcase her dedication to using creativity for social impact.

A Unique Vision
What sets Karen apart is her ability to bridge multiple disciplines—blending her nursing background, creative talents, and entrepreneurial drive. From producing iconic calendars to curating festivals, editing a lifestyle magazine, and leading sustainability initiatives, her work reflects a commitment to innovation, empowerment, and positive change.

Karen Smith, aka Sebastian, continues to inspire and lead with her visionary approach. Whether through her creative projects, sustainability initiatives, or mentorship programs, she is shaping industries and uplifting communities with purpose and passion.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a profound mission to help others and create meaningful change, particularly through my sustainability projects. Fashion and the arts have the potential to shape culture and influence society, which is why I’ve focused my efforts on projects like Upcycle Fashion Week, House of Upcycle, and Sizzle Arts Foundation. These initiatives aim to reduce environmental impact, raise awareness about sustainability, and inspire others to embrace eco-conscious practices in fashion.

The goal of these projects is not only to foster creativity but also to empower communities. By supporting designers who use upcycled materials and promoting the reuse of vintage fashion, I aim to challenge the fast-fashion industry’s wasteful practices. Through events and educational platforms like Sizzle Arts Academy, I hope to mentor the next generation of creatives who will lead the charge in sustainable fashion.

Ultimately, my mission is to show that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand, proving that beauty and innovation don’t have to come at the expense of our planet. This work has allowed me to contribute to the global effort to fight climate change while uplifting others and encouraging them to consider the long-term impact of their choices.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to inspire change and contribute to something greater than myself. Through my work in fashion and sustainability, I find fulfillment in using creativity as a vehicle for positive impact—whether that’s helping others see the potential in upcycled materials, supporting emerging designers, or raising awareness about climate change through art.

There’s also a deep sense of reward in the connections I make with others. Creativity allows me to foster community and collaboration, which can spark innovation and drive forward meaningful causes. Seeing people engage with the work I create and knowing that it resonates with them or encourages them to take action is incredibly fulfilling.

Ultimately, the most rewarding part is knowing that my creative efforts can not only bring beauty into the world but also help shape a more conscious, sustainable future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fashionsizzle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashionsizzlenyfw/?next=%2F

Image Credits
Joe Swift’ @delamourphotos Tekk Photo Sizzle Arts