We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karina Castillo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Karina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I started my journey during my junior year of high school. The idea first came to me during a home economics class where I realized my passion for creating and sharing my work with others. I began by sketching out my ideas, sewing, and developing a small portfolio. The next few months were spent experimenting with different mediums and styles, trying to find my unique voice.
After my junior year of high school, I enrolled in college to further my skills and network with like-minded individuals. The first year was all about learning the technical aspects and gaining a deeper understanding of the art world. I participated in local art shows, fashion competitions and collaborated with fellow students on various projects. It was an exciting time, filled with creativity and growth.
However, my college closed down a year before I was supposed to graduate. This was a huge setback, and I felt lost and uncertain about my future. I tried to keep the momentum going, but the disappointment and lack of direction took a toll on me. For four years after the college closed, I struggled with depression and felt disconnected from the art world. It was a challenging period, and I found it hard to believe that I could ever be part of that community again.
Last year in 2023 I saw a post on instagram about possibly having the opportunity to showcase in Arizona Fashion week. I applied and the rest has been so surreal! From meeting the team at AZFW, other designers, creatives, models. To having my own boutique with other local designers. To expanding my portfolio and growing and developing as a fashion designer. this year, I also had the opportunity to showcase a new collection, and it is still surreal to me. I feel like this is something that I would never have thought would’ve happened.

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

Sure! I’d love to share a bit about myself and my journey. I’m a fashion designer, and I sell handcrafted clothing and accessories. My focus is on slow fashion, which means I take my time to ensure each piece is unique and of the highest quality. I only produce one garment at a time, and I never repeat or recreate any designs. This approach allows me to offer truly one-of-a-kind items to my clients.

I got into this industry during my junior year of high school, where my passion for fashion and creativity began to flourish. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and developed a distinct style that reflects my commitment to sustainability and individuality. My clients appreciate the exclusivity and craftsmanship that goes into each piece, knowing that they are wearing something that no one else in the world has.

What sets me apart is my dedication to slow fashion and the personal touch I bring to every creation. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the positive impact my work has on promoting sustainable fashion practices. I want potential clients and followers to know that when they choose my brand, they are not just purchasing a garment; they are investing in a piece of art that tells a story and supports a more thoughtful approach to fashion.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Funding my business was definitely a journey. Initially, I relied on my income from doing inside work and various odd jobs to gather the capital I needed. It was a lot of hard work, but every bit I earned went straight into building my dream.

I also have to give a huge shoutout to my family. They have always been incredibly supportive and believed in my vision from day one. Their encouragement and financial support played a crucial role in helping me get started. With their backing, I was able to invest in the materials and tools I needed to start handcrafting my unique clothing and accessories.

It’s been a long and challenging road, but the combination of my own hard work and my family’s unwavering support has made it all possible.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with my clients and foster brand loyalty in a few key ways. Many of my returning customers are signed up for my newsletter, where I share updates, exclusive offers, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process. This keeps them engaged and excited about what’s coming next.

I also make a point to feature my loyal customers in social ads and posts, highlighting them as the face of my company. This not only shows my appreciation but also creates a sense of community and belonging. Maintaining a continuous connection and friendship with my customers is essential. I believe that building these personal relationships goes a long way in fostering loyalty and making them feel valued.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.CastilloByKarina.com
• Instagram: @castillobykarina
• Facebook: @CastilloByKarina
• Twitter: @castillobkarina

Image Credits

@oh.yano
@jzw_photo
@picturemeportraits
@jilianpyperphoto
@azfw.official