We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Norka Vasquez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Norka below.

Norka, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

I started as a freelancer and with seeing lack of inclusivity decided to start advocating for some changes. My good friend Xavier Walker had an idea to create a collective that would support and uplifting emerging designers worldwide, with a strong focus on the Caribbean. while providing a platform for exposure, mentorship, business growth and empowering talent to thrive in the global fashion industry. I knew i had to be a part of this and join forces so then Caribbean Fashion Collective was born

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.

I began my journey in the industry as a model and a body positivity advocate, using my platform to promote inclusivity and confidence. While working closely with creatives, I found myself naturally drawn to the behind-the-scenes aspects of the industry. This shift led me to take on roles as an assistant, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience and insight into the inner workings of the fashion world.

My passion and dedication eventually led me to become a casting director, booking models and collaborating with well-known brands. This role allowed me to shape campaigns, select talent, and contribute to the creative vision of major projects. Through my work in casting, I seamlessly transitioned into the role of a creative director, where I was able to bring together my understanding of talent, branding, and storytelling to produce compelling and dynamic content.

Simultaneously, my expertise in casting opened doors for me in the world of fashion production. I began producing shows for New York Fashion Week, managing both the front and back of house operations. My role required overseeing every detail, ensuring seamless execution, and maintaining the high standards expected at one of the industry’s most prestigious events. From coordinating models and designers to managing logistics and creating unforgettable experiences, I became an integral part of the NYFW production scene.

Today, my multifaceted experience allows me to navigate the industry with a unique perspective—one that bridges the gap between talent, creativity, and execution. My journey from model to body positivity advocate, casting director, creative director, and fashion show producer has been one of growth, learning, and passion. I continue to push boundaries, create impactful work, and contribute to the ever-evolving fashion landscape.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met Xavier, the founder of Caribbean Fashion Collective, while freelancing as a model and trying to make my way in the industry. He had a look and confidence that immediately drew me in, making me want to get to know him. I even asked him for runway walk lessons, and trust me, without his guidance that day, I would have been lost.

From that moment, we became family. Along the way, I met the second co-founder, Stewella, while she was running back of house for shows that I was cast to walk in. This has been a long journey for all of us—tapping into our creative sides, developing our skills, and ultimately growing into the powerhouse we are today.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients has been attending events and directly engaging with designers. By getting to know their stories and understanding their struggles, we build genuine connections. We often ask them how they would feel about having a foundation and a team behind them, then take it from there.

Another effective method has been through interviews, such as the one we did with Good Morning Barbados. That community has continuously shown us love, reaching out for advice and exploring opportunities for possible showcases at NYFW.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.caribbeanfashioncollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenorkavasquez/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norka-vasquez-b785b1143/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/caribbean.fashion.collective/
  https://www.linkedin.com/company/caribbean-fashion-collective/