We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Vazquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing about my industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is the way that fast fashion (inexpensive “trendy” clothing rapidly produced by the mass market retailers) has affected us. There are many familiar brands and companies that do not openly discuss their business practices to the public and as a result, issues such as poor working conditions in sewing factories remain unnoticed by the shoppers. Shoppers also lose sight of the traditional form of art because we are constantly encouraged to update our garments very rapidly that we the designers have to constantly prove our capabilities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art infuses the beauty of the mind, body, and heart into clothing. When designing and modeling, I am aware of the power a garment has. Fashion is the reflection of the times and the armor one wears for individuality. To me, pattern making and sewing is an art form. Unfortunately, many of the fast production factories have abused this skill. As a designer, what sets me apart from others is that every stitch actually matters. Durability and quality speak to the heart of my designs. Therefore, when people wear my clothing, it is a reflection of my story. My story is instilled with perseverance, hard-work, and resilience. These elements are what have enabled me to continue on in the fashion industry. In regard to my story, I want my clothes to be everlasting and not mass produced. It is important to me to design with intention. I am most proud of and excited to be working as a model for various clothing companies while also developing my very own pieces. Modeling has given me a new outlook on personal style and individuality, the biggest lesson I have learned along the way is that in order to love fashion you don’t have to dress like everyone else, you can be yourself and embrace your uniqueness. As a result, my experiences have also strengthen my own skills as a creator. I have also learnt that starting small is actually the best way as you tend to grow with it. Fashion it’s not as easy as many people think, you have to follow your own pace and energy flow, not limit yourself and seize any opportunity that comes your way and start from where you can manage, in order to be successful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To me, nature inspires feelings that connect us to each other and helps us to refocus, if my best friend was visiting the area, I would probably take them to the places that have inspired me the most in California such as a botanical garden where we can start our day with a healthy meal, making a wishing tree and connecting with nature somewhere in Old Town Pasadena. In the afternoon we would experience the magic of the sunset on the beach in Palos Verdes and disconnect our minds from our fast paced world for a bit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to recognize my cousin Moises Calderon, business owner and entrepreneur, who has helped me developed a business mindset and has supported my creativity when the project is in its earliest stage of development, he has always encouraged me to take greater risks and excel. “To live up to my dreams and what I am meant to be,” with what he describes as my “God given talent,” because “there are no mistakes in life, only lessons.”

Instagram: instagram.com/jael_vaz13
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jessica-vazquez-902469175
Youtube: https://youtu.be/cKrOHNeNinQ
Other: @jaelvaz13 on depop

Image Credits
Yaqui Hernandez