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

Hi Carolina, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
One of the most important lessons my business and career have taught me is the value of patience and the willingness to take risks. Often, when I am developing a new product or creating something innovative, I come up with numerous ideas. I’ve learned to let those ideas flow, but it’s crucial to choose one and commit to it, even if it evolves along the way. This requires a lot of patience because sometimes I get overwhelmed.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the fourth generation of seamstresses in my family, and I truly enjoy creating masterpieces from scratch that carry powerful meanings. For instance, I designed the COURAGE collection using military uniforms and a wedding dress called PARACHUTE OF HOPE made from an actual nylon parachute.

The best part of my work is being able to showcase these creations during fashion shows, community events, art exhibitions, and in museums. Being a Navy veteran I love talking to people about what these pieces represent and their purpose. My designs have been published in both local and international magazines, and I’ve had the opportunity to participate in multiple TV interviews.

Although making everything myself can be challenging and overwhelming at times, I find that when I’m up sewing at 3 AM, working on something I love, I forget about my exhaustion. As an artist, being inspired allows me to get into a creative zone where I lose track of the world around me. I am sure other artists can relate.

I want the world to see the stories of servicemen and women narrated in creative high fashion, educating the masses about military history, unity and patriotism.

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?
I enjoy visiting museums, fabric stores, farmers’ markets, and the beach. I love color and texture, all of which can be found in the places I mentioned. I appreciate the creativity and artwork showcased in museums, the aisles filled with fabrics at fabric stores, the variety of fruits and vegetables available at local farmers’ markets, and the soothing sound of ocean waves at the beach. All of these experiences engage my senses and bring me a sense of tranquility that I believe many other creatives would also appreciate.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shout-out to all the veterans and the Navy chiefs who have mentored me or shared uplifting words that made me laugh or even got on my nerves. The most incredible part about the veteran network is that, even if it’s our first time meeting, it feels like we’ve known each other for years. This is a unique feeling that I have only experienced within the veteran community, regardless of the service era, age, gender or ethnicity.

Website: https://www.veterancoutureart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veterancouture/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chcarol72/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/veterancouture

Other: Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/veterancouture

Image Credits
Models: Stacy, Ronda Glez, Anna Gupta, Satya Mai, Lachelle Pickens, Lindsey Rummings,
Photographers: Anthony Mitchell, Arturo Garcia-Ayala, Robin Fadtke, Belva Chan, KC Slagle, Steve Manivong
MUAH: Reyna Khalil, Jessica Hernandez, Isabel Valencia
Stylist: Irena Fedorova

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