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

Hi Kimberly, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I think it comes down to asking the right questions: Is this still leading me somewhere I want to go? Am I evolving, or just repeating the same steps? I don’t see giving up as failure, it’s more about making space for the right thing. If I still want to learn and feel curious or excited by the possibilities, I know it’s worth continuing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work lives in that space between precision and storytelling. I’m a Technical Designer and Costume Designer, which means I don’t just create garments. I try to bring structure to vision and make it wearable. Whether it’s getting a hoodie spec right or building a custom look for a film, I live for creativity and execution, and the balance my work gives me of the two.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I didn’t have a straight path, and I definitely didn’t have a safety net. I’ve had to push through rejection, financial challenges, and moments where I questioned whether this industry had space for someone like me.

The only way I overcame those moments was by constantly betting on myself. Learning. Pivoting. Failing forward. I said yes to things that scared me, took roles that challenged me.

I want people to know that there’s power in showing up fully, especially in spaces that weren’t always built with you in mind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start with dinner at Meat on Ocean in Santa Monica, because nothing beats great food with a view of the water. One night would definitely be dedicated to Little Tokyo and street tacos, preferably from Leo’s. Somewhere in the mix, we’re getting a slice from Apollonia’s Pizza (coming from a New Yorker, it’s the best)! LA has its chaos, but when you know where to go, it’s full of little gems.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people who definitely deserve credit in my story. I’d love to shout out my mom. She’s strong, resilient, and a big reason I move through life with grit and a grounded sense of self. I also want to acknowledge Max Bustamante, Kelly Dowling and John Amico who’s been part of this chapter of growth in my life.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torres-kimberly?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm17025299

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