We recently had the chance to connect with Norka Vasquez and have shared our conversation below.
Norka, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I used to be afraid to fully show my creativity. For a long time, I held back because I was worried about being judged or not truly understood. I didn’t want my ideas to be dismissed before they even had a chance to take shape. But over time, I realized that my creativity is my strength—it’s the very thing that allows me to see possibilities others might overlook.
Now, as a creative director, I’ve learned to trust my vision and embrace the process of bringing ideas to life. Seeing something that once existed only in my mind or on paper come together in real time feels incredibly rewarding. It’s no longer about fear; it’s about freedom, expression, and connection.
Every project reminds me that creativity is not just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, collaboration, and transformation. I often say I “make magic,” because that’s exactly what it feels like: turning imagination into something tangible, powerful, and real.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Norka Vasquez, and I’m a creative director, producer, and co-founder of the Caribbean Fashion Collective (CFC) — an initiative dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Caribbean talent on the global fashion stage along side the founder Xavier Walker and co-founder Stewella Daville.
What makes my journey unique is that I started on the creative side — styling, backstage, producing, and casting — before moving into leadership and creative direction. That experience allows me to understand every layer of the process, from concept to execution. Through CFC, I bring that vision to life by curating runway shows, developing talent, and collaborating with designers and artists who share a passion for innovation, storytelling, and representation.
Our mission with the Caribbean Fashion Collective is to create a platform where culture and creativity intersect — showcasing the artistry of the Caribbean and its diaspora to the world. For me, it’s about transforming ideas into experiences and turning imagination into reality — what I like to call “making magic.”
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work were my parents, who were both entrepreneurs themselves. My mother designed and sold clothes to show girls while traveling, constantly seeking out fresh boutique items to bring back and sell — teaching me the importance of creativity, resourcefulness, and finding opportunities wherever you go. My father ran multiple businesses and always emphasized the value of saving, independence, and personal freedom.
Growing up in our household, work ethic wasn’t just a concept — it was a way of life. I learned that achieving your goals requires dedication, discipline, and resilience, and that giving up was never an option. Watching them build their dreams inspired me to approach my own career with the same determination, creativity, and unwavering commitment.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: Your voice matters, you are enough, and never stop being yourself. Your quirks, your “weirdness,” and your consistency are exactly what will shape you into someone who brings light to every room. Trust in your uniqueness—it’s your greatest strength.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, absolutely — the public version of me is very much the real me. I’ve always believed in showing up as my authentic self, and I don’t sugarcoat much. Of course, I have off days like everyone else, but what you see is genuinely who I am. I love connecting with people, staying true to my energy, and if you’re ever looking for me, you’ll probably find me wherever the good food is!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply, that most people don’t, is that the real meaning of happiness isn’t found in glamour or possessions — it’s in love and shared moments with the people who matter most. True luxury isn’t about showing off; it’s about the privacy and intimacy of enjoying those little moments with your loved ones. That is where joy and fulfillment truly live.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://models.com/people/norka-vazquez
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenorkavasquez/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norka-vasquez-b785b1143/
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