Meet Karla Dipuglia

We recently connected with Karla Dipuglia and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karla, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from the constant support and love of the people closest to me. As a creative person, I know how easy it is to be hard on yourself—our ambition can sometimes lead to disappointment when things don’t go as planned. Having a strong support system has been so important in helping me move forward, even during challenging times.

I’ve also learned that resilience requires self-compassion. It’s about recognizing that you’ve done your best within your circumstances and understanding that growth and success take time. Staying consistent, even when progress feels slow, is what ultimately brings a vision to life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder of Ká Dipuglia, a fashion brand rooted in exploring the rich and complex identity of the Caribbean. Every decision we make reflects our commitment to shaping the future of conscious Caribbean fashion.

All our accessories are thoughtfully crafted in the Dominican Republic in collaboration with skilled artisans and small-scale manufacturers. This close partnership ensures that each piece carries the spirit of our heritage and supports local craftsmanship.

At Ká Dipuglia, Caribbean Consciousness is at the heart of everything we do. It means expressing gratitude and showing respect for the history held by our lands, seas, and forests. It’s about keeping alive the essence of our ancestors and weaving their stories into our contemporary world. This philosophy guides us as we strive to honor our past while innovating for a more sustainable future.

The brand began as a personal journey, inspired by a spiritual connection to my grandmother—someone I never had the chance to meet. This connection made me reflect on how our ancestry shapes us, much like culture itself is influenced by the intangible aspects of our past that continue to affect our present.

As a person and a brand, I’m deeply invested in understanding and celebrating Caribbean history through designs that merge the past, present, and future. Ká Dipuglia is not just about fashion; it’s about telling stories, preserving heritage, and envisioning a sustainable and meaningful path forward.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Curiosity:
My curiosity has always driven me to ask questions, explore new ideas, and seek deeper understanding—whether it’s about history, culture, or the craft itself. This quality helped me discover my passion for fashion and allowed me to integrate storytelling and cultural exploration into my work.

2. Resilience:
The creative journey is filled with highs and lows, and resilience has been essential in navigating them. There have been moments of doubt and setbacks, but being able to keep going, learn from challenges, and adapt to change has made all the difference.

3. Adaptability:
Adaptability has been key. Every day brings new opportunities and challenges, and being open to change has allowed me to grow my vision and evolve my approach as circumstances shift.

My advice for anyone starting out, remember that it’s a journey of constant learning and growth. Be patient with yourself, stay grounded in your values, and take the time to define what success looks like for you. Most importantly, enjoy the process!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always open to partnerships and collaborations that align with Ká Dipuglia’s values of cultural awareness, environmental responsibility, and creativity.

I believe in the power of collective impact, and I’m particularly interested in working with like-minded individuals or organizations who share our commitment. I would love to collaborate with artists who are exploring Caribbean history and the rich tapestry of identity—whether they work in photography, fine arts, or textiles. For me, it’s really important to be part of and help create a sense of community. Additionally, I would like to partner with organizations focused on social work, cultural preservation, or ecological initiatives in the Caribbean to explore how Ká Dipuglia can be involved in their efforts.

If you’re interested in collaborating or exploring partnership opportunities, feel free to reach out! You can connect with me directly through email or via social media. Let’s explore how we can join forces to bring our shared vision to life and make a meaningful impact.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photos 1-3: Leslie Soto Segura (photographer)
Photos 4-8: Eduardo Javier (photographer)

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