Franchesca Claros-Chavéz · Founder, Claros-Chavéz · NOVA/DMV, Virginia · @claroschavezx

Quotes are verbatim from her written answers. Italic passages marked "Narration" are our paraphrase.

Todos tienen una historia que contar- everyone had a story to tell

Narration. Franchesca comes from NOVA/DMV in Virginia, where, she says, many people weren't expected to make it out. In her second year of college she lost her serving job, and that's when she started her business.

The moment

when I was in my second year of college. I was let go of my serving job. I knew in that moment I was meant for more than just following the social norms. Following the rules, people, and groups. I began to start my business doing alterations for people on campus. Got my name known that I ended up on my schools paper. I knew if I could do something as small as hemming pants I couldn't imagine what I could do in other places in the world.

The opinion her industry won't say out loud

People can be self centered or egotistical. This could be true but in reality all of us are just trying to get ourselves out there. We may put up a wall but in reality we are hiding behind that wall that makes us afraid of failing. Even when we wanna try to be proud of ourselves we can be shown as that self centered or egotistical when in reality we are just celebrating our wins from the work we love doing.

Obscurity, not criticism

I've feared obscurity more than criticism. I've never been afraid of people having opinions about my work because I believe everyone is entitled to their own perspective. What scares me more is having ideas, creativity, and something meaningful to offer but never giving myself the opportunity to share it with the world or make the impact I know I can.

Going all in alone

Going all in alone… many usually stating a business have help around them an extra set of hands. For me I've always been independent which has benefited me but sometimes has brought me down. I would most definitely do it again because it got me to where I am today.

The money

All honesty money has been the biggest obstacle nothing in this life is free and we all work for something/ invest and I decided to do that for myself

Narration. She says her first real money went to paying down debts, helping her parents pay for school, buying her own school supplies, investing in a community she was building, and creating her school's first Latinx fashion show. She used the rest to move to another country.

The work

I offer original, thoughtfully designed pieces that combine upcycling, craftsmanship, and unexpected cultural influences. Instead of mass-produced clothing, customers get something distinctive, creative, and made with intention.

Her pillars

Culture, community, expression, and storytelling

Now is the time to bring more meaning back into fashion, celebrating individuality, culture, and the stories behind what we wear rather than just following trends.

The 10X goal

I want to see my designs worn around the world, collaborate with influential designers and creatives, create opportunities for underrepresented designers, and build something that inspires the next generation.

On the industry's headlines

Big-name collaborations, art or marketing?

Collaborations become interesting when two creative visions come together to make something unexpected rather than just putting two names together to sell a product. There should be creativity and purpose behind it.

Who decides who becomes a face?

I think it's a combination of both, but audiences have more influence today because of social media. People connect with personalities, stories, and representation, not just appearances. Sometimes the audience makes someone recognizable before the industry does.

Founders who sell and stay?

Selling doesn't mean losing your vision as long as you still have a voice in the creative direction.

Couture?

I think couture still matters because it's where designers can really push creativity, craftsmanship, and imagination without as many limitations.

Lightning round

Fame, wealth, freedom or impact

Freedom, impact, wealth, and fame

How far ahead she plans

Further than anyone will remember me

Off-planet living

Out among the stars — no ceiling

A one-way trip to another world

Yes I would, I'm a fresh start of person love to experience new things especially ones are afraid to try.

Superintelligence

I believe it can be both. Depending on how us humans wants to use it for good or bad.

Legacy, for whom

Whoever is out there, wherever they end up

Her TED talk

mentality: can either make you or break you but it's all up to you.

Her own question

are you afraid of anything?

yes, not living my life to the fullest.

Read on Nightlife Report

Follow Franchesca: @claroschavezx