Hi there! My name is Karen, a proud Venezuelan living in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy. Today, I’m thrilled to celebrate the three-year anniversary of my fashion brand, Karey. As I look back on this incredible journey, I want to share my story of leaving the security of a 9-to-5 job to follow my dream of building something truly my own.
The Corporate Routine
Like many of you, I spent my days in a traditional 8-to-5 job, navigating the corporate world with its structure and routine. While it provided stability, I always knew there was something more I wanted to pursue. I had a creative spark that wasn’t being fulfilled. I wanted to create something personal and connected to my heritage.
Moving to Florence, a city known for its deep-rooted history in art and fashion, further ignited my passion. It was here that I realized I needed to take a leap of faith if I ever wanted to pursue my dreams fully.
Fashion has always been a part of me. Growing up in Venezuela, I was surrounded by bold colors, expressive patterns, and a vibrant culture that celebrated individuality. When I moved to Florence, I discovered a different side of fashion—the precision, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance that Italian design is known for. These influences shaped the vision I had for my brand.
Karey was born from this fusion of my Venezuelan roots and the Italian craftsmanship I came to admire. It became clear to me that this was more than just a brand—it was a representation of my journey and my love for design, style, and culture.
I recently have made the decision to leave behind my 9-to-5 job and dedicate myself fully to Karey. It wasn’t easy, and the decision didn’t happen overnight. I spent months planning, saving, and creating a vision that truly reflected who I am and what I wanted to offer.
At first, the fear of leaving a stable income was overwhelming. But as soon as I dove into building Karey, I knew I had made the right choice. Every piece we create carries a story, blending vibrant design with timeless elegance.
In these past three years, I’ve faced many challenges—navigating the business side of things, staying up-to-date in the ever-evolving fashion industry, and learning to balance creativity with entrepreneurship. But each of those challenges has only strengthened my resolve and passion.
There have been moments of doubt. Would Karey succeed? Could I manage a business on my own? But each time I questioned myself, I reminded myself why I started. Karey isn’t just about fashion—it’s about crafting something meaningful, something that reflects who I am.
As we celebrate Karey’s third anniversary, I couldn’t be more grateful for how far we’ve come. Every design, every piece, and every collection has been a step forward in this journey. Florence, with its rich artistic legacy, continues to inspire me, and I’m proud that Karey reflects a fusion of cultures—Venezuelan vibrancy and Italian craftsmanship.
Three years have taught me so much. I’ve grown not only as a designer but also as a business owner. Building Karey has been a dream come true, and seeing our pieces resonate with people from different corners of the world fills me with joy.
The future of Karey is bright, staying true to the heart of what makes our brand special. I’m excited about the next steps and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
If there’s one lesson these three years have taught me, it’s this: taking risks is essential for growth. If you’re passionate about something, whether it’s fashion or another field, don’t be afraid to take the plunge. It’s scary to leave behind what’s comfortable, but the rewards of creating something that’s uniquely yours are immeasurable.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Karey along the way—your belief in my vision has been invaluable. Here’s to celebrating three wonderful years of fashion, growth, and passion, and to many more ahead!
With love and gratitude,
Karen
xoxo
