Discover KARIGAM: Karina Gamez’s Journey in Creating a Luxury Apparel Brand for the Modern Woman

Karina is pictured on the left

I’m Karina, the founder of KARIGAM, a luxury women’s apparel brand based in New York City. It’s been an incredible journey bringing this vision to life, and I’m thrilled to share our story with you.

We made our debut at IMG NYFW with none other than Hilary Rhoda and Jessica Stam as our brand ambassadors, which was an unforgettable experience. Our team worked diligently to develop a comprehensive branding package that included a strategic plan, brand positioning, unique content creation, and digital environments. We even organized events and PR support that garnered an astounding 19 million impressions in just two weeks! As the agency of record, we took a brand that was once nonexistent and propelled it to the forefront of the industry in just four months.

At KARIGAM, we embody a modern and chic aesthetic with an urban soul. Our ready-to-wear pieces are designed for the modern woman who appreciates style and sophistication. Inspired by linear, minimalist architecture and modern furnishings, our collections feature asymmetrical cuts and monochromatic colors that evoke a sense of length and strength. We draw inspiration from the black-and-white photos of iconic cityscapes like Paris and New York, with angular shadows that add an urban touch to our designs.

What sets KARIGAM apart is our commitment to creating pieces that are not only simple and minimalistic but also infused with unique details that foster a sense of independence between the garment and the wearer. Each piece is designed to seamlessly integrate into a woman’s life, celebrating her achievements and inspiring her to live confidently while looking her best.

KARIGAM represents a fusion of influences—American, Latin American, European, and global. We are proud to create fashion that resonates with women from all walks of life.

What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? Is having your own business something you always wanted?

My mother motivated me to become an entrepreneur, she is an entrepreneur and I think I inherited that from her. Yes, I always wanted to have my own business.

How did you come up with your business idea? What inspired you?

When I was a teenager I realized that I had ability to create innovative things, sketching, arts, music using the technology of the moment and I always wanted to put all of those things together to create my own brand even the name of my brand “KARIGAM” was created since I was a teenager. After I studied Fashion Design, I was in love with the fashion Industry. My mother inspired me.

What were you doing before this?  How did it prepare you for the entrepreneurial life?

I was working with my family business. I studied Business Administration and Fashion Design in my native country, Venezuela

What do you think is the biggest obstacle for female founders? How can we overcome it?

I think there are not a biggest obstacle for female founders than you cannot overcome because if you want and work hard to get your goals you will achieve what you want, the obstacle is in your mind and you are able to direct your own destiny.

What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?

I have sacrificed my time to share with my family.

How far are you willing to go to succeed?

I don’t put limits myself, I will do what I like to do, and I think success is when you are happy with the things you are doing and make you happy.

If you were a book, which one would it be and why?

If I was a book, I will be “the secret” because I believe in the power of the mind and energy of attractions. “You are what you want to be, and you attract what you want to get”

What do you think about company culture? What are some of your tips on being a good leader?

I think knowledge is power and I am open to employ people of different cultures because it will be a plus to my company also, my team and I will learn more about different cultures. I think a good leader should have knowledge, empowered to be ahead of other people.

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