Conversations with Norka Vasquez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Norka Vasquez.

Hi Norka, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in the Dominican Republic, where my passion and advocation for self-love began. I didn’t feel like I belonged and growing up in an environment where my opinions didn’t matter made me believe I was never good enough. My childhood as someone who was always awkward, quiet and quite odd didn’t earn me many friends. My ideals were not accepted at times and when growing up in a machismo country imagine how much you can do to change people’s thinking.

Fast forward, I moved to NJ and currently based in LA and NYC, I now work with brands as both an actress and model to expand the industry and work with people to try and contribute something positive in their lives, either with advice or as a guide for certain things I may have prominent knowledge in promote the idea that all bodies are beautiful.

I always shared my perspective on the fashion industry and the importance of representation. Since then, working with a number of brands, including Athleta NYC, Adore Me, and Pacifica Makeup focusing on my activism on and offline promote positive changes in the media.

The new projects in mind include writing my own book, creating a safe space for people who need help achieving goals and been seen as well as giving tools to those who need to learn in a positive way. My aim is to help ease the stress and uncertainty from those that barely get help or answers and create workshops to provide knowledge and means to succeed within the modeling and acting industry.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has never been a smooth road. I have been through many struggles, one being the biggest the language since my first is Spanish. I have been in situations where I was made fun of, treated with no respect and even felt the racism but as time has passed those situations have made me who I am now and I’m thankful for my outcome.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a model for basically a decade. I started with no knowledge and Google was my best friend. I have taken classes for runway, commercial, voice over and acting. Now I have been featured on NYFW as well as worked with well known brands. I made it to Vogue Italia, R29Somos, Refinery29, PopSugar and Maire Claire, and Harpers Bazaar. I’m known for always coming out on top and working with my dream brands like Macy’s, Target, Fashion To Figure, Ashley Stewart and Carol’s Daughter L’oreal.

What sets me apart from others is my undeniable desire to keep pushing and to pave the way for others just like me!

What makes you happy?
I’m happy when I’m surrounded by family and friends, having meaningful conversations, laughing and being creative but if I’m at the beach even better…

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thenorkavasquez