Nicole Caldwell a.k.a. Azevedo: Fashion Designer / Miss Heart-o-Gold USA / Accidental International Nurse

Sagewolf Interviews

@nicoleliolie
The scene:
We are sitting on the front porch of Nicole’s adorable apartment, 2 blocks from Seal Beach, CA, on a damn gorgeous So-cal day. She shares this apartment with her brand-new husband and this is the first time she has ever lived outside her parents home. Nicole and I first worked together 6-ish years ago and have seen each other through huge life changes. She is the most integrous and kind person I know - and I don’t use those words lightly. Join us for a conversation between 2 girls cut from the same cloth (fashion pun - obvi).
Highlights:
+ 10 months newlywed
+ We’ve built some big brands together - GRLFRND and Boyish
+ Forever saved as “intern” in my phone - a sweet inside joke
+ Paris Fashion Week, pushing me in a wheelchair
+ I lost her grandmother’s earrings in Paris (and still feel guilty)
+ Helping others is above all else
+ Mentoring and being a kick-ass mentee
+ Post-it addict rehabilitated with Google docs
+ Dad and mom both raised her to help others
+ Feeling like you don’t fit in and proving yourself
+ If we don’t share our stories with others, what good does it do?
+ Taking pride in being an example for others
+ Being a fashion educator
+ Designing jeans to make your butt look great
+ Teaching the importance of networking and resourcing
+ Teaching the tangibility of fashion as a career
+ Prioritizing your passion project
+ Setting boundaries for your self and what feeds you
+ Determination and hard work
+ The connections that open doors in life
+ Synchronicity and God’s direction
+ Christianity and celibacy values
+ Sticking to your beliefs and convictions
+ Stubbornness as a blessing and a curse
+ Saying yes to too many things
+ Learning boundaries through depression
+ Being part of the Portuguese community
+ Life revealing the people who don’t compliment you
+ Being ok with yourself, on your own
+ Learning to love ourselves first and accept love from others
+ Finding others with your same values
+ Using negativity to grow stronger
+ The importance of faith and family
+ Learning to talk through embarrassment and vulnerability
+ Developing tools to handle future challenges
+ Learning to find peace in your storms
+ “It’s just a pair of jeans”
+ Not letting fashion consume you
+ Focus on yourself, not on others
+ Being happy with how you’re living your life - feeling aligned
+ Living without regrets
+ Being courageous
+ Flexibility and going with the flow
+ We need more togetherness, less politics and bullshit
+ How hard is it to smile or wave at someone? Not at all
+ Additional story that we forget to tell
A taste:
“This whole week I’ve really been convicted by this word Courage. […] Having this idea of being courageous. And it could be in the big things, it could be in the small things, but also being courageous in my mind - how I’m thinking […] not be so fearful, being courageous in my heart, or doing something that shows physical courage.”
Favorite sayings:
“Just breathe.”
“God’s got you.”
“Courage.”

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Love, Sagewolf xoxo