Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Castro.
Destiny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started building Nikkiaxl independently, a year after my daughter was born – turning my love for fashion and design into a brand centered around wearable art, individuality, and sustainability.
Almost all of my designs are made using sustainable materials that I personally hand-source and sew myself. Every piece is thoughtfully created, with an emphasis on repurposing materials and giving them new life.
I’ve worn just about every hat along the way — designer, creative director, stylist, photographer, producer, model and everything in between.
One of the biggest turning points in my life was becoming a mother. Having my daughter broke open an ambition in me that I don’t think I had fully allowed myself to access before. It completely changed my perspective on what I was capable of and what I wanted to build. I breastfed throughout the creation of my first two collections, balancing motherhood with the demands of building a fashion brand from the ground up. Looking back, that season of my life taught me just how much I could accomplish without waiting for the perfect circumstances.
Since then, within my first year into the fashion industry I’ve taken Nikkiaxl to Los Angeles Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and self produced my own show for Miami Swim Week
expanding my work beyond designing clothing into producing fashion shows, creative direction, casting, choreography, and creating opportunities for other artists and models
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Becoming a mother while simultaneously trying to build something of my own came with its challenges. Navigating motherhood for the first time while learning how to balance my ambitions and responsibilities was not always easy. However, those experiences pushed me to grow in ways I never expected and made me realize just how much I’m capable of. If anything, they’ve given me even more drive to create something meaningful for myself and my daughter.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder and designer of NIKKIAXL, an independent fashion brand.
I specialize in creative direction, sustainable fashion, and styling. I’m known for creating a very unique, unconventional, and sometimes outrageous aesthetic. I love pushing boundaries, challenging the norm, and creating things that feel completely different from what people are used to seeing.
I’m especially proud of being able to put my fear of being seen aside and step into the spotlight. I’ve learned to embrace being different rather than trying to make myself fit into a particular mold.
What sets me apart is my mindset. I genuinely believe that you are in control of your reality and that you have the ability to create the life you want. I believe in speaking up for what you believe in, standing in your power, and not allowing the expectations or limitations of others to dictate what you’re capable of.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is building something worth being a part of\. Whether that’s through the sustainability behind my work, the meaning and message behind a collection, or the creative community I help build\. I want my work to stand for something, challenge perspectives, and encourage people to embrace being different\.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NikkiAxl.com
- Instagram: @dezaxlcastro @nikkiaxl
- Youtube: @dezaxl @nikkiaxlcom
Image Credits
Destinee Marie
Krisse kinnunen (Jerrell rolack)
Krisse kinnunen
Krisse kinnunen
Shelby sinnett
Kyla
April Vargas (Alejandro Delgado)
Kayla Elick (Alejandro Delgado)
April Vargas (Alejandro Delgado
MarQuies Cannon
