Shamani Norales is in her 12th grade year of high school at McCaskey, which comes with various challenges. “It’s not easy to try and balance everything all at once, especially having a life outside of school.” In her free time however, she’s found her escape from the stress of it all with fashion. 

“I really liked how unique clothes could be; it wasn’t anything you’d ever find in a regular store.” She said, explaining her finds on Pinterest. “I found a lot of inspiration and figured I could have a go at it. With the free time I had, I put in the work to collect materials and figure out what I was doing.” In the past 2 years she’s made everything from modified jeans to cropped shirts and hoods. Trying new styles and techniques makes each challenge harder than the last. “Seeing all the patchwork styles kept me motivated to do what I love, that at some point I could get there if I tried,” she adds.

Her fashion has progressed to the point of others asking for her works. She said that she would love to make things for others but the process can be really long since it took her three weeks for her first piece she did. All of her pieces have been hand sewn so far. She plans to extend her journey with her love of fashion and upgrade to getting a sewing machine.

“I don’t know if I plan to make this a full time hobby,” she said. Shamani is looking forward to expanding her craft for as long as she can however. “I always ask myself what different designs or colors could I do, but I also remember that I need to learn how to use a sewing machine since I haven’t yet understood how to use them.” One day she hopes to reach out to the world and show off her talents by appearing in magazines, the media and more. 

“Maybe I could branch out and make jewelry sometimes. It’s fun to make things and have it come out right. It means more outfits for me.” Her fashion obsession also stretches to her daily outfits as well. Shamani is not one to have a boring outfit, as even sweats and a t-shirt can be fashionable with the right amount of effort. No matter snow, sun or rain, she makes sure to put on a show. “I’ve always been inspired by different aesthetics. I like picking them apart and fitting that into my own style.” 

For now, she’s working with the career center on finding things to help her out with her love for fashion. “McCaskey has a really good career link center, and it helps you find exactly what you’re looking for. They make sure to accommodate your needs and what you like and dislike.” 

“It’s a very thoughtful process,” she added. She goes on to explain that her passion for fashion will never die out, but it is a long way to get to the place she wants with her progress. At the end of the day, she’s just glad that she has an open outlet to express herself.