Carrie Bradshaw once said, “when you’re determined to reach your goal, not even obstacles can scare you away.” That’s just what Caroline Vazzana--who says Bradshaw is her inspiration--has done throughout the course of her career in the fashion industry. She has landed jobs at top publications including Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, and InStyle magazines in order to advance her knowledge of style. During her time there, she worked on the fashion editorial print and digital teams, put together photo shoots, and interviewed designers such as Betsey Johnson, Manolo Blahnik, and Diane Von Furstenberg. In addition to working on the editorial side of fashion, Vazzana also had the opportunity to try her hand at styling celebrities for red carpet events such as the MTV Video Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, Comic Con, and Pop Con. Today, the New York City-based influencer collaborates with numerous brands and runs a website, “Making it in Manhattan,” aimed at inspiring future fashionistas. She also wrote a book of her own called “Making it in Manhattan: The Beginner’s Guide to Surviving & Thriving in the World of Fashion” that emphasizes on the same idea. My name twin and I (my real name is Caroline, FYI) had the opportunity to talk about the rise of her fashion career and how you, too, can achieve social media stardom.

When did you first discover that you had a passion for fashion?

I’ve always loved to be creative. When I was in 5th grade, I used to paint all of the time. I thought I wanted to be an artist and was set on that for a few years. It wasn’t until after the show Project Runway came out that I really considered a career in fashion. 

To help you gain knowledge about that career path, you worked at InStyle for a while. How did that prep you for taking on the fashion industry later on? 

I learned so much working at InStyle, a lot that actually applied to creating my site [Making it in Manhattan]. For example, I was taught how to write a digital post, form a catchy headline, and figured out the importance of SEO (search engine optimization)!

When and why did you decide to start your own website, Making it in Manhattan?

I started my site after I had already started writing my book. I was about half way done with my book [Making it in Manhattan: The Beginner’s Guide to Surviving & Thriving in the World of Fashion] when I really considered leaving my full time job, and that’s when my literary agent suggested I begin my site. It was a way that I could start sharing my voice and message before my book even came out. 

What initially sparked you to write your own book?

I wanted to take everything I had learned from working in the industry and share it with others. I remember what it was like when I was first starting out, and I aimed to share all my wisdom with fashion hopefuls who want to make it in Manhattan!

What was your greatest challenge in writing the book?

It was so different than anything else I had ever done, so I found the journey so exciting! One of the hardest things was probably just finding time to work on it because it takes a lot of time.

What’s the main message you’re trying to get across to your website’s viewers and your book’s readers?

I want to prove that anything is possible with hard work, determination and a positive attitude! The MIIM reader is a highly educated and professional young woman who loves the 3 T’s: travel, trends and tips. She is obsessed with color (and lots of it!), beauty (inside and out), everything Instagram, and pushing her career forward. She is social and likes to have fun, but is also not afraid to break barriers, be bold, and be herself—all in the best pair of shoes, of course! She is budget-conscious—as she is just starting her career —but demands high quality and expects it for the best price.

How would you describe your personal style?

Feminine and classic, yet eclectic and colorful.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

Miu Miu, Zadig & Voltaire, Christian Siriano...there’s so many I love, it’s hard to choose! 

You often compare your personality and style to Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. What similarities do you see between the two of you? 

I think that Carrie is unapologetically herself. She has a style that is all her own and isn’t afraid to take risks. She always speaks her mind, even when it might be hard. Additionally, her and I are both writers and have a serious love for Manolo Blahnik shoes!

How did you go about growing your social media? What tips do you have for people who want to do the same?

In my book, I actually speak a lot about ways to grow your brand! I think it’s so important to find your message/niche and stick to it. There are so many beautiful and talented influencers out there, so if you can find something that makes you different, that’s what will help you stand out from the crowd. Posting consistently and quality content will definitely help you grow.

Follow Caroline on Social Media:

Instagram: @cvazzana and @makingmanhattanofficial
Twitter: @cvazzana
Website: www.makingmanhattan.com