Carol Vaugh-Rivera| Creative excellence

Carol Vaughn-Rivera is a visionary entrepreneur, designer, and tastemaker—widely recognized as the powerhouse behind The Vaughn-Rivera Brand, a luxury line of eyewear and shoes that marries sophistication with bold individuality, and as the Co-Founder of Starrivera Magazine, a publication dedicated to celebrating art, fashion, and culture on a global stage.

Her story is one of ambition, reinvention, and an unshakable commitment to creative excellence. In the early 2000s, while living in New York City, Carol made a daring leap from the skies to the skyscrapers—leaving her career as a flight attendant to work in Midtown Manhattan for a prestigious financial services and investment firm. At the same time, she pursued her license and work as a real estate agent, honing the business skills and resilience that would later define her as an entrepreneur.

It was in this fast-paced, high-energy environment that Carol felt the pull toward her true passion—design. She trademarked her surname, Vaughn-Rivera, determined to turn it into a name synonymous with timeless luxury. Her first creation was a prototype shoe that reflected her personal style: strong, elegant, and unapologetically unique. From there, she began crafting small, exclusive shoe collections once a year, selling to close friends and loyal clients who recognized the rarity and artistry of her work.

As her creative vision expanded, Carol introduced eyewear into her line, creating designs that stood out for their distinctive edge and meticulous attention to detail. By Fall 2024, her brand reached a milestone moment—showcasing three collections at New York Fashion Week, a feat that cemented her place in the world of high fashion and brought her work to an international audience.

That same season, Carol co-founded Starrivera Magazine with photographer-turned-business partner Wilfredo Ramos. What began as a shared vision quickly evolved into a thriving publication—an editorial platform spotlighting established icons and emerging talent across the creative industries. Starrivera Magazine blends high fashion with compelling storytelling, reflecting Carol’s belief that style is not just about what you wear, but the narrative you create.

Today, Carol Vaughn-Rivera continues to lead with a rare combination of business acumen, artistic instinct, and fearless determination. Whether designing a statement shoe, curating a new eyewear collection, or shaping the editorial direction of Starrivera Magazine, she remains committed to inspiring others, elevating independent voices, and redefining what modern luxury means. Her work is not just about fashion—it’s about leaving a legacy.