SÍLVIA CASTELLÓ
My relationship with sewing began very early. Due to family circumstances, I was isolated from the world and could not attend school, but I spent countless hours sewing! At the age of 11, I received my first sewing machine and discovered a space for creativity, expression, and freedom. At 19, I began training in pattern making and embarked on a professional path in fashion and textiles. Over the years, this journey has allowed me to combine creation, education, social action, entrepreneurship, and project management.
I am the founder and director of Qstura, an educational project I launched in 2007. It has since grown and evolved into a specialized training center for fashion and textiles, with more than 9,500 students trained since its inception. At Qstura, we have designed an educational model with a humanistic approach, placing people, mentorship, and personal growth at the heart of learning. Today, the project integrates creative training for all ages, vocational studies, and university education, while maintaining a close bond with the industry and the region.
As the culmination of this educational journey, I created and currently coordinate the official Bachelor's Degree in Fashion (ERAM - Universitat de Girona). This marks a historic milestone for the country's educational framework as the first official university degree in this discipline in Catalonia. From this academic leadership role, I head a pioneering 240 ECTS-credit model that merges design, business management, and sustainability to connect emerging talent with global industry challenges.
Throughout these years, I have driven and participated in numerous initiatives tied to fashion, education, and entrepreneurship. These include founding AGIMOD and Girona Fashion Week – Gimoda; launching Qstura's Official Vocational Training Programs (Intermediate Degree in Apparel and Fashion, and Higher Degree in Pattern Making and Fashion); and establishing strategic collaborations for research and innovation within the sector.
I am also the founder of the Sílvia Castelló Foundation. Through the foundation, we promote educational, social, and professional projects that use textiles as a tool for inclusion, development, and social transformation. Our purpose is to support individuals in their personal growth through the art of sewing.
My professional journey has been recognized with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (AEEG, 2013) and the Woman Entrepreneur Award (AGE, 2014), among others. I regularly collaborate with media outlets and participate in conferences, panel discussions, and university events centered around entrepreneurship, creativity, education, and the textile sector. After nearly two decades, I continue to view sewing and fashion as a way to create, learn, and generate opportunities—but above all, as a powerful tool to connect people and transform their environment.
INDUSTRY AND REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Throughout my career, I have actively participated and collaborated with business, educational, and textile organizations. Key partnerships include MODACC (The Catalan Fashion and Textile Cluster), AEEG, AGE, the Municipal Council of Education of Salt, and the Mediterranean Council. This close engagement allows me to play an active role in developing the industry, building networks, and continuing to drive strategic new projects from our region.
Sílvia Castelló, a journey weaving together fashion, education, and people
- 2007 / February 2: Began sewing classes at the Pla de Palau Civic Center
- 2008: Started with 6 groups across various civic centers
- 2009: Reached 10 groups and organized the end-of-year trip to Paris
- 2010: Opened Espai de Qstura in Pericot
- 2011: Participated in Temps de Flors and Sant Jordi, and founded ADN (Association of New Designers)
- 2012: Featured on the cover of Gidona. Appeared on TV, radio, and in the press. Launched courses in collaboration with the Universitat de Girona
- 2013: Sílvia Castelló: Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- 2014: Founded AGIMOD (Girona Fashion Association) and GIMODA Fashion Week
- 2015: Opened Qstura Professional at the UdG Science and Technology Park
- 2016: Began developing the Bachelor's Degree in Fashion
- 2017: Completed the first graduating class of our Diploma program
- 2018: Fully relocated to the Science and Technology Park
- 2019: Delivered talks, mentoring, and corporate training. Launched the job bank
- 2020: Launched Qstura Online and Qstura Solidària (social outreach)
- 2021: Revamped the communication strategy. Launched the Qstura Club on Instagram
- 2022: Celebrated 15 years of Qstura weaving lives together, reaching 15,000 followers in the Club
- 2023: Achieved the official Bachelor's Degree in Fashion in partnership with ERAM-UdG, the first of its kind in Catalonia
- 2024: Qstura established the Sílvia Castelló Foundation, aimed at fostering personal and social development through textiles and fashion
- 2025: Qstura relocated to the Gassol-Monar Factory in Salt, opening a new school with specialized classrooms and workshops to continue growing the educational project
- 2026: Launched the Official Vocational Training Programs: Intermediate Degree in Apparel and Fashion, and Higher Degree in Pattern Making and Fashion
