Norka may not be a name you recognize at first glance, but the Venezuela native is working very hard to change that. She’s currently celebrating the success of her debut album Milagro, which was released last month and produced by the multi-award-winning Emilio Estefan.

When Norka isn’t busy showcasing her amazing vocal skills, you’ll find her at a fashion school, cooking and spending time with her family. I recently got candid with the singer, who shared her excitement of a Premio Lo Nuestro nod and how attending a Ricky Martin concert changed her life. It’s clear her star is on the rise.

Congratulations on your Premio Lo Nuestro nomination. What does this nomination mean to you?
Thanks! It means a really big achievement in my career. The first big one I’d say. I am a nominee for a very prestigious music award in a category amongst these female artists that are practically my teachers, or idols, like Shakira. I am overwhelmed—looking forward to seeing everyone’s jaw drop on that red carpet. I’ll win the best-dressed award.

Your album was produced by Emilio Estefan. What was it like to work alongside the uber-talented producer?
It was unbelievable at first, then I started to see that it was a reality. It is a constant learning process about producing music, videos and the music business. You would think I’d be intimidated or something, but he is an accessible and humble person. I was not scared at all. He let me participate at all times and that was very cool. I am blessed.

Who would you like to collaborate with on your next album?
So many. There is one who I would definitely like to collaborate with, he changed my life during a concert of his in the summer of 2007 in Monte Carlo, and that is Ricky Martin. I thank him so much. If it weren’t for that show, I might still be in France. His performance made me make a decision that for three years was so hard for me to make, which was to go for what I wanted and what I always dreamed of. He brought back that desire that was taken away from me while living a hard life experience. It would be a pleasure to share a song with him. Also, Enrique Iglesias. I love his work, and he is a cool guy.

You are getting ready to do a tour. Can you tell me what audiences can expect?
Yes, I’m very excited. I am expecting everybody. My next song “Milagro” is a song that everyone will like. A song full of hope and happiness. So is my album, I believe. It is also a fusion of genres. And that is the audience I am targeting—a fusion of genres, whether it’s music, ages, sexes, religions or nationalities. Just getting everyone together to enjoy music. That’s why the song has different versions, too—pop, salsa, dance and reggaeton.

Aside from music, you have another passion—cooking. Tell me about that.
I graduated last year with a Diploma of Art of Cooking from The School of Culinary Arts in Fort Lauderdale. I had to cement that love for cooking somehow. This passion I got from living in France, I believe. Food is very appreciated in that country. It is their identity card and the science of gastronomy was born over there.