I would like to use this post to feature an inspiring individual whom Ive encountered so far in my college career. Just as a disclaimer if you are not one for long-windedness *** this post is particularly text heavy by virtue of using length to articulate -as best I can- the meaning I wish to convey.
Starting next fall I will be taking on the position of marketing and PR for the International Fashion Society at Johnson and Wales. In addition to the flourishing culinary arts and hospitality curriculums Johnson and Wales is widely recognized for, the university also offers a number of thriving programs in diverse fields including fashion. The International Fashion Society is a club predominantly- but not exclusively- populated by aspiring fashion merchandising and retail marketing majors like myself. It gives those who are encaptivated by style a platform to not only enjoy fashion as a recreation, but also to achieve a business positioning. Exclusive shopping events, Insight from Industry professionals, and other fashion related affairs are the channels the club uses to indulge ones inner fashionista. I met Danielle through this engaging organization. She has been the JWU Providence IFS president, and a dedicated member at that, for the past two years. Initially I reached out to Danielle for the purpose of accompanying her on a sponsor reach-out trip for the clubs annual fashion show. I wanted to go because I was interested in sitting in on the process. I went that day hoping to gain an in-field education regarding the clubs relationship with businesses, however, I went home that night with a friend and a role model.
The thing that I found to be the most admirable trait Danielle posses is -without a doubt- her killer confidence. She is so incredibly humble but at the same time sure of who she is and what she wants; this is something that is not commonly enough found in young women her age. The first thing I noticed however was her unique fashion sense, the so of course I asked her where she drew her inspiration from.
"My style is inspired a lot by Lauren Conrad. Her fashion sense is girly, preppy, and radiates beachy vibes, although Im not quite as fem all of the time. I also love flipping through the types of looks in free people magazines. I would have to say my all-time favorite fashion influence would be Leandra Medine", the creator and primary contributing author of the self acclaimed Man Repeller fashion and lifestyle blog website. She is also a book author, I will link her site here -> Man Repeller
Danielle describes that the most advantageous perception she has gained form reading the blog, is its emphasis on every girl wearing what makes her happy and not necessarily focussing on what judgments or standards that are deemed by others.
Danielle's love for fashion began early on, being that her dad was employed in the industry. In subsequent years, Danielle went on to become the vice president of the "Becca's Closet" chapter at her high school, an organization which gives underpriveledged girls the opportunity to get the perfect prom dress without expense having to be a burden. Danielle described the way it made her feel when the girls would come in for a fitting. How their faces would light up with such a pure and extrodinary joy that, regardless of their financial situation, they could feel like a princess for the night. "It was so touching I can't even explain, I just loved being able to be a part of their happiness". This initiative combined Danielle's two biggest passions; fashion and volunteer service. And four years later she is still just as ardent about these causes.
She is looking forward to this summer when she will be beginning an internship at Ross Stores as an assistant buyer for the children's decor and table top departments. This will be the actualization of her immediate goal, I also asked her where she sees herself down the line and she responded with the classic post-grad objectives such as living life, saving money, and also volunteering. She went on to
explain her dream of owning her own boutique one day, and the sky is the limit from there!
Although it was such a short time I had gotten to know Danielle, I am very thankful that our paths have overlapped for even this long. Her advice to me about college and life was highly insightful and encouraging. I look up to her because she is someone who is very together; an ambitious, eccentric, exceptionally capable, and above all fabulous human being!
Rather than another well known celebrity mogul (don't get me wrong I still love them), I thought it would be more effective to interview a person who I find provides inspiration on a day to day level, because people can often draw more value and authenticity from realistic impressions. It makes us realize "I'm just like her, I could do what she does" and we can relate on a deeper level by feeling that great things aren't so far out of our reach. I told Danielle how I considered her to be my mentor and she expressed to me how she wished she had someone to give her advice when she was going through college and to point her in the right direction with her goals as she does for me. I asked her what was one final blanket-statement remark that she could give to help anyone on their own path in life as they are discovering themselves, she said : "its important to have fun and enjoy yourself with other people, but remember not to get too distracted because - what is going to define you when you graduate college and set yourself apart form others in the world, will be the way you carry yourself as an individual; you are the only one on your specific journey through life so you should always do what is best for you which is not necessarily always following others."
Ok lovelies I will leave you with those words of wisdom. I believe there are many other popele like Danielle who I hold in such high regard with insight and influence that has rubed off on me and more importantly who's stories deserve to be shared with a larger network of people. I wish Danielle the very best of luck in her future I know she will blossom.
I would like to make it my initiative to shed light on the kinds of people who aren't recognized quite often enough and should be accredited where need be. remember to always stay fabulous. until next time. xoxo
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