CAREER:

Age: 33
Title: Visual Merchandiser
Company: Old Navy
Length at position: One year
Hours worked per week: 40 hours
Salary(Potential): Unlimited

Best Part of Job: I get to do visual merchandising, which is driving sales via displays and creative merchandising as well as do Wardrobe Styling. Last year, I did a wardrobe makeover on a friend of mine and it was one of the most positive experiences to see her come alive.

Inspiration: I’ve always been interested in fashion since an early age. I was always in my mother’s closet creating “outfits”, putting together unique creations. I loved vintage fashion and still do.  I’ve always been the person in my group of friends who is the fashion expert. A co-worker of mine recently summed it up when she commented “you always look so well put together”. As Yves St. Laurent said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.”

Challenges: I always try to remember to place the principles above the personalities. But in the end it’s always about making your client happy.

Differences: My previous career was in administrative work, which wasn’t fulfilling for me. I decided to go back to school last year and pursue my dream of working in the fashion industry. I put my heart and soul into my studies. This time, I wanted a career that I love and not just a “job”.

EDUCATION:
Degree(s) and Schools: John Casablancas Fashion Business and Creative Arts Diploma, University of Guelph Honours Bachelor of Arts.
Advice: You have to work hard in this industry and be fully committed to it. Network with all the contacts that you make and also remember that Vancouver is such a small circle with regards to the fashion industry and that everybody knows everybody.
Benefits of Program: The program exposed me to many people in the industry and I did a lot of volunteering while I was in school to gain further experience. I took every opportunity presented to me, such as being a dresser at fashion shows, participating in the Super Saturday photo shoots at the school.

LIFESTYLE:
Favourite recreational activity: Does reading fashion magazines count? Beyond that, I also go to the gym and watch movies.

Upcoming vacation plans: I hope to visit NYC or Montreal soon.

In five years:  I will still work in the industry doing editorial styling work and have my own business doing freelance visual design.