Dear HBS,
I am not sure if this is the best forum to seek advice but I thought I'd give it a shot. I am a 28 year old female who currently has no formal education. I have been employed with an insurance company for about 8 years (with benefits- including 401k, pension and health/dental, steady -though low- salary and paid vacation/sick). It is a decent company and many people retire from here.
The dilemma is my heart longs for work within the fashion industry and I am so stuck on how to get from where I currently am to where I want to be. Being a creative person, I have gone back and forth on which degree to pursue and wondered if a dual degree or a bachelors and masters would be the best option. Since I'm no spring chicken at this point in my life school has to move me (financially and creatively) into the heart of where I want to be. Otherwise, it's a waste of time and money I don't have.
I have NO idea what to do. One, financially I really can't afford to quit working to pursue education. Two, in the area I live (NC) there aren't a lot of fashion programs nonetheless programs (in this field) that can be taken at night and three, I wonder if I should pursue an education in communications with a minor in fashion or fashion design degree/textiles and get a masters in communications.
Ultimately, I'd like to be an image consultant/stylist and build a media company. I also sing (very well) and after education want to incorporate music into fashion. I'd like to own several boutique style stores (vintage mostly) throughout the US and possibly in the UK, Canada, Australia and South Africa. I don't really see myself as a designer though I do have some ideas for a plus sized line that may be in some of these stores.
Since I am behind the game (age wise) for this industry any help would be greatly appreciated!
God Bless,
Hungry 4 Fashion
15 comments:
I can relate to this. First I'd like to tell her that "it's never too late to be who you could have been." I live by that quote. I gave up a great lucrative job to pursue my dream of being a reporter. I'm a step closer now because I do work for a major show at a major network. My goal is to be on air within the next 12 months. People say impossible, but I say never. In life you have to take risk, that's what makes it fun. I believe that you should pursue your dream, or you will always be miserable, because your dreams are where your heart is. If you can try to work part time while pursuing some sort of education in fashion. why not start a blog where you can talk fashion or anything fashion related? Involve yourself in much as fashion as possible. The internet has so many ways you can get an education in fashion even without a formal educatin in it. Look at June Ambrose. She was in finance, and left and decided to pursue her dream. I hope you have the courage to do the same. Hugs,
The fashion industry is all about networking, if you're really good at that you can forego the degree. I have a business degree and I too have been trying to get my foot in the door. It requires a lot of fashion events in your area (the fun part) and mingling with industry people (the less fun part). The thing that irks me about the industry is how pretentious people are and I’m so not about to kiss a** to get in (wouldn’t be able to respect myself). Anywho, if it’s a true passion of yours you should intern with a company you want to work for; this may lead to a full time gig with them or with one of their affiliates. Good luck to you!
hi hungry 4 fashion-
have you considered taking online courses? this way you can set your schedule to whatever is convenient for you. also, i think that your degree preference will make a difference only to a certain extent. i notice that a lot of people who become successful at what they do constantly surround themselves with other folks who are in their field. you'll be able to make connections and network with whatever degree you decide on. also, it's NEVER too late to follow your heart and pursue your dreams. the only field in fashion that bases a lot of emphasis on age is modeling. you can do it girl! look into some online programs and apply for financial aid and scholarships to offset the costs.
I think a LOT of us can relate to this... I can remember being in that same predicament- I badly wanted to work in the fashion industry. After getting my BA in Journalism, I went back for an AA in Fashion Design and Merchandising. After 4 years working in the industry, I ended up HATING fashion and not ever wanting to work in it again.
My goal is to still write a book, create a jewelry line and just pretty much own my own company. I'm 29- no husband, no children. I assume you might be in the same situation too. Someone recently told me that NOW IS THE TIME!! Once you're married and have children you REALLY won't have the time/money to do any of the things you WISHED you could've done as a young girl (b/c YES, you still ARE a young girl... I know I am ;-).
So I say all of that to say: GO FOR IT. Make a way out of what seems to be "no way"!
Wow! Thank you guys for so many replies already! It's appreciated!
I think my hang up with my age is having NO degree! LOL! Plus living in my area there isn't a large fashion community. I do blog.
I am just trying to figure out how to make this all work and deciding if I should altogether quit working and pick up something part time (which most likely would mean a sales job), or move to NY, ATL or DC and go that way...
I think the online classes and blogging may have something to it! I could stay at work and build NC connections, travel (I have a part time gig with an airline company) and maybe closer to the end of my education move...
Hmmm....
@ Anon. 11:19am: See you already have a BIG step up; you have a part time gig w/ an airline company!!! Girl: GO! Keep blogging, travel, take online classes and network as much as possible.
I am 28 - married, with a child but it doesn't have to limit one's potential. As long as your determined age/marriage/children shouldn't limit your goals and desires. But, you will have to be able to multi-task and juggle which is part of life anyway. Most people can totally relate to your story. My advice to you is - seek financial aid for an educational program that you are interested in - that way you don't have to quit your job. Good luck!
@ WES & Beautylogic - great advice and enjoy reading your blog!
I am in a VERY similar position 28 unmarried no kids no degree and hung up on my age. This post and the commenters are so encouraging!
Wes I read your blog everyday w/o fail and will buy several copies of your book when it comes out.
Thanks Guys in helping her you helped me :)
Thank you so much for this post. I hope you get many more responses as it is helping US ALL! I am in pretty much the same boat...looking to get into a career in fashion. I am looking into design schools for fall '10 school yr for a masters fashion merchandising program. i'm not hte best at networking so i really need to step up my game in that area if i'm want to get my foot in the door and more importantly be successful in it!
best of luck to you and be sure to keep us posted!
I'm a little late to the party, but I'll throw in my 2cents - lol.
@ Hungry 4 Fashion: You also mentioned wanting to own vintage boutiques. Why not start online or in home? As you build revenue, you can save to open your first store and the rest will follow from there.
I don't know much about NC, but if there isn't much of a fashion center where you are, perhaps you can be the first to create some sort of niche. Just think of something that is lacking that ppl will be excited by, and that you can provide them. Just look at the woman from Carol's Daughter. She started off making concoctions in her kitchen and now she has a co-sponsorship w/Disney! The sky really is the limit!!
Good luck to you! You def can do whatever you want, and go as far as your passions/determination will take you. Even when you start to feel lost/weary/fearful, try to steer your focus back towards the productive steps you are taking and the advancements you are making. Keep up the positivity!
I am in the fashion industry and really if you have talent and you can get your foot in the door you are good. It wouldn't hurt to have some education but you don't need a Master's. A Associate or Bachelor's is good enough. The industry is all about who you know and how much experience you have. There are many programs online that are good also. I do recommend taking classes in computers learning at least Photoshop and Illustrator programs since they are used the greatest in the industry. It is never to later to pursue your dreams. If you can't get in to a college find a fabric store that offers sewing classes that can get you going if you don't know how to sew.
Best of Luck!!!
Hi Hungry 4 Fashion I understand your dilema about living in NC and trying to pursue your fashion career. But as others have said it's never to late to go back to school if you so choose. Also ATL would be a good place to get better connections, its not as expensive to live there as NYC would be, and you could see if your full time job has a site in ATL where you could transfer. That way you could keep your job, start networking at some of the hair, fashion events, and go to school part-time. I worked full-time while in graduate school, it was difficult but I made it and I will continue to follow my career goals. Trust believe when there's a will there is a way. Best of luck to you!
It's amazing to realize that what you are going through, someone else is also. I'm 28 yrs old and interested in the beauty industy. Primarily in makeup artistry. I live in NC as well as this person is right in saying that NC is not buzzing in this industry. However, someone previously commented that that means NC is a wide open opportunity.
To the one who was seeking the advice, I would love for you to contact me as I am working on building a network as well. I am already associated with a magazine based out of Virginia.
email: kicukalah@gmail.com
I am almost 27, single, and have one child and I am also contemplating going back to school. These ladies are right; do it now before kids and marriage committments...or at least get started. I am researching now to see what type of fellowships/ graduate assistantships there are at each school and how to qualify for them. Not only do they cover tuition, but they also pay a monthly stipend. I plan to cut my expenses in half and rough it out for a year and half to go back full time. I took a 10K salary cut in this recession, and managed to survive, so it has given me the courage to do what I have to do to get my master's degree. I live by Dave Ramsey's motto: "Live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else"
Good luck to you!
curlylikeme.blogspot.com
I am 28 and I just graduated college with a Bachelors in May. I understand your pain. I know what I want to do, but I haven't yet found a job I would like to keep. :-) If possible, find someone working in the field and ask for an informational interview. Ask for tips to get ahead in the field and find a professional/social organization to get yourself in front of the right people. I second moving to Atlanta if you can get your current job to transfer you. You can do it. The unknown is scary, but as Wes said, 28 isn't too old for a life change. You really do have your whole life in front of you. :-)
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