Her Campus AU: Tell us a bit about yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
Brynna Cleland: Hi, my name is Brynna Cleland. I’m a sophomore majoring in Graphic Design and Public Com, and I’m Editor in Chief for the new fashion publication on campus, it magazine.
HCAU: How did it magazine start?
BC: Myself, Rachel, Kylie, Marcus, and Will were talking in a room one night about how cool it would be if there was a fashion club on campus. We knew that a club was so not happening though; what would we do, talk about shoes all day?! (Laughs) So we thought about doing a publication instead. We were totally joking around, but the next day I came back and was like, “This is happening! We’re doing it!”
HCAU: What’s it magazine’s inspiration?
BC: I wanted a way to showcase the different personal styles across campus, because, let’s face it, there are a lot. We have a lot of different social groups on campus. You have your JCrew’s, your hiptsers, your up-and-coming politicians, and somehow it all works together. I wanted to share that with others.
HCAU: What’s your vision for the magazine going forward?
BC: I want to come back in ten years and see it still running. I want to see it become a big thing, but I want to see how it has changed to fit the new AU population. And I want to be able to come back as the founder and see all these new guys and gals working hard, putting a lot of love into the publication, making it their own.
HCAU: What’s your favorite part of working on the magazine?
BC: The photo shoots for sure! All week the crew and I will be freaking out because it doesn’t seem like it’s going to work, that there’s too much to do and so much that can go wrong. But it always works out! And the photos turn out so well– I can’t wait to show people!
HCAU: What’s some advice you have for girls who love fashion but are stuck in the style-desert that is Washington D.C.?
BC: I’ve shared that struggle too, because this really is not a fashion campus. But I would say that throughout my experience, I’ve recognized that working in fashion is a real job. You can make a living at it but it’s not easy, especially when you’re not in New York or L.A. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen though! If you love what you’re doing and take every opportunity you get, it will happen!
HCAU: What’s up next for the magazine?
BC: We are launching our first publication soon, so be on the lookout! It’ll be a digital copy, but we’d love to fundraise enough to make limited-edition print copies. We’re also looking to take up a partnership with a philanthropy next semester, maybe something to do with the homeless population or a charity dealing with clothing. We have a lot planned for next semester, so stay tuned!
HCAU: Who are your fashion muses?
BC: I love love love Alexa Chung – I’m so obsessed! And Cara Delevingne is so inspirational too.
Photo Credit