Featured as this week’s Campus Celebrity is Julia Shingler, who spent the summer of 2014 working for Kiel James Patrick, a preppy apparel company that originated in Rhode Island. Her summer consisted of adventure after adventure in the New England area, doing the kinds of things you only see on Pinterest!
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Greenwood, SC.
2. What year are you? What is your major?
I’m a senior advertising major and graphic design minor.
3. For those who don’t know, what/who is KJP?
Kiel James Patrick and Sarah Vickers are the couple that created the American lifestyle company named Kiel James Patrick. The company is based out of Rhode Island and makes nautical-inspired bracelets and apparel that are made in America. Kiel and Sarah are truly inspiring and hardworking people. One peek at their Instagram accounts (@KJP and @SarahKJP) and you’re immediately drawn into their classic Americana lives.
4. Can you describe what your job was like there and what it entailed?
The summer of 2014 was one that will always stand out in my mind! I’m lucky to have been given the opportunity to experience and learn so much from people who are successful in what they do. I was the marketing and media intern for the company. My job included copywriting, managing some of the company’s social media accounts, and organizing marketing events like photo shoots. One of my proudest accomplishments was writing an article for the Brooks Brothers Red Fleece Newsletter that was published last fall.
5. What was your favorite part about the whole experience?
Now that’s a tough question because it was all such a fun experience! I loved how everyday was an adventure—the people I met and the places we traveled to are some of my favorite. I spent the summer with a group of creative and driven individuals whom I really admire. We traveled around New England going to polo matches, took trips to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and spent other days working in the KJP Factory. During Christmas break last year, I went back to Rhode Island and visited Kiel, Sarah, and the rest of the crew. We took a trip to Quebec and then rang in the New Year at the Mount Washington Hotel in New Hampshire! It was a magical time for sure! This past spring, Kiel, Sarah, and Sean visited me in South Carolina! We went to the Masters and then spent the rest of the time exploring Charleston. Needless to say, spending time with KJP and the crew is always a good time!
6. Do you still work with them or do you have another job now (if you have another, what is it)?
When I returned home from the summer internship, Kiel asked if I would continue to working for him and I gladly accepted! I’m also a sales associate at J.Crew, a Senate Page for the South Carolina State House, and I recently started a marketing internship with the clothing company Hillflint. I’m really excited about Hillflint because it’s new to the University of South Carolina. Hillflint is a company that designs a variety of sweater styles including a line inspired by vintage collegiate sweaters. We’ve just finished putting the final touches on USC’s sweater design and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
7. After college, what do you hope to do?
After college, I hope to find a job in digital media. It’s always been a dream of mine to move to New York, but we’ll see where I end up! The fact that I’m graduating in seven months is kind of hard to wrap my head around, but I’m so excited to finally get out there and gain new experiences. No matter what, my main goal is to always remember that everything happens for a reason.