Name:Â Lori Kyler Christensen
Job Title: Clothing Designer of Venni Caprice
College/Major: The school of life lessons!
Website: www.vennicaprice.com
Twitter Handle: @VenniCaprice
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Lori Kyler Christensen: My work schedule is as follows: I sew all of my orders on Monday and Tuesday, usually 30-35 hours with a couple of naps in between. But before I start sewing, I answer any emails when I first wake up on Monday. On Wednesday, I work during the day on shipping orders, answering emails, taking pictures of new items, or making new items to sell. On Wednesday night, I may take the night off to go to networking events. If not, I will sew more orders or make new items probably until 8AM. Same goes for Thursday. And [on] Friday, I work during the day and take Friday night through Sunday night off so I can catch up on sleep and see friends.
What is the best part of your job?
LKC: The best part is making my own schedule and being able to plan my life and my job myself. Also, being able to create all the time is amazing. I also love being a life-sized business card. It’s nice to be able to wear my clothing for everyone to see and get business [by] having someone ask me where I got my dress.
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What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
LKC: I worked at Macy’s in the better sportswear department when I was in high school as a cashier/fashion consultant. I got it by applying and expressing my interest in fashion. I wasn’t crazy about selling the clothing, but I knew that I loved being around clothing.
How does being based in Boston (as opposed to a major fashion capital) impact your career and your line?
LKC: I think it gives my label an advantage over being a small fish in a big pond because I am able to make greater strides with more local recognition, which will eventually help me when I spread out. I already have a following and enough publicity here to give me “street cred” in the big leagues!
Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
LKC: My friend Julie Fairweather. A good friend of mine introduced [us] early on in my fashion endeavor and she helped me immensely by believing in me enough to get me involved with events, introduced me to tons of people in Boston that I needed to know and also featured me on Dirty Water TVÂ several times (and still does), which has helped me build my company to a recognizable status in Boston.
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You were originally a makeup artist! What are some challenges you faced when switching industries and how did you overcome them?
LKC: I actually had a lot of time to transition from one career to the next. Within three months of moving from makeup to tailoring, I was diagnosed with epilepsy and had to stop working altogether. It was a lot different building a company from scratch as opposed to working at a makeup counter, but I was able to do it slowly so that it wasn’t so shocking or difficult while I was getting my seizures under control. And with the help of my parents, I was able to do it without a lot of stress either
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
LKC: Fake it till you make it! I know it sounds like it wouldn’t be important, but it is. If you have talent, passion or something you think you could one day make a life out of, just pretend you already have that life. Positive thinking will go a LONG way. If you believe in yourself enough, the power of that belief will rub off on everyone around you. The more confident you are, they more likely the success that you want will come to you!
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
LKC: I wish I had been able to have a job or internship in the industry so that I could’ve made contacts and gained more knowledge of this industry when I was right out of high school. I wasn’t able to because of epilepsy and how long it took me to get regulated, but I would suggest it to anyone who wants a job in the fashion world.
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What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
LKC: I first look for professionalism and dedication. When I used to work at the makeup counter, I would notice some other “artists” [who] simply acted as cashiers. They weren’t passionate, professional or dedicated to what they were doing. They suffered in making commission. I don’t care how menial a job is—if you play the part correctly, you will excel faster.
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What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
LKC: Work HARD. If you want something, be passionate and throw everything you have into it. Do not let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Don’t let a family member or significant other tell you your dreams won’t come true. Believe in yourself and make them happen. Surround yourself with good people. Don’t lose yourself – the fashion industry can make you think you have to do certain things to be around certain people. But people get the most respect when they stay true to themselves and what they believe in. And while you are working hard, remember to keep connections alive with friends and family. You want someone to enjoy your success with once it hits.