Maryland native, Cara DiFabio, is a junior in COM studying public relations, and she’s taking on the fashion marketing world one statement necklace at a time. Cara is not one to turn down a new opportunity. She is currently a writer for multiple publications (on and off campus), is the photo editor for the BU Buzz, and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Her love of fashion has brought her to her most recent position: campus ambassador for the NYC-based jewelry company, Trend Tribe.
I was lucky enough to find a window in Cara’s busy schedule to hear all about her new ambassador role and the opportunities she’s enjoyed during her time at BU:
What is Trend Tribe?
Trend Tribe is an online jewelry company that allows college students to gain experience in fashion merchandising, as well as marketing and entrepreneurship by becoming campus ambassadors, called “Trendsetters.”
How did you hear about being a Trendsetter, and what made you apply?
I write for The Lala, which is an online college publication that’s made up of girls from different schools around the country. That’s where I saw one post written about Trend Tribe. I looked into it and I loved the jewelry. I saw “become a trendsetter,” and I thought I can do that! Also, Samantha Cooper, the CEO of Trend Tribe had a really cool story. I related to her experience and wanted a chance to get my foot in the door. The company involves fashion marketing, acts as a way to give back with its philanthropic side, and it sells something I love—which is jewelry!
What role does fashion play in your life?
Fashion is always something I’ve been interested in and wanted to pursue as a career after college, so I feel like it’s a part of my everyday life. I keep up with fashion blogs and magazines, and I do social media for a fashion website called Posh Point. So I’m reading about it everyday, every hour.
What does the role entail?
I have the role of Head Buyer on our team, so I serve as the liaison between the Trend Tribe team at BU and the Trend Tribe headquarters. I have frequent calls with our CEO, Samantha, about the progress we’re making, and about how we’re working as a team. She is a huge help in giving me advice on how to proceed with things, but also asks me questions, and lets me figure things out myself. I think that’s a really good way to build leadership experience and learn how to solve problems on my own. I also manage the three other members of the team, including our Social Media and Marketing Manager, the Philanthropy Chair, and the Events Manager.
What else are you involved with on campus?
I am the online photo editor of the BU Buzz, so I organize and edit the photos each week for the articles to be posted online. I also take the photos if they need to be taken.
Where do you see yourself with a career?
Ideally, I want to start off doing social media either for a fashion brand or a marketing agency that has fashion clients. From there I want to work my way up to having a senior position within an agency.
What is your favorite part of being a Trendsetter for Trend Tribe?
I have two favorite parts. I like that I can get fashion merchandising and marketing experience in college before I get into the real world because I think it will really give me the chance to enter the field I want faster once I graduate. I also really like that a portion of the sales go to philanthropies because being in Kappa Alpha Theta has made me want to give back more since we do a lot for our own philanthropy, CASA. It’s not just buying a piece of jewelry; there’s a lot of good behind it.
Finally, do you have any favorite Trend Tribe pieces?
The Kari necklace! It’s so beautiful!
Anyone wishing to check out Trend Tribe jewelry, has the opportunity to use the special BU discount code ‘trendtribebu’ for free shipping, and also to follow the BU Trendsetter team on all social media, @trendtribebu for their updates on future trunk sales on campus!