Ali McCloud is much more than just a Drexel adjunct instructor for Design and Merchandising. She owns her own eco-friendly clothing store Arcadia, and it totally rocks! She grew up in Malvern, PA, moved to NYC for several years, then found her way back to our awesome city of Philadelphia. She’s been an instructor in Drexel’s Westphal School of Design for four years, skillfully guiding new students in a field she’s very passionate about. After attending college in University City during the 90’s, she witnessed this area’s growth and how it became an exciting place for college students to venture out and embrace the city. These changes also include Drexel’s fashion program moving into the URBN Center which provides a unique environment for fashion-industry hopefuls to be guided by instructors with real life experience. In her classes, Ali feeds off of her students’ energy and passion, appreciating how career-focused they are and how willing they are to share ideas to enhance each other’s learning experiences.
Arcadia, located in Northern Liberties alongside many other quaint little shops, takes advantage of the young-professional neighborhood and offers a unique product line which includes independent fashion designers. Arcadia opened its doors seven years ago. Many of the items within the store are crafted by local designers and created with sustainable materials. Instead of stocking her racks with run-of-the-mill, generic clothing, McCloud encourages and highlights local talent. Driven by her admiration of unique things, she features jewelry you won’t find in H&M or Loft. One of her favorite things about selling local artists’ designs is being able to know personally who created the pieces. This locally-centered business model also benefits the local economy and maintains the independent stores, like Arcadia, that line North 2nd Street.
Ali McCloud provides a great asset to her students by bringing her experiences in the fashion world into the classroom. One student appreciated how “she was able to use her experience in the field to make the subject relevant.” Along with inspiring her students, she encourages them to “get out there and do stuff.” She knows how valuable experience and networking can be, and encourages students to take internships and work opportunities whenever they arise. Though McCloud acknowledges her students’ excitement about growing up and starting a career, she encourages them to learn and mature through college, and to not miss out on vital experiences.
When asked about the similarities between running a business and being a professor, she believes there is an “entrepreneurial aspect to both” due to the requirements of self-motivation, creativity and resourcefulness. Running her own business has provided her with a unique perspective to bring into the classroom.
If you’re ever in need of some on-trend eco-friendly clothing, check out McCloud’s store on 819 N 2nd Street, just a few blocks off the Market-Frankford line. You won’t be disappointed with their unique pieces, earthy atmosphere, and friendly faces. Â