“Never give up. Always do what you are passionate about because no one can ever pull that passion from your heart.” My grandmother’s last words run through my mind. Before she passed away, my grandmother was my number one supporter. She encouraged my dreams and she recognized my determination to be a part of the fashion industry. She watched me transform from the girl lost in a world of many opportunities into the confident, knowledgeable woman I am when I stepped into the world of glitter and patterns. To me, fashion isn’t just an interest; it’s the air I breathe in.
When my grandmother passed away, I felt like the air came rushing out of my passion for fashion. I forced myself to conform to a world I wasn’t meant to be in and felt I had no alternatives. I no longer felt free to create – free to be me.
Like my grandmother said, no one can take that passion from my heart. My passion was recently given an oxygen boost when I was invited to attend a fashion internship at Nordstrom’s.
My childhood dreams were realized in this fashion internship. Patterns everywhere, fashion models waiting for fittings, the sound of sewing machines whirring through; beautiful fabrics and don’t forget the magazines advertising the latest trends. I loved every minute of it! I thought I was living my dream until I attended a conference that changed my vision. I had come early to make sure I had a good seat. As I settled in to listen to one of Nordstrom’s buyers share her experience, she smiled at me and asked for my name. Me? I was overwhelmed! I was given the opportunity to talk about my passion with Denis, a Nordstrom buyer.
Her years of experience and wealth of knowledge made my imagination soar. She told me a story about her sister-in-law who started posting pictures on a social media network of the outfits she wore. Over time, she began to get the interest of big name brands. I couldn’t help but doubt the possibility of such success happening to me simply through posting my outfits on a social media network. But as I continued to dream while we talked, I painted a picture of me in my Dolce Gabbana trench coat, walking the streets of New York in my newest Louis Vuitton heels to my very own store, conveniently located in 10 other countries. This is how I imagined success would look like and I am determined to get it no matter what obstacles come in the future.
After my grandmother passed away, I felt as though there was no hope to continue with my dream. My visualization of what success will look like is just what I needed to rededicate my efforts. This is my dream, I am a fashionista! One day, I hope to live out my love for fashion whether it is in the city of Los Angeles or New York or Milan. No matter where I go, I’ll always have my glitter and fabric because no one can pull that passion from my heart!