The transition from biomedical field to fashion industry has been tad bit interesting for me. In 2015, I was emailing interview questionnaires to several creatives on their expertise and interest(s). I have shadowed two fashion stylists off and on for a year and a half, curated several editorial look-books suggested by my cousin and friend in 2017. During New York Fashion Week, I collaborated with a fashion designer for his first premier Menswear Collection (all thanks to my mentor) . This has been a ride... a good and challenging one at that! There was no step by step action plan. I was basically "winging it"...literally! Sure, I received advice from time to time; however, I had to start somewhere and work hard for what I want.

Here are few things I have learned thus far on How to get into the fashion industry with limited experience.

1) Join A Meetup- I never heard of the website until my cousin from NYC shared with me about a year or two ago. She suggested I should sign up once I mention fashion. Meetup is a social club for people who share the same interest(s) as you. It has a variety of categories where you can narrow your selection(s)/searches such as women who love chocolate, upcoming models, editing classes for photographers, sewing classes acting classes for amateurs, women who love to travel, men with style.

2) Enroll in an Internship or Externship:

How to find an individual to internship or externship?

Instagram Facebook LinkedIn SnapChat Twitter Google Indeed

2a.Social media is a great resource to connect with fellow photographers, models, makeup artists, creative directors, bloggers, marketers, pr(s), fashion designers, curators, stylist(s) - personal and wardrobe. Hashtags are very useful when looking up local artists in your city.Ty #nycfashion #dmvbloggers #dmvphotographers #phillyfashion. 2K18, we all about "Shoot your shot" in the DM for that connect, photoshoot, or internship for the local fashion designer.

2b. URBN Careers, Fashionista, Stylecareers, Conde Naste, and Hearst Magazine are websites you should DEFINITELY look into if you're trying to get into the fashion realm. When researching, its best to narrow your searches so you will not feel overwhelmed. If you're unsure what to look for, check out a few fashion articles to give you some behind the scenes on day to day life. For example: how to become a fashion stylist intern? What's the difference between fashion assistant and wardrobe assistant ? ( there is a difference between a wardrobe and personal stylist) What technical skills I need to become a fashion designer? How should my resume and cover letter be formatted? What are employers looking for in applicant?

3) Read online magazines: I love Refinery29! I use to binge off of Money Diaries at work. However, I tend to find the author is the best part of the article. Why? -To Network. Find their profile on LinkedIn and send a message. This goes for every magazine (s): Vogue, Glamour, Teen Vogue, GQ, Cosmopolitan,Harper's Bazaar, NYLON (used ), ELLE, Marie Claire, and etc. As my brother stated, have an email pitch ready and invite them to lunch, personalize a card, do something small but memorable. Writers, photographers, editors, marketers, PR, creative directors, and etc are usually listed in the publication(s) and contacts.

But before you do anything; here are some pet peeves

*Please do your research on the company; understand their core values, mission, the job titles, hierarchy, various department(s) of your interest, and history. Next, if the individual give you the "green light "to go to lunch or for coffee, actually get to the know the individual's interests, aspirations, background, and role in the industry. Remember the conversation is not about you or a " hey do you have a job opening?", and do not state you want them to be your mentor (it's a turn off).

3a. Also, you want to be knowledgeable about the upcoming trends, S/S and F/W collection(s), fashion shows and conference(s), public figure status, hierarchy and roles within the industry.

4) Fashion Blogger/Freelance Writer: Blogging is your chance to be creative! It's an online portfolio to discuss and showcase your sense of style and perspective on various topics you are most interested in. My friend has an online fashion/lifestyle magazine called StyleVibe based in ATL looking for freelance writers, hit her up!

5) Attend Conferences: I have not attended a fashion conference yet. But if I could, I would love go to Fashionista.com conference. Fashionista.com is hosted a "How to make it in the Fashion industry" conference on June 15th in New York City. Attendees are able to have one on one sessions with people in the industry; hopefully build a subtle relationship leading towards a paid gig. FashionistaCon celebrates six years sharing personal experiences, advice on landing a job/internship, the from big-name public figures who are making a huge impact in the industry.

Well there you have it, my top five on how to get into the fashion industry. Now, I am not saying these are the best five , these are a good starter. The fashion industry can be tough, but with a positive mindset, hard work, and a connect, anything is possible.

XO

Charnelle