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Hi there!

Hi there!

How I went from working retail at a local mall to producing fashion shows at New York Fashion Week...


Breaking into the fashion industry can seem impossible, especially because it is still unfortunately a world where nepotism largely rules. However, it is very much possible to make your way in even if your parents don’t own a major fashion house or have personal connections at Vogue.


I’m living proof.

How I went from working retail at a local mall to producing fashion shows at New York Fashion Week...

Breaking into the fashion industry can seem impossible, especially because it is still unfortunately a world where nepotism largely rules. However, it is very much possible to make your way in even if your parents don’t own a major fashion house or have personal connections at Vogue.

I'm living proof.

THE BEGINNING

MALL JOBS, MANNEQUINS AND THE CHANGE OF A DREAM

I never thought I'd be part of the fashion industry...

As a kid, I grew up with the dream of being a performer. Voice lessons, dance recitals, acting classes - that was the entirety of my childhood.


I also loved making things beautiful. As a child, that meant making clothes for my Barbies and playing for hours at a time. As an adult, it would mean creating visual displays and styling models for photo shoots.


Slowly, fashion took over over my childhood dreams of being a famous Broadway star. So, it was no surprise that at 16 I got my first job working retail at a clothing store in the mall.

Retail gave me the opportunity to work while going to school and would continue to do so my entire college career.

In the end, I spent a total of six years in retail as a sales associate, personal shopper, store manager, visual sales manager and finally, as a visual merchandising stylist.


What started as a way to make money to buy cute clothes became the means and the hands-on experience I would need in order to take courses at FIT and later LIM.

Working and going to school full time meant that my time management skills had to be razor sharp, otherwise the carefully constructed schedule I had built would come crashing down.

Mornings and nights were spent at work. Afternoons were spent rushing to the train, commuting 1.5 hours to get to class, then racing back to relieve my boss and close the store. Homework was done on the train and every single weekend was spent at work.


This was the only way I could achieve my full time 40-hour a week status and still graduate.

...It was sheer madness and I have absolutely no idea how I managed to pull it off.

THE BEGINNING

MALL JOBS, MANNEQUINS AND

THE CHANGE OF A DREAM

I never thought I'd be part of the fashion industry...

As a kid, I grew up with the dream of being a performer.

Voice lessons, dance recitals, acting classes - that was the entirety of my childhood.


I also loved making things beautiful. As a child, that

meant making clothes for my Barbies and playing for hours at a time.

As an adult, it would mean creating visual displays and styling models for photo shoots.


Slowly, fashion took over over my childhood dreams of being a famous

Broadway star. So, it was no surprise that at 16 I got my first job

working retail at a clothing store in the mall.

Retail gave me the opportunity to work while going to school

and would continue to do so my entire college career.

In the end, I spent a total of six years in retail as a sales associate, personal shopper,

store manager, visual sales manager and finally, as a visual merchandising stylist.


What started as a way to make money to buy cute clothes became the means and the

hands-on experience I would need in order to take courses at FIT and later LIM.

Working and going to school full time meant that my time management skills

had to be razor sharp, otherwise the carefully constructed schedule

I had built would come crashing down.

Mornings and nights were spent at work. Afternoons were spent rushing to the train,

commuting 1.5 hours to get to class, then racing back to relieve my boss and close the store.

Homework was done on the train and every single weekend was spent at work.


This was the only way I could achieve my full time 40-hour a week

status and still graduate.

...It was sheer madness and I have absolutely no

idea how I managed to pull it off.

INSIDE MY WORLD OF

NYFW FASHION SHOWS

INSIDE MY WORLD OF

NYFW FASHION

SHOWS

MY FASHION SHOW EXPERIENCE STARTED AS A BACKSTAGE MODEL DRESSER...

Over the next 10 years, I would learn every single aspect of a fashion show.

During my time at FIT, I was introduced to the world of fashion shows and it changed the course of my life. I was HOOKED. The crazy energy and adrenaline backstage, the absolute precision – every second mattered and my head just spun.


Over the years, no matter what full-time job I had, I continued to volunteer for as many shows and events as I could in order to get as much hands-on experience as possible until I was getting hired to work them.


In addition to fashion shows, I worked on all kinds of live large-scale events including, award shows, film premieres, product launches and music festivals.

MY FASHION SHOW EXPERIENCE STARTED AS A BACKSTAGE MODEL DRESSER...

Over the next 10 years, I would learn every single aspect of a fashion show.

During my time at FIT, I was introduced to the world of fashion shows and it changed the course of my life. I was HOOKED. The crazy energy and adrenaline backstage, the absolute precision – every second mattered and my head just spun.


Over the years, no matter what full-time job I had, I continued to volunteer for as many shows and events as I could in order to get as much hands-on experience as possible until I was getting hired to work them.


In addition to fashion shows, I worked on all kinds of live large-scale events including, award shows, film premieres, product launches and music festivals.

THIS WAS INVALUABLE FOR THE NEXT STEP IN MY CAREER:

CORPORATE MARKETING & EVENTS AT RALPH LAUREN

What started as an internship at RL ended up being my ‘home’ for the next seven years. My time with the company proved to be one of the most important steps in my career as I was able to work in public relations, marketing, styling, ecommerce, events and online marketing – broadening my skill sets and strengthening my experience as a professional in ways I never thought possible.


After my time at Ralph Lauren and armed with years of experience, I was finally ready for the next facet of my career as a freelancer.

THIS WAS INVALUABLE FOR THE NEXT STEP IN MY CAREER:

CORPORATE MARKETING & EVENTS AT RALPH LAUREN

What started as an internship at RL ended up being my ‘home’ for the next seven years. My time with the company proved to be one of the most important steps in my career as I was able to work in public relations, marketing, styling, ecommerce, events and online marketing – broadening my skill sets and strengthening my experience as a professional in ways I never thought possible.


After my time at Ralph Lauren and armed with years of experience, I was finally ready for the next facet of my career as a freelancer.

PARTNERSHIPS & EVENTS

THE FASHION ARCHIVES

PARTNERSHIPS & EVENTS

THE FASHION

ARCHIVES

COMPANIES

DIZON, INC

BERGDORF GOODMAN

EVENTIQUE.

EYESIGHT GROUP

SOFIA CROKOS EVENTS

JENNIFER ZABINSKI EVENTS

BLUE REVOLVER INC.

RALPH LAUREN

OFF-WHITE

HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE

NIKE

PRONOVIAS

AIR COMPANY

BOB WOODRUFF FOUNDATION

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

MACYS

NEIMAN MARCUS

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

NEIMAN MARCUS

NINE WEST

SEVEN BAR FOUNDATION

TORY BURCH

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

WISE & CO.

A CURRENT AFFAIR

VEUVE CLICQUOT

MAKE-A-WISH

TICKETMASTER

MERCEDES BENZ

GUCCI

BACARDI

EVENTS

JACK TAYLOR WELLNESS EVENT

HUMANE SOCIETY GALA

CCBF GALA

EMERY AWARDS

NY FASHION WEEK

AMFAR GALA

BG HOLIDAY WINDOW REVEAL

BG WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARDS

FASHION FOR RELIEF

WOMEN IN THE WORLD SUMMIT

NFL FASHION EVENT

TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

JEFFREY CARES EVENT SHOW

STAND UP FOR HEROES

POLO RALPH LAUREN SHOW

LED ZEPPELIN: CELEBRATION DAY

EXPRESS: ROCK THE SIDEWALK

AAFA AMERICAN IMAGE AWARDS

BENEFIT 7 BAR FOUNDATION

BARCELONA BEACH FESTIVAL

AMERICAN IMAGE AWARDS

GUCCI SUNGLASS EVENT – SPAIN

VEUVE CLICQUOT POLO MATCH

STARS FROM TOMORROW

MACY’S THANKSGIVING PARADE

BILL BLASS CHARITY GALA

DILLARDS KENTUCKY DERBY

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD EXHIBIT

UNICEF 70TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

SHOWS

DION LEE

KITH

N. HOOLYWOOD

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

PAMELLA ROLAND

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE

BATSHEVA

CREATURES OF COMFORT

PRABAL GURUNG

NOON BY NOOR

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE

BROOKS BROTHERS

PETER PILOTTO

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

RACHEL ZOE

CELINE

MARCHESA

CHARLOTTE RONSON

THE BLONDS

ERIN FETHERSTON

STELLA MCCARTNEY

LAUREN RALPH LAUREN

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

VERA WANG

MANGO X JCP LAUNCH SHOW

ZAC POSEN

THEORY

MARA HOFFMAN

JEREMY SCOTT

RODARTE

THAKOON

COMPANIES

DIZON, INC.

BERGDORF GOODMAN

HOUSE OF WARIS BOTANICALS

GREAT JONES DISTILLERY

ANGELINA PARIS

MARIPOL

OFF-WHITE

LEWIS MILLER DESIGN

ANDRE WALKER

BLUE REVOLVER INC

TRESEMME

EVENTIQUE.

EYESIGHT GROUP

SOFIA CROKOS EVENTS

JENNIFER ZABINSKI EVENTS

BB’S BACKSTAGE

RALPH LAUREN

ELLIE AWARDS FOUNDATION

HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE

NIKE

PRONOVIAS

FOUNDATION FOR AIDS

BOB WOODRUFF FOUNDATION

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

MACYS

NEIMAN MARCUS

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

NEIMAN MARCUS

NINE WEST

SEVEN BAR FOUNDATION

TORY BURCH

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

WISE & CO.

A CURRENT AFFAIR

VEUVE CLICQUOT

MAKE-A-WISH

TICKETMASTER

MERCEDES BENZ

GUCCI

EXPRESS

BACARDI

EVENTS

JACK TAYLOR WELLNESS EVENT

BERGDORF GOODMAN HOLIDAY EVENT

HUMANE SOCIETY GALA

CCBF GALA

EMERY AWARDS

NY FASHION WEEK

AMFAR GALA

BG WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARDS

FASHION FOR RELIEF

WOMEN IN THE WORLD SUMMIT

NFL FASHION EVENT

TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

JEFFREY CARES EVENT SHOW

STAND UP FOR HEROES

POLO RALPH LAUREN SHOW

LED ZEPPELIN: CELEBRATION DAY

EXPRESS: ROCK THE SIDEWALK

AAFA AMERICAN IMAGE AWARDS

BENEFIT 7 BAR FOUNDATION

BARCELONA BEACH FESTIVAL

AMERICAN IMAGE AWARDS

GUCCI SUNGLASS EVENT – SPAIN

VEUVE CLICQUOT POLO MATCH

STARS FROM TOMORROW

MACY’S THANKSGIVING PARADE

BILL BLASS CHARITY GALA

DILLARDS KENTUCKY DERBY

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD EXHIBIT

UNICEF 70TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

SHOWS

THEORY

PAMELLA ROLAND

HERON PRESTON

DION LEE

BATSHEVA

KITH

N. HOOLYWOOD

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

GIORGIO ARMANI

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE

MISHA COLLECTION

CREATURES OF COMFORT

PRABAL GURUNG

NOON BY NOOR

PRONOVIAS

BROOKS BROTHERS

PETER PILOTTO

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

RACHEL ZOE

CELINE

MARCHESA

CHARLOTTE RONSON

THE BLONDS

LAUREN RALPH LAUREN

ERIN FETHERSTON

STELLA MCCARTNEY

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

VERA WANG

MANGO X JCP LAUNCH SHOW

ZAC POSEN

RACHEL ZOE

MARA HOFFMAN

JEREMY SCOTT

RODARTE

THAKOON

GET TO KNOW ME

A LITTLE ABOUT

GET TO KNOW ME

A LITTLE ABOUT

Maria

have given me extensive experience and a deep understanding of the inner workings of this beautiful and complicated industry.


As someone who has hustled her entire life - starting with nothing, no contacts and zero experience - I know what it feels like to be relentless; I learned firsthand how to keep knocking no matter the number of doors that slammed shut in my face.

My mission and heartfelt goal is to be the facilitator of your fashion career dreams so that you can make your professional goals a reality faster and with less setbacks than I had.


Whether you choose to download my free guides, work one-on-one with me through coaching services, join my members-only network or sign up for my signature course, I want you to know that I am here for you.

Together, we can make all of your fashion career dreams a reality.

have given me extensive experience and a deep understanding of the inner workings of this beautiful and complicated industry.


As someone who has hustled her entire life - starting with nothing, no contacts and zero experience - I know what it feels like to be relentless; I learned firsthand how to keep knocking no matter the number of doors that slammed shut in my face.


My mission and heartfelt goal is to be the facilitator of your fashion career dreams so that you can make your professional goals a reality faster and with less setbacks than I had.


Whether you choose to download my free guides, work with me through coaching services, join my members-only network or sign up for my signature course, I want you to know that I am always here for you.

Together, we can make all of your fashion career dreams a reality.

I love hearing from people in our incredible community and receiving messages about how I can help them accomplish their career goals.

So, let’s connect! My team and I do our best to get back to everyone, just let us know how we can help.

If this question is related to my course or membership and you need support, please contact the team directly.


If you'd like to discuss projects within my freelance services or would like me to speak to your school or organization, please contact my services team.

I love hearing from people in our incredible community and receiving messages about how I can help them accomplish their career goals.

So, let’s connect! My team and I do our best to get back to everyone,

just let us know how we can help.

If this question is related to my course or membership and you need support, please contact the team directly.

If you'd like to discuss projects within my freelance services or would like me to speak at your school or organization, please contact my services team.

THIS IS A TOTAL GAME-CHANGER

Do You Want to Work Fashion Industry Events Like NYFW?

COMMUNITY

Feel Supported As You

Further Your Fashion Career

Join fashion professionals of all different experience levels from around the world in our private fashion career network. Some benefits include trainings on strategies, insider tips and step-by-step advice to help you start or further your career in the fashion industry, and exclusive job and internship opportunities directly from hiring managers, recruiters and industry contacts I'm connected with.

COMMUNITY

Feel Supported As You

Further Your Fashion Career

Join fashion professionals of all different experience levels from around the world in our private fashion career network. Some benefits include trainings on strategies, insider tips and step-by-step advice to help you start or further your career in the fashion industry, and exclusive job and internship opportunities directly from hiring managers, recruiters and industry contacts I'm connected with.

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