When did you start with your current company?
On July 4, 2009 I was hired by Neodandi House of Couture; currently located in Seattle with future boutique openings in New York and Japan. www.neodandi.com

What position did you get hired for?
Assistant Designer/Seamstress

What is your current position and what are your responsibilities?
I was hired in July 2009 to assist owners with the opening of the Seattle Boutique – August 8, 2009, and with custom design projects. I assist with client fittings and design consultations. Duties include, sewing, stitching, draping and future duties will include illustrations using Adobe Illustrator and attending BC and NYC Fashion Weeks.

How did your education prepare you for this position?
There were many times along the way that I thought I would quit school and just go out and find a job. I had mentors and faculty that encouraged me and helped me to see how my education was helping me become the designer I am today. There is no doubt that the intensity of the program prepared me for the fast-paced days and deadlines on the job.

What are your goals for the next 5 years?
Finding a job that I love was one of my first goals - work doesn’t seem like work if you love what you are doing. My ultimate goal is to strive to be better than Karl Lagerfeld.

What would you like to say to current fashion design students?
Stay the course – don’t drop out! Don’t doubt yourself. I’m glad I stuck with school through the thick and thin. I never had a job, or a boss, that so inspired me. My boss values education and if I had dropped school I would not have qualified for the position. He told me during the interview that he would not have hired me if I didn’t have a degree, and since I hadn’t completed my course work at the time he hired me, my employment was contingent upon me completing the program. Again, I say to all you students out there that think you can’t make it through – don’t give up!

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