Lasell College alumnis ’05
to ’13 currently living in Boston MA, share with students their success after leaving Lasell. On Tuesday
November 19, 2013, seven unique fashion
major alumni of Lasell College share to students how they made it in the fashion industry.
Four of the women were fashion merchandising majors and three of the
women were fashion design majors. The women describe to students valuable
information on how to make it in the fashion world and how they got to the
positions of where they are today. The women gave countless tips and advice
that is beneficial to every Fashionisa!
From left to right: Casey Closter '13, Samantha Marquis '11, Nicole Folino '07, Stacy Scarsella '05, Tarah Martell Schweitzer '05, Julie Kontos '08 and Lindsay Reilly '13.
Casey Closter '13- Graduating just last year with a Fashion & Retail Merchandising degree Casey currently works as a coordinator for TJX companies. Casey launched this job from interning with the company and became well respected as a future employee. When she started looking for a job after college the company insisted that she stayed with TJX. She impressed them so well that they wanted her to stay with them. Casey tells us all about how hard work pays off and to always do your best, even in an internship. Casey's everyday job consists of managing the women's sportswear at Marshalls in Marlborough.
Samantha Marquis '11- Fashion Design and Production major Samantha urges designers no be prepared for the glamour side and the stressful dark side of the fashion world. Samantha is currently a full time stitcher for the Boston Ballet. Samantha describes her everyday work as not glamorous and extensively hard work with bloody fingers. She explains that this work is by far worth it when she sees a tutu she made on a billboard or at the Nutcracker. She has made Clara's party dress and the Dew Drop Fairy's tutu. The items that are made for the Nutcracker are used year after year and she tells students her excitement for one day taking her kids to the Nutcracker and seeing her beautifully designed ensembles on the dancers.
Nicole Folino '07- Nicole Folino defines hard work and dedication. A Fashion and Retail Merchandising graduate she explains to students that showing your importance and making your way independently will create your success. Nicole currently is the Boston Artist Representative for ENNIS Inc. ENNIS Inc. is a bicoastal agency representing talent in prop, wardrobe and food styling, hair and makeup artisty and production planning. Nicole explains that she used to pay her own ticket to go to work events and work hard at the events. Seeing how much she was needed Nicole was then invited to events with her ticket paid for. Nicole's story represents the awards of hard work and true dedication. She explains to students that in the fashion world you will work with a lot of tough people, but the harder people make you stronger and rise to a higher level.
Stacy Scarsella '05- Fashion Retail and Merchandising alumni Stacy is currently working out of the fashion industry as a senior producer for Bose. She still is part of the fashion process within working on campaigns from TV, Video, and Product Photography but is no longer doing fashion shoots. She used to work on shoots with Nicole Folino, above. Stacy says that she is finally at a controlled level and is extremely happy with where she is now at Bose.
Tarah Martell Schweitzer '05- Graduate from '05 Tarah currently works for TJX companies as a senior designer. Tarah works in the Playwear department. Tarah explains that she would never have imagined herself working in the playwear department but now would not want her life anyway. She represents the need to be open minded and patient and that your mindset and goals can change overtime.
Julie Kontos '08- Fashion Design and Production alumni Julie Kontos works as a clothing designer and graphic artist for the Navy Clothing and Textile Research. She started as an intern when she was studying at Lasell College and worked her way up to making it a full time job. Julie demonstrates the benefits of an internship and her experience encourages students of Lasell to intern as much as possible.
Lindsay Reilly '13- Lasell's very own store owner and designer, being just a graduate from last year. Lindsay Tia Designs is a custom made handbag company that Lindsay started five years ago. Lindsay tells students that no matter what anyone says you can make your dreams come true with hard work, effort and the vision. Lindsay is definitely a passionate fashionista and her bags exemplify her in this way being fun and ever changing styles.
Each of the girls have grown a sense of wisdom and strength while working in the "cut throat" industry. The girls explain to students to never settle, be humble, take risks, intern, know your worth, stand out to professors, and be patient.
Tips from Boston Fashionista Alumnis:
Never Settle: Once your bored at a job JUST LEAVE. There are so many different ways of doing things and each workplace will give you unique experiences. The people who will hire you in the fashion world want experience the more places you've worked the better
Be Humble: Never act like your above anyone else, even if you think you are. Be modest and show your love for the industry and respect for being accepted in.
Take Risks: If you want to go to New York City, L.A., anywhere-- do it now. The sooner you pick up and go to where you want to be the easier it will be. Right out of college, start off where you see yourself in many years to come and you will be much happier. If you want to go to New York City and make it in the fashion world, do it. Take a risk and if it fails, move onto another place in the city of many possibilities.
Intern- Experience is key! It's unpaid sure, but it is totally worth it in the long run.
Know Your Worth/Value- When applying to a job know what they need and don't sell yourself short. Research the job and make sure that you can fulfill the position. Don't be crazy and assume "I can do anything" because maybe someday that company will have a position you can fulfill but you will be remembered as the high school graduate applying for a VP position.
Stand Out to Professors- Don't just get by! Always do your best. You never know who is looking and who could be your ticket into the real world of success. Try to keep in touch with as many people as possible- connections in the fashion industry are essential.
Be Patient!- Your not always going to be doing exactly what you want to be doing. Things will slip and their will be downfalls. Experiencing the bad in a good light will make the future greater than you know. Things change overtime, in the fashion industry change is constant. Never be too hasty to let go when something's not going your way. Be patient and aware that hard work can pay off.
By: Julie Pomphrett
Fashion Communications & Promotion
Lasell College
At Career Connections: Fashion Alumni Roundtable & Luncheon
Tuesday November 19th
12:30- 1:30
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