I got a degree, then decided not to use it. Should I follow the money or the passion?
The Beginning
My goals towards fashion entrepreneurship were not something I discovered until recently. After I completed my bachelor's degree in architecture in 2022 at the University of Adelaide, I felt incredibly conflicted about whether I should begin a career in something I did not enjoy and dreaded entering the industry. However, despite knowing I did not want to continue down this path, I had no idea what I would pursue otherwise. Then, simply because I felt Adelaide no longer had the space for me to progress, I moved to Melbourne to join my family and surprisingly thoroughly enjoyed the full-time work I found in retail visual merchandising. It was only supposed to be temporary, while I found my footing in a brandnew city, full of people I didn’t know. But it quickly turned into a clear vision of my future and where I wanted to go.
My graduation, 2022
The Vision
I have always been interested in fashion, never missing any opportunity to dress extravagantly even in day-to-day attire. After working in visual merchandising, I realized this industry was something I would never get tired of. The constant change, analysing and predicting trends was exciting for me, even after several years of the same job. I chose to study fashion entrepreneurship because I want to refine and develop these skills in the
market. I would like to explore other opportunities in a similar field and potentially take these skills internationally, in a country from which fashion is renowned.
Visual merchandising at Zara, 2024 taken by author
The Goal
Throughout my work I also discovered management is something I have been told I excel at, but also something I enjoy. I’ve always been a leader in many areas of my life – school, extra curriculars, and employment. I’d love to be part of a team from a luxury fashion house, leading the business management side of the success. The dream is to be surrounded with
like-minded people, supporting big icons in the fashion industry, travelling the world, while chasing the endless goal of creating the “next big thing”.
Palazzo Gucci, Florence, Italy, November 2024 taken by author
