I suppose I should start my first blog entry by telling all of you readers (I'm hoping there are some out there) a little bit about myself and why I am entering this face paced world of blogging. I am a sophomore at an all womens college that is centered around science and math, however I am no math geek and in love with writing and fashion. In New York there are ten thousand other girls who want to pursue fashion, its normal. But at Mount Holyoke College if you say you want to be a fashion journalist, the majority of students will look at you like your a wack job. My best friend Maddy and I attempted to create a Mount Holyoke fashion magazine, we thought the idea was hip, fresh, and unique. However, other people disagreed with us. Our idea was bashed and we were left feeling hopeless.
Sometimes, I feel misunderstood going to Mount Holyoke. Yes, you will find the cliche "fashion bitches" in the fashion industry. But cliches aren't always right, whether we're talking about athletes, stay at home moms, lawyers, or clowns; we just can’t make assumptions about people (Although I’m sure not every company is like this). While interning for Donna Karan (or DKNY), I was lucky enough to work with people who were willing to teach me how to succeed in this competitive business; and who didn’t want to throw me under the bus. Okay, so I interned with Shoe Sales, which isn't what I want to do in life; but I learned a lot about the fashion industry. I expected to make coffee runs and trips to the mailroom, but I did way more than that. Instead of being looked upon as a college intern, I was treated like a full time employee. I had the best mentors who were supporting me along my journey, including my boss Justine. So I didn't get to hang out with my friends every day or spend lazy days tanning at the beach (In fact I was pretty pale), but in the end that didn’t matter. I attended important meetings, made orders, wrote emails, made trips to department stores, and even got to attend the Super Saturday event in the Hamptons (The biggest fundraiser for ovarian cancer research). Although it didn't pay, the discounts and sample sales made up for it. The fact that I felt like I was contributing to one of the biggest fashion companies in the world is payment enough for me (Unfortunately that won't be enough to buy my dream apartment in Grammercy Park, but it will have to do for now).
I dream everyday of working for a fashion magazine like Vogue or W. I am the happiest when sitting on a comfy couch, sipping iced chai’s, and flipping through the glossy pages of Vogue filled with unbelievable clothes and fashion mavens. I want to contribute to that world of fashion magazines! Every time my parents ask me "What do you want to do with your life?" I say the same thing "I want to work at a widely circulated fashion magazine like Vogue". Unfortunately my Dad isn't a big dreamer like I am, and knew he wanted to be a lawyer when he was 13. "Why don't you get your teaching degree and become a teacher, you can get summers off" He always said. Truth of the matter is magazines are dying, you can now subscribe to a blog for free or read a magazine on your Kindle with a push of a button. I don't want summers off, I don't want to work with children, and I don't need to make a boat load of money to be happy in life. Although my parents don’t necessarily think that fashion is the right direction for me to go in, they continue to be loving and supportive. I’m very lucky to have my parents guide me through this very exciting point in my life.
But listen up people (any readers......anybody?), here’s the lesson of the day; don't let anybody get you down. Keep pursuing your dream, whether or not the people around you like it. It's all about what makes you happy, I mean hey this is what your going to be doing you mine as well choose something you enjoy. The one thing I learned this summer is NEVER take no for an answer. When applying for an internship keep calling until you talk to someone, and if you don't get your dream internship this summer there is always next year.
This blog will allow me to share the ups and downs that I will experience pursuing a career as a fashion journalist. I’m calling myself Helaray on my blog because it’s a combination of my grandpa and grandmas name. My grandma died last November, and my grandpa died when I was in second grade. I miss they more than words can say. They were always my biggest supporters, and I dedicate this blog to them.
