Gillian Soloy

Major: Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Company/Organization: Modern Dress
Company/Organization website: https://www.modern-dress.com/
Destination: Boone, Iowa
Timeframe: Spring 2023
Advisor/Coordinator Email: jbeyer

Responsibilities

I am in charge of an array of things when working as an intern at Modern Dress. I have been allowed to mend broken dresses and veils. When the window displays need changing, I choose what will be cohesive and work with the season or month. When new garments come in, I help some other employees keep up with inventory after they are steamed and pressed. Lastly, I help keep the store organized and put together to make the store have a story as you walk through.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment would have to be fixing the detailing on dresses. Each dress is so different from the last, with all their uniqueness, even if they are simple. They all have a touch that makes them stand out, catches a bride's eye, and for her to fall in love and say yes to the dress.

Learning experience

The biggest thing that this internship has taught me is "to listen but not be afraid to speak up if you have a question or a better idea." Throughout the industry, the higher-up people will want the ones who have the ideas when asked or are fearless in challenging them with tough questions or an idea that could be improved. These are the individuals that will make a name for themselves in fashion.

What advice would you give?

My advice for future students would be "not to be afraid of challenging yourself." There have been so many things I couldn't have imagined even learning let alone being able to be there in action looking back five years ago. This experience has been eye-opening and given me many valuable skills I can not wait to show others!

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