Kaitlyn Paslay

Major: Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Minor/option/emphasis: AMD-Creative and Technical Design
Company/Organization: Dornink Couture
Company/Organization website: http://www.dornink.com
Destination: Des Moines, Iowa
Timeframe: Summer 2019
Advisor/Coordinator Email: annthye@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

My experience with Dornink was a very busy and fantastic, well rounded experience. When I started out I was put on the register and learned how to take care of the upstairs store. That included running the register, cleaning, restocking shelves and checking inventory, dressing the mannequins and consulting with brides and their fittings. Downstairs I later was introduced to some design aspects and got to utilize the emphasis of my degree. I didn't design anything new for them but I did one technical flat and seam ripped a lot of garments to have them prepped for alterations. I was also there to steam, press and sew things by machine and hand. I also did online work for one of my bosses Sarah Dornink. This was a long and extensive experience that organized their product on Dornink's show choir website. I utilized a lot of my photo shop skills for this.

Accomplishments

A great accomplishment I got to do is prepare the lace for a veil that my boss Faythe had started and cut out but it was my job to prepare the lace, then to sew it on the veil. This was a huge piece and accomplishment for me because I was able to sit in on the fittings for this bride and got several photos of the veil being worked on.

What advice would you give?

Go in strong and confident but also don't be afraid to ask questions if you didn't understand. They would rather you ask.

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