Olivia Fife

Responsibilities

I help manage the store’s e-commerce and website, assist with social media marketing and public relations, and support fashion merchandising. I research and identify vintage clothing and selling trends, take product photos for the website, and maintain high standards of customer service. I repair and mend garments as needed, and assist with opening and closing the store.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my internship has been the opportunity to begin developing a collaborative clothing collection that will be sold in the store through the artist collaboration program. I am working with the owner to develop ideas for the collection, and I will design and create pieces that may be produced and sold in the shop. Having the opportunity to contribute creatively and work toward seeing garments I make become part of the store’s merchandise has been a very rewarding part of my internship experience.

Learning experience

One of the greatest lessons I learn from this experience is gaining insight into what goes into running a small business on a daily basis. I get to see how different parts of the store operate, from merchandising and marketing to customer service and online sales. This internship also teaches me a lot about what it takes to own and manage a business, which is especially valuable because I hope to start my own brand one day. It helps me better understand both the creative and operational sides of the fashion industry.

What advice would you give?

My advice for future students is to keep your long-term goals in mind and be intentional about how you spend your time. Try to focus on opportunities, classes, and experiences that help move you closer to where you want to be. Prioritizing school and your goals may take effort in the moment, but it will pay off in the long run. Staying focused on what you want for your future can help you end up in the place you hope to be.