Sophia Strathearn

Responsibilities

During my internship as an Operations Assistant at The Slow Era, I supported the daily operations of a vintage retail store by managing e-commerce platforms, assisting with website updates, and contributing to social media marketing efforts. I helped analyze selling trends and researched vintage clothing to support merchandising decisions. My role also included product photography, maintaining store displays, and providing high-quality customer service.

Accomplishments

One of my greatest accomplishments during my internship was becoming more confident modeling clothing for the brand and using those images to support the company’s online presence. Over time, I grew more comfortable in front of the camera, which allowed me to better showcase the fit and style of each piece. I also learned how to pair these modeled photos with compelling product descriptions, helping to market the items more effectively on the online store and create a more engaging shopping experience for customers.

Learning experience

One of the greatest lessons I learned during my internship was how to balance creativity with business strategy. While working with vintage fashion and content creation, I saw how important it is to not only present items in an appealing way, but also to understand what drives sales and customer interest. I also learned the value of adaptability—whether it was taking on new tasks like modeling or adjusting marketing approaches based on trends. Finally, I developed stronger communication and collaboration skills by working closely with the store owner, artists, and customers, which showed me how essential teamwork and relationship-building are in a small business environment.

What advice would you give?

My advice for future students in this field is to take advantage of hands-on experiences and be open to trying new things, even if they push you outside of your comfort zone. Some of the most valuable skills I gained came from stepping into roles I hadn’t expected, like modeling or creating marketing content. I would also recommend paying attention to both the creative and business sides of the industry—understanding trends, branding, and customer behavior is just as important as having a strong aesthetic sense. Finally, build relationships and stay curious, because connections and a willingness to learn can open up a lot of opportunities.