Ms. Charm’s Career Series: Professional Fashion Designer, Jill Andrew Gowns

 

Four years ago, Jill Andrews, an experienced dressmaker and Sara Mathes, an experienced seamstress teamed up to open a bridal/ custom clothing studio in Hampden.

“With the economic downturn around 2009, we were being faced with cutbacks at work and we decided to strike out on our own,” Mathes said.  We knew it was risky, but it was worth the risk because the potential has always been there.”

Each one of kind garment is designed and handmade by the ladies of Jill Andrew Gowns with detailed craftsmanship and locally sourced materials.

Besides being a dream place for brides in Baltimore, Jill Andrews Gowns rents out their studio for photo shoots as well as parties and collaborated with other local fashion businesses such as Two Back Flats.

What type of tasks do you embark on a daily basis?

“Every day we are sewing,” Mathes said. There is always something that needs to be altered, finished, patterned, etc. It’s almost always busy! Sometimes we are working on alterations for film/tv, sometimes its costumes for theater and then, of course, there are the bridal and evening gowns.”

What would you describe as a career defining moment?

Ms. Charm Tips: Dressing Chic for a Job Interview

Graduation season is here! 

High schoolers are on their way to college or the work force.

College students on their way to job hunting.

Dressing for a job interview whether it is for a part-time job at a fashion boutique or a full-time job at a firm is something that can easily make or break your job interview experience.

Choosing the right interview outfit depends on what kind of job you are interviewing for.

When you pick a posh outfit appropriate for your job type, you are guaranteed to get the job and grab your potential bosses’ attention.

Corporate Interview Outfit

Dressing for a corporate interview is a challenging task if you are used to having fun with fashion.  Your corporate interview outfit needs to be tailored and classy.

You can wear a suit with a slim pencil style skirt and add a simple belt. You can wear a suit with slim fit pants. Stick to simple shirts with basic colors such as white, light blue, or gray and tuck that shirt into your skirt or pants. Jackets or blazers should have one or two buttons.

Avoid open toed shoes and wear a classic 3-inch heel pump. Your accessories should be simple like a watch, stud earrings or a patent belt.

Fashion Interview Outfit

If your dream job is to work in fashion, you do not have to look boring on your interview. Getting a job as a fashion intern to fashion public relations associate, you want to showcase you know the trends of the season and your style is as great as your resume.

Pick one trend of the season that your love and wear it well. You can match a trendy piece with a timeless piece like a vintage dress or skirt.

Do not put on your Chanel T-shirt or Gucci sunglasses because it will make you look overly flashy. You do not want your outfit to look like a costume. 

Creative Interview Outfit

Interviewing for a job in publishing, advertising, music, art or design, you want to showcase your creativity with your interview outfit.

Start with a classic professional garment like a blazer, pencil skirt, or dress pants. Do not be afraid to wear a patterned top because it creates an impact that isn’t too distracting. Add a statement piece of curl such as a cuff or necklace.

Most likely, you will be asked to bring a portfolio or your laptop on a creative interview.  Carry a satchel/spacious bag to carry your interview goods in a chic way.

P.S. Remember to not wear anything too tight, short, sheer, or revealing because it is never appropriate for any interview.

Ms. Charm’s Career Series: Professional Fashion Marketer, Epps Consulting

 

Christine Carter opened her very own marketing firm, Epps Consulting in 2007. Epps Consulting focuses on creating campaigns and developing marketing plans for many local fashion businesses. Her passion for being an entrepreneur has always been a key part of her life.

“I was inspired to start my own business long before I started my professional career,” Carter said.  My parents have both been successful in operations, specifically management, so I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit.

Retail marketing became my passion because I’m fascinated by consumer buying habits- what makes a customer buy an item from Store A if Store B sells it at the same price point?”

To prep for her fashion marketing career, Carter gained experience managing employees at big box and small retail companies.  

“I also diversified my skills- as a new small business owner you don’t have the budget to rely on a marketing, public relations, accounting, and HR department to assist you,” Carter said.

Who was your first client? What do you remember about that experience?

“My first client was 5 Wacky Women in Cockeysville, MD,” Carter said. I had a small sample of graphic design work to show the owner, and frequently referenced my previous position as Director of Marketing for a regional retailer to show my experience.

I was nervous and really wanted the new business; however I made recommendations with the client’s best interest in mind and communicated them clearly and honestly. I also made it no secret that she would be my first client.

Ms. Charm’s Career Series: Professional Boutique Owner, The Fashion Attic

 

For nearly a decade, Beth Joy has maintained a staple in the Fells Point neighborhood with her consignment store, The Fashion Attic. Before she became a boutique owner, she was a Visual Merchandising Manager/Executive for Macy’s for ten years.

 

“It was an awesome job at first, but eventually, as the economy woes got bigger, my job become way more stressful and not very much fun,” Joy said.  In the end I was managing the displays for a 250,000 square feet store with one associate. Plus, [I was] traveling to store openings and revamps several times a year. I felt it was time for a change. To de-stress my life a little.”

 

Joy often found herself shopping in thrift, antique, and consignment shops. Inspired by her own shopping adventures and her love for fashion, Joy decided to open a consignment shop. There was no doubt that preparation became a crucial part of her success.

 

“I realize that people think that starting your own business is stressful, and it is,” Joy said. But it was a joy compared to what I was doing. I saved money for two years to prep. I wanted to save enough to be able to pay my first years rent. It was such a relief to not have to worry about coming up with the rent the first year.

Also, I told everyone that I knew that I was starting a consignment and started collecting clothes from them. I had a finished basement that I wasn’t using for anything, so set up racks to put the clothing on.”

 

In the early 2000s, Joy opened The Fashion Attic doors to the public for the first time.

 

Ms. Charm Tips: Get Fashion Experience with Internships

No matter what career field you decide to choose, you always need to have experience in order to get your dream job.

The best way to build your resume is to INTERN!

Whether you are a high school graduate, a college student, or a college graduate, having experience at more than one internship will make you stand out of the crowd. 

Ms. Charm’s INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:

Like anyone else, Ms. Charm has had some rewarding internships and some not so rewarding internships.

Ms. Charm interning in the fashion closet at Girls Life Magazine circa 2009.

One of the best internship experiences Ms. Charm ever had was interning at Baltimore based teen magazine, Girls’ Life Magazine.  I was able to inten there for two semesters: one semester I was in the editorial department and other semester I was in the fashion department.

Ms. Charm interning at Girls’ Life Magazine circa 2009.

After the internship, I was able to contribute to the Girls’ Life Magazine website as an Online Contributing Writer.

Ms. Charm’s thank you card from internship advisor circa 2009.

HOW DO I GET AN INTERNSHIP?

When searching for an internship as a high school student or college student, it is reccommended to set up a meeting with your guidance counselor or with your career  center.

Ms. Charm’s Career Series: Professional Jewelry Designer, Julie Ter Borg of Jullie Ellyn Designs

 

Who says you can only have one career? Julie Ter Borg is a scientist by trade and has a successful jewelry line, Julie Ellyn Design.

Usually, her days involve taking care of her two small children, working as a consulting scientist, being attached to her Blackberry and having late night sessions to focus on creating her artisan jewelry. 

It was around five years ago that the Maryland based accessory designer decided to become a small fashion business owner.

“I started designing jewelry as a hobby and stress release from my hectic job as a research scientist and consultant,”Ter Borg said. I really enjoyed the creative process and gifting handmade items to my friends and family. When my bead stash started to become overwhelming, my husband encouraged me to start selling my designs. Never did I dream that I would have the level of success that I have reached so far.”

Her etsy shop, Julie Ellyn Designs features earrings to large statement bracelets with a feminine touch using high quality gemstones, gold, sterling silver, and fresh water cultured pearls. Also, she specializes in custom design and bridal jewelry requests. Often Julie’s jewelry designs are inspired by two important people in her life.

RAW Baltimore 2013: KALEIDOSCOPE on June 6

On June 6, the next RAW Baltimore event, KALEIDOSCOPE will take place at their new location, TATU located 614 Water Street  from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Each monthly event features film screening, musical performance, fashion show, art gallery, performance art and a featured hairstylist or makeup artist.

Featured at KALEIDOSCOPE: