So apparently you all want to know a little more about me, my life, & most importantly – What do I do for a living? What sparked this was all the traveling I did from August up until September. Thanks so much for submitting your questions on Facebook – I will try to keep answers short & sweet! xx
What do I do? I am a designer/merchandiser in the rag trade (clothing industry). The company I work for supplies retailers with ladies fashion merchandise. While I can’t name some customers, one of our main customers is The Hub.
How do I get to travel? Since August, I have been to New York, Hong Kong, China & Dubai. Hong Kong is a normal stop before China – we generally spend a day or so there doing trending (aka shopping), & entertaining of customers (aka dinner). China is where all the work happens. Sittings in costings; going to the markets to source fabrics & trims; going to textile suppliers; visiting factories etc. I have recently taken on the merchandiser-in-training role & thats where New York & Dubai come in. Those trips are purely for the purpose of trending – which means you shop until you drop! Literally.
What did I study? I studied fashion design straight out of matric. So glad I realized it soon enough – this is my true passion in life.
What jobs have I had since finishing my studies? Before I even had my degree, I had a job – junior merchandiser for a kiddies character t-shirt supplier to a MAJOR retailer in SA (I can’t mention names). I had no real understanding of what the industry really was & I hated it. Quit before 6 months was up. I then took time off (which is when I started the blog) to do my own thing & figure my life out. I did a few matric dance dresses; styled photoshoots; studied a course on entrepreneurship; & blogged. Then, 2 years ago, I had a life changing experience which made me realize that I had forgotten about all my career ambitions. Now, with a BA Degree in Fashion Design, there were lots of different jobs I could’ve gotten into, but I knew I wanted to be in that buying/merchandising area. Anyway, I got a job at Woolworths working as an instore visual merchandiser aka window dresser. And while I loved it there & loved the job itself, I knew what I wanted in the long run. I stayed there for 6 months until I found my current job. Designer. I have been doing this for just over a year & a half.
Does my job support me as a blogger? Absolutely. I am so lucky to have found myself working in a environment that accepts that I have outside interests, & also values that everything I do is building my brand. If I make sure I have taken care of what I need to at the office, they don’t hassle me too much about all the time I take off. But I wouldn’t neglect my job for my blog. My job affords me international travel & a steady income so it would be silly of me. But that’s also why I’m picky with which events I attend, I can’t attend everything – Im not trying to be a socialite.
Do I feel like I could stay at my current job forever, or am I planning on bigger & better things? Right now, I am extremely happy where I am however I never rule anything out. Although, I do believe that it wont be easy finding another employer that believes in me like my current one. But, in terms of my future fashion goals, I definitely see myself launching a line of swimwear or clothing. I think that I have a fair understanding of what the consumer wants so why not?!
What did I want to do as a child? I wanted to be a lawyer (so glad I din’t do that!). But I used to make Barbie clothes from old socks, so that could’ve been an early hint at my passion.
Besides fashion, what do I do, & what motivates me? Gosh I actually don’t have much of a life! lol. I pretty much just go to work & sometimes attend events, & stay home. I am addicted to tv shows so that’s what I do on most weekends! I’m a self motivated person. I push myself to achieve goals & don’t need someone behind me trying to push me towards achieving greatness.
What inspires me? I’m pretty much inspired by everything I see. But mostly by clothing, photography & how clothing is styled. I treat my magazines like The Bible.
Why do I never share my relationship? Well, that’s because I am single. Although I can’t say whether or not I will be very public should I choose to get into a relationship at some point.
Where do I shop? I shop everywhere locally. But one of my favorites spots internationally is H&M!! I literally went to 3 H&M’s in New York / 1 in Hong Kong / & 2 in Dubai!!! And that was in the space of 4 weeks!
What have been the challenges in getting where I am today? In terms of my blog, one of the biggest challenges is that I live in Durban. Not many fashion events happen here so I wasn’t really in touch with other bloggers or with brands.Over the past year, I have put myself out there & developed friendships with other bloggers – that helps.
What advice would I give to someone who wants to do what I do? Well, be sure its where your heart lies. My heart belongs to fashion & I believe that that is why I am doing so well. But if it is what you want, go for it! It’s not glamourous, & it’s exhausting – but it’s so worth it! Be realistic though, even I had the delusion that I was going to be the next amazing designer after I studied fashion. Truth is, most of us aren’t. But the fashion & clothing industry is so vast that there are a million options. Or you can create your own opportunities too. Decide on what you want & go for it!
This has been great guys, I hope you feel like you know me a little better now 🙂
I really enjoyed this post, thanks for dsahring Brett 🙂
Thanks for putting out an realistic approach to the industry! Lovely getting to know you <3
Xxx
Perry
http://Www.theperrybook.com
I love your blog so much and thanks for sharing this.
I do feel like I know you better and you are blessed to have found your passion so early in your life.
Thanks for this post. It’s good to have a little more insight into the life of the person who runs this interesting blog 🙂 I’ve been reading for about a year now, and I can’t wait to see what you bring to us in the next year.
i’m inspired, so inspired. thank you so much…xx
Thanks for this post! It was great getting to know you.
Rushda xx
http://www.rubescloset.com
Love the ins and outs if fash, so loved reading a post with a bit of insight on buying and merchandising. It’s something I’m quite interested in. This actually got me thinking.
https://www.facebook.com/theclosetisours
Its important to love what you do… You inspire us Future fashionistas. Thank you
Loved this post. Thanks for sharing!!!
i love you even more
Love that you’ve let your readers get to know a bit more about you. You have one of the best jobs ever. Truly blessed!
Keep well Brett,
Ms Paula Bee
http://www.mspaulabee.co.za
Wow awesum post kp njoy what u do &love and u an inspiration2