Forward Thinking at Fashion Futures
Last January 22, the Fashion Zone organized an event about the latest fashion technologies and careers with FashionTech Toronto (external link, opens in new window) and Style Canada (external link, opens in new window) called Fashion Futures. The room was filled with fashion and tech professionals, enthusiasts, and students.
To jump start the event, 2 Fashion Zone companies talked about their entrepreneurship journeys. Nada of Authentique (external link, opens in new window) and Mariam of Infinitely Classic inspired the crowd with stories of challenges and highlights of starting their own business.
"So many opportunities have come our way- because of the work that me and my team has put it in, but also because of the belief that [the Fashion Zone team] has in me"
- Mariam Nouser, founder of Infinitely Classic
After listening to entrepreneurs Nada and Mariam, it was time to explore other fashion pathways through a career-focused panel moderated by Style Canada Managing Director Elise Gasbarrino. The panelists included Maria Brown, Pouneh Hanafi, Kristi Soomer, and Christina Mirabelli. The discussion covered a range of topics from personal branding, the difference of working for big and small companies, and leveraging the trendy Tiktop app for brands.
Key takeaways from the panel:
1. Align yourself with a brand that you love. This is so important, especially today.
2. Find people who know more than you do. Learn from them.
3. Especially for women, don't be afraid to ask for what you deserve. Negotiate your salary! Do your research and be honest with yourself.
"It's good to know what you want but be 70% sure and keep 30% open. The 30% is where the magic happens."
- Maria Brown, Store Manager of Balenciaga
Kristi Soomer, Christina Mirabelli, Pouneh Hanafi, Maria Brown, and Elise Gasbarrino
"Follow your passion- even if it's not your full-time job. Make it your side hustle. It will happen if you want it bad enough".
- Kristi Soomer, founder of Encircled
Ashley Barby, Elise Gasbarrino, Andrea Romero
Thank you to everyone who came to Fashion Futures! It was a pleasure to have you at our event. A special thank you to Fashion Tech Toronto and Style Canada for organizing the event with us. Stay tuned for more Fashion Zone events!