Perspectives 

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As I work toward building my career as a creative in the fashion industry, I want to take a gradual approach to building my brand. My main goal is to use social media to build buzz and create a lifestyle and aesthetic that people are drawn to. By doing this anonymously at first, I can develop a curated archive of content that reflects my vision, allowing me to grow an engaged following before I officially launch my personal brand or product. This strategy will not only help me create a more authentic connection with my audience but also ensure that when the time comes to promote my products, I have a loyal base of people who trust my opinions and are genuinely interested in what I have to offer. I want to avoid relying on influencer marketing tactics that often feel inauthentic, where products are promoted for profit rather than a true connection to the values behind the brand. I also recognize the importance of taking small, intentional steps toward my larger goals. Education and knowledge are crucial to my success, and as I continue to grow in my field, I plan to focus on building my brand voice, aesthetic, and character. This ongoing development will not only help me become a more authentic and unique stylist but also create a timeline that reflects my personal and professional evolution. Alongside my education, I will work on establishing the key business essentials that will set me up for success—things like a logo, business cards, and a website. These elements will be important not just for when I’m ready to launch but also for any freelance or volunteer opportunities that may come up while I’m still in school. Building my portfolio during this time will give me a strong foundation, so once I graduate, I’ll be prepared to either continue my education in a specialized field or start building my business.

January 2025

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Lately, I've become frustrated with the lack of authenticity on social media, particularly because the algorithm often prioritizes content that feels less genuine. This has pushed me to spend more time engaging with print media instead. However, I do believe social media is evolving, and there’s a growing shift towards more authentic connections. Instead of relying on paid ads to reach new audiences, I think collaboration is the key to growing an engaged following. Collaborations, especially those between businesses and influencers or individuals who align with similar values, seem to be a powerful strategy. What stands out to me are partnerships that don’t just focus on traditional B2B collaborations but also involve working with individuals whose followers align with the target audience. An effective example could be collaborating with businesses that cater to your shared target market but aren’t direct competitors. By creating joint products or limited-edition lines that feature both brands' iconic notes—whether through design, branding, packaging, or marketing—you can create something truly unique. This approach allows both brands to tap into each other's audiences while offering novelty items that serve a practical purpose, which resonates with people on a daily basis. I would love to incorporate these types of collaborations into my own social media strategy because they feel more authentic and create opportunities for deeper connections with my audience.

January 2025