Q. What is your advice to other women trying to break into the fashion industry?
A. Network, DUH!
To be honest, I’d probably be more “star-struck” by most of the people I’ve friended on facebook and haven’t met in person than some of these big wigs in the industry. I probably wouldn’t even recognize Anna Wintour if she was standing next to me [Not even going to lie – That totally happened at Fashion Week in September].
Five years into the game and I’m still “getting my feet wet,” but moving to NYC was the single best thing I could have done for my fashion career. I applied to Parsons and got in [Believe me, I was surprised too] – I was excited to move to New York to attend school but I was even more excited for the opportunities that could arise in a new location. I had built a great foundation in Texas and was looking to expand. It’s hard not to get distracted from school with so many opportunities here but I am so grateful to finally be in a place where people truly appreciate my talent and where I am surrounded by others who are also passionate about similar interests and are willing to help me grow.
[SPEAK!] You absolutely cannot be shy in this industry. People want to know what you can do for them and what makes you better than the next guy in line. Network yourself with the RIGHT people, people who are always looking to grow and don’t have egos the size of an elephant’s ass (I won’t mention any names) - 9 times out of 10 everyone who I spoke with before I was “introduced” into the Houston fashion scene was looking to collaborate. We really do have a lot of talent that goes unrecognized but hopefully all that will change after Houston Fashion Week. I would personally like to take the time right now to thank everyone I had the pleasure of working with prior to moving to New York for such wonderful opportunities – Without them, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. With that being said, it is also very easy to get blacklisted [!!!] – This industry is a very large, and very small. Chances are if you don’t know someone, the person you’re working with does, so always maintain a sense of professionalism (says the girl who harasses her male models).
Q. What are your thoughts on diversity in the fashion industry?
A. I love that more and more demographics are being represented in the industry. Often the public identifies “fashion” as a super skinny, fair-skinned female with no curves. So much has changed in such a short period of time and I think it’s due to a lot of companies focusing on going global and really reaching out to their target market across the globe. Cultural awareness is so important, especially in the fashion industry.
Q. Describe your personal style:
A. 32 flavors and then some…
Most people think you have to have designer to be stylish. I think I have 2 designer handbags? One was a gift to myself [Retail Therapy] and the other was a gift from a show I helped coordinate - I had no idea how expensive the gift that was given to me was until I got to New York and my roommate almost had a heart attack.
I’m not really into “fashion” – I just like fancy business.
Q. Who are your fashion icons?
A. I don’t have one. My biggest inspiration is Pee-wee Herman!
*Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway opens at the end of the month if anyone is interested in getting me tickets (and a hot date) for my birthday.
Q. How do you achieve work, life, balance?
A. WORDS TO LIVE BY: It’s not lack of time, it’s lack of direction. Everyone gets 24 hours in a day.
To keep up with Sarah on the social circuit, friend her on Facebook.
Image of Sarah: (Photo Credits: Photo BABAK)