Student
Student Kimberly Spradley Shares Her Experience Attending NRF Convention in New York
Each year FIDM takes students to New York to attend the National Retail Federation conference—Retail’s BIG Show, the world’s largest retail conference and expo. Over three days, they network with industry leaders, learn about the current retail environment, and attend seminars by key speakers and retail executives. This year, CEOs of Target, Levi’s, and Macy’s were keynote speakers, as well as Chip and Joanna Gaines of Magnolia. Merchandising & Marketing Student Kimberly Rose Spradley, who graduates this June then will be continuing with her Bachelor’s degree at FIDM in July, shares her experience about attending this iconic industry event.
Tell us the value of attending the NRF show and some of the highlights: Being in a room with some of the world’s most respected business professionals was truly a surreal moment. The value cannot be expressed in words. One of the highlights for me was the different panels that were held such as the Entrepreneur Panel. There were various business owners who discussed how their brand came to be and all of the hard work that they had to put in and the many obstacles they faced. They allowed themselves to be very vulnerable while sharing and it was so inspiring to hear how some of these incredible brands that we all love and admire came to be.
Who were some of the main people you networked with at the show? I was able to network with so many amazing people such as Chip Bergh the President and CEO of Levi Strauss Co. who offered me an internship. Being an NRF semi finalist looked really good to the employers and I had many people give me their cards. I met Jo Malone too! I had a nice conversation with her. She encouraged me to follow my dreams no matter how hard it may be at times. I’ve been a fan of hers for so many years and it was such a privilege to speak with her at the NRF Gala.
Tell us a little about yourself: I was born and raised in Southern California. Fashion and business have been a love of mine since I was four years old and started cutting up and redoing my Barbie’s clothing. I would sell my creations to girls in my neighborhood for 25 cents each. I have been working towards my goal of being an entrepreneur ever since. I am currently a women’s personal stylist for Stitch Fix. Besides work and school, I spend my free time teaching myself new hobbies such as dress making or going to Disneyland with my husband.
Why did you choose FIDM? FIDM was always my number one choice! I remember watching Project Runway religiously and seeing them utilize FIDM and knew that was home. I truly love the atmosphere, and it is just incredible to learn from and connect with such amazing professors who work within the industry.
Anything else you’d like to share? I highly recommend that FIDM Students attend the NRF Student program in January. It was such an incredible and rewarding experience. You won’t regret it. Also, it is in the heart of NYC, what’s not to love about that?!
Categories: Merchandising & Marketing Student
