Student

Just Accepted Product Development Student Runs an Online Clothing Shop

Name: Emily Benavides

Age: 20

Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA

Previous College: Cairn University and Santiago Canyon College

FIDM Major: Merchandise Product Development

FIDM Campus and Start Date: LA, Fall 2017

Admissions Advisor: Susan Pope

How did your advisor help with the process? Susan brought me through each step with a loving and helpful hand. From the day I walked in curious about the university, to the day of my acceptance, she filled me with confidence and determination to succeed.

Tell us a bit about yourself: I love to sell clothes, which is good since I also love to shop. Going to a thrift shop and selling my clothes on my way to Newport Beach is definitely one of my favorite pastimes. I am creative, yet business minded. I have always wanted to have my own line of clothes, specifically swimwear. I absolutely love modeling and doing shoots in general. I am a model, photographer, creative director, and stylist.

What are your proudest accomplishments? I have started my own online clothing shop, Painted Nation. Ten percent of what the business makes is donated to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation. I am also very proud of the sister that I am and the daughter I am to my mother. To me, being a positive influence in their lives is an accomplishment in itself.

What made FIDM right for you? FIDM is a perfect match for me because of the fact that I am creative with a love for clothing, but also extremely driven and business minded--I believe I can combine both here, while learning the practical ins and outs of the creative industry I love.

Tell us about your entrance project. My entrance project was an artistic portrayal of what my brand, Painted Nation, would ideally look like if I developed my own clothes. It has a carefree bohemian look with easy going silhouettes and lots of color and floral detailing. 

What are your career goals? I would love to be a buyer for a company and have my own brand of swimwear.

What do you expect to learn at FIDM? I expect to learn the practical end of developing clothes, such as making a tech pack and sewing, while also developing the designer aspect of the process and learning how to work in a clothing industry environment.

Categories:  Merchandise Product Development Transfer Student