Alumni
Online Learning Grad Developing Curly Hair Care Product
Jennifer De Castro’s passion for design and beauty brought her to FIDM’s online learning degree program in Merchandising & Marketing. After graduating in 2014, she worked as a showroom sales representative at the New Mart and all of the major trade shows on the West Coast. The part-time professional dancer, model, and actress is currently a Sales Consultant for Lumenis, a leader in the laser aesthetics industry, but is also an entrepreneur who is developing the brand Empowered Curls, a product for curly hair care.
Tell us a little about yourself: I am a creative person by nature. I love fashion, beauty, interior design, a well-plated artistic home cooked meal, graphic design, and beautiful photography. Part-time, I am a professional Brazilian Samba dancer as well as a model and actress. I have appeared in a Sprint commercial as a samba dancer, and also had stints on Modern Family, Westworld, Beachbody, the LA Lakers/Delta Airlines, and Access Live, and have worked as a model for Lorac Cosmetics, Sebamed Skincare, and Diabolo Sparkling Lemonade.
Tell us about your current position and responsibilities: I help bring increased confidence and take years off your face through science and technology that results in younger, fresher, and more vibrant skin. I work on the Beauty team representing Geneo, a 3-in-1 superfacial treatment that works both on the outside and the inside of the skin, combining clinically proven treatments that encourage the natural skin renewal and replenishment processes. I am responsible for the Southern California sales territory independently developing new business opportunities and relationships through outside sales.
Why did you choose FIDM? I chose FIDM because of its reputation of being the gold standard in everything fashion. I originally wanted to go to FIDM after high school but at that time they didn’t offer a Bachelor of Science in Business degree. After I graduated from California State Northridge with a B.S. in Business Administration with an option in Marketing, I started out working in television advertising sales. I liked working with clients in advertising and television, but always had a passion for fashion.
What went into your decision to enroll in FIDM's online learning program? I was working full-time as a National Sales Manager traveling around the country and the eLearning program was perfect for my schedule. At the time, I was living in Houston, Texas and would take my eLearning classes after work and on the weekends. It was the best way to be a FIDM student and learn the curriculum while being away from my hometown of Los Angeles.
What was the best part of your online learning experience? I loved the real-life projects and the collaboration with other students online. The projects were as if I really worked developing my own products, fashion line, or branding campaign at a major company.
Any advice for current FIDM Students who are experiencing online classes for the first time? Make a daily and weekly schedule and don’t procrastinate to do assignments and projects. Establish your group early for your collaborative projects and clearly assign tasks to each person with a deadline. Make sure every person in the group is contributing equally and play to everyone’s strengths so that you can get the most out of the project and use them as examples to get your next job.
What is your biggest goal right now? I am currently researching and developing my own curly hair product: a leave-in conditioner and styling creme/gel. I have tried everything out there for my waves, but it’s either too heavy with oils or doesn’t have enough moisture and curl power. It is my dream to finally come out with a curly hair product that empowers women to feel confident and have every day be an awesome hair day! Last year, I started an Instagram @empowered.curls showcasing women and before and after photos of their curls and hair. I tell transformational stories of women and their personal struggles and mirror that to their hair transformation.
How do you feel FIDM prepared you for entrepreneurship? With the knowledge and education that FIDM provided me, I know I can launch my Empowered Curls brand to be a worldwide success. I loved the Branding and Merchandise Marketing classes that really taught me that with the right plan and marketing strategy you can be a strong and trustworthy brand. It’s all about the right marketing!
Anything else you’d like to share? I would love to connect with creative people around the curly hair product development space! It’s always more fun to talk and meet with people who have similar dreams so we can all learn from each other.
FIDM has been offering eLearning courses and entire majors online for over 15 years. We’ve been able to build on that foundation to deliver a true FIDM experience for our students currently experiencing an online-only quarter. FIDM's holistic approach focuses on academics, research, student activities, and career planning. Please contact FIDM Admissions to apply.
Categories: Merchandising & Marketing Alumni
