Alumni
Recent Grad Shelby Greene Hired at Living Spaces as Visual Merchandising Stylist
Shelby Greene started as an intern at Living Spaces over a year ago in their merchandising/marketing department. When she graduated in June with her degree in Visual Communications, they hired her full-time at their La Mirada headquarters as a Visual Merchandising Stylist/Coordinator, and she’s already growing her position since the company stands behind promoting from within.
Tell us what you do at Living Spaces: I wear a couple hats at Living Spaces. During full time hours, I style and merchandise the sales floor to be as inspirational as possible to the customers. I take care of the modern, kids, and outdoor furniture areas. I execute large floor moves and completely flip the vignette to be more appealing and more understandable to the customer naturally. During the evenings, I work in corporate in the merchandising/marketing department. I started at Living Spaces over a year ago as an intern in the merchandising/marketing department (thanks FIDM) and took a full-time styling position when I graduated FIDM in June. What I do is plan and execute floor plans for the company, soon to be 21 stores. I create floor plan packets for the teams to utilize in order to set their floor accurately and to see where each collection will go and if it will fit. I also create more specific floor plans for new directives where each specific furniture piece will go. I critically think of angles and placement of collections so that the customer will see the best part of each collection.
What is your biggest goal right now? My biggest goal is to begin production design and set decorating in the studio department at Living Spaces. This company is great with growth. I enjoy the in-store merchandising, however the atmosphere of being on set using props, on location, and taking photos feels so right for me. I am also working on starting my own home décor business.
How do you feel FIDM prepared you for what you are doing now? As much as many students disliked the drafting class, I loved it. It actually prepared me the most for my corporate position that I am doing now. For merchandising, every single class played a significant part in my work. Whether it’s me creating props, changing lighting, or the elements and principles of design in general, it all prepared me for what I do now.
Tell us a little about yourself: I moved to Los Angeles in 2015 to attend FIDM in the summer. I have been a dancer my entire life and every year I get so close to being on the Laker Girls cheer team from auditioning. I have always known I had a knack for presentation, styling, and projects. I developed my passion for interior design shortly after beginning my program, knowing I have always had the natural interior design talent. I have two dogs named Rosy and Ruby that I love so so so much. My love for dogs lead me to having my own dog sitting business.
Any advice for current FIDM Students? Do not lose focus on what you came to FIDM for. You may change your mind a million times, but do not forget your talents and qualities that brought you to FIDM in the first place. It will help you in the end to bring you to the right destination. Also, WORK WORK WORK. I worked 2-3 jobs my entire time at FIDM plus internships, and yes it was exhausting. But looking back now, I am so happy I was put through all the work, not only to pay the bills but to put me ahead in my career.
Anything else you’d like to share? My entire time at FIDM, I stayed super focused on my career. I joined every club and took any opportunity that landed in front of me. Once I found my true interior design passion, I ran after it and took any job that related to it. I would love to give back and help FIDM students find their way and get through troubles with school and work, because trust me I know the struggle. But in the end, it is so worth it.
Follow Shelby Greene on Instagram @shelbygreeneinteriors.
Categories: Visual Communication Alumni
