Student
Meet NRF Foundation Student Ambassador Kendall Wolford
Merchandising & Marketing Student Kendall Wolford was born and raised in Orange County, California where she was surrounded by West Coast fashion from a young age. By the age of 14, she knew she wanted to go into the industry, so Kendall enrolled online at Laurel Springs High School, where she could take more specialized classes and enjoy a flexible schedule that allowed her to get involved with local fashion events. And since she lived near FIDM’s Los Angeles campus, she was able to visit the school on multiple occasions before becoming a student. We caught up with Kendall, who is serving as the NRF Foundation Student Ambassador for the 2021-2022 school year, to learn about her path to FIDM, what she loves about her program, and her future career plans.
How did you first hear about FIDM and what made you want to attend? I first discovered FIDM while I was still a middle school student, and it immediately sparked my interest. After I had expressed my desire to study fashion, one of my teachers told me about the school, and shortly thereafter I visited the campus for the first time. I knew right away I wanted to attend FIDM because I saw the terrific resources provided for students, and I could tell how dedicated every faculty member was to helping their students succeed in the industry.
How did you choose your major? While I also have an interest in the more creative side of fashion, the marketing side of the industry has always appealed the most to me. I think marketing is a very crucial part to any brand’s success, especially in this digital world we are living in today. I adopted more of a business mindset as I gained experience in the industry during high school, so I knew that the Merchandising & Marketing major was the right choice for me. I could not be happier with my decision!
Tell us about your experience as a Merchandising & Marketing student at FIDM: My experience has truly been wonderful. In my very first quarter, I was already taking specialized business and marketing classes, so I really felt like I was acquiring so much knowledge about the industry right from the start. In addition, all of my instructors are currently working in the industry, and I have learned so much from their advice and personal experiences they have shared with me. For instance, Instructor Aneesha DuBois, knowing my interest in public relations, has provided me with so many valuable insights and pieces of advice for my pursuit of a career in this field. At FIDM, I have received so much personalized attention from every faculty member in this department, and having all that unwavering support throughout my education experience is amazing.
How did you become a NRF Student Ambassador and what does this role entail? I am currently serving as the NRF Foundation Student Ambassador for the 2021-2022 school year, a position which I was recommended for by a current instructor. As FIDM’s Student Ambassador to the NRF Foundation, I essentially help connect current students with the wonderful career opportunities the NRF Foundation provides to help students gain real-world experience in the retail industry. It has been such a rewarding experience serving as the student ambassador, as it is amazing to see how so many FIDM students, myself included, have benefited from the events hosted by the NRF Foundation.
You are also an actor. Tell us about working in film and TV: Before I ventured into acting, I was a massive film and TV enthusiast (and I still am today). I have been very fortunate to have some amazing experiences in the industry, such working in music videos and having a role in a Netflix TV show. Just like working in the fashion industry, working in film and TV has been incredible because I have been able to work with so many talented and creative individuals. That’s the best part!
What excites you most about the industry and what do you hope to do after graduation? I find the industry today so exciting because it will never be the same as it was years prior. The fashion industry is very fast-paced and is constantly evolving, so I think it is a challenge in itself just to keep up with the newest industry trends and patterns. This challenge is what excites me so much, as I don’t think there will ever be a “boring” day in this industry. After graduating in 2023 with my bachelor’s degree in Business Management, I hope to work full-time as a public relations consultant in Los Angeles. Since I also have a passion for film, I am planning to be involved with the entertainment industry as well.
Attend our Online Lecture Series event, The Art & Science of Fashion Buying, on Thursday, July 15, 2021, from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PDT. Register for the free event here.
Categories: Merchandising & Marketing Student
