Don’t worry, those of you that know me are aware that I’m am not a purchaser of luxury fashion, I don’t read magazines with luxury fashion and I don’t dream about someday owning luxury fashion. However, I just left an informal Q&A session with Angela Ahrendts, the CEO of Burberry. The woman absolutely fascinates me.
Ahrendts will be speaking our our commencement ceremony on May 8th and I’m incredibly excited for it. The reason I’m excited about it: She’s from Indiana and attended Ball State. Now, I’m not trying to be a Ball State plug and talk about how awesome Ball State is and all that hoopla. The part that I’m interested in talking about is how she’s given me much more confidence in myself.
Growing up in Batesville and then continuing my higher education in Indiana, I convinced myself that I’d be able to do great things in my career somebody, but there was a point people would be like, “OK, you’re from the Midwest, this is where you have to stop moving up the career ladder.” Who knows where I got my mindset? (And, by the way, there’s nothing wrong with the Midwest as I explain later.)
After seeing Ahrendts (over Skype), she gave me so much confidence that you don’t have to be born in New York or London or LA to be a big thing. You don’t have to have rich parents and connections out the wazoo already. She moved to New York the day after she graduated and never stopped growing from there. She searched for a job and managed to prove herself in her industry, fashion.
Something that I really liked that she said was that one of the reasons she’s the CEO of Burberry is because she was born in the Midwest, so she was raise to be accountable. I completely agree with that (for the most part.) I think many people in my generation and the ones before me have been shaped by the work ethic and drive of the Midwest. I’m proud that I was raised her because I think it gives me a sense of accomplishment, a sense of focus.
Yes, I’m a designer, and I’m passionate about it. I’m trying to figure out what industry I need to apply my design, marketing and public relations skills to. Is it fashion? Probably not. I think that’s something that has to be in your blood. I mean, when I got to college I asked someone in my dorm, “What are all those C’s on the glasses these girls are wearing.” Welcome to the world of Coach, Stephanie. I racked up my awkward points that day I think.
Anywho, I guess what the whole point of this post is: Someday, I’m going to accomplish everything I want to. I’m going to be a leader, someone who is passionate about their career and someone who’s damn good at it.
You guys are all going to laugh when someday I’m walking around in Burberry trenchcoat.
Steph … you’re one of the elite now and don’t even know it of yourself. There’s not one person I’ve known who also has worked with you that says anything less than how exceptional you are personally and professionally … your mad skills at conceptualization and design are off the charts. Combine that with your ability to communicate well and clearly and it’s a no-brainer.
I have said numerous times … “Steph is going to take her field by storm”. Kudos to the midwest gals that don’t have to have a hometown zip of NYC or LA to kick major ass for themselves. I too, know what that’s like in some way as I went from a dream, to a reality as a photographer for 15 years of my life.
Can’t wait to see where you go …. it’s going to be amazing!
One quote comes to mind here – “Whether you think you can or you can’t you’re right.” Make sure you post a picture of your Burberry Coat when you get there =)