Blog 1
What did you learn from your first week at you internship? Did anything surprise you? Who did you meet and what do they do? Did you engage in any code-switching?
During my first two weeks as an intern for Carol Mier at Carol Mier Fashion, I learned about how she was able to stay organized in the connections that she has developed over her many years of business and events. In her address book she has over 1000 contacts that go from photographers to other fellow designers and even CATERERS! It was amazing to see how many potential clients and colleagues I could have one day in the near future. I was also surprised at how mellow she was and how she takes everyday a step at a time. We also connected over our love for a variety of music. On Thursday the 12th of January , I met one of her event planners and close friends, which of whom i can not remember the name of, I apologize lol. However upon meeting her, we engaged in a short conversation about college and future career plans for myself. Eventually I got back to doing my job and while doing so, a song of my choice came on Pandora Radio by the name of No Ordinary Love sang by the wonderful and talented Sade. It was then, that they recognized that I was No Ordinary Person. She proceeded to tell me that I am “an old soul” and I agreed. Of course throughout my time at this internship, code switching played a huge part in my smooth run as a new intern. Usually, when communicating with my friends I find myself using slang words or words from the urban dictionary but this time I kept it professional and wholesome. These 2 weeks were over all a success, so much to the point that Carol will also be featuring some of her clothing in my upcoming fashion show in February. That’s all from me this week folks.
Nyal Out!
Blog 2
What was the best thing that happened this week at your internship? How did it make you feel? What else makes you excited about your internship?
This past week was a very interesting one. For the past 6 days i was basically her assistant. She wanted me to set up a bunch of different accounts with different websites that can promote her clothing. The best thing that happened to me during this week was the extended conversation I was able to have with my sponsor Carol. We were able to discuss my extensive plans on my upcoming fashion show. She complimented me on how organized and “well-prepared” I was. It made me feel like I was on the right track to becoming a successful individual. The biggest thing that makes me excited about my internship is the fact that I can EAT! Anyone that knows me, knows that food is my LIFE! Carol is a very laid back individual and I appreciate how easy she makes my life.
Blog 3
How do your actions affect your workplace? Do you contribute positively? How do your co-workers actions affect your internship? Which co-workers are you connecting with?
When dealing with the workplace, every step you take is a vital one. At my internship with Carol Mier, I have to make sure that I keep a professional code, no matter how layed back and simple the environment may be. Every week I try to ensure that I come in with a new attitude and look forward to what’s new to come. Considering that Carol is my only interaction with the workplace, she plays a big part in the affects of the work place. The minute she opens the door, she has already asked me how my day at school has been and our conversation can go on for 20 minutes at a time! All in all, working at Carol Mier Fashion is a delightfully mellow place to be.
Blog 4
Freestyle Blog. What brightens your week at your internship?
What brightens my week at my internship, is starting everyday as a new one. It’s exciting when you can come back and have a whole new story to tell your sponsor, and create a new conversation. This week i was able to go down the street to a place called Tacos de Mexico, and get something to eat. When I describe to you the heaven that comes from those tacos you wouldn’t believe me. I also tried a mexican drink called horchata for the first time ,and man was the money worth it. If you haven’t already figured out that food is something I take pride in, well now you know. Carol was so nice when she let me eat in her studio and enjoy the savory taste of the food. Later, I helped fold some fabric scraps, which was interesting to see all the different textured fabrics there really are in this world. It was also amazing to see the kind of people that show interest in such unique, avant garde pieces in Denver. She’s had a few customers show interest in her artwork and it was great to see how she promoted her work.
Blog 5
How do you feel like your internship is going so far? What are the highlights and the “lowlights”? Do you feel like you are making connections with your co-workers? What can you do to improve your experience?
My internship is going fairly well, I believe that I am beginning to build a certain bond with my sponsor. Just about 2 weeks ago, Carol and I, participated in something called “The Runway Project”. Its a fundraising fashion show that promotes high school juniors and seniors in the Colorado Beautillion-Cotillion Inc. program. This is a way to mentor and boost the confidence of young students and also to teach them the morals of presentation in the workplace. In preparing for this show, I was able to have several conversations with my sponsor about the minor details involving music as well as, clothing items being featured in the show. We seemed to have a close understanding of each others vision. Prior to the show we had a fitting for the young men and women to pick their favorite items from her collection. Some challenges or “low-lights” if you will, were executing the final vision and making sure everyone stays in communication in order to stay updated on any recent changes. However, the overall show was a huge success with lots of publicity from proud parents and community members. Considering that Carol Mier is really my only “co-worker”, I believe that we have made a great connection that helps us to keep the train moving. Although we connect on a smooth level, some improvements are to be made for the future. For instance, I hope to be able to have more interesting activities to broaden my knowledge of the fashion business.
Blog 6:
How do people at work treat you? How does it make you feel? If you have an intern one day, will you treat them the same? What have you learned so far from your co-workers and sponsor?
Since the only person I interact with is my sponsor, I believe she treats me very well. We’ve really developed that respect for each other where, she lets me stand alone on certain things she has me work on. It make feel respected and motivated that one day I will be at a standing point to eventually run my own business. I really appreciate the opportunity to work with such talent and meet new faces. It’s a very inspiring experience and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. If one day I was to have my very own aspiring intern, I would treat them with the up most respect. Its very important to help guide the youth of this generation and the generations to come for various reasons. When pointed in the right direction, an ambitious student will achieve all greatness. I determine to be an example for all my siblings and community members in the up and coming generation so that they can achieve all that they are capable and that starts with respecting one another. Taking into consideration that Carol Mier is a very laid back individual, the most important characteristic I have learned from her, is to take heavy situations with a grain of salt. You always want to make sure you focus on the bigger picture of whatever it is that is troubling you.
Blog 7:
What is the difference between working on personal art projects and working in a creative business? What have you learned about working in a creative business?
The difference between working on personal art projects and working in a creative business, is that when having personal projects you can work at your own pace and you can continue on any unique path you would like, versus working with strict guidelines or having to compromise with co-workers. When it comes to the “creative business”, you most likely have to report to someone or you have to share your “canvas” with others fairly. This can result in conflict of interest and ruin the original motive of the project if all roles are not completely and fairly organized. On the contrary, being able to work on your personal art project is a blessing. For example, I am blessed enough to be able to design and create my very own prom dress. The process is of course stressful, but the idea of me wearing something I made, is truly a lucky opportunity.
Blog 8:
How is your internship project going? Describe the progress of your project. How did the conversation about your project go with your sponsor? (If you haven’t discussed the project with your sponsor yet, how do you plan to do so?) Did they have good insights into how to improve or expand the project? How does your project bridge what you do at your internship and what you like to create for yourself? Has your relationship with your sponsor evolved as you have engaged in a creative dialogue about your project? Art there any challenges you are experiencing planning or doing your project?
My internship project is actually going pretty well. Well I am in the process of making my prom dress. I am making a two-piece crop top and skirt kind of dress. My style is more Egyptian considering my name comes from the ‘Nile River’, which starts in Egypt. I show my culture through my clothing, so I made sure all my colors such as gold and royal blue resembled my vision. The conversation i had with my sponsor was actually kind of touch and go. She allowed me to run with my own design and have full coverage on the outcome.
Blog 9:
What have you seen or experienced in your internship that has inspired you the most on your own artistic journey? Has this experience changed your artistic ambitions? How?
Blog 10:
Has this experience been a rewarding one for you? Why or Why not (keep it positive, if you had negative experiences, focus on what you learned- make yourself look good!)? How has the reality of your internship matched or contrasted with your expectations? What is the most important learning you did during your internship?