An Opportunity

Hi, all! Back in February, I applied for the Nordstrom Fashion Ambassador Program. It's a program where rising high school juniors and seniors can meet at their local Nordstrom and get ins and outs of the industry, as well as make key decisions with the BP region of the store and have an influence on buyers. I've loved Nordstrom for years, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity. After you filled out your application, if you were selected for an interview, you would have to present a fashion project which consists of something that shows your personal style and what inspires you. In late May, I received an email saying I was selected for an interview so I immediately began creating my project-(I'll post pictures of it when I get it back!). 

The day of my interview, I was a little nervous. I had never done a real interview before and my mom was asking me questions to make sure I was ready. My outfit was perfectly put together, along with my hair and makeup. I was ready! When I got to the Nordstrom in Atlanta, my mom and I walked around the store to wait on the manager to get there so we could begin the interview. Finally, the manager approached me and immediately asked me what brand my shoes were! #youknowyou'reinfashionwhen..  The manager, Ashley, was so chill and easy to talk to. While the interview was still somewhat formal, she was very laid back and I felt very comfortable. She described her day-to-day schedule, what I would be doing if I got on the board, and cool perks of being on the board. For example, TopShop just came to Nordstrom and she said her board members were a huge part of bringing that to the store in Atlanta. I was stunned! Even though I felt good about the interview, I didn't want to jinx myself into not getting on the board. I would either be notified by email or via phone if I got onto the board. 

About a week and a half later, I got an email... I had gotten onto the board!!!! I was super excited. My parents and my closest friends were very proud of me. I am happy to announce I will be on the 2015-2016 Nordstrom Fashion Board in Atlanta, Georgia. With all of that being said, I never even knew Nordstrom offered this opportunity for teenagers to learn about fashion until I saw it on Tumblr. Plus, it had said on the application I would hear back by a certain date if I had been selected for an interview and when I didn't hear anything, I assumed I didn't get it. Then one morning, after I had made a big change in my life the day before, I got the email saying I was selected. It was odd, yet perfect timing and truly made me value the opportunity I was being given. So, my two cents is, if you have an opportunity to get your foot in the door into a field you love, do it. Opportunities don't come around often and taking them opens more doors than not taking them ever will. 

xoxo, 

Carly