Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Menendez.
Vanessa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always had an eye for details when it comes to not just fashion necessarily, but style. I started working in retail when I was fifteen years old. By the time, I was a senior in high school, I knew that the only industry I was interested in working in was the fashion industry. I applied and was accepted to the fashion program at the Art Insitute here in Downtown Miami. During my time there, I had so many amazing experiences that helped me grow and develop myself as well as my skills. Shortly after graduating, I was presented with an amazing opportunity to come aboard a team of visual merchandisers for Forever 21. Along with my amazing team, I style all in-store mannequins, execute window displays, set-up marketing, and rotate/refresh the view of our product to relate to today’s biggest style and trends. I am now a manager of visual merchandising for the Forever 21 in Dolphin Mall. Thanks to my time here, and all the personal and professional growth I have had, I have been able to to build relationships and contacts with many outside sources, and I have been asked to style and assist in styling various projects here in Miami.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to where I am today was definitely not an easy one. I am the youngest of three siblings who grew up with an absent father, and a mother who was sick. Needless to say, it was not easy pushing through and believing that I was more than my circumstances. Nonetheless, here I am two degrees later, a single mommy of two, and chasing after my dreams and opportunities that may come my way. If I could share any advice to young women starting their journey, as cliche as it may sound I would tell them, never give up and never stop believing that you can have everything you want! All it takes is the fight, perseverance, fire, and willingness to do the work. Although tough times or circumstances make the journey more difficult for some more than others, it is possible to get there!
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Forever 21 specializes in fast fashion. Meaning, they are in tune with all the trends, but also bringing affordable looks to the trendsetters of the world. I am there to bring these concepts to life, and help shoppers visualize themselves in these looks. Together with an amazing team, we style the mannequins weekly, update our marketing, ensure that our latest and greatest product is on the sales floor, and merchandise it in a way that lures shoppers in! Those who work with me would say that I have a special eye for putting things together in a way that most people would never think of. I am also really great with people, I love hearing their stories, and helping them find the perfect look for whatever occasion they have coming up.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I definitely think the experiences I had growing up played a big role in my success. Although the road was rough, I learned to work harder and push forth no matter the circumstances, in order to achieve my goals. It also taught me a lot of patience and compassion for people, which has helped me in making connections and allowing people to trust in me and the quality of what I can produce.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: vane1007
Image Credit:
Daisy Claudio – Daze Photography
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