To celebrate International Women's Day 2022 we're introducing you to some of the amazing women behind Footasylum.
How did you get into your job?
I studied Fashion Concepts and Communication at Leeds Arts University. I was drawn to this job as I enjoyed the organisation that went into producing a photoshoot and as my skills developed, I worked my way up from Junior to Senior. I’ve always known I wanted to be in a creative role and surround myself with creative people.
Who’s your biggest female role model?
Frida Kahlo; she will always inspire me as she used her struggles as a strength to keep herself from being limited by them.
Who’s your fave fashion inspiration?
Currently I’m loving Little Simz style, the perfect mix of masc and fem.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that no two days are the same, it keeps me on my toes. One day I can be doing finance/admin in the office and the next I can be orchestrating a large crew on top of a car park anywhere in the country. It’s mad. I’m happiest when travelling and trying new things and this job allows me to do that.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d say to someone wanting to get into your industry?
Test shoot with other creatives; I found when I was a student/young professional local model agencies were willing to share new signings for test shoots, it’s a great way to build your portfolio for interviews. Reach out to creative agencies and local creatives to shadow and get experience on set; you’ll be hit with a lot of people who aren’t interested but 1 in 10 might just give you a chance.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
It’s ok to take up space; be loud and don’t make yourself smaller for other people.
How did you get into your job?
I studied fashion design and technology at MMU. After leaving uni, I started a fashion brand with my best friend and worked as a visual merchandiser for Burberry. These 2 paths led me to become a fashion stylist.
Who’s your biggest female role model?
Danasia Sutton - She's such an inspiration, having styled the likes of Ari Lennox and Summer Walker. She's killing it right now.
Who’s your fave fashion inspiration?
Tenaya Taylor - I'm a huge fan of her music and she owns every outfit she wears!
What’s the best thing about your job? / What do you love most about your job?
There are so many things I love! Working with an amazing team, being able to use my creativity on a daily basis, constantly meeting new people and travelling to new places.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d say to someone wanting to get into your industry?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and work with different photographers and models to build your portfolio.
Where do you typically look for inspiration?
Across all platforms of social media, Pinterest, Fashion/Streetwear Blogs
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I would typically check my calendar for any meetings that day, take a look at delivery arriving into the studio, help prep for E-commerce/Social and then work on prepping any up and coming creative shoots.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Always plan for the future.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Ryan Destiny - She's such a great actress! Love her vibe and her style.
How did you get into your job?
I didn’t go to Uni, I had no idea what I wanted to do! I was really interested in Buying but then fell into Merch and I love it. I previously worked at PLT for 3 ½ years before my time at FA.
Who’s your fave fashion inspiration?
Peggy Gou – she always looks so cool!
What do you love most about your job?
My team! We all get along and work so well together.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d say to someone wanting to get into your industry?
Be confident and ask questions! I would definitely recommend speaking to someone with Merchandising experience to get an idea of what it is and what we do.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
No two days are the same! One day I could be at an appointment with a brand viewing a collection and the next day I could be signing off a future order with our Buying Team.
What is it about your job that appeals to you?
I love being able to work with all the different brands I look after on Men's Apparel and also having the opportunity to merch stores where I previously only had web experience.
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
I would have to say that I’m really proud that both of the Merch Admins I have worked with have been promoted to Assistant Merchandisers.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
My grandad ALWAYS would say to me “you reap what you sow” and I really wish I had listened haha. It is so true though, you get out what you put in.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Olivia Cooke – we have the same name and we’re the same age and we’re from the same Town!
How did you get into your job?
I’ve been on social media for as long as I can remember creating content. University was never a thought in my mind so I decided to get a job in retail whilst I build my own social media. I then fully focused on it during lockdown and the rest is history!
Who’s your biggest female role model?
As cheesy as it sounds, my friends and family are my biggest role models; not for their jobs or what they do with their lives, but the passion and creativity of the girls around me.
What do you love most about your job?
I love meeting new creative people! I’m such a chatty person so going on YouTube shoots and photoshoots are always my fave parts of the job.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d say to someone wanting to get into your industry?
Experience is key, but not in the traditional ways you’d think. Find your niche, build your own channel and just have fun with it and your creativity will show for itself.
Where do you typically look for inspiration?
Honestly, all my inspiration comes from my everyday surroundings, whether that’s the show I’m watching or seeing other people on social media, my brain just takes inspiration from everywhere.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Every day is completely different from the last, I’ve never had two weeks that have been the same. Whether I’m in the office scheduling content, in the studio creating TikToks or sat at the Locked In House watching the madness unfold, it changes everyday!
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
Being a part of Locked In was such a mad process to be involved in, so seeing all the work come to life online was super exciting to see.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Defy the ordinary! Don’t always think that the ‘traditional way’ is the best way, be you and everything will fall into place.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
I’ve spent the last two months of my life obsessed with Euphoria, so I would absolutely love Sydney Sweeney to play me - although I hope my life is a lot less chaotic than Cassie’s.
How did you get into your job?
I actually studied my job at University – Fashion Buying and Merchandising. I did a placement year here at Footasylum, through contacting the Buying Director – and two years on I’ve graduated and now work here full time.
Who’s your fave fashion inspiration?
It depends on the day! I get a lot of my inspo from Instagram content - Tara Maynard, Emily Maloney for more outgoing colourful outfits but I also love a simple, effortless scandi-style from the likes of Matilda Djerf, Emili Sindlev and Annastrup.
What do you love most about your job?
No two days are the same! The ever-changing opinions consumer trends, and deadlines mean I can come in on a Monday morning and my week is filled with external brand appointments, product development, trend research – I never know!
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d say to someone wanting to get into your industry?
Experience!! In any form - retail, a couple of days/weeks interning at a fashion retailer and remember to connect with anyone in the industry. Buying is a more common job than you think, don’t be afraid to ask anyone for any experience!
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
Obtaining my own category; Nursery Apparel, and watching it exceed all expectations – I recently moved from assisting on Women’s Apparel Buying to Nursery and Boys. Being given this added responsibility and learning to shift my mindset into such a different market was a challenge I’m proud I’ve been able to do.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Take your time! Teenage me was SO YOUNG and always rushing into everything and to be everywhere. Taking time to do things particularly well and calmly really does pay off.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
I always get random people saying I look like Cameron Diaz – I don’t see it, but she’s the only one that comes to mind!
How did you get into your job?
I went to Huddersfield University and studied Fashion Design with Textiles, originally wanting to get into costume design I found my love for apparel during my first job as a menswear designer!
Who’s your biggest female role model?
My friends. I admire how confident they are in themselves, and how driven they are – They are my support system & I couldn’t be without my girls!
Who’s your fave fashion inspiration?
I would say influencers – I sometimes find myself scrolling for hours looking at how outfits are put together, colour combinations etc. I find it so helpful.
What do you love most about your job?
Having the creative freedom when designing, working as part of a team to create product that the customer would feel amazing in when wearing.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d say to someone wanting to get into your industry?
Have confidence in yourself as a designer & don’t be afraid to put new ideas out there!
Where do you typically look for inspiration?
Everywhere, whether it be online, in retail – or just people watching. I love grabbing a coffee, finding a seat and seeing what the public are wearing.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Before anything.. COFFEE, then I’d catch up on emails, pull up the collection I’m working on – with fit sessions & meetings throughout the day.
What is it about your job that appeals to you?
I like a challenge & the fashion industry provides this, researching new everchanging trends interpreting them into collections! The travelling side of work is a bonus too.
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
I always feel a sense of achievement seeing my designs being worn whilst out and about, or seeing my designs in the main window display of our stores!
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Worry less, don’t doubt your choices and enjoy every moment!
How did you get into your job?
I worked in retail alongside studying Fashion at university then got a job managing a Footasylum women’s store after my Master’s. I got creative trying to differentiate it from our men’s stores – this got noticed and I was drafted into the VM team as the Women’s Apparel VM Coordinator. My degrees help me in my job but are second to my retail experience!
Who’s your biggest female role model?
My Mum. She’s brilliant.
Who’s your fave fashion inspiration?
No one specific but I love anything minimal, scandi and cosy
What do you love most about your job?
I love that I get to be creative and help other people develop their skills. And the opportunity to travel.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d say to someone wanting to get into your industry?
Never be afraid to ask loads of questions
Where do you typically look for inspiration?
I love getting out and about and seeing what I can find. I’m much more inspired by real-life than a screen
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
My time is split between the office and stores. In the office, I liaise with other departments, deal with suppliers, and develop and brief visual merchandising solutions; if I’m visiting stores, I help teams implement briefs and look for things we can improve to elevate our women’s spaces further.
What is it about your job that appeals to you?
I get to work to my strengths but am still constantly challenged to learn and improve
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
I’m proud that we’ve grown the FA women’s division so much so that we get to open new women’s stores!
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Always trust your instincts
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Drew Barrymore