Life of An Ex-Fashion Student

I'm back...and I have a new job (again)! From moving out on my own to quitting my job and starting a new one, I'm getting into all of the major life updates throughout the past couple of months I've been away.

As we approach the new year, tune in to also hear me talk about some of my new year's goals for 2024. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of an Ex-Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

I asked you all to share your burning questions about entering the fashion job market and as always, you guys did not disappoint! Tune into this week's episode where I share my hot takes on everything related to the topic of jobs in the fashion industry. We discuss everything from understanding the right path to take to how people dress at work. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of an Ex-Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

After a three-month-long break, I'm back and better than ever to share one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my career: quitting my first full-time job. Throughout the past few weeks, I found myself lost and unable to find happiness in the work I was doing and that's when I ultimately decided to resign from my position. Join me in today's episode where we get super candid about the feelings that led up to my resignation as well as the lessons I learned from it. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of an Ex-Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

As an alumni of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and past recipient of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Design Scholar Suntchi Image-Maker Award, Eliana Batsakis is no stranger to success in the fashion world. Her work, which is characterized by the use of imaginative narratives, manipulated textures, bright color palettes, and bold silhouettes is what has made her work stand out amongst others in the industry. This year, she made her television debut as one of the many talented contestants on Netflix’s fashion competition series: Next in Fashion, Season 2 hosted by Gigi Hadid and Tan France. To say that is a big deal would be a complete understatement. 

In this episode of the podcast, Eliana takes us back to what life was like as a fashion student and how her career journey transpired from student to successful emerging designer. In our discussion, we touch on topics from everything from how she got discovered for Next in Fashion, how she turned doubt into self-confidence, and how being her most genuine self in the industry has gotten her thus far. You can find Eliana on Instagram at @elianabatsakis 

As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal Instagram: @kristinamichelleang

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about the sacrifices I've made throughout my life to find success in my career. I've gone through many years of working in fashion while having sacrificed everything from my sleep and social life to my salary and position. In today's episode of the pod, I'm breaking down all of the necessary sacrifices I've had to make throughout my career in fashion and how they ultimately helped me reach immense success. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

On her journey to finishing her undergrad at the Parsons School of Design, UX designer, Sharon Kim joins me today in a conversation about finding direction and setting a foundation for yourself post-grad. As a Tech Youtuber and Lifestyle Content Creator, Sharon has grown her platform across 20k subscribers over the past year with over 600k views collectively. She was most recently a UX design intern at Amazon in Silicon Valley, which is one of the many experiences she shares with her audience on her channel. In this episode of the podcast, Sharon and I discuss our experiences at Parsons as former design students, our anxieties over job hunting in a recession, and our inspiration for what keeps us going on a daily basis. You can find Sharon everywhere at @sharonyeunkim

As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

Going to Paris for the first time, getting invited to a Glossier opening event, and starting my own company: just a few of the many life updates I have for all of you in today's episode. Stay tuned to the end of the episode where I answer some of the most common questions I get about how and why I started my LLC. Don't forget to follow this podcast on Instagram at: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal Instagram: @kristinamichelleang

The biggest lesson I've learned throughout my time in fashion is the importance of establishing one's individual brand voice and personal image. Especially in this industry, strengthening your own personal brand will serve you well when it comes to breaking into the mold of the fashion world. In the first podcast episode of the year, I'm breaking down my coveted tips on how to do just that. Listen as I discuss finding your niche in the industry, staying authentic and true to yourself, and the importance of building community in the competitive and complex industry known as fashion. Don't forget to follow this podcast on Instagram at: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal Instagram: @kristinamichelleang

Ringing in the new year with a long overdue new episode: My 2022 End-of-Year Wrap Up. In this episode of the podcast, I'm walking you through some of my biggest career highlights of last year including attending my first Fendi NYFW show, graduating from the Parsons School of Design, getting into a mentorship program run by Dior, and so much more. Towards the end of my episode, I also share just a few of the things I'm looking forward to in this new year as well as some of the realities of the not-so-glamorous moments of 2022. Don't forget to follow this podcast on Instagram at: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal Instagram: @kristinamichelleang

Made a mistake at work? We've all been there, yet not many of us are willing to talk about our mistakes openly and learn from them. The thing about mistakes, however, is that we all make them. They're what make us human. On today's episode of the pod, I'm walking you through some of the biggest mistakes I've made throughout my career as well sharing my advice on to move on and move forward, especially the mistakes you make in the workplace. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal Instagram: @kristinamichelleang

After taking yet another (long needed) break from podcasting, I'm finally back and here to update you all on how working full time in fashion has been, my September fashion week recap, and so much more. In this episode, I'm covering the highly requested topic of how to build up your reputation in fashion. Tune in to hear me talk about all of my secrets on how I get invited to the most exclusive fashion events and my tips and tricks on how to carry yourself at high profile industry outings. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal Instagram: @kristinamichelleang

In this episode of the podcast, I'm bringing you yet another episode filled with insights on lessons I've learned throughout my personal life and career. Tune in to hear all of the advice I'd give to younger Kristina including everything from defining your own success to creating and building up your own personal brand. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal Instagram: @kristinamichelleang

I think the question I get asked most often from listeners and friends alike is how to break it to their parents that they want to pursue a creative career. As someone who pursued science and mathematics all throughout high school only to pivot to a career in fashion, there were definitely some difficult conversations that I had with my parents. And even to this day, I'm still finding myself convincing them that I can find success in the fashion industry. Tune into today's episode to hear my advice towards building your parent's confidence in pursuing a creative career and how to navigate those difficult conversations. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

After two months of grinding and a lot of hard work, I finally graduated from the Parsons School of Design! Many of you will know that this has been a long time coming and now that the day has finally come, it’s time for me to start my new adventure in the world of fashion. Tune into today’s episode to hear more about my post-graduation plans including new jobs, starting a business, podcast aspirations, and other things that I’m planning for my future ahead. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

Starting out doing makeup for friend’s student films, the early days of Justine Sweetman’s makeup artist journey consisted of hustling in NYC and finding jobs through, of all places, Craigslist. Eventually, Justine got connected with the right people, which snowballed into being able to work freelance full time. The clients she has worked with include the likes of Nylon, i-D, ORIBE, Zadig & Voltaire, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, New York Times, Women’s Health, and American Eagle, just to name a few. A couple of years into her makeup career, Justine found a new love for producing and soon after she co-founded REALnew Collective, a production company and community of artists that creates, develops, and produces film and digital media. They’ve worked with brands such as Club Monaco, Montiel, Jonesy, and Vitruvi to produce films that are rooted in care, respect and collaboration. On top of all that Justine has going on in her life, she is also the founder of the Fashion Workers Initiative, a community and advocacy group for freelancers working in the fashion industry. As an organization of volunteers, their mission is to end the exploitation of independent contractors in the New York fashion industry. In this episode of the podcast, Justine breaks down the reality of working freelance in fashion, the red flags and precautions to look out for before taking on freelance work, and the power in saying no. You can find REALnew Collective on Instagram at @realnewcollective and the Fashion Workers Initiative on instagram at @fashionworkersnyc

As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

In today's episode of the podcast, I'm going to be talking about my experience in the world of freelancing. As a creative, opening myself to the idea of freelance work was an important way for me to expand my interests, try new passions, and make some additional finances on the side. Listen to this episode if you want to hear more about some of the freelance projects I've worked on, how to negotiate rates as a creative, my biggest advice for starting out in freelance, and much more. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

February has been a crazy, but exciting month! Tune into this week's episode to hear more about what's been going on in my life lately including all that occurred during New York Fashion Week this season as well as exciting career news that I can't wait to share with y'all. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

Breaking into a fashion niche has long been a challenge for students and early fashion practitioners alike. In this podcast episode, I'm breaking down my journey to finding my own niche in fashion and all the steps I took to get me there. From design to product development and editorial to public relations to now working in education & sustainable development, I've about done it all and I'm sharing all the ways finding different niches has helped me to envision where I see myself long term. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

In today's episode of the podcast, we're breaking down the age old question of whether or not a fashion education is actually necessary to "make it" in the fashion industry. Time after time, I get people asking me if fashion school is something that is worth considering if they want to create a successful career for themselves in fashion and I've never been able to give those people a direct answer- until now. Tune into this week's episode to hear the opinions and thoughts of a 4th year fashion design student who has been working in the industry since her junior year of high school. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

2021 was kind of a crazy year for me. There were a lot of ups and downs that came with the year of 2021, but overall, it was probably one of the best years of my life thus far. Tune into this week's episode as I discuss how I successfully made 2021 my year both in my personal and professional life. I'm so excited to see what next year has in store for this podcast and I can't wait for the new adventures to share with you all in 2022. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

I'm finally back with another podcast episode after taking a long break for school and work related reasons. Tune into this week's podcast to hear about all of the cool fashion updates I've been taking a part of since I've been away and of course, don't forget to stay for the main event where I discuss my decision to pursue a thesis project in a pathway completely unrelated to design. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

I remember starting this podcast in my second semester of sophomore year at Parsons and now, here we are, two years later as a senior in college. Tune into this week's episode as I discuss what the senior year structure is like at Parsons and what my schedule looks like as a Fashion Design major. Stay till the end of the episode to hear about how my job hunting process has been going and my biggest advice for degree-seeking students. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

I'm back with another episode on your guide to hustling in fashion, but this time, it's specifically geared towards those of you with little to no experience. Tune into this week's podcast episode to hear about some of my own personal trade secrets that I have discovered and have been using as of recently to get the upper hand in the industry! As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

Tune into this week's episode to hear me give you guys the full story behind my internship experience with Abercrombie & Fitch this summer. In this episode, I break down the entire application process, overview of the internship was organized, my roles and responsibilities, and some of my biggest takeaways from this overall experience. This is a great episode for those who want to learn more about the design responsibilities in a corporate setting as well as those interested in applying for this opportunity as well. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

The Life of A Fashion Student is back and better than ever! Tune into this week's episode to hear all about where I've been and what I've been up to during my two months away from podcasting. There is going to be lots of exciting things coming to this podcast and I can't wait to share them with you all. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

What goes on in fashion school is often considered quite ambiguous. There's a lot that people don't people don't tell you about fashion school and in this episode, I'm breaking down some of the top things that I didn't know until I actually started attending a fashion school myself. Tune into this week's episode to hear me talk about some of the biggest criticisms I have about fashion institutions and ways I've found to work around them. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

This week's episode of the podcast is one big life update on my plans this summer with a new job and new living situation in the books. Tune in to hear me talk about my upcoming experiences moving out, living and working in an entirely new place. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

In this week's episode, we're talking all about how to inspire people because when you inspire others, you motivate them to do their best, set higher goals, and achieve more. Tune into this week's episode to hear me describe all the ways that have personally worked for me when it comes to influencing and inspiring people in my everyday life. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

In today's episode of the pod, I'm opening up about my fear of failure and of disappointing other people and myself. I'm sure most of us can relate to these feelings and have come across situations in which you've tried to avoid failure and disappointment. Tune into this episode to hear me speak from my own experience with these fears as well as some resources that I share that will certainly change your mindset when it comes to these situations. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

With my junior year at the Parsons School of Design being officially over, I wanted to take the opportunity to share my upcoming senior year plans as well as my post-graduation plans with you guys. It's officially May and I'm excited for what's to come in the following months! Tune into this episode to catch up with what's been going on in my life as well as what I have planned for the future. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

With the emergence of unique non-traditional occupations over the past decade, more people are taking control of their careers and finding opportunities to follow their passion. The idea of pursuing one's dream, no matter how unconventional or non-traditional, is a concept that this podcast was built upon and I've made it my life's mission to inspire people to do just that. Tune into today’s episode to hear about how I gave up a future in STEM to follow my dream of becoming a fashion designer and advice on how to overcome the fear of everything that comes with pursuing a non-traditional career path. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

I've been recently putting a lot of thought into the age old question of: how does one balance their love life and career? As important as my work life is to me, I do also hope to one day be in a successful relationship with someone whom I share similar interests with, but that begs the question as to how do I have both? Tune into this week's episode to hear more about my recent struggles with balancing my love prospects with my work life and my thoughts on it all. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

Congratulations to us for reaching the 50th episode of this podcast! Here's to 50 more!!!

Copy Culture, Copycat Economy, and Knockoffs. We cover all that and so much more on today's podcast episode about the importance of intellectual property in the fashion industry. Tune in to learn more about the methods of protection you can take to preserve your intellectual property and to join the discussion of the ongoing problem of copy culture that is putting the intellectual property of designers and creatives at risk. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

I'm sure we've all found ourselves in a situation where, no matter how hard we try, we find ourselves stuck in a place of creative exhaustion. And there's no drive, no motivation, and no passion to create anything new. I don't know about you guys, but as a fashion design student, I seem to go in and out of these phases every other week. Tune into this week's episode to hear me talk about my experience with creative burnout as well as how you can recognize it for yourself and then ultimately, bounce back from it. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

I can't believe it took me this long to put out an episode about sustainability in the fashion industry, but here it is! As you all know, sustainability has become such a big part of my life both in my design practice and in my personal life, but the truth is, I wasn't always as ecologically conscious as I am now. Tune in to hear more about how I started my sustainability journey and where I'm going with it in the future. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

If you're looking for a push of inspiration and motivation in your life, this is definitely the episode for you. In today's podcast episode, I've delving deep into this conversation of how to find the courage to pursue your dreams in life. I'm doing something a little different in this episode where instead of talking about my own personal experiences, I'm drawing upon inspiration from people who are widely successful in the creative industry. Stay tuned for that and so much more! As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

Runway Choreographer, Fabric Librarian, Runway Soundtrack Composer, and Fashion Psychologist are among some of the unique and crazy jobs that are offered in the fashion industry, which you probably never knew existed. In today's episode of the podcast, we get into all that and more about what the salary offerings and the day-to-day responsibilities of each job look like. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

Curious about how to make meaningful connections and how to keep them? In today's podcast episode, I delve into my top tips and tricks towards building the courage to reach out to people, sustaining your professional connections, and networking during a global pandemic. Listen on to learn more about how you can enhance your networking skills. There is also a very special update in this episode, so you won't want to miss it! As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang

This episode is an additional weekly episode and a very special one at that! Today we're talking about gendered language and how such language can contribute to the divide between genders in our society. But of course this episode wouldn't be relevant to my podcast if I didn't talk about fashion in some way, so stay tuned for the end where we discuss the topic of genderless fashion and the brands that are breaking barriers in what unisex fashion looks like. As always, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the Life of a Fashion Student Podcast. Additionally, we now have a new Instagram account for this podcast: @lifeofafashionstudentpodcast. You can also find my personal instagram: @kristinamichelleang