UMES fashion merchandising students likely still have stars in their eyes after a spring break experiential learning trip to the glamorous and glitzy LA Fashion District. Dr. Bridgett Clinton-Scott, an associate professor in the Department of Human Ecology, connected 11 of her students with UMES alumnae working in the industry in Los Angeles.
Entrepreneur, influencer and YouTube vlogger Octavia “Tay” Outlaw (Class of 2016), who operates under the Glamazontay brand, led the group on a guided tour of the district with stops at some of her favorite fashion boutiques and wholesalers, including Tresser Clothing where students were included in a videotaping in the studio. Students learned firsthand about wholesaling, manufacturing and operating a fashion boutique. Outlaw also included the group and their visit in her vlog that readers can view here.
A native of Hurlock, Maryland, Outlaw debuted her new brand of custom designs at Paris Fashion Week 2022. Read more on Page 7 of the March issue of UMES’ newsletter, “The Key.”
The spring break study group also visited NYX Professional Makeup in LA where they met with alumna Lana Gregg (Class of 2011) to see how social media is used to promote the company’s products and build brand identity.
“Students participating in the Fashion Entrepreneur Mentorship Program were given this opportunity to meet their fashion mentors in person and continue building lasting connections that were created and strengthened all year through virtual seminars,” Clinton-Scott said. “The purpose of the trip was to show students that they can have a successful career in the fashion industry just like their fashion mentors.”
“I gained so much from being able to attend the LA fashion trip,” said Kassidy Langham. “I was able to meet with alumni and mentors providing me with great advice on how to start my career. It was also exciting to visit retail manufacturers and the NYX cosmetics corporate office. I had such a memorable and eye-opening experience, I didn’t want it to end!”
The alumnae seemed to enjoy the visitors from their alma mater. Outlaw posted on her Glamozontay site: Such a full circle moment. I’m so thankful to have had the students from my alumni college University of Maryland Eastern Shore come to LA and teach them all about the LA fashion district. They got to meet wholesale vendors, see manufactures and also got to experience some pretty dope companies I work with on a regular basis. I love my alma mater #UMES #HawkPride.
