I Study Fashion: Shana Lynum for Visual Merchandising

When the Everything Girls Love blog first launched in September 2012, myself and four other women were a part of the best team the blog had, the fashion team! Out of that fashion team, there was a woman by the of Shana Lynum who I still have contact with,  who wanted to be a part of the Ridiculously Favored “I Study Fashion” staple. Thank you again Shana!

Shana Gelisa Lynum is a 24 year old fashion student in the city of New York studying Visual Merchandising at the LIM College in New York City. She lives in Long Island, New York and has also studied at the Nassau Community College. Check out her interview below!

Ridiculously Favored: How were you introduced to fashion?
Shana: Since childhood I have been mixing prints and colors and developed my own unique style. From there I decided to pursue a career in fashion.

Ridiculously Favored: What is a quote you live by and why?
Shana: “Difficult takes a day impossible takes a week.” No matter what I find difficult to accomplish it may take time but I will do it.

Ridiculously Favored: What school or schools are you attending or have you attended?
Shana: Nassau Community and LIM College

Ridiculously Favored: What do you like about your school?
Shana: LIM is big on networking and teaching skills to better prepare us to build contacts that can help us within the industry.

Ridiculously Favored: What is/was your major and why did you pick it?
Shana: I currently study Fashion Merchandising with a concentration in visual merchandising. I choose to study fashion merchandising because I have always been interested in the business aspect of fashion. To be the force behind fashion shows has always been a passion of mine.

Ridiculously Favored: As an Visual Merchandising major, what was the best display you think you've made or created for school, for work or just in your spare time?
Shana: As a visual major we get a chance to create a holiday display in NYC garment district. The display created by myself and fellow classmates was recognized for great execution.

Ridiculously Favored: Do you ideally want to do visual merchandising for a fashion company or venture elsewhere?
Shana: My ideal job would be styling for an e commerce website or celebrity cliental. As far as visual merchandising for a company I would not mind freelancing for a high end retail company.

Ridiculously Favored: What career path are you most likely going to take?
Shana: The career path I hope to follow is styling for an e commerce site while building contacts to work as a wardrobe stylist for a fashion magazine.

Ridiculously Favored: What is your ultimate career goal?
Shana: My ultimate career goal is to be a well known wardrobe stylist.

Ridiculously Favored: What degrees do you hold?
Shana: I currently have an AAS in fashion Merchandising

Ridiculously Favored: Who was your favorite professor at school and why? (include school)
Shana: My favorite professor at LIM college was Professor Levy. His knowledge of the business, advice and insight made him one of the most unforgettable people I've every met. Throughout my college career I have never built a relationship with my professors but because he was wiling to do whatever necessary to teach me the business showed me her really cares about his job.

What was your most favorite class?
Shana: Fashion Photography

Ridiculously Favored: What do you love about fashion?
Shana: The fact that there are no limits to individual creativity makes my love for fashion unconditional.

Ridiculously Favored: Describe your fashion style.
Shana: My style cannot be described. I literally wake up and how I'm feeling is how I dress. I love to mix high end with lower priced items. I can pull off boho, grunge, preppy etc. I dress for comfort and how I am feeling.

Ridiculously Favored: Do you have a favorite fashion icon?
Shana:  If I had to choose one person I would say Blake Lively

Ridiculously Favored: Where do you get most of your inspirations from for your designs and visual displays?
Shana: I receive my inspiration from everything around me. Walking to class or work any and almost everything acts as some form of inspiration for me.

Ridiculously Favored: Who is your favorite fashion designer?
Shana: One of my favorite designers is Olivier Rousteing

Ridiculously Favored: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Shana: In five years I see myself owning my own fashion consulting firm specializing in wardrobe styling, personal shopping as well as event planning.

Shana is pictured here working hard on some sketching!

Ridiculously Favored: Would you consider yourself living out your dreams?
Shana: Currently I feel like I am steps closer to my dreams. I would not consider myself living out my dreams simply because I want so much out of this industry and I am just beginning.

Ridiculously Favored: What are you working on currently?
Shana: Currently I am volunteering as much as I can working on fashion shows and assisting with photo shoots. I am also pouring a lot of my attention into building my styling portfolio.

Ridiculously Favored: On the fashion calendar, what event do you look forward to every year?
Shana: NYFW (New York Fashion Week) of course! My school sends out excellent volunteer opportunities for all the hottest shows and I am always ready to take advantage of them.

Ridiculously Favored: Who are your fashion influences?
Shana: My fashion influences are Kourtney Kardashian, Blake Lively and Miroslava Duma

Ridiculously Favored: What is/was your favorite thing to learn about in school and why?
Shana: I love to learn about the fashion greats and style To know where fashion has come from and how much it continues to evolve is truly fascinating.

Ridiculously Favored: How far in school do you plan to go?
Shana: When I complete my BBA this coming spring I would like to just go right into the work force.

Ridiculously Favored: Describe yourself in five words.
Shana: Eclectic, creative, determine, a perfectionist and anal (laugh out loud)

Ridiculously Favored:Describe your first day in fashion school.
Shana: I remember my first day of fashion school in NYC was filled with chaos and confusion but it was a good confusion. I was presented with a schedule; a map of the city and off I went.

Ridiculously Favored: Did you stay on campus or commute?
Shana: I had the opportunity to experience both on campus and commuter life.

Ridiculously Favored: If you stayed on campus, what were your roommates like? How was your dorming experience?
Shana: I learned quickly that I am not built for dorming. My roommate and I had several differences in my opinion and we were just not a great match.

Ridiculously Favored: What motivated you to attend school and pursue a career in fashion?
Shana: My mother is my biggest motivator. If anyone didn't believe in me, she does. She is my number one cheerleader. She keeps me focused and lets me know daily that I was made for this business.

Here are more photos of the Stylish Shana!

Hope you enjoyed her segment. I definitely believe she will be the best visual merchandising and will have a successful business! Check out and follow her social media handles to stay up-to-date with Shana! They are below!

Instagram @sgeliisa

Twitter @leopard_besos

Thanks for reading and check back for more students and alumni in the Ridiculously Favored "I Study/Studied Fashion" staple!

xoxo! Mwah!

-TeArra 

Instagram- @ridiculouslyfavoredd

I Study Fashion: Shane Thompson for Fashion Design!

On my first day at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), I remember going to orientation in the gym and meeting with my group. In the group was a happy, tall, and slender guy by the name of Shane Thompson who later became my "bestie." He was actually my first new friend when I got to FIT and we did everything that we possibly could together!

This is a screenshot from Facebook that includes a photo from the first couple of days TeArra, owner and founder of Ridiculously Favored began to hang out with Shane. There was a itty bitty seat in the elevator and Shane is sitting on it! Laugh out loud!

In this I Study Fashion staple, Shane gives us a look into his life as a fashion design student at one of the best fashion schools in the world, the Fashion Institute of Technology!

In this photo, Shane flexes with the legs of some ladies.

Ridiculously Favored: How were you introduced to fashion?

Shane: Believe it or not, I really was introduced to fashion through Lady Gaga. When I was high school I started listening to her music and became obsessed. After I had fallen in love with her, she decided to premiere one of her new songs (“Bad Romance”) at an Alexander McQueen runway show, so I decided to watch it. From then on, I truly began to pay attention to the garments she wore and the designers who made them. My intrigue with fashion simply grew from there. 

Ridiculously Favored: What schools do you attend or have attended?

Shane: I’m currently in my 4th year of school at FIT.

Shane with his friend Madeline.

Ridiculously Favored: What do you like about your school?

Shane: The best thing about FIT is the wide range of education that they give you; we are taught how to be artists, tailors, business people, etc. You’ll never be a good designer if all you can do is draw pretty pictures.  

Ridiculously Favored: Did you stay on campus?

Shane: Yes, I have dormed for 3 years at FIT. 

Ridiculously Favored: What were your roommates like? Were they easy to get along with?

Shane: Well, I have had a different roommate every semester that I have dormed. Some were easier to get along with than others; each one has had a distinct personality, to say the least. Regardless, I like to keep busy and spend very little time at home. I’m usually at school in the labs, at work, or out with friends. 

Ridiculously Favored: Who was your favorite professor at school and why?

Shane: The best professor that I have ever had surprisingly has nothing to do with fashion. Rachel Baum was my professor for my History of Modern Art class. She’s an intellect with the perfect amount of insanity who taught me how to see things for more than what they appear to be. 

Shane. The Man On A Mission in NYC.

Ridiculously Favored: What was your favorite class? What is your favorite thing to learn about in school?

Shane: I don’t like to limit myself to one specific favorite thing; I like to take as many courses in as many different areas as possible. I believe a well-rounded education is invaluable in life.

Ridiculously Favored: What motivated you to pursue a career in fashion and attend fashion school?

Shane: When I was in high school, I took a trip to Paris. As it so happened, it was Paris Fashion Week while I was there. I worked my way into attending a few fashion shows and I instantly knew that’s what I had to do with my life. 

Ridiculously Favored: Do you hold any degrees or what degree will you have when you graduate?

Shane: I currently have an A.A.S. degree in Fashion Design and when I graduate I will hold a B.F.A. degree in Fashion Design with a specialization in Knitwear and a minor in History of Art.

Stylish Shane.

Ridiculously Favored: What do you love about fashion?

Shane: The thing that draws me most to fashion is that it is the most tangible and relatable art form in the world; not everybody can express themselves by painting or sculpting, but many people throughout the world express themselves through style. 

Ridiculously Favored: Describe your fashion style.

Shane: I would describe my style as Minimal Edge; I wear mostly black, white, and greys, but pair it with unique accessories that stand out. I like to present myself in a clean and polished manner and in a unique and modern way.  

Ridiculously Favored: Who is your fashion icon?

Shane: I wouldn’t really say that I have one singular fashion icon. I find my inspiration from an eclectic mix of people; Daphne Guinness, James Dean, Lady Gaga, Andy Warhol, and Daenerys Targaryen; just to name a few. 

A garment by Shane.

A garment by Shane.

Ridiculously Favored: What inspires your designs?/Where do you get most of inspiration from for your designing?

Shane: Inspiration is really a fickle thing; it can come at anytime from any place. However, I often find myself inspired by concepts of art historical movements of the past, and really just esoterica in general. 

A note from RF: For those that do not know, esoterica is a word used to describe "highly specialized subjects." 

Ridiculously Favored: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Shane: It’s hard to say really. If there’s anything that I have learned from living in the city and attending FIT, it’s that you never know what’s right around the corner. Five years ago from today, I never would have seen myself as an emerging fashion designer making a name for myself and interning for a menswear company, but look where I am now. I like to just see where life takes me.

Ridiculously Favored: Would you consider yourself living out your dreams?

Shane: Definitely. I’m young, healthy, and ambitious. I’m doing what I love and not looking back. 

Ridiculously Favored: What are you working on currently?

Shane: Currently I’m doing freelance design work for private clients and interning at Ricardo Seco. But in my free time I’m also working on starting my Senior Collection for FIT. It still does not have to be done for almost another year, but I like to take a lot of time to do in-depth research and conceptualization for my inspiration. 

Ridiculously Favored: Who are you fashion influences?

Shane: Like any artist, my aesthetic has changed since I have started. However, over the past few years, I’ve been influenced by the work of Thierry Mugler, Givenchy, Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, Rad Hourani, and Iris Van Herpen; just to name a few. 

Ridiculously Favored: How far do you plan to go in school?

Shane: I plan on graduating with my B.F.A. degree, which will be completed in May of 2015. 

Shane on Halloween as Andy Warhol with a friend.

Ridiculously Favored: What areas of fashion are you interested in?

Shane: My area of study at FIT is womenswear, with a concentration in knitwear. However, I’m currently interning with a menswear company in order to widen my knowledge into a new area of fashion. On my own, I’m also currently exploring the concept of unisex fashion, which I find very interesting and stimulating. 

Ridiculously Favored: What model would you love to work with when you're a big designer?

Shane: I honestly don’t really like the whole concept of modeling. I feel like people pay too much attention to the models in a fashion show, whereas the focus should be on the garments. 

Ridiculously Favored: Would you ever collaborate with another designer? If so, who?

Shane: Of course. I would be open to the idea of a collaboration, but it would have to be with a designer who has artistic integrity; not somebody who is only concerned with trends and sales. 

Ridiculously Favored: How big of a designer do you plan or hope to be? Alongside Alexander Wang or just a featured designer sold in select retailers?

Shane: I think every Fashion Design student’s dream is to have their own brand with a famous name, and my dream is no different. But like I said before, I’m going to go wherever life takes me.

Wall Art and Shane as he mocks the Panda.

Shane is the bees knees to me and I love his attitude and outlook on life and living!

Once again Shane, thank you for giving some of your time to Ridiculously Favored! It is greatly appreciated and to my readers thank you for tuning in! 

Leave comments to let me know what you think and follow Shane on Instagram @shanetsunami !

Check out some more photos of Shane below!

Shane and a friend.

Shane and a friend.

Mysterious Shane.

Cosmic Black.

Shane and a friend.

Selfieeeee!

Shane and Ridiculously Favored Founder and Owner TeArra Boone take photos on FIT's campus before enjoying their first Fashion's Night Out in 2011!

Thank you!

-TeArra <3

I Study Fashion: Asha Monet Scott for Fashion Merchandising Management and Advertising and Marketing Communications!

"The thing I love most about fashion is the fact that no one can tell you what is wrong or right. Fashion is completely up to you. It is basically art in motion."

"Hello, my name is Asha Scott and I Study Fashion Merchandising Management and Advertising and Marketing Communications."

 After reading the answers to my interview questions by my next spotlighted "I Study Fashion" student Asha Scott, I had fallen in love with her even more because in some way we're like the same person from our zodiac signs to our majors and possibly even our thought process (laugh out loud).

Asha Monet Scott is a 21 year old Advertising and Marketing Communications major at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan , New York who knows what she wants, is easy-going, silly, a food enthusiast, creative, and loving.

Take the time to explore these amazing characteristics of hers as she is spotlighted as Ridiculously Favored's next "I Study Fashion" student.

Asha has her life's mantra tattooed on her foot
which is very unique.

Ridiculously Favored: How were you introduced to fashion?
Asha: I do not remember when I was first introduced to fashion; it’s always been in my life. If I had to pinpoint a time when I began to really notice fashion, it would have to be as a child playing with Barbies. I wasn't necessarily interested in the doll so much as I was in her clothes. I wanted more and more Barbies just so I could create new outfit combinations.

Ridiculously Favored: What is a quote you live by and why?
Asha: My life’s mantra is “Hakuna Matata." I've been obsessed with the Lion King ever since I can remember and the message of not worrying really struck a cord with me. I’m not saying that I don’t worry about anything, but I try not to stress over small things. I like to take things as they come, and having a positive outlook on situations can turn what would be a stressful time into a learning experience.

Asha giving us a cute pose.

Ridiculously Favored: What school or schools are you attending or have you attended?
Asha: Currently I am taking a summer class at Montclair State University, which is a school in Jersey. However my home school is The Fashion Institute of Technology better known as FIT.

Ridiculously Favored: What do you like about your school?
Asha: The thing I like most about FIT are the many opportunities the school offers. From volunteering at Fashion Week, to amazing internships with top name brands, and traveling abroad, I don’t think there’s a school that can compete with FIT. In addition to the many opportunities, FIT is filled with great talent and experienced professors with connections galore. Beyond that, you can’t beat FIT’s location…the fashion district, right in the heart of midtown Manhattan.

Ridiculously Favored: What is/was your major and why did you pick it?
Asha: When I first arrived at FIT, my major was Fashion Merchandising Management. However, over my first two semesters, I realized I did not completely love my major as I once thought I would. I loved fashion, but I felt like I needed to go in a different direction. My major only gave me a few career choices and after my first internship I knew for sure that I did not want to be a buyer. At the end of my second semester, I applied for the Advertising and Marketing Communications (AMC) Bachelor’s program and was accepted. I thought a degree in two different majors would be beneficial. So I am a proud recipient of an Associate’s degree in Merchandising and I will receive my Bachelor’s in AMC in May 2015.

Ridiculously Favored: As an AMC major, what was the best ad you think you've made? 
Asha: I have only been an AMC major for two semesters, so I really haven’t created ads. However, I have come up with some interesting public relation campaigns. For instance, I had an internet marketing class in the fall, and I was instructed to pick a company and reach out to a new demographic. My group and I chose the surf/skate brand Stussy. Typically, Stussy has a demographic of skaters, surfers, and hip-hop heads, but we decided to create an integrated marketing strategy to draw in EDM (electronic dance music) customers. My group and I came up with a budget, social media campaign and contest, the hashtag “Stay Stussy”, and a concert featuring the top EDM DJ’s for contest winners to attend. My professor made the project a contest and only one group could receive an A…of course my group got the A.

Ridiculously Favored: Do you ideally want to do advertising for a fashion company or venture elsewhere?
Asha: Right now I’m at a crossroads. I do want to do advertising or public relations, but I have a lot of interest so I’m all over the place. One day I want to stick in the AMC business, and other days I want to go into the food industry. I love food!

Ridiculously Favored: What career path are you most likely going to take?
Asha: I’m undecided in which career path I’m going to take. I think I might actually want to go into hospitality or culinary school. But then I think to myself, “do I really want to be in school for another four years”. Maybe I should stick to advertising, but we shall see.

Ridiculously Favored: What degrees do you hold?
Asha: I have an associate’s degree in fashion merchandising management and I will receive my bachelor’s in advertising and marketing next May.

Ridiculously Favored: Who was your favorite professor at school and why? (include school)
Asha: My favorite professor at FIT is Professor Shawn Carter. I had her my third semester for direct marketing. She is extremely intelligent, but also relate-able. She’s fashionable, has great connections in the fashion industry, and is willing to help students beyond the classroom. Professor Carter even wrote a recommendation letter for a scholarship I applied for and later received. I really look up to her.

Ridiculously Favored: What was your most favorite class?
Asha: I’ve had a few favorite classes at FIT. My favorite classes from my fashion merchandising days were Intro to Fashion and Direct Marketing. My favorite class from my current major is Internet Marketing. The subject matter of all three of the classes was interesting, but I think it was the hands on and creative approach my professors took.

Ridiculously Favored: What do you love about fashion?
Asha: The thing I love most about fashion is the fact that no one can tell you what’s wrong or right. Fashion is completely up to you. It’s basically art in motion.

Ridiculously Favored: Describe your fashion style.
Asha: I honestly have no idea what my fashion style is. I tend to wear whatever feels right at the moment. However, I do love hoodies, crop tops, graphic tees and sneakers. I’m not super trendy; I just like to be comfortable and cute.

Ridiculously Favored: Do you have a favorite fashion icon?
Asha: Yes! Rihanna has been my number one fashion icon since 2007. I absolutely love her style. Some other people I find fashion icons to be are Lupita Nyongo, Nicole Ritchie, Solange Knowles, Iggy Azelea, and Lil Debbie. I think Willow Smith and Kylie Jenner are up and coming fashion Icons.

Ridiculously Favored: Where do you get most of your inspirations from for your designs?
Asha: I don’t design anything anymore, but when I did, I got most of my inspiration from reading fashion magazines and watching old movies.

Ridiculously Favored: Who is your favorite fashion designer?
Asha: I don’t have a favorite designer. I pay more attention to street wear brands like Dimepiece, Married to the Mob, and Supreme.

Ridiculously Favored: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Asha: In five years hopefully I’m working at a great company either in fashion or food, traveling the world, and financially independent of my family.

Ridiculously Favored: Would you consider yourself living out your dreams?
Asha: I would say I’m in the process of living my dreams; I’m not totally there yet. Getting into FIT was the first step.

Ridiculously Favored: What are you working on currently?
Asha: Currently I’m working on enjoying the rest of my summer.

Ridiculously Favored: On the fashion calendar, what event do you look forward to every year?
Asha: I love the fall fashion week. I don’t pay much attention to the others.

Ridiculously Favored: Who are your fashion influences?
Asha: My fashion influences are pretty much the same as the fashion icons I mentioned earlier, but I do find that the everyday people in New York have an influence on me; they’re all so unique and stylish.

Ridiculously Favored: What is/was your favorite thing to learn about in school and why?
Asha: My favorite thing to learn in school is anything that has to deal with how people think, and with advertising and marketing there’s a lot of that.

Ridiculously Favored: How far in school do you plan to go?
Asha: Sometimes I think I want to get a Master’s degree or even go into a new industry, but for right now I’m just going to try and graduate with my bachelor’s on time.

Ridiculously Favored: Do you think this image is true? Why or why not?

Asha: I definitely agree with this image. I feel like no one really knows what fashion students go through unless they have been a fashion student themselves. There’s a lot of reading and math involved.

Ridiculously Favored: Describe yourself in five words.
Asha: Easy going, silly, food enthusiast, creative, and loving.

Ridiculously Favored: Describe your first day in fashion school.
Asha: My first day at FIT was not how I imaged it would be. In high school I was stylish, but at FIT I was totally caught off guard and intimidated. Everyone was more stylish and had more expensive clothing then I did. I felt like I had to ‘keep up with the Jones’ in a sense. My self-esteem was low for a few days, but after awhile I came to the realization that I could dress. Just because my clothes were not designer or as expensive, did not mean I was lesser than. Besides the whole clothing situation, I was super excited to be around new and creative people and immerse myself into New York’s fashion scene.

Ridiculously Favored: Did you stay on campus or commute?
Asha: I’ve stayed on campus all three of my years at FIT and will continue to dorm in my last year. I don’t have a car, and it would just be too difficult to commute from New Jersey.

Ridiculously Favored: If you stayed on campus, what were your roommates like? How was your dorming experience?
Asha: Dorming my first year at FIT was fun because most of my friends dormed in the same building as me, but the downside to that first dorming experience was the communal bathrooms. 
The girls on my floor were messy and often left the bathroom in shambles. Also, we were not allowed to have mini fridges or microwaves in our rooms. Although, I illegally had both in mine.
My first roommate was okay but we mostly just kept to ourselves. She stayed on her side of the room and I stayed on mine. The only thing that bothered me about her is that her boyfriend was always there. He always stayed the night, which was weird because he went to our school and I think he dormed as well.
Now, my second roommate was the best, literally we’re best friends. Celasia and I joked around all day and night, stayed up late, partied together, cooked for each other, shared clothes, and just about everything. It sucked when she moved to California and we would not be able to room for my third year, but at the same time I was able to start a new friendship with my third roommate Devan. Devan and I had a few classes and mutual friends, but we never really hung out. We both knew we were going to need new roommates for the Fall 2013 school year so we thought it would be better to dorm together than with strangers. It took some time before we began to bond, but after awhile Devan and I became really good friends. She is so fun to be around and I enjoyed our little adventures. Sadly, Devan graduated and I’m on the hunt for a new roommate.

Asha with her bestfriend Celasia. Check out Celasia's I Study Fashion post here.

Ridiculously Favored: What motivated you to attend school and pursue a career in fashion?
Asha: First off, I had to go to school or my family would disown me…just kidding, but I really enjoy fashion and advertising and FIT was the perfect school to do that at.

Ridiculously Favored: What areas of fashion are you interested in? Do you feel that you can do anything that is related to fashion?
Asha: I’m interested more in street fashion than high-end couture. I do think I can have a career in fashion. Brands always need a PR person or someone to come up with ads and campaigns, and that’s where I come in.

So what do you think about the lovely Asha and her fashion school experience?! She's perfect right?! If you want more of her, follow her on her social media pages at AshaFcKnAwesome on Twitter, @ashkosh_bgosh on Instagram, and on Facebook at Asha Monet!

Thanks for reading and leave comments below!

Much Love, 
-TeArra <3