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“I- have always been an entrepreneur and I don’t believe
I could be happy and satisfied just being a wife and mom.”
get at the Fashion Institute of South Florida that they don’t get in other fashion schools?
• We have small classes of up to 10
students per section, allowing each student the instructor’s personal attention
• Flexibility to only take the courses one wants
• Instructors and personnel that care
• Not wasting time/money on
general education courses
• Accountability and motivation
• My personal experience, tips, and
advice to accomplish goals
• Online videos for support
• Free parking
• Flexible schedule designed for
individuals that work and/or have a family
Do you offer financial assistance?
Not yet, but we are in the process of getting approval. In the meantime, we offer a payment plan to pay the total cost on a monthly basis. In addition, we
will be offering scholarships starting Fall, 2022.
Has it been easy placing your students with employers in South Florida?
Yes, there are a lot of opportunities for work in the fashion industry in South Florida and students that really want to work and pay their dues can find jobs easily. I get several phone calls a week from fashion brands looking to hire students.
What is the ratio of students starting their own businesses in the Fashion Institute of South Florida?
I will say seven-out-of-ten students want to start their own business, which is great, but I also tell those students to gain experience in the field by working for another fashion brand for a few years.
Congratulations for the cover of the June Wawak catalogue! What is your secret to juggling your personal and
professional life?
(laughs) I’m not sure it’s a secret, but I just try to be focused and productive when I’m working so I get the most for the time invested. I am also learning to delegate. In my personal life I have a lot of help with everything around the house. My husband helps me a
lot, more than the average man does, especially now that we have a baby; he is there one hundred percent.
You recently gave birth to the most gorgeous baby boy! Do you recall a time where you have regretted starting a family while handling your career as a school owner?
(laughs) I don’t think I ever regretted starting a family while handing my school, but there have been moments where I questioned myself and wondered if I’m able to succeed at both. Those that know me closely know how much I love my fashion career and how passionate I am about my fashion school. Now that I am a
THE MAGAZINE FOR THE EMERGING BY THE EMERGING