Stella Rivas took a leadership role at Love Jessie’s Girl and gained experience in social media marketing strategy while also coordinating in-person events.
Where did you complete your internship and why did you choose it?
This past fall, I interned with an organization called Love Jessie's Girl, a brand that specializes in reselling vintage clothing to promote sustainability in fashion. I discovered this internship through networking within the sustainable fashion community. Having followed the brand’s mission and work, I was excited to pursue this opportunity as it aligned perfectly with my passion for ethical fashion and my career aspirations.
What type of work did you complete during this experience?
During my internship, I held the role of Vice President of Production, which allowed me to take on leadership responsibilities across multiple aspects of the business. My work included content planning for social media, organizing and working at pop-up events to sell vintage clothing, and coordinating photoshoots to promote the brand’s vision. I also contributed to the brand's development strategy and played a role in planning its website. These experiences taught me valuable skills, including project management, creative content creation, event coordination, and strategic branding, all of which are highly transferable to future roles in the fashion industry.
How did your Applied Humanities coursework prepare you for this experience?
What made this internship unique was how closely it aligned with my academic background and values. As an Applied Humanities major with a focus on fashion and marketing, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to the fashion industry. My studies in cultural contexts and consumer behavior prepared me to connect with diverse audiences and create authentic, meaningful content. Through my Applied Humanities coursework, I developed a deep understanding of storytelling, creative problem-solving, and audience engagement, which were essential in my work at Love Jessie's Girl.
What was the most rewarding part of your internship?
The most rewarding part of my internship was planning and coordinating photoshoots. Seeing creative ideas come to life and knowing they effectively conveyed the brand’s mission was incredibly fulfilling. It allowed me to combine my love for fashion and creativity while supporting a cause I care deeply about. However, managing multiple responsibilities at once—such as organizing pop-ups, creating content, and working on the website—was challenging. From this, I learned the importance of time management, prioritization, and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment. Overall, my internship experience was not only meaningful but also instrumental in helping me grow personally and professionally. It strengthened my confidence in my abilities and reaffirmed my desire to work in ethical fashion, blending creativity, sustainability, and business strategy.