Episode 10: An Alumna's Pursuit of Her Passion for Fashion

Jacqueline Walker 0:00 When I tell you that I'm so over proud of my alumni, it's an understatement. As I said in another episode through social media, I see them going off to college, starting their careers, and adulting. But sitting down and chatting with them really allows me to hear how CTE and CTSO programs ignite a spark in them that continues to fuel their life choices, and career journeys. Now today, I'm talking with a 2017 graduate of my fashion marketing program from Skyline High School. I am talking with Miss Edna Palacio, she was one of my more quiet students, who really blossomed post secondary as she pursued her passions. Now this episode is a great one to share with your students who are prepping for college and deciding on careers. Now, before we get into the show, in the spirit of the season, I'm giving away one of my engagement activities that will work well with getting the semester started when you go back to school, so stay tuned to the end to find out more. Now, let's get on to the show. You're listening to marketing EdVenture, the hub for business fashion marketing and other CTE educators who integrate marketing into the learning experience. I'm your host, Jackie Walker. Each week, I'll cover marketing, education concepts, strategies, tips, trends, frameworks, and other information to equip you to connect your classroom to digital natives while cultivating an engaged learning environment. So come on into the room, where your favorite beverage snacks, and even your cell phone are all welcome. Today's guest is Edna Palacio. And she's going to tell us a little bit about herself. Go ahead. Edna Palacio 2:02 Hi, thank you for having me, first of all. So my name is Edna Palacio. I am a merchant assistant as Shoebacca. That is my current position. My background is fashion marketing and fashion design. That's what I went to school for. I have three associate degrees. And I also have a bachelor's degree in business of fashion. And overall my work experience has been retail and merchandising a little bit of management. But that's pretty much it. Jacqueline Walker 2:33 Awesome. Well, it's so good to have you here today. And I really do thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us here. So we're just going to talk about your experience and think how things have gone for us from high school to college and to in leading into your career. So if y'all don't know, Edna is one of the alumni of the fashion marketing program at Skyline High School. She was one of my former students. And so I think it's really good for us to go back and bring in some alumni who've gone through a marketing program, and actually have taken that and extended into their post secondary education and are out into the industry using some of the skills that they've learned while they were in marketing. So I'm just going to ask you some questions here. And just to get a little feel for how being a part of a CTSO which is your DECA organization has kind of shaped and formed you. So already said it, but what CTSO were you involved in when you were in high school? Or organization? Yeah, Edna Palacio 3:41 so I do remember I want to say with nifty, yes, and DECA. Those are the two that I was involved in. And then going on to junior and senior year. I believe I was like a vice president. Yeah. Treasury and the Vice President of hospitality. I want to say, Okay, Jacqueline Walker 4:03 awesome. Right. So you had, what, four years of being in as part of a student organization? Yes. Unknown Speaker 4:12 Okay. Yeah. Jacqueline Walker 4:13 So how do you think being in those student organizations prepared you for life after high school? Edna Palacio 4:21 Um, so I think the presentation is like the main one, because we did so many things. And I think those are essential in any position that you go in. And then another thing I want to say is like market research, and research in general, we like that's something again, that you just have to do for the rest of your life. So I want to say those are some things that key things that I took with me from those programs. Excellent, Jacqueline Walker 4:48 awesome. So were they more beneficial to you in like your education after high school or in your career, or maybe both of them Um, Edna Palacio 5:00 I would say in my career and my personal life just because I also have a business, so I think being able to apply those skills down into my business. Definitely helps. Okay, so anyway, career and personal. Right, Jacqueline Walker 5:15 right. Excellent. So we'll talk about your business and then your career and a little bit. I'm excited to hear about that. So I know that most students have a choice of whether to join a student organization. So how was that with you? Was it your choice? Or was it a part of a program that you're in? Edna Palacio 5:33 Um, I would say both. It was part of a program that I was in, but it was also a choice. Because, you know, being able to just go into meeting new people and meeting professionals and going in front of judges and things like dying competitions, I think that was something that might have pushed it and just seeing other alumni as well. You know, it kind of just pushed you to want to do that as well. Jacqueline Walker 6:02 Awesome. Yeah. Awesome. Great. So now, after you graduate from high school, we're just going to shift gears a little bit after you graduate from high school. What did you do? Which direction or path did you go as far as education and career Early Start with education? Edna Palacio 6:18 Yeah, for education, I went on to pursue the fashion marketing associates at El Centro. And then I had a scholarship. So in high school, we have the design, the design side of fashion as well, but I didn't really like it. So I stayed in business. But since I had a scholarship, I went ahead and put it to use and I went to get my fashion design associates in my fashion technical pattern design associates. Oh, wow. Yeah. And then all while doing that I was in working retail. Then I worked my way up to management. And then I took a break during COVID, you know, and then I resumed back to get my bachelor's degree recently, actually in May. Okay. Jacqueline Walker 7:05 And what was your Bachelor's in business? A Edna Palacio 7:07 fashion? Oh, okay. Jacqueline Walker 7:09 And What school did you attend? So you went to El Centro? For your associates? Correct? Edna Palacio 7:14 Yes. Yes. For all three associates was El Centro. And then for my business of fashion, was an LIM. Jacqueline Walker 7:20 Okay, tell us about LIM. Edna Palacio 7:23 So LM is an online Well, I did it online, but they also have their campus in New York. And it's a school where they have a lot of the same programs, fashion marketing, fashion, merchandising, business of fashion. And, yeah. But I did it online. And overall, it was a great experience. I think they opened a new I guess you could say, interest in sustainability, because they really focused on that. So it was merchandising and sustainability. So yeah, that was how I can describe the school. Right? Jacqueline Walker 8:03 I'm pretty excited about that particular school. Because when it was first introduced, when I was teaching, as a school that focused on the business side of fashion, only no design or anything like that. I was like, That is awesome. I wish it was something that was out when I was in school. And I'm so happy to know that the hours and credits that you were taking while in high school, not only were going to transfer over into El Centro, but also feed into that four year degree that you got from Li n. So that is awesome. Yes. All right. So tell me about your college experience. So you did your associates at home here in the local area. And then you did your online experience. So tell us about how both of those were for you as far as college life is concerned. Edna Palacio 8:49 Yeah, so my associates, you know, it was in the downtown location here in Dallas, and it was just commuting. It was good, the professor's were really hands on. I'm really glad I took the time to go into a community college rather than a university because I got a little bit more personal and hands- on experience. As far as online, it was a little bit challenging, especially communicating with professors because we're in different time zones. Mind you, it's only about an hour, but even then it was a bit challenging, and it was very self paced. So it was kind of a difference. But I mean, I managed to get A's and B's so it was all good. Awesome. Jacqueline Walker 9:37 Glad you got that opportunity. So did you experience any campus life while you were here? Going to school in Dallas? Did you participate in any on campus programs or anything? Edna Palacio 9:47 Um, other than the school's fashion show l Central's fashion show Not really. Because I was also working. But yeah, the school fashion show. I did volunteer for F The eye a couple of times, which is the same scenario at fashion shows. But yeah, I don't think I did for any other. Not that I can remember. Jacqueline Walker 10:11 Right. And so for those who don't know what FDI is, can you explain it to them with it? That is? Yes. Edna Palacio 10:16 So it's Fashion Group International, and it's a program. They have. They have it here in Dallas, as well as in New York. And I want to say in Atlanta, I'm not sure. But it's an organization. Because they host so many events for the fashion industry, people who are interested in the fashion industry. And I participated through the school, I was introduced to it by the school and they have a competition every year for I believe it's schools in Texas and outside of Texas. And so there's like, little black dress competition. So you know, and then there's like the best, best. I can't think of it. But the marketing ones I do remember, it's the portfolio, digital portfolio. And then I think it's like a store, store merchandising, something like that, which I actually won the portfolio. Jacqueline Walker 11:20 First place. Awesome. That's exciting. All right. So was that your first or second year? Program? Edna Palacio 11:30 I think it was the first year. Okay. Yeah. Because it was in 2018. So it was the first year. Awesome. Jacqueline Walker 11:37 That's excellent. So now, as far as surviving college, because, you know, we tell you that it's different, you know, teachers and high school try to prepare you a bit for the college environment. So tell us about how that was surviving in, you know, time management, all of those kinds of things, just, you know, growing up and having to be an adult. Yeah, Edna Palacio 12:01 it was a lot different in the sense of, yes, in the community college, at least, you still have very hands on. And I wouldn't necessarily say they hold your hand. But it's very laid back. However, it's still very, like, you can still balance very well within your personal life. It's different. I don't know how to really explain it. But yeah, I mean, it's definitely doable, you know, still working and, and going to school. I would say if I was not living at home, it would be a different situation. But thankfully, I had the opportunity to stay at home. So yeah, Jacqueline Walker 12:42 yeah, that probably took some of the load off of you. Edna Palacio 12:45 Yes. I do want to say as well, like, when I went into the design program, it was a lot more of being at the school rather than assignments, you know, at home. And at that time, I was already working in a management role. So I had to step down. Because it was just too much. It was like, full time work full time student. It just didn't go. But it was I mean, I guess it depends on where you work and all that. But it's definitely manageable. Awesome. Jacqueline Walker 13:18 All right. So what did you wish that you knew before going into college? Were there some things that really didn't prepare you you weren't really prepared for? Edna Palacio 13:34 I don't know. I feel like because I was at home. And I was just, it was, to me, my college experience, which is very relaxed, and very easy. So I don't really know if I can think of something. Jacqueline Walker 13:51 Okay, good. And it seems, though, didn't you may have been more prepared, maybe because you took dual credit in high school that may have helped you with, you know, getting the mindset of a college student and being doing projects and things that you may have to do at a collegiate level, you know, as opposed to not having had those dual credit classes that, you know, kind of prepped you a little bit for that. All right, yeah. So tell me about going back to high school a little bit now. How could High School have been better in, I guess, preparing you for the next level of life? What do you think? I always hear some things that students like, “Oh, we didn't learn that in high school. If they had only taught us this or that, then you know, we would have been more prepared.” Edna Palacio 14:39 Okay. Um, I think maybe, like looking back at it, some of the DECA projects that we did. I know I remember the one that we wanted was the buying, merchandising. operations research. There you go. That's what it was. I guess. Because you're, like you said, we're in a different mindset. And like, me being in a merchandising role now. i It's kind of like, well, I learned that in high school, but it didn't necessarily click. Right. Right. So I feel like maybe having more of that, because it is a little different. So I learned that, but now I'm doing it. And so I feel like maybe getting like Excel, you know, like the formulas and more of that math going on, I think Jacqueline Walker 15:45 Oh, yeah. Some more the technical kind of a thing. Yeah, positions actually consist of, so it may be good to have people who do that kind of work, come into the classroom and really explain it to you and show you some things. Okay. That's great. All right. So now, let's move into talking about time management. So how I know you said, you know, you worked full time at one point in time, and you were going to school full time, but you had to step down, but just overall, and just time management with life. Because I know, when you move into adulting season of your life, that you are more responsible for your time, as opposed to your parents saying, Do this, do that, or your teachers saying, turn this in, and all this kind of stuff. And this is what you can do? So how did you incorporate time management into, you know, being an adult and going to school and working? Edna Palacio 16:35 Um, well, definitely turning in my assignments on time, you know, and also, like, just coordinating my days, you know, I have class on this day, I have class on this day, and then I have to work after. So I think, you know, that's what helped me out a lot now. Because now I have deadlines, you know, like, send me an email from where I can get it done before the end of the day. So I think, you know, that's helped me, but my time management now, because I think, personally, I think, like I said, my college experience was very relaxed. So I think it's not until now, where I'm actually an adult, you know, Jacqueline Walker 17:24 So do you use any tools for time management, like a planner or anything like that, or anything that keeps you on schedule? Yeah, Edna Palacio 17:32 um, I have my calendar on my phone. I use that. And then I also have, I like to write things down. So I also throughout college, too, I also had a planner, where I would like to write down my To Dos and check them off, things like that. So on my phone, it's kind of just a reminder, since we're always on our phone, and then I look at my planner and check things off. Jacqueline Walker 17:56 Hey, EdVenturous Educator, I just want to take a quick break to ask, is this your first time teaching fashion marketing? Or do you need a boost in your curriculum? Well look no further, I have the Ultimate Fashion Marketing class bundle packed with for vibrant presentations, fun and engaging activities, quizzes, and for major projects for an immersive semester of fashion exploration. And it comes with a pacing guide for an 18 week semester. Additionally, each assignment has detailed student instructions, and suggested pacing times so that you can tailor the time frame to fit your teaching schedule. For more information about this must have bundle, go to Marketing adventure.com and search ultimate passion marketing class bundle, or simply click the link in the show notes. Now back to the show. All right. Well, let's move into talking about what you're doing. You mentioned earlier, you have a business and then you also have an actual job where you work for someone so tell us about I guess when once you moved from college, what was what did you move into? What were you doing after college? Edna Palacio 19:12 So after college, I was okay so when I left community college, I was still working retail. And right before I graduated with my last associates, I went into an assistant manager role. So I was doing that and mainly what got me promoted there is my merchandising skills. So more of like the visuals, visual merchandising color, coordinating the color stories, all of that. And then I went off to a full merchandising role which was I was working for a third party company that was merchandising for Walmart. So it was pretty much the same thing. A lot of that physical, moving inventory things like that. And now I'm in a merchant, merchant assistant role, where I work with buyers for a shoe company. Okay, and it's an online shoe company. So it's a little different because I don't, I don't have to move products around, and I don't see the product necessarily, or other than a picture. So it's a lot of SKU, SKU management and assortment plans. A lot of pricing, we always have to fix pricing and make sure you know, retail, the MSRP is good. And so yeah, that's that. I think I forgot where I was going. Jacqueline Walker 20:42 Well, and so you do that for your full time job. And then you also have a business. Right? Yeah. Edna Palacio 20:48 So for my business. I started it in 2020, during the pandemic, as well. And it's not, I'm not, it kind of just started, like, kicking off, I would say, it's been really slow, because, you know, trying to learn everything from scratch, even though I went to school, you know, it's, it's a little different having to apply that into your own business. Yeah. But it's a lot of the same things, you know, like merchandising, the stuff online descriptions, and then the pricing, making sure you're making profits, and all of that, you know, it's like, I get to apply them in both of my roles. And they're very similar roles. Because as a business owner, and as an assistant, somewhat an assistant buyer, like, you have to think with that entrepreneurial mindset, you know, like you're running both businesses in a way. Jacqueline Walker 21:43 Yeah. Awesome. So that high school and college prepared you for both of those, right? Yes, absolutely. So what are your goals with your business? Do you plan to grow it? Are you going to keep it? You know, it's just something you enjoy doing, in addition to your full time job? Edna Palacio 21:59 So I love answering this question. Because I, from the beginning, I wanted to work my way up in a corporate role, you know, and just work my way to the top. First, I wanted to do just merchandising, like regional merchandising, and then I moved on to being a buyer. But now that I have my own business, I'm like, I can kind of do both. So I plan on growing my business and eventually going full time, just my business and focus on that, and opening up a store, maybe a few locations, you know, yeah. So that's, that's the goal, just because I would still be a buyer. And I was still, in a way, able to merchandise and obviously, there's other things that come with the business that you don't want to do. But at least I'll still be able to do what I want to do. Jacqueline Walker 22:51 Awesome. Sounds good. Well, it sounds like you're making waves and moving forward on your pathway and accomplishing some things. Any recent accomplishments? Yeah. Oh, Edna Palacio 23:01 um, yes. So I was actually going back to high school before I joined the fashion program. I was going to drink up ontology, but I wasn't able to. And so I went to fashion. And, you know, almost 10 years later, I joined beauty school again, just to get some certifications. So I got a hair styling certification and a makeup artist certification. So I have that now. Jacqueline Walker 23:29 Awesome. So you're just gonna be a well rounded, fashion Nice. Cosmetologist, all that together, makes for some really great skills that you can use for business later on down the line, because you never know, you have given yourself some options of pathways to travel in the future. So that's excellent. All right. Well, let me just ask a couple of questions here. But I call this my Tell Me More section. Just to learn a little bit so the artist can learn a little bit more about you. And it's just kind of fun kind of questions. So what's one must have resource as a young adult that you must have? What is your one must have resource? Edna Palacio 24:12 Um, I would say I do. I guess I forgot to mention I have a budgeting app. So I think that is essential because it keeps track of your subscriptions. And you know, sometimes we just subscribe for everything. Right? Yeah, keeping track of your money. It's definitely helpful that we can look back at it on Subscribe and Save me a few $10 You know, I would say that, yeah, Jacqueline Walker 24:39 in this day and age what has been on our phones all the time. It is so easy to subscribe to things and you forget like, oh, until that subscription hits the next year like wait a minute, where'd that come from? Yeah, most definitely. And that's one of the things that I hear a lot of students who graduate from high school and everything say that, you know, they just wish they had more financial literacy. So yeah, that app could definitely help with literacy. Great. All right, so what is your cheat code as an adult? Like, what do you feel like, you know, is something unique that you do that maybe other people don't do? Or that helps, you know, just in this phase of life? Edna Palacio 25:21 Um, I would say, knowledge, I love learning. So knowledge is power to me, you know, so, I may not be in school anymore, but listening to podcasts definitely helps. You know, because you learn, there's a lot of podcasts, you know, there's a financial podcast that tells you how to manage your money. There's a mindset, mindset podcast. So I would say that, and I know a lot of people started doing that, you know, listening to podcasts instead of reading books. Right. So I would say that to an audio book, because I don't necessarily like to read. So I think an audio book in the background, you know, so yeah, learn as much as you can. Jacqueline Walker 26:05 Yeah, fill your mind with positive things. Exactly. Alrighty. So now this one, I don't know, you maybe have to think a little bit on this one. But like, in all of your years in school, who was your favorite teacher? Are some of your favorite teachers, you know, that you'd really remember that instilled some things in you that, you know, hey, I would love to see that teacher again, or whatever. Edna Palacio 26:28 I don't have to think about this one. Let's call her you know, that. So Miss Walker is my number one favorite teacher, you know, the fashion program at high school. It was, you know, I, I'm a believer in God. So, you know, obviously, I joined the beauty industry, but my path was to be in the fashion industry, from the beginning. And so, you know, that's why I'm where I'm at now. And you definitely helped a lot, you know, and I still have a video from when you give us a rose on her last? Uh, you know, you're saying like, you know, and you grew so much. And so I take that with me everywhere. You know, so definitely you Miss Walker. Jacqueline Walker 27:13 Oh, awesome. Well, that's nice to hear. Edna Palacio 27:14 Yes. I have two more. Miss Carter, who was my college professor. I also still keep in touch with her. She tries to include me, in a lot of the events, I actually will see her on. On Thursday for a board meeting. I have no idea what it is. But I'm going Yes, Jacqueline Walker 27:33 I used to participate in those board meetings. So yes, it's great. They bring alumni are encouraged students into those board meetings, just so that the people who are a part of the industry that are partners with them can hear, you know, from the students, so that's Okay, Edna Palacio 27:50 nice. Yeah. Um, I would say Miss Sullivan, as well, I got a little bit of her point of view, and I still talked to her as well. She was the marketing coordinator at El Centro. Yes, she was great. And I also missed her, Tobias. She was, yeah, he was the fashion design instructor. So he was just an amazing designer. And he helped me a lot with, you know, the very technical things that if you've ever taken fashion design, you know, it's a pain. Jacqueline Walker 28:27 All right. Yeah, that was my major. Edna Palacio 28:30 So, definitely a person, you know, that would have helped me stay motivated, and just keep pushing through to complete both of the fashion design associates. So yay. Well, Jacqueline Walker 28:44 Thank you for answering those questions. I have two last questions for you. One is just, you know, what is one thing you would say to a student who's in high school right now to encourage them to be a part of a CTSO? Like, what would benefit? What is something that you can tell them? That it wouldn't say, you know, yeah, you should do this. Because, Edna Palacio 29:04 yeah, so I would say, you know, to join these organizations, because it helps you grow. You may be in high school, you may think, oh my gosh, why am I going to those, you know, but it's gonna come a long way. And it's gonna help you out in the long run. Plus, you get to go meet new people, you get to have, I don't know, go to different locations, you know, it can be fun, it can be fun, and definitely stay in touch with the people that you went to highschool with, like the people in your, your industry circle, right? Because, you know, yes, education is very important, but it's also who you know, then you never know that person that you know, you used to talk to might work somewhere and then they can get you a really good position somewhere. So yeah, good Jacqueline Walker 29:58 advice. Most definitely. I do, thank you, Miss Edna, for joining me on Marketing EdVenture. I look forward to future talks. I mean, maybe we can have you come back in, maybe during a careers time and talk a little bit more in depth about what you do for your career. So stay tuned, because we may have Edna back on our show in the future. So I thank you for joining us and taking a part of this inaugural year Marketing EdVenture with Jackie Walker. Yay. Edna Palacio 30:31 Thank you so much for having me. You're welcome. Jacqueline Walker 30:38 I hope you're really enjoying this alumni series. There are more to come in 2024. So stay tuned. You'll hear from some that work for national brands, wholesalers, retailers, and even startup companies. As I said at the beginning of this episode, I am giving away an engagement activity. This is great to give students at the beginning of the semester, during times when you just need to have that moment to put some grades in the system, you can give them this activity to keep them busy. Also, if they finish their work early, this would be great for them to work on. Or just whenever you want to take a break from your lessons and give them something that it's engaging. It's a 23 page template. It's a 23 page template for students to create a fashion lookbook of their favorite celebrity displaying eight facets of their style. Just click on fashion activity in the description or my show notes to access this resource. I hope you have a wonderfully blessed holiday season and enjoy a restful break with family and friends. Thanks for listening to Marketing EdVenture. Remember to subscribe, rate, review and share this episode with someone you think would benefit from the information shared here today. If you have any questions or want to connect with me, find me on Instagram at Marketing EdVenture. All links and resources discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes at MarketingEdVenture.com