Your FIDM Story

Marisol Diaz chats with special guest host Fanny Ramirez about launching Marisol Diaz Boutique as a fresh college grad in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. She shares essential business tips that she's gained first-hand as she discusses the challenges of running a small business while also working as a freelance seamstress for clients including Karol G, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, and Megan Thee Stallion. She also shares what it was like to work with Doja Cat for her 2022 Coachella performance.

For today's episode, we are diving into the world of graphic design in the entertainment industry. Our special guest, Nima Neemz Nakhshab, recently collaborated with Universal Pictures on a 40th-anniversary project celebrating iconic Steven Spielberg films Jurassic Park, Jaws, Back To The Future, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. A movie poster and key art designer based in Orange County, California, Nakhshab has worked with studios Universal Pictures, Spotify, Netflix, and Sony Music, as well as musical artists Machine Gun Kelly, Camilla Cabello, Blink 182, and Lil Nas X. 

For today's episode, we are joined by not one but four designers who just wrapped up an incredible project. In celebration of the launch of the new film "The School For Good and Evil," FIDM partnered with Netflix to reimagine the “Never” and “Ever” costumes from the movie. Inspired by the film, four designers were hand selected to create custom ready-to-wear outfits that debuted at the Los Angeles red carpet world premiere.

Authenticity is a buzzword many creatives crave to express how they want to be in the world for themselves, others, and their business. Let's unpack what authenticity is, what it isn't, and how to remain authentic throughout life. FIDM Personal Counselor and Faculty Member Dr. Gwenael Matos joins Your FIDM Story to share her perspective.

Imagine flying to New York City and showing in New York Fashion Week just a year after showcasing your first collection in FIDM's DEBUT Runway Show. In this week's episode of Your FIDM Story, Spencer talks with designer Fabian Renteria. Listen along as Fabian discusses his journey to FIDM, his premiere collection inspired by Mortal Kombat, designing a collection for the 15th annual Supima Design Competition, working with a dye house, and the importance of time management.

In this bonus episode of the Your FIDM Story podcast, FIDM Senior Writer Gigi Hooghkirk talks with FIDM alumna Kim Culmone. Since February 2019, Kim has served as the Senior Vice President, and Global Head of Design for Barbie and Fashion Dolls at Mattel Inc. Kim is entrusted with the creative direction of Mattel's flagship brand Barbie – a category leader in innovation and a source of inspiration to children around the world for over 60 years.Listen along as Kim talks about her FIDM Story, her career with Mattel Inc., and a new dynamic partnership between the Barbie brand and French luxury fashion label Balmain, launching a new global ready-to-wear fashion and accessories collection. The venture also marks the first time Barbie is entering the digital art world, dropping three one-of-a-kind NFTs.

In this week's special season two finale, Caitlin is joined by not one but three FIDM alumna from the world of social media! Whitney Sutherland (Creative Producer for Remi Cruz ), Mina Sanders (Social Media Marketing Assistant at Kora Organics), and Fanny Ramirez (Sr. Social Media Coordinator at FIDM) join the podcast to talk about their FIDM experiences, getting their Bachelor's in the FIDM Business Management program and the changing social media landscape.

A longtime instructor at FIDM, Los Angeles native Randy Dunbar has enjoyed a storied career in the world of magazines and graphic design. He's worked as a Designer, Art Director, and Creative Director for numerous publications, including GQ, Self, Health, Home, Muscle & Fitness, and The Advocate, among others. He's currently the Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director of SoCal Magazine. In this week's episode, Caitlin talks with Randy about his incredible career and his work with the FIDM student-run magazine, FIDM Mode.

This week's episode is hosted by FIDM Senior Writer Gigi Hooghkirk who manages our online Success Stories. Listen along as Gigi speaks with Chidimma Abuka about her position as a Sustainability Specialist at Gensler, a global design and architecture firm with offices in 49 cities in 16 countries worldwide. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Global Leadership and Change at Pepperdine University, Chidimma holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Concordia University, a Master of Interior Architecture degree from the Interior Designers Institute, and a Merchandising & Marketing Degree from FIDM. Learn how layering her education and combining both her analytical and creative sides has uniquely positioned her in her field and continues to propel her career forward.

FIDM Instructor Joanie Willgues aka Joanie Coyote has extensive industry experience as a theatre costume designer, artist, and fashion historian. She's also a stand-up comedian. In this week's episode, prepare to laugh, learn, and get inspired as Caitlin catches up with Joanie about her career, their mutual love for theatre and fashion history, the creative environment at FIDM, and the power of dreaming.

This week's episode features Ami Silverman, Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Consumer Channel Sales and Marketing. Listen along as the FIDM Merchandising & Marketing Grad talks about how her two-decade career in the apparel industry prepared her for a career in technology. Tom Henkenius, Director FIDM's Bachelor's Degrees in Digital Marketing and Graphic Design, returns as our special guest host.

Like so many creatives during the pandemic, Samantha Jones found herself in the unfortunate situation of being furloughed from her place of employment. Turning lemons into lemonade, she used the time to launch her own business in the luxury swimwear market. With the purpose of selling high-quality fabrics and fits to women everywhere, she created Beau Swim. Samantha graduated from FIDM with a degree in Merchandise Product Development and a Bachelor's in Business Management. Caitlin Benson talks with her about her FIDM experience, finding inspiration, and being featured in Miami Swim Week.

Merchandising & Marketing Graduate Niki Shadrow Snyder is the Life & Style editor of Hollywood Weekly magazine and the co-founder of Project Pop Drop, the idea of which she conceived on her first date with her husband, John Snyder. In collaboration with Emmy Award-Winning producer Gary Reeves, Niki and John launched The Givefluencer Network, redefining what it means to be an influencer, or as they call it, a "givefluencer". Listen along as Caitlin Benson chats with Niki and John about Project Pop Drop, as well as Niki's experience at FIDM and her career.

Prior to his position as Creative Director for FIDM, Paul Olszewski was National Director of Windows & Flagship Visual Marketing for Macy's Inc., famously designing the iconic holiday windows at Macy's Heralds Square on 34th Street in New York. With a B.A. in Studio Art from California State University, Long Beach, Paul has worked in the field of Visual Presentation for over 25 years. After a 15-year career at Neiman Marcus on both coasts, he worked for New York industry leaders including Bergdorf Goodman and Prada. During this special holiday episode, Caitlin talks with the award-winning designer about his illustrious career and his experience designing the holiday window displays at Macy's.

Marina Toybina has won six Emmy awards as a costume designer, two of which were for her work on FOX's The Masked Singer, making her one of the most decorated FIDM Graduates of all time. At eleven years old, Marina moved from Moscow to Phoenix, Arizona. After high school, she decided to chase her passion and moved to Los Angeles to study Fashion Design at FIDM. Before she had even graduated, she launched a fashion line with fellow FIDM Student Ashton Hirota. Her drive and talent led her into developing relationships with notable celebrities including Taylor Swift, Usher, Pink, and Selena Gomez, and she now frequently collaborates with Carrie Underwood. Marina soon ventured into Hollywood, working on television shows such as The X Factor, So You Think You Can Dance, and World of Dance. In 2015, she created the costumes for the critically acclaimed Katy Perry Super Bowl Halftime Show, including the famous Left Shark costume. In this week's episode, “Your FIDM Story” Producer and “The Art of Costume” Lead Editor Spencer Williams talks with Marina about her life and inspiring career.

Growing up, Lauren James always had an interest in art. After community college, she became the third person in her family to attend FIDM, following her sister, Visual Communications alumna, and mother who studied Interior Design and became a set decorator on the hit television sitcom Friends. While at FIDM, Lauren's curiosity for art and art history, as well as a desire to begin a career in Museum and Gallery Education, inspired her to begin docent work at the J. Paul Getty Museum as a Gallery Teacher. After graduating with her Bachelor's Degree in Creative Industry Studies with a focus in Interior Design, Lauren moved to London to pursue her Master's Degree in Fine and Decorative Art and Design at Sotheby's Institute of Art. In the season two premiere of the “Your FIDM Story” podcast, Caitlin Benson catches up with Lauren to talk about her incredible career and grand aspirations.

San Diego native Tristan Detwiler studied Fashion Design at FIDM after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Southern California. The artist, model, and surfer is the Founder of Stan, a Los Angeles-based clothing brand of unique pieces crafted from antique textiles found around the world. Currently on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art,, the label prides itself on detail-oriented techniques such as quilting and appliqué. In this episode, Caitlin Benson chats with Tristan, whose mother is also a graduate of FIDM, about his journey as an artist and business owner.

Hailing from Bloomington, Indiana, Taylor King came to FIDM in 2015, and later graduated in 2019 with a B.A. in Digital Cinema. A Social Ambassador for FIDM while she was in college, Taylor now has 124,000 followers on both YouTube and Instagram for TK's Juicy Polls. The producer for YouTuber Alisha Marie, Taylor has been featured in the New York Post and photographed by Tyler Shields. In today's episode, fellow grad and FIDM Senior Social Media Coordinator Fanny Ramirez chats with the content creator to explore her FIDM story.

Kimberly Rodriguez was already managing AllSaints stores in Orange County, California, when she earned a degree in Merchandise Product Development from FIDM. She planned to transition into product development within the company, but then the pandemic hit, and the position was eliminated. So Kimberly turned inward and focused on herself. After realizing that candles were selling out in the Covid era, she decided to launch La' F.E.M., a collection of minimalistic and eco-friendly vegan candles designed to create bliss and harmony. In this episode, Caitlin Benson chats with Kimberly about her journey from retail to entrepreneurship, mental health, and how fragrance connects to memories.

LA native, Krystle Krueger earned a Fashion Design degree from FIDM in 2015. After working in the industry since graduation, she decided to strike out on her own as an entrepreneur. Her new children's wear collection, Fashion Is Art, celebrates cultures from around the world while also serving to encourage children to be independent learners. In this episode, Caitlin Benson chats with Krystle about her creative journey, from spray painting muslin and acing her flat sketching class at FIDM to becoming a fashion designer and launching her own brand.

When the Covid-19 health crisis hit Los Angeles, Annie Smith lost her job in Trade Marketing at Red Bull. She gave herself exactly one day to regroup, then she filed for an LLC taking Red Bull with her as her first client. Specializing in social media marketing and graphic design, Solanas Creative has added many clients to their roster since their start one and a half years ago, including Khloé Kardashian's Dose & Co. and Jilaine Swim, launched by former FIDM classmate Brooke Shannon. In this episode, Tom Henkenius, Director of Digital Marketing and Graphic Design at FIDM, chats with Annie about her degrees in Merchandise Product Development and Social Media (now Digital Marketing), the value of internships, and the FIDM network, and the importance of prioritizing health above all.

At five years old she made a magazine complete with hand-drawn advertisements for made up beauty products. At thirteen, she conducted a massive research project on beauty marketing, exploring the pitfalls of Photoshop and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry. Now an Account Development Coordinator for Intercos, a global cosmetic contract manufacturer that specializes in development, production, and packaging for major beauty brands, Beauty Marketing & Product Development grad Shira Berman tells Caitlin Benson her FIDM Story. From her first internship at Petit ‘n Pretty to her current position working with multinational global beauty brands (and anxiously awaiting her first product to hit the market), Shira gives an inside look at the passion and drive that continues to steer her career.

NCLA Beauty CEO and FIDM Merchandise Product Development Graduate Elin Dannerstedt started her LA-based brand in her studio apartment in 2010 after noticing a gap in the market for nail stickers. She quickly found success, and NCLA went on to collaborate with iconic names such as Beyoncé, Hello Kitty, Disney, and Barbie. But Elin knew the trend-driven product wouldn't be popular forever. Today, the clean beauty collection known for its delicious scents and modern packaging has evolved to include bath bombs, lip scrubs, nail treatments, and more. Elin shares her inspiring journey from FIDM Student to working in the fashion industry to becoming an entrepreneur with an award-winning beauty line that's sold at retailers such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.

Digital Marketing Instructor Aneesha DuBois brings years of valuable experience to the classroom thanks to a career that's spanned television production, public relations, voice acting, and entrepreneurship. After working as an Associate Producer at E! News and Public Relations Director for Wildfox and Australian Fashion Labels (AFL), Aneesha realized she wanted the freedom to work from home and be in charge of her schedule. In 2018, she co-founded WELL(UN)KNOWN, a Los Angeles-based online retailer that focuses on emerging and established fashion brands. Aneesha shares her unique journey to FIDM — where she currently teaches New Media Public Relations — and how she balances teaching, running her own business, acting, and motherhood.  

With $4K in savings, a degree in Apparel Industry Management, and experience working in the industry, Daniel Kasidi has spent the last decade building a multi-million dollar business centered around spreading positivity. With his accessory brand Rastaclat, he has created a global brand community of over 10 million customers and has forged licensing partnerships with formidable sports leagues like the NBA, MLB, and 2020 Olympics. Now expanding the brand into a multi-category company, Daniel tells the story about how his education at FIDM set him up for success as he continues to spread Rastaclat's message that positive action can change lives, inspire confidence, and unite us as human beings. To date, he has donated over 1 million dollars to causes he is passionate about including Breast Cancer, the LGBTQ movement, racial equality, and gender equality.

Chloe White has always been a person who honors her truth. From the start, she has not shied away from reassessing her goals and making the necessary adjustments to reflect her priorities. Originally a fine arts student at Maine College of Art, she followed her love for graphic design to FIDM. She turned her internship at Create & Cultivate into a full-time position and traveled extensively, then shifted again and explored freelance life in Los Angeles. She's since returned to her home state of Vermont with her now-husband and has landed a graphic design position at Driven Studio, whose clients include local brands such as Ben & Jerry's, Cabot Cheese, and Seventh Generation. In this episode, Caitlin Benson chats with Chloe White about her changing dream and the importance of being self-aware as a young creative professional.

She didn't want her daughter to attend a fashion college, and her body language reflected it. But as the campus tour continued, Kayla's mom slowly began to uncross her arms as a smile replaced her uncertainty. Visual Communications grad Kayla Coleman tells Caitlin Benson her FIDM Story, from getting her parents on board to learning everything from design and styling to writing and public relations. Her education made her a top candidate and one of the first hires at Kylie Cosmetics. Now freelancing as a social media contractor, Kayla debunks the myths surrounding fashion college and explains how FIDM prepares grads for the grind and hustle intrinsic to success in the industry.

Caitlin Benson and Spencer Williams introduce "Your FIDM Story," a new podcast about FIDM Alumni and Faculty sharing stories of successes, failures, and life lessons learned from FIDM and post-graduate life. The first two episodes drop on August 26, 2021.