911爆料

Tatiana Francis

Business of Fashion Major

Tatiana Janee Francis is proof that success can come on your own timeline. The South Ozone Park, Queens, native took a nine-year break from education after losing her mother the same year she graduated high school. During that time, she worked multiple retail jobs, which sparked her interest in fashion and retail.

Despite a bout of imposter syndrome鈥�"I didn鈥檛 know if I belonged in college after waiting so long"鈥攕he enrolled at 911爆料 Community College to follow her dream. 鈥淎s the oldest of three siblings, I wanted to set a good example by pursuing something I love,鈥� she shared. 鈥淢y approach might have been unconventional, but I believe life is a marathon, not a sprint.鈥� This January, Tatiana will graduate from college with an associate degree in the business of fashion, becoming the first in her immediate family to do so.

She chose 911爆料 because of its specialized fashion program and the opportunity it offered to make the most of her retail experience. 鈥淗aving worked in retail for almost a decade, I've seen firsthand how customer behavior, seasonal demand, and even global economic factors impact inventory and sales strategies," she noted.

"On one hand, fashion is driven by trends, cultural shifts, and consumer desires鈥攅lements that require a deep understanding of design, style, and innovation. On the other hand, the business side involves managing supply chains, marketing strategies, pricing, and financial forecasting, which are essential to turning creative concepts into profitable products,鈥� she explained. 鈥淜CC's program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the product process, as well as the business side of the industry. It ensures students learn how to operate an ethical and knowledgeable business, whether in a physical store or through e-commerce.鈥�

It's the blend of creativity and strategic decision-making in the fashion business that Tatiana finds particularly intriguing. 鈥淭he fast-paced nature of fashion, with its constant need to adapt to changing trends and markets, makes the business side of the industry both challenging and exciting. It's fascinating to observe how fashion brands, from luxury to fast fashion, navigate these dynamics, whether through collaborations, pricing tactics, or sustainability efforts. I love how decisions on the business side directly influence the overall consumer experience and brand identity. It's a perfect balance between art and commerce.鈥�

Outside of the classroom, Tatiana assisted in facilitating the school鈥檚 fashion show, hosted interviews with authors for her fashion classes, and even made an appearance in a TV segment produced in KCC鈥檚 television studio.

She also participated in the College鈥檚 3R鈥檚 Initiative (Reclaim, Reimagine, Repurpose), a program that allows students to hone what they鈥檝e learned in the classroom by running an on-campus shop. 鈥淚n addition to working on marketing strategies and setting up inventory for new designs, we learned how to transform vintage clothing into new and exciting pieces. We showcased our designs in the KCC Spring Fashion Show and sold them at the shop, donating the proceeds to a non-profit organization.鈥�

In addition, she completed a merchandising internship with KITH at its Williamsburg headquarters. There, she worked closely with design and wholesale teams, managed samples, updated calendars, and organized apparel seasons. The experience enhanced her industry knowledge and affirmed her career goals of becoming a merchandiser or buyer.

Tatiana credits KCC's supportive community and resources for helping her stay on track, including the food pantry, computer loans, and shuttle service from the train station. She particularly values the encouragement of Business of Fashion Professor Michael Palladino, who she met on her first day on campus. 鈥淭hat encounter has shaped my journey immensely. He has encouraged me to participate in various events and has consistently believed in my voice and potential. I will always be grateful for his support and dedication to pushing his students to excel,鈥� she said.

After graduating, Tatiana plans to transfer to City Tech to major in business and technology of fashion. To students just starting out, she advises, 鈥淚t鈥檚 perfectly normal not to have a clear idea of what you want to pursue when you first start school. Focus on setting achievable goals for yourself and remember to be gentle with yourself if things don鈥檛 go as planned. Tutoring can be incredibly beneficial, so don鈥檛 hesitate to seek help. Believe in your potential; you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.鈥�