Great Job Stitched Up Working It Out
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday February 28, 2006
IQ follows graduates into the workplace.
Name: Kate Bollard.Job: Designer specialising in bridal and evening wear.Age: 20.Graduated from: West Wollongong TAFE, 2004. Qualifications: Certificate IV in Fashion Design and Industry Practices.Best part of your job: Satisfaction - being able to make a beautiful gown for a beautiful woman. Knowing I was a part of making her special day memorable is very satisfying.Worst part: Women who change their mind when the gown is nearly complete and we have to start all over again.Scariest part: When I think I'm going to run out of time.Best experience: TAFE. I got to meet some great young designers who became close friends. I did work experience with a very successful bridal couture business and gained practical skills and business skills from the experience. I was even able to work backstage at a parade for her.What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be in fashion. I loved all the colour, handbags and dressing up.Are you doing what you really want now? Yes and no. Ideally I want a successful business, called Kate Bollard, but due to finances I'm not exactly where I want to be. One day soon I hope to open my own boutique so there are more of my designs out there.What do you want to be doing in five years? I hope to have my own boutique with evening wear and bridal gowns, also part-time teaching fashion, sharing my experiences and skills to up-and-coming designers.Did your training help? My TAFE course was a great help in my career as TAFE is very practical and I've learnt so much. The teachers were extremely helpful and supportive which made the experience great.Advice for young students: Do what makes you happy, don't just do it for the money.Do you need a particular kind of personality to succeed? I think you need to have a warm and friendly approach so that the client feels comfortable around you.
© 2006 Illawarra Mercury
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