Class 4

After being asked to reflect on what I love to do, how it can benefit others, and what I feel qualified to teach, I honestly felt overwhelmed. My true dream is to work in fashion—either designing my own clothing line or styling people—and at the beginning of this exercise, it felt like an unattainable fantasy. It seemed as though I was out of touch with reality, pursuing something that might never happen. However, after completing the second part of the exercise, where I reflected on three of my favorite fashion influencers, I began to see things differently.

As I compared myself to these influencers, I noticed we had so much in common. Each of them started their journey with nothing more than a passion for fashion and a love for wearing unique pieces. The only real difference between them and me is that they took the leap to turn their dreams into reality. It became clear that whatever category of fashion I fall into in the future, I need to start chasing this dream head-on. Thanks to this exercise, I now feel hopeful and motivated to pursue a career in fashion.

Reflecting on the similarities I share with these influencers was an empowering experience. At first glance, I would have said I was nothing like them and could never achieve what they had. But through this process, I realized how far that is from the truth. Their stories inspired me to begin researching ways to immerse myself in the fashion industry. I discovered that one of the best ways to kickstart my passion is by sharing my outfits and fashion advice on TikTok—a platform where my age group spends the most time and where trends thrive.

After reading a helpful article about using TikTok for fashion, I learned five important steps to take as I begin this journey:

1. Define My Unique Fashion Persona

   • Self-Reflection: Take time to identify what makes my style distinct and understand my unique aesthetic so I can create authentic content.

   • Consistency: Build a cohesive look across my videos by sticking to a specific theme or color palette.

2. Create Engaging and Authentic Content

   • Focus on producing high-quality videos that are visually appealing and well-lit.

   • Use storytelling to share the inspiration behind my outfits and fashion choices, creating a deeper connection with my audience.

   • Stay true to myself by prioritizing authenticity, as TikTok audiences value realness over perfection.

3. Leverage Hashtags, Challenges, and Trends

   • Use relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of my content.

   • Participate in fashion challenges and incorporate trending styles to stay relevant.

4. Engage with the TikTok Fashion Community

   • Collaborate with influencers to expand my reach and connect with like-minded creators.

   • Respond to comments and messages to foster a sense of community and show appreciation for my audience.

   • Encourage user-generated content by creating prompts or challenges that invite others to engage with my style.

5. Showcase My Outfits Creatively

   • Post daily Outfit of the Day (OOTD) videos to consistently showcase my style.

   • Share styling tips and advice on accessorizing or creating different looks with staple pieces.

   • Explore DIY and upcycling projects to demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness.

By following these five steps, I can immerse myself in the world of fashion using TikTok as my platform. It will serve as a springboard for gaining exposure and opening doors to opportunities within the fashion industry. I am thrilled to say that this journey begins now. For the first time, I feel empowered to chase the dream I’ve held onto since I was little. It’s no longer just an idea—it’s a goal, and I’m ready to pursue it wholeheartedly.

Link to article: