Navigating the Fashion Industry: My Journey from College Grad to Working with A-Listers

I’M BACK!! I originally started this blog back in February, but I decided to go off-road for a bit, away from my usual work-related blog posts. Little did I know that making that detour would lead to several months without a new blog post. Such is life, right!? Then, out of the blue, a college friend of mine reached out, eager to introduce me to one of her close friends who was interested in my fashion and work-related insights. To my surprise, she had read every single one of my blog posts. So, a big shoutout to Grace, for reigniting my passion for sharing stories and, hopefully, serving as a source of inspiration for others <3

WHEN I LANDED MY FIRST JOB AS A MANAGER ASSISTANT AT IMG MODELS,

I never in a million years would have guessed it would lead to working alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment and fashion. It was the start of a wild journey that took me all over the world and flung open the doors of opportunity. Picture me: fresh out of college with zero fashion cred to my name. When people asked what I did, I'd say, "Think The Devil Wears Prada." It was like I morphed into Andy, because just like her, my entire world changed overnight. And boy, did I have a hell of a lot to learn.

As a manager assistant, I had a dual reporting structure. One manager was all about the high-fashion editorial world, working with runway stars and models who focused on castings and editorial shoots. On the flip side, my other manager dealt with celebrity talent and more widely recognized models. In essence, my role was twofold: I served as both an assistant to the talent/models and an assistant to my bosses. Each roster though, consisted of roughly 12-15 talent. So, you’d find yourself on at least 30 different talent teams.

First day vibes? Overwhelm city. But, luckily for me, my boss’s previous assistant took me under her wing. She schooled me on EVERYTHING, and when I say, everything, I’m talking lunch meeting preferences depending on the bosses mood, to glam artists preferred by each of our talents. (ILY ELLE)! I quickly learned that the job demanded A LOT of hard work, dedication, and flexibility because everyday was unique with new challenges. Being a talent manager/agent is way more than just booking gigs or arranging photoshoots. It’s about developing and maintaining careers, keeping talent at the top of their game, and tackling problems head-on. You gotta adapt lightning-fast, thrive under pressure, and be a master at building solid relationships – clients, collaborators, and colleagues, you name it. Oh, and negotiation? She’s a work of art too. Despite some of the challenges, it’s incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. You get to work with some of the most talented and creative people in the world, leaving a mark on the industry – that’s the real deal.

ONE THAT IS DEFINITELY A MAJOR HIGHLIGHT OF MINE,

was working for the fashion queen herself, Mrs. Hailey Bieber. I joined her team in 2018, just a few months before she married JB, which was a very exciting time to say the least. During my time on her team, I had the opportunity to assist on a variety of really exciting projects. From her campaigns for Bareminerals and Levi’s, to editorial like her American Vogue cover, and even projects with Roxy, I was able to assist and contribute in a meaningful way.

Another one of my absolute highlights was getting to work with a budding model back then, fresh out of development – my girl, Imari! We formed this amazing bond, and I loved being a part of her team. I vividly remember attending my very first fashion show, accompanying her as she walked for Tom Ford. Not only did she walk his shows, but she also had a lipstick named after her by the man himself. I’ll never forget the time we did a spontaneous shopping trip to buy some from the department store. I still have a handful of those lipsticks tucked away as precious mementos from those unforgettable days! Then, there was the surreal moment of traveling with her to Paris for her Chanel Beauty shoot. It was my first ever international trip.. which was *chef’s kiss*.

INDYA MOORE HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART

She was the first transgender talent I ever had the privilege to work with. My boss signed her right as the first season of Pose was on air, making it an incredibly special time to witness her rise to success.

I learned a wealth from Indya; her bravery and insights into the LGBTQ+ community were enlightening. We shared countless unforgettable moments together, like her Elle Cover shoot in LA, captured by Zoey Grossman. She made history as the first transgender person on the cover, and that day was not just fun but absolutely unforgettable.

So, to anyone who asks me how I landed a job in fashion without any previous experience, I say this: it's all about having the right attitude and being willing to learn. The fashion industry may seem intimidating at first, but if you have the passion and drive to succeed, anything is possible – and who knows, you may end up working for someone as MAJOR as Hailey Bieber and Indya Moore!

Take a glimpse at some of the exciting projects I had the opportunity to work on over the years.

xx Jackie O