BH-BL High School fashion students recently had a unique opportunity to learn from a successful alumna about her career and entrepreneurial journey in the fashion industry.
Shauna Ryan, a 2014 graduate of BH-BL, shared her story during a presentation on Oct. 28. Shauna began her fashion education at SUNY Oneonta before transferring to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to complete a bachelor’s degree. After graduation, Shauna navigated her way through various roles at Steve Madden. She started as a temporary customer service representative and worked her way to her current role as an associate designer for the Madden NYC department.
Fresh off a two-week trip in China and a week in Europe, she shared insights from her experiences abroad, highlighting the global nature of fashion and the importance of understanding diverse markets. Students were captivated by her experiences overseas and enjoyed viewing the shoes and boots she designed, now available in stores across the country.
Additionally, Shauna shared her passion for upcycling and sustainability in fashion. She presented some of her private designs, which she sells online, emphasizing the importance of creativity in repurposing materials.
This experience resonated deeply with students, inspiring them to think innovatively about their own education and career.