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So you work for Jenny Chase Inc. & Andrew Bernstein Inc. in NYC how’s that? How did you make that happen?
I did work in that Soho showroom for a bit but was actually working for a boutique Fashion PR firm before I left to come take part in SACFW.
I actually discovered the internship at Jenny Chase & Andrew Bernstein Inc. on Craigslist. I had just finished my design internship at Haute Hippie and was looking to expand my knowledge into other areas of the New York fashion scene. Working in a showroom was indeed vastly different than working in design. I gained a lot of experience merchandising and assisting with buyers. It was a good experience but ultimately solidified the fact that I wanted to work on the more creative side of fashion.
By: Akika Parker
![Karisa1](https://stylemeceo.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/karisa11.jpg?w=493&h=281)
![Karisa](https://stylemeceo.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/karisa2.jpg?w=308&h=464)
What attributes can you say you contribute to the company?
As of now, having experience from working at Haute Hippie, Jenny Chase and Danika Daly PR, I think I have a variety of skills of attributes and I already feel pretty well-rounded for a recent graduate. New York is very fast paced and you can really absorb a lot in short amounts of time.
Overall, I would say that I bring a unique blend of creative and analytic skills to a company. I have knowledge and experience in illustrating, researching, sourcing, pattern making and assembly, garment construction, production, merchandising, working with buyers, business development, event planning and preparation, social media management, PR pitching, creating press releases, media alerts, lookbooks and line sheets.
![karissa](https://stylemeceo.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/karissa.jpg?w=527&h=396)
I think it is important to constantly expand your knowledge and embrace each and every experience because each one further develops your skill set and what you can offer to a company.
What challenges have you faced so far, in regards to moving to a new city and being on a new career path?
Well, adjusting to a new city and new way of life is always interesting. Honestly, the hardest adjustment I had to make moving to NYC is physical. I went from a very sedentary job as a 9-1-1 dispatcher and driving a car to being on my feet at work and walking to get from point A to B. The first month in NY really took a toll on my body, but I eventually got used to it and now I actually missing walking.
As for the more career end of things, it is always hard to start from the bottom and work your way up. Paying your dues is difficult but I really just tried to make the best of it and keep an open mind.
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