Style Scoop Interview: Elizabeth Leffler

 

In addition to running the popular Christie's Boutique in San Diego, Merchandise Marketing Alumna Elizabeth Leffler is also a Fashion Blogger for San Diego Magazine! We chatted with Elizabeth about her busy career and how FIDM played a role in her success!

Major/Grad Year/Campus: Merchandise Marketing, Class of 2007, San Diego Campus

Hometown: Collinsville, Illinois

Employer: Christie’s Boutique, a women's shop stocking designers such as Corey Lynn Calter, Hale Bob, Joe's Jeans, and Odd Molly.

Job Title and Description: Boutique Owner and Buyer/Creative Director and Fashion Blogger for San Diego Magazine. 

FC: What are the best parts of your job?
EL: Working one on one with my clients, helping them find the perfect fit for their body type, and seeing the smile on their faces when they love how they look. I also like the buying aspect probably just as much as I love the merchandising of my shop.

FC: Where do you seek inspiration?
EL: I am inspired by confident women and fashionable risk takers like my grandmother, who left me vintage drawings of cocktail dresses from the 1930’s.

FC: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
EL: Opening my boutique with my fiancée, having runway shows in my own store, having repeat and satisfied clients, and being the first Fashion Blogger for San Diego Magazine.

FC: What's a typical day like?
EL: A typical day starts out with a coffee of course! Then it's off to the shop to catch up on emails, receive new inventory for the store, steam it, and re-work the floor to keep it fresh. I change my window displays every other day to keep my customer in the know, even if she cannot pop in the shop.  Most days I have vendors coming into the store to show me new lines.  I am constantly planning events in my store so that is always a daily task: fliers, email blasts, connecting on line with networking groups. I write my blogs and then eat lunch. This is all done while attending to my clients.

FC: How did you find FIDM?
EL: I found FIDM in a magazine. I applied and then did not end up going because the timing was not right. Five years later I moved to San Diego and got in again!

FC: How did you choose your major?
EL: I knew I had no interest in sewing or designing my own line and I loved the business end of fashion so it was easy to decide on Merchandise Marketing.

FC: :What were your favorite things about FIDM?
EL: The staff and the students. I made amazing connections with the staff, who I still keep in contact and work with at times. I had no friends when I moved here and now some of my best friends I met at FIDM.

FC: What are your future goals?
EL: I want to create a stand out brand; one that is recognized and sought after. Until then I will continue to keep on working and building.

FC: What advice would you give to future FIDM Students?
EL: Stay focused on your dream. If you want something bad enough you will find a way to accomplish it. I had so many opportunities that I did not pass up. It really is who you know so never burn any bridges and always be open to learning. I would not be where I am without connections and all of my experiences adding up. FIDM is not easy, but it is well worth all the late night studying and hard work -- it DOES pay off!

Comments

[Veronica]

I am looking into Merchandising/Marketing but in the beauty side. Finding schools to attend is what I am researching at the moment. I am undecided about FIDM. If anyone is reading this and is in the career field, what exactly does it consist of and do you really need a degree to work in the industry?

[Lizzie]

I loved reading this article. It actually gave me some comfort and more hope because just like you I am moving to California without knowing anyone! I am from new orleans but am very excited to move to California in the fall. I also loved reading this article because my goal is to own and run my own boutique also! I am not sure which location I want to attend yet, but I have a feeling I will really love san diego! Moving from far away also, what led you to the decision on residing and building your business in san diego???

[Elizabeth]

Hi Lizzie,

I am glad that this article gave you comfort. It is a huge step to move far away from home and not know anyone. Attending FIDM really helped me meet people and gave me a great outlet for my creative side.

I choose San Diego because I feel like there are so many more opportunities to make your mark. When people think of San Diego they think of surfers and flip flops. I am not trying to change that I just want to show that there is another side to fashion here. There are so many people that are setting the trends and looking for more. I wanted to provide an outlet for those people.

Once you find a niche for exactly what you want to do the location will work out perfectly for you.

Best of luck with your future!!

-Elizabeth