Just Accepted Apparel Industry Management Student Runs Her Own Jewelry Company

Name: Jasmin Dargani

Age: 20

FIDM Major: Apparel Industry Management

Campus: Los Angeles

Hometown: Manila, Philippines

Admissions Advisor: Peggy Quayle

Tell us a little about yourself. Ethnically Indian, I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. I always embraced my Indian heritage and admired the beauty of the fabrics and jewelry. I thoroughly enjoyed dressing up for Indian occasions. Mixing and matching different prints with gold and gems, I was inspired me to start my own jewelry line Joja-Jola.

My mother was a major influence in my life; she always looked as if she stepped out of Vogue, she was my introduction to fashion. I remembered when I was young, looking through her fashion magazines (whether it be from India or America) and think to myself someday I am going to be featured on the front cover. My father, a successful entrepreneur, always had interesting stories from his day at the office to share at the dinner table and it's because of him that I have the drive for commerces.

How did you discover FIDM and why did you choose the college? Losing motivation and interest in my current studies at Loyola Marymount University, I wanted a change, and to follow my passion—an education in fashion. Finding myself in Los Angeles (top three fashionable cities in America) what a better place to be than in the middle of fashion district at FIDM?

How did you pick your major and why? I have always admired Tory Burch and her ability to create a legacy out of her buckled logo. I chose my major because I too want to launch my own brand that will leave a lasting impression in fashion industry. Because of my mix of creative energy and business acumen, Apparel Industry Management was a perfect combination.

What are you most excited to learn at FIDM? I am excited to learn how to turn my creative ideas into reality.

What do you expect to gain at FIDM? I hope fashion college will teach me the ins and outs of launching a successful fashion brand.

What are your goals/dreams for the future? Currently managing a costume jewelry line Joja-Jola, I plan to expand the audience to include a premium clientele seeking diamonds and other precious gems in place of the current plastics.

Tell us more about Joja-Jola and the inspiration behind it. It is a collection of Asian-inspired pieces from personal travels. Pieces range from the "Black Beauty" inspired by the forbidden Chinese black rice to the "Confessions of a Princess" by the inveterate traditions of India. Joja-Jola embodies both my bold and unique style.