If you've seen my portfolio, you might’ve come across my SKIMS case study for the Fashion Scholarship Fund. To be honest, it took me about a year to even add it to my portfolio because I thought, "Why would I publicly display a losing project?" If others didn’t see it as a winner, then it probably wasn’t good enough for the public eye. But guess what? I don’t care anymore! I poured so much time and effort into that project, and I learned a ton from it—both about the material and about myself. So, I’m sharing it.

I’d heard about the Fashion Scholarship Fund from my professors before, but it wasn’t until I was studying abroad that I decided to look into it. I was intrigued. Once something sparks my interest, I have to do it. So, I emailed my professor to join an information session while I was across the country, and as soon as I returned, I got to work. Looking back, it was a lot to take on—especially after being away for four months—but at the time, I didn’t mind. I was genuinely excited.

I dedicated nine months to this project, and it truly consumed me. There was always something to do—research, design, mockups—you name it. Balancing that with my other schoolwork and personal well-being was no walk in the park, but it was worth every moment (even though I’m pretty sure I’m still dealing with back and neck pain from the countless nights spent working on my couch).

This case study was an incredible learning experience, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to fully commit to it. Although my project wasn’t selected as a winner, I still felt a strong sense of accomplishment, knowing I gave it my all and gained invaluable experience. I’m especially thankful for the support from my professors, who guided me throughout the process. I’d also like to thank my friend Erika, who was also applying for the scholarship. She was always there to share the ups and downs of this project, and we really bonded over the process. If you're looking for a winning project, check out hers here. She’s incredibly talented, and I’m beyond proud of her accomplishments. Being one of 531 applicants, even though I wasn’t among the 130 winners (and just 24 in merchandising), was a rewarding journey in itself.

Here are some important lessons I learned along the way:

Focus on the process, not just the outcome: Focus on the growth, effort, and learning that come from the process, rather than just the result. True success is found in the skills gained and the personal development achieved along the way.
Setbacks are opportunities for growth: Instead of seeing failure, I now view setbacks as moments to reflect, learn, and improve.
Balancing passion with wellness is difficult but necessary: It's essential to manage your work and personal well-being, even when it feels challenging. Prioritizing both helps sustain long-term success and prevent burnout.
Show gratitude for those that have helped you: People who take time out of their lives to help and show they care are invaluable. Their support makes all the difference, and it's something you should always cherish and appreciate.
Vulnerability builds strength: Sharing my work, even when it’s imperfect, has helped me gain confidence and grow stronger through vulnerability.
Celebrate others’ successes as you would your own: By truly feeling happy for others and celebrating their wins, I’ve learned to value their achievements, make them feel appreciated, and create a more positive, supportive environment. It also helps me stay positive and avoid negativity by focusing on the good in others.
Resilience through time management: Juggling multiple responsibilities has taught me to push through challenges and stay resilient, even when it feels like a lot.
The value in reflection: Taking time to reflect on the journey and what I’ve learned, rather than fixating on the outcome, has been crucial for personal growth.

Thank you FSF for testing my limits. You didn’t even come close.

my fsf case study journey

How Learning Became My Passion