Final Blog

What inspired me to create this project was my curiosity about the fashion industry. One part I haven't really had experience with and have very little knowledge about is how to run a fashion-related business. Initially, my idea for this project was to learn the process of how to run a boutique and gain knowledge that would help me with my future career and education.

Since everyone who works at Océanne was able to step into a leadership role at some point, the quality of my mentorship was really good. My mentor (Marina) herself was a huge help but it felt like everyone was able to mentor me in their role. Each person plays such a different part in the business that one person wouldn't have been able to show me everything Océanne has to offer. One aspect I loved about my mentor, and the overall team, was how everyone was friends, making it a comfortable atmosphere. During team meetings, people would buy each other coffee and baked goods. Since there aren't a large number of employees, everyone knows each other pretty well. I hadn’t noticed how well they were getting to know me until I showed up to a team meeting with my coffee order sitting at an empty table. I really enjoyed spending time with people who were able to help me achieve my goals while making me feel comfortable and seen. 

Honestly, my level of engagement was better than expected. On the third day of my internship, I had a pretty boring, uneventful day which made me feel like I didn't get a lot out that day. I expressed to my mentor that this internship wasn't something I just want to check off a box, but one I wanted to use to gain real-world insight and experience. She had me think about and write down what my goals were for this internship. We went on to create a plan where I could work towards those specific items in order to achieve my goals. Having to advocate for myself and put thought into my goals helped me to engage with the project so much more than I think I would have otherwise. 

On my third day, this was the new list of goals I made for myself (now that I had spent 2 days at Océanne)...

1. Develop skills I can apply to my future for academics (in fashion school) and professional development. (creative/ entrepreneur)

2. Have firsthand experience with what it takes to run a business.

3. Understand how a product goes from an idea to the shelves.

4. Understand the roles each employee plays.

5. Understand how to design and make products

6. See how the company markets these products.

7. Learn more about Anne's story on how she started Océanne

8. Help prepare for upcoming events

Although I did get a lot out of my internship, I felt that sometimes I would be assigned random tasks since there was nothing else to do. This was understandable, but I think it lacked larger projects. In hindsight, I should have planned to work on a large, overarching project, which may have been more beneficial to my internship experience. I also wish I would have been included in more of the design/creative spaces. I was able to help out in certain areas, making a few jewelry items, but due to my love of art, I really wanted to create more.

During this internship, I learned how a product goes from an idea to being on the shelves. I learned how the products are made and where they originate from. I was given the opportunity to make and assemble jewelry with Océannes jewelers. This was one of my favorite parts of my experience because it allowed me to use my creative passion. One of my other favorite parts was fulfilling wholesale orders. Other companies buy Océannes products in large quantities, at a lower price, to sell in their retail business. There was something enjoyable for me in putting together and packaging orders. This also helped me to become more familiar with the products. Another thing I learned about was the website they utilize in order to run the company. This allows them to search for what products they have, complete a sale, and connect to other resources through one website. Any aspect that involved technology did take me a bit longer to grasp, but that made it very beneficial to gain that insight. 

One way Hawken could stay connected to this company would be to use them for other Hawken projects in the future. I think if someone wants to know to run a boutique or business, specifically related to jewelry, they would be interested in this project. I don't think this would be a good location for a service day since there is not a lot of room and a lot of small breakable items. I think if people helped to build the company some shelves, such as in the woodshop at Hawken, or other tasks they could complete from the Hawken location, they would really appreciate it. 

My advice to the rising juniors/seniors would be to plan ahead and to really communicate your goals with your mentor. Also, to understand how to use this time wisely so it can benefit your future career and education. 

Overall this internship was incredibly beneficial in helping me achieve my goals. I am taking away a lot of new knowledge that I can apply to my future and knowledge of what it takes to run a fashion-related business. My biggest takeaway from this is that I can better understand what areas of the fashion industry I would like to pursue in the future. Being able to learn about the positions that Océanne has to offer helped me to do so. 

Every person I have met at Océanne has been wonderful. The whole team made such an effort to support me in achieving my goals. I'm so grateful to have had an amazing Hawken project experience with a great company and mentor.