Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Campbell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cameron. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am an apparel merchandising student at Auburn University. I have worked for the fashion department at AmericasMart in Atlanta and most recently I worked as the social media marketing intern at Kinnucans Specialty Outfitters. Growing up, I pictured myself working a more analytical job and always saw fashion as a frivolous industry that wasn’t too important. That was until I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis and needed to wear a back brace to school every day. I was in the 6th grade and kids would knock on the brace or walk by and lift my shirt to show everyone my hidden hardware. My whole personality changed and I went to a very dark place until I realized that I could layer my clothes and add exciting accessories that distracted people from my brace. I had so much fun experimenting with my outfits and gained so much confidence that I no longer saw fashion as a meaningless industry. The way people dress can convey a message of who they are before they even say a word. An outfit can make someone view themselves in a whole new way. An outfit can be used to demand respect, to rebel, to make someone laugh, and to connect people. Realizing the importance of fashion caused me to move to Auburn Alabama to study it and to even start my own fashion Instagram to share tips on how to dress for less. I believe that fashion isn’t just for those that can afford the name brands and designer items, but that it is for everyone (why my Instagram is FashionArmorForAll). Fashion has truly been my armor in life and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to represent themselves through their clothes and feel good about the way they look.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I definitely felt self-conscious starting my fashion Instagram. I felt like no one cared to see what I had to say and I felt awkward posting pictures of myself. I considered deleting it so many times just because I felt embarrassed. When I looked at my insights for my page, I noticed that there was one user who saved every post that I put out. This made me feel so reassured that there was someone I was helping. Even though it was just one person, it was so worth it to me that I was able to give them some advice, inspire them, or let them know about a deal going on. From then on, I kept posting, just for that one person. I got serious about my posts. I did more research. I got a better camera. I posted more frequently. And within two weeks, my followers doubled and even more, people were saving my posts and giving me positive feedback. Seeing the impact I’ve made has made me so thankful that I never gave up.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fashion Armor For All – what should we know?
Most fashion accounts that I follow post name brand or luxury items, appealing to a very specific audience. I try to appeal to everyone and post items that you can get on any budget.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Good friends that encourage me to keep going and let me know that I am doing something meaningful have kept me going throughout this whole process.
Contact Info:
Image Credit:
me + friends (:
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