Name: Hayley Seawell
Age: 20
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Year: Junior
Major: Retail Merchandising and Product Development
Minor: Business and Art History
Courtesy: Hayley Seawell
Her Campus (HC): What made you decide to come to FSU?
Hayley Seawell (HS): I wanted to do something different from everyone else. A lot of my friends from home were going to UGA so I kind of wanted to be on my own and branch out. The Retail Merchandising major was also something that attracted me to FSU. Plus, I wanted a traditional college experience, which is what FSU has given me. Eventually I want to live in a big city. But during college, I chose to study within a classic college town community. I love all of the things that Florida State has to offer, like football games and Greek life.
HC: What organizations are you involved in here at FSU?
HS: I’m the President of CMA and I’m also involved in Clutch Magazine, Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Phi Eta Sigma and I’m in the Honors College here at Florida State.
HC: Can you describe what CMA is all about?
HS: Well, CMA is the Collegiate Merchandising Association at Florida State. It is open to students from any major. It’s a club that is geared towards the fashion industry and the different aspects within it. We have speakers that come in and help our members explore the different kinds of jobs that are available within the fashion industry. It’s helpful because some people don’t know all of the different branches that make up the industry. CMA is also a great place for people to connect because like in every job market, and especially within fashion, it’s all about who you know.
HC: When did you first get involved with CMA?
HS: Fall semester of my freshman year one of my friends pulled me into a meeting. I was pretty nervous. The transition from high school to college was intimidating for me. At first when I attended meetings I was shy and kind of standoffish. Then, one meeting they were voting on officer positions and I built up the courage to apply. I ended up being the treasurer for the year of 2014. From then on I became very involved in CMA. By the end of the year I even ended up being very close with the President. She was graduating that year, so one day I casually asked her who she thought the next President would be. When she responded that she was wondering if I would like to take on the position I was shocked. It’s crazy to look back now and see how far I’ve come from that first meeting I attended. I went from a timid freshman to being the President this year as a junior. That’s why I encourage our younger members to really get involved and to not be afraid to go out on a limb because they never know what they can achieve.
HC: Who has been your favorite guest speaker that has visited CMA so far?
HS: My favorite speakers were actually yesterday at our meeting. One woman is the head recruiter in the New York office for BCBG and the other is the main recruiter in Los Angeles, also for BCBG. I loved having them come speak to CMA because they’re from out of town. We usually get local speakers, but it’s great for our members to hear from women who work in large cities. It’s everyone’s dream to get out of their small towns and go off to work in major cities like these women are. So it’s awesome to hear from women who have actually made it. It helps show our members how close they are to realizing their dreams. BCBG and FSU have a strong relationship so it’s always great to have them come speak to us.
Courtesy: Hayley Seawell
HC: That’s so exciting! Does CMA take any trips during the year?
HS: We’re taking a trip to the Atlanta Apparel mart, which is a place where buyers frequently go to shop for their stores. It’s one of the bigger marts that are held so we’re really excited to attend that this year. In the past we’ve done Park Avenue Fashion Week and this year we’re also going to Orlando Fashion Week.
HC: So we know CMA has a partnership with Clutch Magazine. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
HS: The entire magazine is student-run. It’s amazing to see everyone’s hard work come together to create a mock up of a real magazine. The results are always so impressive! I’ve been the photo director and this past year I was the managing editor. It’s fun to overlook the whole process. For our issues, Clutch pulls from all stores local to Tallahassee. I like the challenge of working with limited resources. At the end, when I can hold the finished magazine in my hands, it’s the most rewarding feeling. Every year we have a theme for the magazine. Last year’s was retro where every section was dedicated to a different decade. This year’s theme is coming out to be more eclectic. I know there are spreads that range from a mermaid theme to sporty. So there should definitely be something for everyone in this year’s Clutch.
HC: Where does CMA hold its meeting and at what time?
HS: We meet every other Wednesday in the Sandels building at 7 p.m. room 345. So, our next meeting is October 7th in that location. I’m actually looking into holding our meetings in a different location in the future. Recently, we have had a lot of new members showing up to meetings, making the space a little cramped. However, that is the greatest problem to have. I love seeing CMA grow.
HC: We’ve heard about CMA holding a trunk show here at FSU. Can you explain what that is?
HS: Yes, last year we had a CMA meeting that was trunk show themed. We had students who run their own businesses around Tallahassee come and display their merchandise for anyone to purchase. I love helping students get their business’ names out into the public. That meeting will be held sometime before Thanksgiving break this year.
Courtesy: Hayley Seawell
HC: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
HS: I love to online shop. Some of my favorites are Nasty Gal, ASOS, Urban Outfitters and Brandy Melville.
HC: Who is your celebrity crush?
HS: I definitely have a girl crush on Cara Delevingne. She’s amazing. She has such strong opinions, but at the same time seems so down to earth. I also love her taste in fashion. It’s so eclectic and unique. She’s totally fearless and isn’t apologetic about who she is and what she stands for.