Finding Her Perfect Fit | Alanna Moness’ Marketing for Fashion & Entertainment Story
As soon as Alanna Moness found out about Toronto Film School’s Marketing for Fashion & Entertainment program, she knew it was the perfect fit.
A self-described city girl with a passion for fashion, marketing and merchandising, it was at Toronto Film School that Moness gained the skills and knowledge necessary to usher her into the next chapter of her professional and personal journey.
“Thank you to Toronto Film School for implementing a curriculum that allowed us to develop the transferable skills that we will be able to utilize in our futures, regardless of our chosen career paths,” said Moness, this year’s Marketing for Fashion & Entertainment valedictorian.
“The theoretical and practical knowledge I have gained from both the faculty and my classmates is invaluable. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Toronto Film School.”
Moness recently sat down to reflect on her time at Toronto Film School, her passion for fashion, and her plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say:
What brought you to Toronto Film School? Where were you in life when you decided to continue your studies with us?
Upon graduating from my undergraduate studies, I found myself at a fork in the road. I knew that four years of hard work and dedication to my studies had come to an end. Although it was a proud and accomplished moment, I found myself questioning what my next step would be. After graduating, I ended up doing a lot of self-reflection on where I was in life, and who I wanted to become. This reflection led me to the realization that even though I had an academic degree, I still did not feel confident in my plan for the future. I realized that although my undergraduate degree gave me a breadth of knowledge I could apply to any profession, I still lacked direction and a concrete plan regarding what specific career I wanted to pursue. As chances would have it, I got connected to a family friend who was finishing her last term in the MFE program. Immediately my curiosity was piqued, excitedly leading me to research the program. As soon as I began acquiring information, I knew TFS was the perfect fit for me for this next chapter of my professional and personal journey.
What made you decide to pursue your passion for Marketing for Fashion & Entertainment?
Growing up, I had always been intrigued by the fashion industry. However, as a consumer, I acknowledged that my understanding of brands and the industry was limited; for I only saw the final product that was publicized. I was not privy to the behind-the-scenes action plans of how companies in the industry bring their visions to life. Due to this curiosity, I became passionate about learning more about how brands are built and gaining insight into the reasoning and strategy behind specific choices in the fashion industry. Furthermore, I knew that this passion and the industry had feasible career options. The industry not only provides you with opportunities for vertical growth within a company but also horizontal growth due to the varied sectors and specialties I could explore.
What is the most important thing you’re taking away from your studies at TFS?
The most important thing I am taking away from my studies at TFS is that we are all lifelong learners. As a student, I felt fortunate I got to build relationships and learn from all of the MFE instructors; many of whom I now consider mentors. Taking this insight with me in my career, I now treat each chance of meeting someone new as an opportunity for learning and growth. The knowledge and skills I have gained from these individuals are invaluable. I hope that one day I get to pay this forward and share what I have learned with others.
What are your plans after graduation, both immediate and long term?
Throughout the duration of the program TFS, I upheld a part-time job with the fashion boutique Aritzia as a Style Specialist. Working throughout my studies provided me with an environment whereby I could apply what I was learning at school into my professional practice. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit this past spring, I was fortunate to continue working for Aritzia. As a company, they made a pledge to not lay off or furlough any employees during this time, which allowed me to continue working in the immediate months following graduation. I currently still work for Aritzia and have since been promoted to a full-time Floor Manager role. On a long-term basis, I aspire to pursue a career with Aritzia in merchandising or allocation. I have communicated these goals to the company, and I am happy to report that this dream will feasibly become a reality one day.
If you offered one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would that be?
My one piece of advice to an incoming student would be to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Change is the one constant in life. Truthfully, adapting to change has never been my strong suit. Beginning a program right after university with a new curriculum, peers and professors was difficult for me. However, I know now that to live fully, one must seize these opportunities as chances for personal and professional growth. As graduation approaches, I can’t help but compare myself to the person that I was a mere two years ago. Not only have I earned the diploma that I have dedicated myself to, but I am proud to say that my studies at TFS have given me the confidence, direction, and career path for my future that could not have been taught anywhere else.
