I have decided to add a segment on this blog called CREATIVE PEEPS. The plan is to interview people that have interesting and creative careers. Be it in fashion, decor, art, music or photography. If they are doing something creative and cool I would like you to know about it.
I think its quite interesting to see what people get up to when they're not out and about. This is how we make 'that paper', and why:
First up:
SHANLEY RIEDER:
At 27 she has achieved more than most women her age. She is strong willed and a force to be reckoned with. Shanley is by far the hardest working women I know. A buyer for a major retailer in Durban she has worked hard at establishing a name for herself in this industry. I am proud to call her my friend, she is a total inspiration.
Recently engaged she has lots to look forward to in the future. That said she has a ton on her plate! I'm always giving her lectures about this, she knows. She's juggling planning a wedding and a full time career, all while running an absolutely stunning household.
I recently sat down with her to find out how she does it all.
1. Describe a good day in Shanley's life -
"A good day for me, is a walk on the beach first thing in the morning with my boyfriend and dogs, doing a little shopping in the afternoon, and then getting dressed up with my man for a dinner, and night out dancing with friends (Sam included)."
2. How would you best describe your career? -
"Challenging, testing, gutsy, hard work, fun, forces you to push yourself, and go above and beyond what you believe you can do, but most of all, rewarding in every way
3. Describe what inspired you to be a buyer or just to pursue fashion as a career -
"I was shopping for a pair of heels in my gap year, and saying to a friend how frustrating I found it trying to get a good pair of heels! Either the heel is not high enough, or the shape of the upper isn't right, and it was actually my friend that said, well why don't you get into design? So I had a complete change of my planned career path, got into fashion design, never hesitated for a moment, and never looked back :)"
4. Who is your mentor, idol or inspiration? How have they influenced your career -
"It would be all my managers around me. They are all so intelligent, strong, enthusiastic, driven, talented and their knowledge as a retailer, and of the industry is unbelievable - I am constantly learning from them, and I cannot, cannot get enough!"
5. Whats the next project or idea? -Personal or professional -
"My next project is a long term one, I would actually like to open my own business one day, I would like to start my own label. (Holding big thumbs!)"
6. Whats the best part of the next thing you're doing? -
"I want to be a mom one day, if I have my own business, though my business will be demanding, the hours will be more flexible, which means I can drop my babies off at rugby and ballet, watch every competition, and help them with their homework every day. *Importante*"
7. Whats going to keep you up after this interview? -
"Not 100% sure on this question - but if you're asking what keeps me up at night, if my boyfriend and I have an argument! Or if I have a lot of work to do the next day or that week - my job has a lot of responsibility, I'm dealing with literally millions of rands every day, and that can sometimes get to you, and will definitely keep you up and thinking, how can I do things better?"
8. Is there anything you feel that I haven't asked that you feel you would like the readers to know- "Yes! "words of wisdom?" - You know I'm a talker Sam! Mine would be, always believe in yourself. Always know what you want, and keep your eye on the goal. When you're tired or scared and think you can't face the day, get up, and just take it on anyway, every time you do this, you teach yourself how strong you are, and how much you can actually do. Success is sometimes raw courage. If the road looks too long, and you don't know how you are going to reach a point you want to, keep pushing, this is when you do amazing things. Nothing is impossible, nothing. You are the maker of your own destiny, so chase life with all you've got baby!"
"And the other: "What makes me passionate/inspires me about what I do?" I love giving my customer every inch I've got. I love that the retailer I work for, has the policy of giving the most value possible to the customer, at the lowest price possible. I constantly push myself for her, spend weeks negotiating, to give her as much detail, on the best fabric, at the best price I can get. To give my customer some of the most fashionable product in the market, at a price that she can afford, that makes me happy, that inspires me, that makes me want to go on doing it forever :D"
9. What has been your best moment in fashion? -
" My first review. It was the first time I built and presented ranges to the directors, and they loved it! At the end of my presentation, as they were the first ranges I'd built, the whole room applauded. That was a big moment of my career for me personally, I suddenly knew I had something, and something to give, I could do this."
10. Whats hot right now in your closet? -
"I got a bronze sequin blazer this weekend - and I LOVE. When I put it on, I feel like a little rock chic, ready to put on my black skinny jeans, black killer heels, eyeliner and ramp it - I also bought hair extensions -
(I know, I'm a TART!)"
I too love this item!
Bronze sequin blazer from COTTON ON:
I then asked her to pull some super cute looks that best describes her.
She had recently traveled and had picked up a ton of seriously cool items.
LOOK 1:
These cut off short from Primark with major studded detail is just to die for!
"Most overseas retailers were calling denim. Anything from dresses to shirts. This fabrication was huge!"
"Studs, nail-heads and sequins were also a big call in terms of trims." She picked up a basic denim shirt with studded shoulder detail and collar trim cause "ever girl needs a denim shirt why not have one with major bling". These are a few more items she picked up with the hardwear on her trip...
Every girls needs bling and boy does my friend own some bling.
The other looks she pulled were:
LOOK 2:
This look is super cute! The jacket and the shorts are both from COTTON ON. A basic rank and black pumps complete the look.
LOOK 3:
Here she's paired these amazing tailored photographic print pants from H&M with a basic tank and a killer studded ankle boot. A coloured neck piece completes the look.
LOOK 4:
"Military is so trending right now." She pulled this military chic look together with a stunning military style trench from NEW LOOK and a khaki mesh hi/low top from PRIMARK and a basic black leggings.
Being a career women, looking fab and remaining true to yourself is not easy but Shanley sure does make it look easy.
Watch this space for Miss Shanley Rieder, she's seriously going to do great things in fashion... all while dressed amazballz, of cause.
