Today we’d like to introduce you to Coral McClellan
Hi Coral, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I spent my childhood in a small Ohio town where pursuing a career in fashion was quite rare. However, my love for the industry sparked at a young age. I would often mix and match outfits for my dolls and insisted on choosing my own clothes as a child. Though I was a bit reserved, fashion became my creative outlet and a source of confidence. I attended a college in Ohio that didn’t offer fashion majors, which meant I had to be resourceful in finding my way into the field. My journey began with an internship at a fashion marketing firm in New York City, where I got a first-hand glimpse of collaborating with international designers and assisting in the production of runway shows from start to finish. Acting as a liaison between talented designers and models was exhilarating, but I still had doubts about whether this path was right for me. I soon realized that to truly thrive in the fashion world, I needed to relocate to a bigger city. In 2018, I moved to Los Angeles and took on a role in customer service and operations at a wholesale showroom. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the wholesale side of the business, but my desire to delve deeper into design and creativity persisted. My next step led me to a footwear brand, where I collaborated closely with designers, witnessing the style creation process and uncovering the inspiration behind each piece. Armed with the knowledge I had accumulated over the years across various facets of wholesale, I felt ready to venture into sales. Managing existing accounts while seeking new growth opportunities for brands keeps my work dynamic and challenging, but has been rewarding and I’ve made some amazing friendships along the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I navigated numerous shifts and transitions on my journey before discovering the role that truly resonated with me. While I was certain about my passion for the fashion industry, I found myself uncertain about the specific path I should take. I grappled with the dilemma of whether to excel in a single role or to broaden my skill set by exploring various positions. It took me a while to understand that I didn’t have to limit myself to just one of those options. Throughout different stages of my career, I often struggled with self-doubt regarding my abilities and knowledge. Despite my strong desire to absorb as much information as possible, making those career changes sometimes felt like a significant gamble, as I was unsure of the outcomes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently a wholesale account executive for a women’s contemporary fashion brand, focusing primarily on accounts in the western region and the West Coast. My daily routine involves collaborating with small boutique owners in this area, assisting them in selecting the perfect mix of styles from our collection to enhance their stores. I take great joy in playing a small role in the success of these local businesses by introducing them to fun and trendy fashion pieces. I believe that finding clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident can have a transformative effect, and I strive to ensure that my clients can help their customers achieve the same feeling. Additionally, I’ve recently made appearances on several YouTube channels where I discuss various topics related to fashion, love, and lifestyle. I am thankful for the chance to engage in these conversations on a public platform and hope to offer insights on these subjects that resonate with others.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My top pieces of advice are to always expand your horizons and embrace risk-taking. Throughout the early stages of my career, there were multiple instances where I hesitated to seize new opportunities out of fear of failing at something unfamiliar. It wasn’t until I began to take those chances and trust in my abilities that I found true success, both professionally and personally. Taking risks can lead to incredible growth and open doors you never imagined possible.
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