5 in 5! with Brittany of Something Borrowed NY - Internships.com

October 17, 2011

 “Something Borrowed NY” is the premiere online wedding shop that rents designer bridal accessories (veils, tiaras, headpieces and jewelry) at a fraction of the retail price. They’re “modern women who love fashion and aspire to wear gorgeous things on our special day.  But we don’t necessarily value the possession of a one-time wear item.” So practical! Find them on Twitter, Facebook and if you like what you read – apply for their internship!

Brittany Haas is currently the woman behind the scenes of Something Borrowed NY. Always drawing and designing, she graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Fiber Science & Apparel Design. Upon graduation she decided to learn the business side of the fashion industry. Since then, she’s gained experience as a financial planner for several top Fashion houses, and now brings her business savvy to the bridal industry. She’s helped to plan her three sister’s weddings, and has been obsessed with bridal gowns for as long as she can remember.

1. How did you get started in the industry? How can someone who is interested in your work get started?

I’ve always been in love with the Bridal Industry.  Having three older sisters (whose weddings I helped plan since a young age), I was thoroughly entrenched in budgeting, fashion choices etc.  I actually attended Cornell University as a Fiber Science Apparel Design major, but after college I decided to take the business route and work in financial planning at a few major fashion houses.  Being in New York and being surrounded by the new “Silicon Alley” entrepreneurs, I was inspired to start my own business. My sisters always wanted to rent their wedding dresses, and I wanted to make that possible.

The only advice I can give to someone who wants to get started – is to get started.  Be INVOLVED in the industry you desire to be in. Read current events, attend networking events, surround yourself with the industry and you’ll become a part of it.

2. What’s the future of your industry or job?

The Bridal industry is taking the same turn as many others – it’s all about mobile, social media and tech based businesses.  The bridal industry is generally quite traditional, and certain companies are starting to step outside the box and apply tech factors to the industry.

3. What do you look for when you hire an intern or entry-level candidate?

Tenacity, Passion and a desire to succeed.  I strongly believe that you can excel at any job you put your mind to if you love what you do.  Of course we’re looking for someone who has experience using twitter and facebook – but in this day and age, it’s almost as assumed as knowing Microsoft excel and word.

4. What is one thing an intern can do to make a favorable impression?

RESEARCH!  Know the company you’re applying to, and know what’s going on in their industry.

5. Have any intern stories to share?

My first internship consisted of me taking a dress to a celebrity. Simple task, but being as it was my first time in NY, I didn’t know the subway, I didn’t want to take cabs, and I ended up walking about 50 blocks in heels to get this dress to a celebrity.  You would think that my employer (knowing I was 17 and didn’t live in Manhattan) would tell me the path of least resistance to get where I needed to go.  A positive internship experience would be an intern that I had at one of the fashion houses I worked at.  She took initiative, asked for tasks, and completed things with ease. She definitely had the desire to succeed and it really showed.

Like what you hear? You’re in luck! Brittany and Something Borrowed are currently searching for a couple of social media interns. Apply here.