Danielle Clow, senior in apparel merchandising and design, has followed her dream all the way from Auburn to Newport Beach, California. Danielle makes her own bathing suits and said she someday hopes to start her own clothing line.
Danielle moved to California to be closer to her boyfriend, but also to search for an internship to get credit for graduation.
Having grown up in Florida, Danielle has always loved being at the beach and in the water, especially when she was surfing.
"I was a competitive surfer, and I really have lived an ocean lifestyle my entire life," Danielle said.
Danielle's mother, Julie Clow, said Danielle started sewing with her grandmother and experimenting with bathing suit designs.
"She was surfing every weekend and spending a lot of time at the beach, so it just became as big a part of her wardrobe as the clothes she would wear to school," Julie said. "Having spent so much time in the sun, on the beach, in the water, being active, it was a huge part of who you were. But it also had a lot of functional requirements."
Danielle uses a sewing technique where seams are hidden and the material forms to the customer's body.
"I've always felt the most comfortable in a bathing suit and a lot of people have an issue with that area of their life," Danielle said. "I would love to make every woman feel amazing in a bathing suit and basically enhance their best features in their bodies and hide other features that they aren't proud of and make everybody happy and feel comfortable."
Danielle's designs are marketed toward 18-30-year-old women, with a focus on bikinis.
Danielle is currently working for a company called Solkissed, where she is helping to put together a trunk show.
Danielle made her first bathing suit sale recently, selling a bikini for $40.
Danielle does not have a website yet, but she said if she does start to take it viral she will probably use Etsy to sell her suits.
"I think she's very talented," said Paige Sorensen, friend of Danielle. "She's very up to date [and] creative."
Sorensen said Danielle is always drafting, designing and looking up things on the web to stay current.
"I've seen all her designs and drafts and everything, and they're gorgeous," Sorensen said. "She whips this stuff out so fast. She can make bikinis in no time."
According to Julie, despite Danielle's passion for fashion, it took Danielle time to understand how she could turn a hobby into a career.
"I don't think it occurred to her until she realized that she could major in fashion design, that making clothes might be a living she might want to consider," Julie said.
"She also has a real appreciation for how different peoples' bodies are and how you have to design around that."
Danielle said she loves the freedom of her major and being able to be as creative as she wants to be.
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