Mary Maud Meacham graduated from Auburn this August with a degree in apparel production and design management when she landed a job as the associate fashion deisgner for Southern Shirt Company.
"I started working for Southern Shirt Company almost a month after I completed my summer Internship with Crescala Fashion Development in New York City and moved back to Alabama to pack and graduate," Meacham said. "It is an adjustment from being in the hustle and bustle of NYC, but I love it."
Meacham said she welcomed the change as she was born and raised in Alabama and happy to return to her roots.
"I was able to bring back everything I learned during my internship in NYC to Southern Shirt Co. and have loved every bit of it," Meacham said. "The people here are so great."
Having worked with Southern Shirt Company just a month, Meacham said she was shocked by how welcoming her co-workers were.
"They already treat me like family," Meacham said. "Everyone here is so kind, compassionate and professional."
Meacham said it's hard to describe her personal style as it's constantly evolving each day.
"It is forever changing between my moods and environment," Meacham said. "I am a huge graphic tee girl with anything I can layer on top. I would probably say that right now my style is pretty minimalistic with a touch of tomboy."
Studying at Auburn gave Meacham the chance to be a stylist at photoshoots, something she said she's passionate about.
"Although I loved that, I now work full time and don't have as much time for anything other than work," Meacham said. "I am currently working with my team to get out a season for next year while doing trend research for the next season after that."
Meacham said of she could give her younger-self fashion advice, she'd tell herself to "go outside the box."
"Do not feel like you have to conform or be something that you are not just because someone thinks you should dress or be a certain way," Meacham said. "I would also tell my younger self to hang out with true friends as much as possible. College is one of the only times where you are with all of your best friends all in one place together, and that is a beautiful thing."
The sense of community students often feel in college may not always translate into their professional lives right away after graduation, Meacham said.
"Stay positive amd humble, never limit yourself or take anything for granted," Meacham said. "Stay grounded."
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