Chapter 6 - Turning Failure into Growth

5 1 0
                                    

Sandra and Monica, two close friends with big dreams in the design world, sit side by side on Sandra's small living room sofa. Their phone screens glow with blue light, their fingers dancing nimbly on the virtual keyboards. Today, their mission is to search for internship opportunities on social media, the gateway to the real world filled with experiences and learning.

"Look at this, Mon," Sandra exclaims, her eyes sparkling as she finds a post on Instagram. "The renowned boutique 'Our Daily Edit,' owned by the famous designer Kania, is opening an internship program for young designers! This is a golden opportunity!"

Monica peeks at Sandra's screen, her eyes widening with excitement. "Wow, this is amazing! The internship salary is quite decent too," she says, opening the boutique's website. "Let's read the full description!"

With enthusiasm, they delve into the internship details. The requirements, tasks, and learning opportunities offered seem to draw them into a colorful world of design and fashion.

"I think this is perfect for us, Mon," Sandra says confidently.

Monica nods in agreement. "Yes, I believe we can contribute positively there."

However, amidst their excitement, a sense of anxiety begins to creep in. The competition to secure an internship position at this prestigious boutique is surely fierce. What if they don't make it? Doubt starts to erode their confidence.

"Don't worry, Mon," Sandra reassures her friend. "We still have plenty of time to prepare ourselves. Let's polish our portfolios and craft compelling cover letters!"

Monica smiles, her enthusiasm reignited. "You're right, San! Let's show them that we are talented young designers ready to learn."

They refocus on their search, exploring various social media platforms and fashion company websites. One by one, they gather internship information, analyze opportunities, and tailor themselves to meet the requirements.

Day by day, their portfolios continue to evolve as they fill them with creative and innovative works that reflect their design style developed during their time at the London College of Fashion.

"We can do this, Mon," Sandra grips her friend's hand tightly. "Stay motivated!"

Monica responds to Sandra's grip with a smile full of determination. "Yes, San! Let's show the world that our dreams are achievable!"

The next day, they decide to visit 'Our Daily Edit,' the boutique rumored to be offering internships. This boutique is known for its collection of casual yet stylish clothing loved by young people. They sell a variety of clothes, from light summer dresses to cool denim jackets. Additionally, they offer accessories like handbags and jewelry. When they arrive at the boutique, they meet Kania's assistant, who is busy arranging new displays. Sandra and Monica approach the person with a bit of nervousness.

"Good morning, excuse us," Sandra greets politely.

The assistant arranging the new displays smiles warmly and greets them back, then invites them to sit down first and asks what their purpose is for coming here.

"We heard that 'Our Daily Edit' is looking for interns. We're very interested and hope to learn a lot here," Sandra says.

"Of course, we are indeed looking for new interns. Do you have your portfolios with you?" the assistant asks.

Monica and Sandra quickly show their portfolios. The assistant opens them and examines several of their sketches.

"You both have exceptional talent," the assistant says with a smile. "Alright, I will provide you with further information via email tomorrow."

The next day, Sandra and Monica receive information that there will be a test in the afternoon to determine if they pass the internship at Kania's boutique, Our Daily Edit. Both girls feel nervous yet excited about facing the test. They prepare earnestly, hoping to give their best. The afternoon test proves challenging, but Sandra and Monica manage to answer the questions confidently.

After successfully passing the online test, they proceed to the interview stage. Sandra and Monica are thrilled when they receive an email informing them that they have passed to the interview stage scheduled for tomorrow. The next day, they prepare with enthusiasm and eagerness for the interview.

Interview day arrives. The interview takes place at Kania's boutique, known as Our Daily Edit. Sandra and Monica dress neatly and bring their portfolios. They arrive on time and are warmly welcomed by Kania, the boutique owner. The interview begins in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

"Good morning, Sandra. Thank you for coming. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and why you are interested in interning at Our Daily Edit?" Kania asks Sandra as the interview session begins.

"Good morning, Ms. Kania. I'm Sandra. I am very interested in interning at Our Daily Edit because I want to learn more about the fashion industry and how to run a boutique business. I also admire how this boutique promotes local and creative products," Sandra replies.

"Excellent. Do you have any previous experience in the fashion or business field?"

"I have just graduated from school with a degree in fashion design. That's why I want to gain experience and develop my skills in fashion design at this boutique. I hope I can be accepted for an internship here and contribute positively to this boutique."

"Thank you, Sandra. Your answer is very good. I like your enthusiasm and passion."

Now it's Monica's turn to be interviewed by Kania.

"Good morning, Monica. Thank you for coming. Could you tell me a bit about yourself and why you're interested in interning at Our Daily Edit?" Kania asks Monica as the interview begins.

"Good morning, Ms. Kania. I'm Monica, a graduate of a fashion school. I am very interested in interning at Our Daily Edit because I want to develop my design skills and learn from a boutique that is renowned for its creativity. I want to gain a deeper understanding of how to manage a boutique and promote products effectively," Monica replies.

"That's great. Do you have any previous experience in the fashion or design field?" Kania asks again.

"I have often participated in fashion design competitions and have won several competitions. I also have a design portfolio that I can show if needed."

"Thank you, Monica. Your answers are very good. I'm glad to hear about your experience and achievements."

The interview proceeds smoothly, with some tense moments, but they manage to answer the questions well and present positive personalities. Sandra and Monica return home feeling optimistic.

...

Four days have passed, and Sandra and Monica are still waiting for clarification on whether they have been accepted at Our Daily Edit.

An email from Our Daily Edit appears in their account on the same day, what a coincidence!

With pounding hearts, they open the email that informs them of the results. Turns out, Sandra and Monica both passed and have been accepted for the internship at the boutique.

Joy fills them both. They immediately contact each other to share the good news. The next day, they start their first day of internship at Our Daily Edit with enthusiasm. They are ready to learn and work hard, to develop their talents in the fashion design industry, and to seize every opportunity to achieve their dreams. This internship marks the beginning of a hopeful and challenging journey for Sandra and Monica.

The first day of the internship at 'Our Daily Edit' begins with enthusiasm and excitement for Sandra and Monica. They arrive early at the boutique, eager to make a good first impression. Kania, the boutique owner, welcomes them with a warm smile and takes them on a tour to introduce various areas of the boutique, from the cashier, fitting rooms, to the design studio at the back.

Kania starts the day by giving a brief orientation about the boutique's operations and the work culture implemented. After that, Sandra and Monica are assigned their tasks. Sandra is tasked with learning to be a cashier and serving customers, while Monica is asked to assist Kania in the design studio.

Sandra begins her task with Kania's assistant showing her how to use the cash register, including processing payments with credit cards and cash. Kania's assistant also teaches her how to manage inventory and record sales. Sandra feels excited but also a bit nervous about her new responsibilities.

One of Sandra's first tasks is to assist customers who want to buy some clothes. This customer is a bit picky and often asks about product details, such as materials and care instructions. Sandra tries to answer politely, although sometimes she has to ask her colleagues for more detailed information. Sandra's fear is making a mistake in entering prices or giving incorrect change. However, with Kania and her assistant always ready to provide guidance, Sandra manages to overcome this challenge well.

Meanwhile, Monica is in the design studio with Kania. Monica's first task is to assist Kania in preparing sketches and mood boards for the new collection. Kania provides some references and asks Monica to add her creative ideas. Monica feels excited to be directly involved in the creative process, but she also feels nervous.

"I'm afraid of making mistakes," she said to Kania as they began their work. Monica worries that her ideas may not align with Kania's vision or that she might misinterpret Kania's instructions.

Kania reassures Monica, saying, "It's okay to make mistakes. It's part of the learning process. Besides, it's only your first day of internship; what matters is that we try and keep trying."

Monica then gets the task of cutting some fabrics to be used for samples. She is very careful not to cut them wrongly, fearing to damage the expensive materials. Despite moments of uncertainty, Kania is always there to guide and provide tips.

At noon, Sandra and Monica join forces again to assist customers in the boutique. There's a moment when a customer comes in asking for help finding a specific size in a dress and being a little picky with recommendations. Monica, still somewhat nervous and fearful, tries to help but worries about giving wrong information. Sandra quickly steps in to assist, showing good teamwork between them.

"We have to stay strong, Mon," Sandra says as they face a demanding customer. "This is all part of our learning process. The workplace won't always be easy, but we'll get used to it over time."

Monica nods, trying to bolster herself. "I know, San. We've chosen this path, and I believe it will all be worth it in the end."

Despite some worries and tense moments, Sandra and Monica's first day at Our Daily Edit goes smoothly. They gain a lot of new experiences and feel more confident with Kania's guidance. They go home feeling satisfied and eager to return the next day, ready to learn more and tackle new challenges.

And every challenge they face at Our Daily Edit provides them with valuable lessons and enriches their experience in the fashion world. During their internship at Our Daily Edit, Sandra and Monica take on various roles. As cashiers, they learn about the importance of accuracy and good customer service. They also learn how to deal with different types of customers and situations.

As sales associates, they learn how to promote products in an engaging and informative manner. They also learn about marketing strategies and how to capture customers' interest.

As designers, they get the opportunity to develop their creativity and apply what they learned in school. They learn how to blend trends with their personal styles to create unique designs.

Behind their excitement and high spirits in facing the realities of the working world, Sandra and Monica cannot escape the harsh truths of the workplace they sometimes face. There are days when they deal with difficult customers, tight deadlines, and mounting tasks.

Kania, the boutique owner who is also seen as their mentor, is always there to provide the support and guidance they need. Every time Sandra and Monica encounter difficulties, Kania is ready to offer wise advice and the right solutions. She always reminds them to stay focused on their goals and not give up in the face of obstacles.

Kania's words always give them renewed strength. Sandra and Monica feel fortunate to have a mentor who cares not only about their professional development but also their personal growth.

In addition to their work at the boutique, Sandra and Monica decide to take several courses and additional training in fashion design and business. They attend online classes in the evenings and on weekends, striving to maximize their time for learning as much as possible.

Sandra and Monica are also aware of the importance of building networks and making connections in the fashion industry. They actively participate in fashion events, attend seminars, and join design communities to expand their network.

Through these events, Sandra and Monica meet many designers, models, and other professionals in the fashion field. They learn a lot from these people's experiences and stories, gaining inspiration for their own work.

...

One day, Sandra and Monica spent their time on a major task given by Kania, designing a new collection for the 'Our Daily Edit' boutique, which became a real test of their abilities and creativity. Sandra and Monica worked hard, going through many sleepless nights, designing and revising every detail of their collection.

"This is a big opportunity for us to prove ourselves," Sandra said. "We have to give our best."

Monica agreed, feeling enthusiastic. "I believe we can do it. We've learned a lot, and now it's time to show what we're capable of."

 After working hard for so long, brainstorming, seeking inspiration, and starting to design, they finally completed the new collection project for their boutique

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

...

After working hard for so long, brainstorming, seeking inspiration, and starting to design, they finally completed the new collection project for their boutique. They proudly presented their work to Kania. The collection consisted of several pieces that blended classic elements with modern touches, reflecting their unique personalities and styles, each with their own design signature.

Kania appeared impressed with their work. "This is amazing," she said. "You've truly shown remarkable progress."

Their new collection not only received praise from Kania but also caught the attention of the boutique's customers. Many were interested in their designs, and several pieces from the mini collection sold out quickly and were highly sought after by customers.

On a quiet evening, Sandra and Monica were still at the Our Daily Edit boutique, admiring the new collection they had created. The boutique racks were adorned with various garments showcasing their creativity and hard work over the past few weeks.

Breaking the silence, Sandra spoke softly, "Why aren't we leaving yet?"

Monica turned and smiled, "I just want to take a look at our work. What about you?"

Sandra nodded, "Same here. I just don't feel like leaving yet. There's a lot on my mind."

They began to chat lightly, reminiscing about their journey during their internship at the boutique.

"Sandra, do you remember the first advice Kania gave us when we started our internship?" Monica asked.

"Yes, I remember it vividly," Sandra replied. "Kania said, 'Never be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are part of the learning process. What matters is that we keep trying and learning from every experience.'"

Monica nodded in agreement. "That advice really helped us, didn't it? From being fearful at first, now we've become more confident."

"Exactly," Sandra said with a smile. "Kania is always patient and never gets angry even when we sometimes make mistakes. She always provides us with guidance and motivation."

They both fell silent for a moment, reflecting on how much they had learned and achieved during their internship. They felt grateful for the opportunity to work under Kania's guidance.

"Monica," Sandra whispered softly, "I'm so grateful to have interned here. Kania has helped us tremendously."

"Me too, San," Monica replied. "Kania has been an incredible mentor. I don't know how we could have come this far without her."

They looked at each other, feeling deep gratitude. Without saying much, they embraced tightly, feeling the warmth of friendship and support they had received at the boutique.

"With Kania by our side, I believe we can achieve even more," Monica whispered.

Sandra nodded with a smile, "Yes, I believe so too. Let's continue to strive and make Kania proud."

That night, in the quiet of the boutique, Sandra and Monica felt how fortunate they were to have Kania as their mentor. They both knew that this experience would always be a valuable part of their life journey.

Written by : Khaliila H.

Written by : Khaliila H

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
You've reached the end of published parts.

⏰ Last updated: Jul 20 ⏰

Add this story to your Library to get notified about new parts!

Nemesis - Turning Failure into GrowthWhere stories live. Discover now