Name: Taylor Anne Byrom
Kwantlen Program: Fashion Design and Technology
Grad Year: 2013
Employed as: Assistant Designer, eric+lani
Employer website: http://ericandlani.com + http://kensie.com
What are your primary responsibilities at your job: Computer design, tracking current trends, creating tech packages for our factory partners and managing the inventory of samples for the east and west coast.
What is your favourite part of your job? I love creating and manipulating prints and graphics; it’s always a challenge and keeps each season different.
How do you like to unwind/handle stress? I love to watch movies — pop in a DVD of a popular series and I’ll watch the whole disc! I always have music playing on the iPhone and hanging out with friends and family tops the list.
Who is the most famous person you've ever met? I was interviewed by Steve Darling on Global BC Morning News!
If you had a time machine and could have lunch with anyone living or dead, who would it be? My Nana — she was my number-one fan. She didn’t get to see me graduate but I know she’d be very proud of my journey, the past and for what’s still to come.
Where does your inspiration come from? I’m inspired by people’s stories. During my volunteer experiences with BC Children’s Hospital, you hear stories of hope and courage. Rosie, a toddler who is tube-fed, was one child who compelled me to look at fashion differently. Fashion should have a purpose; to be beautiful as well as meaningful in someone’s life.
Where do you see yourself in one, five or 10 years? Jolie Hart, my own line of clothing for little girls like with complex care needs, will launch!
What are you most proud of? I am proud of Jolie Hart and the impact it has had. Jolie Hart is not only about designing and creating fashionable clothing that meets the specific care needs of little girls; it’s as much about raising awareness that all children and families should be able to access clothing that is functional for complex needs. Parents shouldn’t have to use scissors to cut an opening in a shirt for a tube. We can do that – Jolie Hart does that.
Greatest advice for life? Wow, I’m just starting so for me it’s all about looking forward and being open to new experiences. Take every opportunity that comes your way— don’t be afraid to put yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Favourite Kwantlen moment? Who in fashion sesign wouldn’t say The Show! The Show is the exclamation mark at the end of our four years of hard work and accomplishment.
What's the last book you read? The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
What's currently on your iPod? Tegan and Sara, Taylor Swift, Pink, Phillip Phillips; it’s all rather varied.