The LIM Fashion Education Foundation continued its “People in the Know” speaker series on March 28, hosting Sam Edelman, founder of the successful footwear and lifestyle brand Sam Edelman.
Edelman discussed how to get started in the fashion industry, what he looks for in interns and new hires, and he offered general life advice.
He encouraged those in attendance to do anything they can to build relationships and get to know people.
“I believe you the more you give the more you’ll get,” Edelman said, emphasizing the importance of connecting with mentors with extensive experience in the industry.
During the hiring process, Edelman looks for candidates who have done research into his business.
“The more research they do about us, the more impressed that we are going to be,” he said, stressing the importance of visiting the brand’s stores prior to interviewing.
Edelman also looks for people who are highly adaptable. He noted that he moves interns around to multiple departments to make sure they can work in different areas, which in turn makes them more well-rounded. For example, he will take someone who is in design and move them to the accounting department for a few weeks.
Edelman stated that his main rule in life is to run from naysayers. Despite what anyone thinks, if you have something you believe in, hold on to it, he advised, recalling that some of his biggest regrets have been the times during his career that he gave up.
“If you have an idea, you can find a way to get it done,” he concluded.
