Defne YucesoyFrom as early as I can remember, fashion has never just been about clothes for me. It has been about identity, culture, and the ways people express themselves without words. Over the years, this passion has developed into something larger, a vision of building my own business in clothing and jewelry that blends creativity with responsibility.
Why Clothing and Jewelry?
Clothing and jewelry have always fascinated me because they represent more than just consumer goods. They hold symbolic value.Such as jewelry as heirlooms that connect generations, and clothing as a daily decision that reflects who we are. Unlike some industries, fashion exists at the intersection of art, business, and society. It is not only about design but also about psychology (why people buy what they buy), economics (how supply chains operate), and policy (how sustainability is enforced or ignored).
In this way, pursuing a business in this sector feels like a natural path. It allows me to combine creativity with analytical skills, while also addressing one of the most urgent issues of our time which is sustainability.
Learning From the Industry
Recent trends have shown how quickly fashion can shift. Luxury houses like LVMH invest in timeless craftsmanship, while fast-fashion companies like Zara and Shein rely on speed and accessibility. Each model has strengths and weaknesses, but both highlight a challenge I cannot ignore: the environmental and ethical costs of fashion.
For example, the fashion industry contributes nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and uses massive amounts of water in textile production. Jewelry, too, faces ethical challenges . From mining practices to supply chain transparency. If I were to build a business someday, my goal would be to bridge the gap between beauty and responsibility, proving that style can exist without exploitation.
Connecting Passion With Strategy
I believe starting a successful business in this field requires more than creativity. It requires a deep understanding of:
Consumer psychology: Why do people value certain brands or trends?
Global supply chains: How can materials be sourced ethically without driving up prices unfairly?
Finance and investment: How can growth be sustained while minimizing risk?
Public policy: What role should governments play in enforcing sustainability standards?
This is why I find myself drawn not just to design but also to the business and policy side of fashion. My experiences, whether through summer programs or research projects, are steps toward building that foundation.
Why This Matters to Me
At its core, my dream is not just to build a profitable business but to create impact ,proving that fashion can be innovative, ethical, and inspiring at the same time. Colleges often speak about cultivating leaders who will change industries, and for me, this is the industry where I want to make my mark.
Fashion, after all, is not only what we wear. It is a reflection of who we are and the values we choose to support. By pursuing a future in clothing and jewelry, I want to design more than products .I want to design a vision of responsibility, beauty, and purpose.
