My name Shardae Jefferson, but on social media and within my friend group, I’m called Shardaisy. The name came from one of my really good friends that live in California. It’s become far more than a nickname, and really began the start of my own personal brand.
As Oscar Wilde once said, “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” Being 20, a senior in college and a stand out style, that statement has never been so true. Education can take you anywhere, so dressing the part is just the icing on the cake. I attend Central Michigan University, where I am studying fashion merchandising, with a minor in journalism.
When I was younger, I had my heart set on being a judge, until I watched The Devil Wears Prada. That movie allowed me to see a glimpse of the fashion industry, and at that moment I knew I wanted to work in the fashion industry.
Reading books, studying fashion and watching runway shows have all become a part of my quest to accomplish my career goals. Ultimately, I hope to work in the magazine industry, and later be a stylist.
My personal style really depends on the day. I am influenced by so many things, so one day I may be super grudge while the next I will be dressed head to toe in pastel colors. I rarely shop trendy items because I do not want an outfit that will be out of season in a month or so. I like to buy clothing items that will outlast trends, and cross over into different seasons.
What I love most about careers in fashion is the grind that goes behind each and every job. Unless you are born to someone in fashion, you just don’t wake up being a creative director for a famous fashion magazine. You work for it. Generally, a great deal of that work will result in you residing in NYC, which is all about grinding.
So yes, I love my Rebecca Minkoff handbags and my Tiffany rings, but I also love my grind.
