On Monday, Sept. 29, the Ashland University McB’s Career Closet reopened to AU students who need professional attire and accessories they need to succeed.
Two AU Fashion Merchandising and Brand Management students, Hannah Good and Cassidy Shimp, worked alongside Assistant Professor of Fashion Merchandising and Business Management, Alison Rossi to get the closet up-and-running before the College of Business and Economics career day that was held on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Shimp explained that this academic year donations fell into place to make the closet happen, and she was extremely excited to get on board with the project.
The pair first had to move the closet from its original location on the second floor of COBE to their new location in room 112. The original location was not doing the closet justice, so they had to pivot.
“It literally just looked like someone’s closet,” Good said. “It was just racks of random clothes. So, me and Cass started up there organizing and getting rid of anything that was a definite no.”
The two spent time creating yes, no and maybe piles. Although this may seem like a boring task to some people, it was enjoyable for two Fashion Merchandising and Brand Management students.
“I was really excited to do this year,” Shimp said. “And I just love fashion, organizing it and just getting it ready has been really fun.”
They also aided in sourcing furniture online, such as Amazon and Wayfair, to put in so the closet would be organized and friendly for students to navigate.
After organizing the two they moved the clothing to their new Dauch space and allowed the styling and fun to begin during their grand opening.
On their first day they received clients coming in and out of the closet curious as to what the new addition to COBE was and how the closet would help them.
“I just want people to come in here and find something to wear to an interview, internship or career,” Shimp explained. “And leave satisfied and knowing what they got, at least for now, they can keep.”
“Just making sure all students across all colleges, not just COBE, hear about it because we have teachers, we have doctors, nurses, whatever it may be that could use our closet,” Good added.
The closet is free for all students. It consists of men and women’s items that are donated, and they are still accepting donations of professional wear.
To use the closet or provide donations contact McB’s Career Closet on outlook at [email protected] where students can setup an appointment dependent on their schedule.
Shimp finds that although it may be intimidating to come for an appointment and be styled, they ensure that students feel safe: “We’ll find something that works for you, your size, what you want … we just want everyone to feel comfortable.”
