How did you discover your passion?
My passion is actually duo-fold — writing and fashion. I discovered both at a very early age! Writing wise, I started reading when I was four and then quickly began making up what I called “chapter stories” (basically just short stories) as soon as I could write. I would carry around a little yellow notebook and write down at least one story a day! I always knew I wanted to be a writer, and while the type of writing I do has shifted over the years, it’s still what I do and what I love, day in and day out. As for fashion, I was obsessed with Barbies and would create a “Barbie Store” out of all the clothing, accessories and shoes I had for my (rather large) Barbie collection. I would line everything up by type of item and by color and then have Barbie shop her closet. My mom said she knew I would work in fashion because of this!

How did you get your start as Senior Writer/Copy Director?
From the time I was about 12, I knew I would go to journalism school and then move to New York. At the time, I thought I would be the Editor in Chief of Seventeen (I still love the mag to this day!). I graduated from Indiana University, moved to NYC that August and started working as an Editorial Assistant at Harper’s Bazaar. It was a great start, but ultimately I realized I didn’t really want to work in magazines. Copywriting just sort of fell into my lap, but now it’s been almost 10 years since that happened and I couldn’t be happier or more fulfilled creatively and professionally.

Who or what has been the most important influence in your life?
My mom and my brother. I am very family oriented, and they are always there for me. They listen, they give advice, and they also continue to inspire me to be a better person and to be a more creative person.

Jamie with her mom and brother.

What is your dream job?
Is it cheesy if I say I’m doing it? Working for AE really is a dream come true. I love what I do, I love my coworkers, I love getting to travel between New York and Pittsburgh. I honestly couldn’t ask for anything more. I am always pushing myself creatively and professionally, so I would love to keep advancing, but I’m definitely happy with my career trajectory thus far.

What is next on your “To Do In Life” list?
I really want to travel more. I only have a few stamps in my passport, and my goal is to get at least one more every year! I’m eyeing Amsterdam, Iceland, Greece or Denmark as the next culprits.

What music is playing on repeat in your speakers right now?
I am a musician (I sing and play the piano), so I am always inspired by many different musicians and bands. First and foremost is my brother’s awesome Boston-based band, Love in Stockholm. (And no, I’m not just saying that because we’re related!) They just released their new album, Hold Back the Sun, which is fantastic. You can see me in their new music video for “Drugstore Animal” too!  I’ve also been listening to a lot of Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Fitz & The Tantrums, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles as of late. Oldschool wise, I can always listen to Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Carpenters, cheesy 80’s, Eva Cassidy, The Four Seasons … the list goes on! And since I’m a former musical theater performer, I listen to a lot of show tunes, too.

Jamie holds a sign for the Drug-Store Animal Music Video

How would you describe your style?
Classic meets trendy. I definitely like to try new things, but at the same time, I look for pieces that will last season after season. And I’m a huge fan of the multiple. If I find something that works, I will buy it in every single color and pattern.

How does your work influence your style?
I love working in fashion, because it means I can basically wear whatever I want! I always try to look presentable and professional, but I won’t lie—it’s nice that I can wear jeans and tees to work if I want to! You’ll never see me without earrings and painted nails, though.

Jamie loves doing her nails

What trend are you most excited about this season?
I really love bold prints. So many people in New York wear all black, all the time — that’s definitely not me! The brighter and bolder, the better.

What AE Jean do you live in?
I love the Skinny Crop jean. You can wear it with anything and it looks good with heels or flats. Plus, the inseam is perfect for me, since I’m teeny!

Funniest moment at work?
There was a week where my old boss and I were coming up with names for shape wear. We had some samples laying around, and I decided to pull them on over my clothes. Let’s just say I’m glad we didn’t take any photos!

Jamie hard at work

What characteristics make your job fun?
More than anything else, the people. I work with such a great group of individuals, and I really think that’s the most important thing. I laugh a LOT. You spend so much time at work—you’d better like going there! I also really love being creative, whether it’s coming up with the name for a new sweater or writing an email we send to our customers. I definitely feel like in any given week, I get to do what I love and keep coming up with new ideas. And, of course, getting to see all the clothes!

Jamie and her coworker Torrey having fun.

How did you discover your passion?

When I was little, I started a card company with my friend Bethany, using crayons and construction paper. I told my mom I wanted to be a rock star or a poet… not sure how that panned out, but as a designer, a thinker, a painter, I find inspiration in everyday things and all around me.

How did you get your start as a graphic designer?

I started by going to school at Kent State for illustration and visual communication design. The professors were great, program was tough, and the friends I have from school are for life. Ask anyone who knows me… I was terrified of using a computer. I come from a printmaking background of ink and paper, I love the smell and the touch of making things. Don’t worry though, I learned! The electronic world has been a great tool, and I like to use it as that, and for watching nonstop YouTube videos & sweet GIFs too. I was a designer in Wales on a work-study (the country, not the mammal), and was hired fresh out of school at AE for Aerie.

Who or what has been the most important influence in your life?

I think my grandma teaching me which plants were which was pretty important, and just the time I spent as a kid playing outside and swimming. My family and friends are very important to me. Chocolate and whiskey are also extremely important to me, but not together.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is hanging out wearing hoop earrings on a tropical island. I think every job has its perks and bummers, the job I have at Aerie (Art Director) has some pretty dreamy parts. I love making things and getting to travel. For the Summer 2013 photoshoot we were on an island in the Bahamas, which was super beautiful. Every time I get a hotel room by myself for work it doesn’t matter if it was the first time or just the last job I was on—the first thing I do is always get giddy and excited and jump on the bed.

What is next on your ‘To Do In Life’ list?

I just went on an awesome trip to Thailand in February. It was the first time I’ve traveled to Southeast Asia—any part of Asia actually—and it was super inspiring. The colors, the visuals, the food!!!, the beaches were a sensory overload. The question was, what’s next? I’m sure next will be something big and something fun.

What song is playing on repeat in your speakers right now?

Hmm, right now I’ve been listening to Pretty Lights, inspired by seeing them at Coachella. Also as of late a few on the rotation are Captain Murphy, James Blake, Grimes, and my throwback is Foxy Brown.

How would you describe your style?

A little vintage, a little new and a little ridiculous.

How does your work influence your style? 

I love checking how everyone is dressing themselves and how they feel most comfortable. I love working with creative people, seeing how their brains work and what they are putting together to wear. Getting dressed everyday is like a fun creative exercise to start the day.

What trend are you most excited about this season?

I’m most excited about clean Mediterranean prints. Think beautiful tile that is on the bottom of a swimming pool or on a fountain in Spain. This trend will probably be more for summer next year, and the design team for Aerie has some super talented pattern makers. We will definitely have that product on the photo shoot showing it off.

What Aerie bra do you live in?

It depends on how I’m feeling. And if you take my advice, take into account body type. I have more curves and don’t really wear pushups. For an everyday bra, I like Katie with lace, and when I want to feel a little special I really like Juliet, because the balconette frame fits me well.

Funniest moment at work/on a photo shoot?

For the last shot on the BTS shoot we played a prank on John, our photographer. I told him we had one last shot and it had been a long day, I could tell he was a little mad at me. Nina is so fun and crazy, she was traveling with this insane dog onesie that we were all laughing about and had a great idea that we would prank John with her coming out dressed in it for the first shot. That didn’t work out but it was a good way to wrap on the last shot of the day with a ridiculous situation!

What characteristics make your job fun?

I like to think working hard and having fun are good partners. Laughing at silly things make the job fun, and having good people around.

Before you were a stylist, you were Fashion Director at Elle and a model before that. How did the transition happen?
After being a model, I got a job at a French magazine as a casting director, then moved to Miami and worked as an agent at Click model agency. After two years, I met someone who knew someone from Elle, got an interview and they hired me as an assistant. They were using stylists from Paris and they needed someone who spoke French to help them on shoots when they were in New York. It is all about meeting as many people as you can to find the right path.

Isabel snapped this photo during the Spring 2013 photo shoot in LA.

Have you always had a passion for clothes and fashion? How did you discover it?
How do you discover a passion for …chocolate ? Same thing I guess, it is just a thing you like. I would watch a movie and want the same t-shirt the actress was wearing. I wanted a pair of leather pants before anyone really made any, except for leather houses. I had a big attraction for fashion. I loved to dress up. I used to dress my poor little dog but I don’t know if that means passion for fashion?

What advice do you have for someone who wants to enter the fashion industry, especially as a stylist?
It was easier when I started. Not so many people knew what a stylist was so there were more opportunities.  I would say that you have to assist as much as possible. Make sure you are working harder than anyone else during internships. Go out there and make noise.

What is the biggest misconception about being a fashion stylist?
The glamorous life. It isn’t always glamorous, trying on expensive clothes and going to the shows happens, but there is also a lot of carrying heavy suitcases, packing, unpacking, long cold days shooting outside in not always pretty locations, same catering food for too long, long hours, long flights and very demanding clients.

Isabel during a not-so-glamorous time on a photo shoot – working through the rain and cold!

What has been the coolest place you have ever traveled for work?
Anywhere with a beach, especially Tahiti and Kauai.

One of Isabel’s favorite places to work – Kauai, Hawaii.

You are French. Do you think that influences your sense of style and fashion, especially at AE?
AE is a big denim brand and there is a lot of denim to choose from. I think my French side loves AE because the French love jeans. They’ll wear them relaxed with a T-shirt or very chic with a Chanel jacket. It works any day, any time.

What do you like most about working with AE?
Working with AE is fun. It is a great group of kids, the clothes are cool and you can mix and match as much as you want. It is the same group of people; I am always so excited to see them again on the next trip. I feel like I am going to summer camp with my friends.

The last day of the Palm Springs Spring Break photo shoot from Isabel’s Instagram.

Where do you find your inspiration for your life and your work?
Inspiration is everywhere; from the streets to the latest TV shows I am watching. I love my iPhone and all the social media, but it is important to lift your head up and just watch what’s around you.

If you could style any person, who would you love to work with?
The last person everyone is talking about.

What is next on your life ‘to do’ list?
Be a better cook.

American Eagle Outfitters’ bus ad in Warsaw, Poland

How did you discover your passion for visual merchandising?
I’ve been loving this aspect of the business for so long, it’s hard to pinpoint the “when”.  I started working at the AE store in Cranberry Township when I was 16 — when that store was still the “Lab Store”. [We have a lab store at the AE Home Office where we build the seasonal presentation that you see in stores.]  I worked as a sales associate, but with so much direct contact to the visual merchandising side of things, I guess I caught the bug.  I immediately understood the effect visual merchandising could have on the business.  I had the opportunity to work with my former boss and my current boss, whom both worked in visual at that time.  Funny how things go full circle!

How did you get your start as a visual merchandising manager?
Like I said, it all started at the store in Cranberry.  When the lab store moved to Warrendale, I came along as well.  I worked there on my summer breaks in high school and college.  From there, I bounced around – I did some freelance copy writing for the web and I did the voice-over for Aerie when it was initially launched.  I left AE for a bit to pursue my dreams of becoming an on-air news anchor, and when I decided it wasn’t for me, I came back to the lab.  At that time, there weren’t any full-time openings at the lab, but I knew I wanted to stay with the company.  I explored other opportunities and became a College Trek Manager of the first 77kids store and opened the Ross Park 77kids store as well.  A few months into that opening, I was called back for an interview in visual as an Assistant Lab Coordinator for Men’s.

What misconceptions do you think people have about store presentation/visual merchandising?
It’s not just “fluff”, and it’s not just making things “pretty”. It’s creative and it’s strategic, and a lot of thought goes into how the floor is set each and every season.  Visual merchandising, without a doubt, affects the business — for the positive when executed properly, and obviously the flip side of that, the negative, when it’s not.

Who or what has been the most important influence in your life?
Without a doubt, my mum.  She is my rock, and the strongest person I know.  She told me something once that I never forgot, and to this day, it’s the best advice I’ve ever received: “Believe in yourself, who you are, and what you stand for.  Don’t lower yourself to others, make them rise to who you are.”

What is your dream job?
I’m not sure yet,  but my current job is my dream right now.  I can’t imagine doing anything else. A year ago I never expected to be doing this job, but it’s the best surprise I could have asked for.  I’ll just wait to see what other surprises get thrown my way!

What is next on your ‘To Do In Life’ list?
A vacation?!  I’m thinking Boracay.  That or sand surfing next time I’m in the Middle East!

American Eagle Outfitters’ grand opening event in the Philippines.

How would you describe your style?
Eclectic.  I go to the beat of my own drum.  Some days I’m girly, some days I’m preppy, some days I’m more rock n’ roll.  It depends on my mood… and whatever laundry is clean from all the traveling!

How does your work influence your style?
It makes me open to a lot more things I never thought I’d wear.  Being in other countries and seeing how they dress and accessorize has definitely inspired me and spiced up my style—it’s made me mix colors, patterns, and prints like I never thought I would.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in the people I love, the places I love, and the things I love.  My mum, my sister, my boyfriend, my dog, all my family and friends, Pittsburgh, fashion magazines, gossip magazines, good books from any genre, 70’s music, junk food, and my new home – NYC.  Whether it’s the big things in life, or the little things, I try to find something beautiful in it all.

Alli and her boyfriend, Nick

What is your favorite part of your job?
Traveling—learning new cultures and making new friends all over the world.  It is an eye-opening experience to see how people all over the world live, work, and play.  There are days when it’s tiring, but it’s always worth it.

Alli’s dinner in Beijing one night – a pigeon!

Where have you traveled for your job?
It’s becoming quite the list… Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Russia, Poland, Israel, Japan, Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, and Mexico.

What is your favorite place you have traveled to for AE?
That’s tough.  I have different favorites for different reasons, and there is something that I love about each place I’ve visited.  But the food and the beaches in Israel are the absolute best!

The AEO International team takes a ‘Jeepney’ ride in the Philippines

Before you were a stylist, you worked at InStyle as a fashion assistant. What made you interested in styling?
I learned so much at the magazine, but knew I was ready for the next step. I love being on set. As a freelance stylist, you have the opportunity to meet and work with so many different interesting and creative people, brands, and magazines. I love how every day is different.

Have you always had a passion for clothes and fashion? How did you discover it?
YES! I have always been very particular about what I wear. Clothes are fun! It’s the thing I most look forward to every morning. I’m always happier when I’m wearing something I love.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to enter the fashion industry, especially as a stylist?
The best way to break into the industry is with an internship. You learn how a magazine or brand operates, and you begin to understand what you like and don’t like. If you work hard you will gain valuable contacts who can help you with your career along the way.

What is the biggest misconception about being a fashion stylist?
That the job is only about clothes! A stylist’s job is so much more than just choosing the looks for the story. You work with the photographer and hair and makeup teams to create a story that is beautiful and enticing to the reader or customer. You also have to do a lot of coordinating… getting the clothes to set, making sure the garments are being worn properly, keeping track of the product… it’s a lot of details!

Alexandra takes notes on products during Malia‘s fitting for our Spring Break 2013 photo shoot.

What has been the coolest place you have ever traveled for work?
I love going to Paris, so I feel fortunate to have been able to travel there for work. The town of Sayulita, Mexico where we shot the AE Summer 2013 campaign was really cool. It was a colorful surf town with the best tacos!

What do you like most about working with AE?
The team is so positive! Everyone really loves the brand, and many people have been there for years. Everyone at AE is so welcoming and great to work with.

Alexandra during the filming of our ‘Remix Your Style’ video.

Where do you find your inspiration for your life and your work?
Definitely travel. I’m fortunate that my job takes me to so many places. I love going to a new place and checking out what people are wearing, doing a little shopping, going to restaurants… it’s all very cool and inspiring.

If you could style any person, who would you love to work with?
That’s a hard one. Maybe someone that I see on the street who could use a little pick me up! I like helping people to make them look and feel their best.

What is next on your life ‘to do’ list?
To continue to grow as a stylist, continue to travel, work with smart and creative people, and learn from each project.

How did you discover your passion for social media?
My first job out of college was at an advertising agency. I had some exposure to digital marketing and launched the agency’s social presence on Facebook and Twitter. From there I was hooked! I love writing and have always been outgoing and talkative so social media was a perfect fit for me.

Jamie with the social media team in November 2011.

How did you get your start in social media?
When I first started at American Eagle social media was about a third of my job because I also worked on digital advertising and search marketing. As social continued to grow it became a bigger and bigger part of my job until there was so much to do that I started solely working on social media.

What misconceptions do you think people have about working in social media?
Most people’s perception of a job in social media is sitting behind a computer and tweeting or being on Facebook all day. It’s so much more than that – we tell the story of the brand. We develop one-on-one relationships with our customers and welcome them to be a part of the conversation and our brand. There is also the constant evaluation of new platforms and technologies, reporting and analytics that most people don’t even realize is a part of a job in social media. Another big part of working in social media is internal education. Things are always changing in the social landscape and it’s our job to keep our business partners up to date and aware.

Who or what has been the most important influence in your life?
This is a tough one because I’ve had many great influences but I would have to say my Grandfather. My Grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease when I was younger and he was her sole caretaker. My Grandfather’s devotion to her was inspirational. He showed me what true love is and that it can push you through the hardest times in your life. He had a never give up attitude and perseverance that has influenced me with my life and career.

What tips do you have for someone who wants to work in social media?
Network, network, network! I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to make connections in the industry. Also, make sure you have a strong social presence and find social media influencers on Twitter and LinkedIn to connect with and learn from.

What is next on your ‘To Do In Life’ list?
Travel! I’ve been dragging my husband all over the place. Since we’ve been married we’ve been to Mexico, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Boston, NYC, San Francisco and Sonoma – just to name a few. Next up this summer are Barcelona, Ibiza and Paris!

Jamie with her husband in San Francisco!

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as Classic. I keep things simple and don’t buy in to too many trends. Scarves, dark denim and wedge boots are staples of my wardrobe. I have found myself trying out more trends recently though because I see people wearing them around the office and they always look so good!

What is your favorite place you have traveled to for AE?
San Diego. I went for a conference 2 years ago and had a great time exploring the city on my down time. The food and weather were amazing!

Jamie loves traveling for work, but also loves coming home to her dog Morgan!

You’ve worked extensively with Project Live Your Life. What is the most rewarding part of that experience?
The day the contest launched and entries started rolling in was the most rewarding part. Our team worked so hard to get us to that day and seeing it come alive was awesome.

What makes a Project Live Your Life entry stand out to you?
A smiling face makes an entry stand out to me. People are so serious in their photos sometimes. I want to see that you are happy, having a good time and enjoying life!

What tips do you have for someone who wants to enter the contest?
Be yourself. Make sure you tell us anything unique about you. Show us your artwork, music, dance clips or anything else that can help us to know who you are as a person. We want to know your story so make sure you find the videos, photos and words that help to portray you the best.

How did you discover your passion for buying accessories?
It’s a pretty funny story that probably goes back to when I was five.  Apparently wherever we went, whether it was to the grocery store or to an amusement park, I always wanted to buy something.  My dad actually warned my now-husband when he first met him that I can’t go anywhere without finding something that I want to buy.  The more adult version of the story is that my father owned a restaurant and I worked there since I was 13, so I knew I wanted to do something related to business. I always loved fashion and had come across Fashion Merchandising as a major and the idea of it interested me… I guess the rest is history.

How did you get your start in merchandising?
I went to the University of Delaware and had a great networking group throughout my college experience.  When I came in to my senior year, I realized I had enough credits to finish up in one semester so I reached out to some former UD students who were already in the industry and landed an interview at Liz Claiborne.  There was an assistant position open in accessories for Lucky Brand and as “luck” would have it (no pun intended), I got the job and moved to NYC a week after I graduated.

Allison’s Instagram of New York City

What do you think are the biggest accessory trends for Spring?
With all of the color and print trending in apparel, I’m really feeling anything neutral in accessories.  I also think pastel makeup colors play well off of color.  My essentials for summer festivals are fun printed scarves, a pair of espadrille sneakers, a baseball cap, and a mini-backpack.  Bring on the sun!

Do you have any tips for accessorizing?
I always say less is more.  If I’m going for a “neck look” I usually wear a simple long necklace OR a scarf, but not both.  I don’t like to over do it with jewelry, so I’ll wear 2-3 bracelets for a slightly layered look and then go subtle with the ears.  I was so glad when studded earrings in mismatched pairs started to trend because I have a tendency to lose things and for years I’d been wearing mismatched earrings. Before this people would always look at me weird, but apparently my look is acceptable now!

Who or what has been the most important influence in your life?
My Dad.  He had me working at eight weighing hamburger patties in his restaurant. Needless to say, my work ethic can be attributed to him. Till this day he reminds me of my values and how I was brought up.  Before I moved to NYC he wrote me a letter, basically his words of wisdom, and I still pull it out and re-read it from time to time.

What is your dream job?
Owning my own boutique and stationary line.  It sounds completely crazy, but I grew up in an entrepreneurial environment and so did my husband, so I guess it makes sense!  I love making my own cards (I actually made all of my ‘save the dates’ for my wedding) and I am excited because next month I’m finally taking a letter pressing class at a shop in my neighborhood!

What is next on your ‘To Do In Life’ list?
My husband and I have been talking about going to Vietnam for over a year and we’re finally going next month!  I love to travel, so I have a bucket list of places that I want to go before we start a family.  Here’s to racking up frequent flyer miles!

How would you describe your style? 
Definitely downtown, boho with a little edge.  I tend to get bored with my look easily, so I feel like for months I’m all about color and then I go for weeks wearing only black.  I guess the same goes for my hair, I’ll spend a year growing it out and then one day chop it off.  I also love vintage or vintage inspired jewelry.  I’m constantly scrounging the stores in my neighborhood in Brooklyn for new things.

How does your work influence your style?
It does from every angle!  I’ve always said this is the best job – I get paid to shop! Well, it’s a little more complicated than that, but in all truth I’m constantly looking for “what’s next”, which is probably why I get bored with my own style so quickly.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I think it helps that both my husband and I work in fashion, because while at work I’m engrossing in product and at home and outside of work I’m influenced more form an artistic prospect thru print and digital media and the things that he is working on.  I’m a very visual person, so besides going to galleries or museums, I love to just walk for hours and take in inspiration from my natural surroundings.  I used to live in LA, and actually walked for miles there too, which is not so normal!

Allison and her husband Tuan (who is also AE’s hairstylist!)

What is your favorite part of your job?
The product! It’s amazing to see product go from concept to the store.  And probably the most rewarding part is seeing the sales!  Nothing feels better than knowing that you got it right and your customer responds to your assortment.  

Have you traveled anywhere cool for your job?
When I first started out in the industry I had to travel to LA and Vegas a lot, at 22 it was pretty awesome having an entire suite to myself at places like the Venetian and having dinner at restaurants on Sunset Blvd.  Especially when I was broke and the company was paying for it!

One of Allison’s favorite spots when she lived in LA – Malibu!

You are married to our hairstylist, Tuan. How did you meet?
It’s a funny thing how living in NYC can be so big yet so small at times… we met at a mutual friend’s birthday party that was actually taking place at my friend’s restaurant.  We had both known the friend pretty much the entire time we’ve lived in the city but had never met!

An Instagram from Allison & Tuan’s honeymoon in Maine.

How did you get your start in merchandise business strategy?
When I was in high school I spent most of my time pursuing a music career, but put that on hold for college.  After I graduated from West Virginia University, I wanted to focus a bit more on music, but also needed a job, so I started working in retail part time.  My first job with AE was at the 77kids store in the Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh and I loved it! I always knew I didn’t want to work at a store level long term, but it was then I realized I did want to stay with AE. I started exploring other areas within the company and Business Strategies seemed like the perfect fit.

Who or what has been the most important influence in your life?
My family is very close – my mom is the life of the party, my dad is the nicest man you’ve ever met and my sister is my best friend.  I always try to make them proud.

Sarah and her dog Pinky Pie!

What is your dream job?
I’d love to spend my days writing music and my nights performing it around the world.  My current job isn’t too shabby though.

What is next on your ‘To Do In Life’ list?
I don’t have a “To Do” list or a “5 Year Plan” – that limits you. I just try to keep growing and improving in everything I do.  And try to have a lot of fun along the way!

How would you describe your style?
I try to be as up-to-date on current style as possible, but if it were up to me I’d rather be in jeggings, a fitted T-shirt and flip flops every day.

How does your work influence your style?
It’s so fun to work in an area where we have our eyes on the upcoming trends before they’ve even hit stores!

You have a passion for singing… will you tell us a little bit about your journey as a musician?
I sort of grew up on stage.  When I was 15, I saw an online banner for a girl group audition.  I had a feeling it was probably a scam, but I clicked on it anyway.   Turns out it was real and I beat out 8,000 other girls for a spot in a girl group called Trace.  We signed a contract with Warner Brother Records, recorded an album and started promoting it in the US and Europe.  Unfortunately, this was all happening at the same time that the music business was going downhill following September 11^th, so our record never got released.  Sometimes I still can’t believe it all really happened – it was a crazy few years!

Sarah performing on the Maury show.

Where can our fans find your music?
The Trace album is only in the hands of a select few,  but I play around on the internet for fun.  I post covers on my Youtube page.  Nothing fancy; just me and my piano. I also recorded a solo album a few years ago.  You can download it here for FREE!

Where do you find your inspiration?
Musical inspiration most definitely comes from real life.   Sometimes I wonder if I should give the songs titles or just name them after the people who inspired them.

Where is the coolest place you have traveled for your job?
When music was my job we performed in Zurich, Switzerland.  It was such a cute and friendly place.  I’d love to go back!  With AE, we recently traveled to Palm Springs and it’s now easily in my top 5 favorites.

What is your favorite part of your job?
I love working on the photo shoots.  Even though it is hard work and long hours, you get to meet so many new people, see places you might not otherwise get to and have some fun while doing it!

Sarah on set at the American Eagle Outfitters Holiday 2012 photo shoot in Portland.

How did you discover your passion?
I don’t know if it’s something you discover.  I imagine every person has one thing that makes them the happiest – naturally that’s the thing you should pursue.  You hear it a lot, but I’m a big believer in “If you love what you’re doing, it doesn’t feel like work.”

How did you discover your passion?
I learned early in my career that I have a passion for working with and connecting with new people. At American Eagle, the people and culture really allowed for me to connect with people which helps to make me feel very passionate about my role at AE.

How did you get your start in human resources?
I actually started my career at AE at the desk as the HR Receptionist in 2007, I then moved to Merchandising as an Executive Staff Assistant to our Chief Merchandising Officer of AE Brand before joining the HR Training team again in April 2011. I love my team in HR. They make coming to work a lot of fun.

Who or what has been the most important influence in your life?
My mother is absolutely the most influential person in my life. She inspires and helps to guide my life every day. She has been a great role model and helped to shape my work ethic and drive to be successful and happy in my life.

Studying in Rome, Italy during college was the most influential experience for me. It opened my eyes to all of the opportunities that live outside of your comfort zone. I love learning about new cultures and I learned a lot about myself being so far away from home.

Alicia with her family.

What is next on your ‘To Do In Life’ list?
TRAVEL! I have a long list of places to see both in the US and abroad. If I could spend all of my money on traveling the world, I would.

Last May, I completed my first Half Marathon. It was something I never thought I would do. It was so hard to train but the experience was one I will never forget! All of the hard work was totally worth it – very rewarding!

I definitely want to have a family someday too. I come from a very big, loud family so I can’t imagine my life without my own family someday as well.

How would you describe your style?
I would say I have somewhat of a blend of boho/edgy. I like understated outfits with bold accessories or statement prints, lots of layers and I love to try new trends on for size. I try to be comfortably chic as much as possible.

Where do you find your inspiration?
My friends inspire me! I am fortunate to have really supportive friends that are also so much fun to be around. I would be lost without them.

Alicia with her boyfriend, Daniel.

Where is the coolest place you have traveled for your job?
I had a great opportunity to travel to Mexico City, Mexico in November to help the International team with an interview event for the first store openings in February and March. It was a lot of work but one of the best experiences I have ever been a part of.

What is your favorite part of your job?
The best thing about my job is that I get to work with my friends every day. I really enjoy working with the new hired employees and full time trainees through Orientation and the Teammate Training Programs. Their energy and excitement to start their new career is very motivating and makes me realize how lucky I am to be a part of AEO.

What tips do you have for someone who wants to work at American Eagle Outfitters?
Do your research! Learn about the company history, brand DNA, leadership team and company strategies. The more you know before you interview, the better!

Build as many connections as you can inside and outside of AEO. Don’t get discouraged and make the most of your current job and any opportunity that comes your way. Even if the first opportunity doesn’t work out for you, keep trying. It’s always worth waiting for the right job.

How did you discover your passion for styling hair?
I always looked at magazines as a teen seeking out cool styles created in the editorials.

How did you get your start as a hair stylist?
My friend knew a producer that was taking care of the H&M show designed that season by Karl Lagerfeld. There were like 100 models and the key hairdresser Orlando Pita needed many many hands on board to create all the looks. After that Orlando asked me to help out on all of his shows from New York to Milan to Paris. It was such an eye opening time.

Who or what has been the most important influence in your life?
My father. He owned this little barbershop and I would spend hours there watching all the barbers shape the hair on all the clients. There was a point where the shop was extremely busy and all you could see would be the many different colors of hair on the floor.

What is your dream job?
Already living it.  I get to do what I love the most.

Tuan does Emily Beth’s hair during our Spring 2013 photo shoot.

What is next on your ‘To Do In Life’ list?
I would love to have a hair care line and a salon with an advanced education program.

How would you describe your style?
Effortless. I like things to look beautiful without over doing it.

How does your work influence your style?
Your work environment and the people you collaborate with totally affects your vision.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I love old photography and art books.

Where is the coolest place you’ve traveled for your job?
Girdwood, Alaska. Actually it was for American Eagle a few years ago. We had to shoot on top of one of the glaciers. And the best part was taking a helicopter to get to the top. Who gets to say they traveled to work via helicopter?

Tuan on set at our Holiday 2011 photo shoot in Alaska.

What was your favorite part of the AE Spring 2013 shoot?
Shooting in and around Los Angeles.  There are so many different terrains and backdrops to choose from.  You could literally be on the beach with an amazing sunset or in the desert with strong wind kicking back dust.

Tuan (far right) with make-up artist Jenna M., cast member Lindsey, and producer Laurel W. during the Spring 2013 photo shoot.

How did you incorporate each kid’s personal style into their hair style for the Spring 2013 shoot?
Well I wanted each kid to have their own personality shine through their look. For example, Malia is from Oahu, Hawaii. It was the very end of the day and we were losing light.  The team insisted that we power through to get the shot,  but it started to rain and her hair got wet. In normal situations people would freak out and say, ” Oh no, we have to dry her hair off and re-do everything!”  But her hair actually looked really cool and made total sense wet.  Sometimes you have to go with certain scenarios and they end up being happy accidents.

Tuan decided Malia’s hair in the rain fit her personality for this shot.

Do you have any cool interests or hobbies?
I love to cycle and to build bikes from scratch.  Finding the right components that go with each other when building a bike is the most gratifying thing to do.  Cycling gives me time to zone out and let my mind go.