Freshman Alexandra Abrams learned from her mother to breathe out doubt and breathe in confidence. It’s an outlook that has served her well as she dives into her first year at IYA and sets her sights on the fashion industry.

I am so fortunate to be a part of IYA and surrounded by some of the most talented and creative people I have ever met. Being a member of Cohort 7 allows me to nurture my already existing creative aspirations as well as foster new ones. I have always struggled to define myself into one category and being a part of this incredible program has taught me that it is okay to not have just one “thing.” Not only is it okay, it’s encouraged. Being around other students who have struggled similarly in the past is one of the most comforting and inspiring aspects of my education thus far. Already, these students have become some of my best friends, biggest inspirations and future co-workers that I cannot wait to see thrive in the world.

What is something about the way the world works that you'd like to disrupt? 

Fashion has always served as a creative outlet for me, and for many others. However, this passion of mine has unethical roots that harm both the environment and people everywhere. The industry of fast fashion is something that both fascinates and frustrates me.

It has been an ongoing goal of mine to learn as much as I can about the harmful effects of fast fashion and educate myself on what I can do personally to improve the industry. Unfortunately, it is not only in the consumer’s hands to reverse the narrative and alter the way the fashion industry works. At IYA, I hope to learn more that will enable me to ignite a greater change and ultimately disrupt the fashion industry as well as other industries similar to it that exploit both natural and human resources.

What are three goals you have this year? 

Develop and work on a passion project 
Explore and visit every flea market in the LA area 
Produce at least two creative pieces a month unrelated to school

Who is the most impressive entrepreneur alive today? Why? 

To me, two of the most impressive entrepreneurs today are friends and co-founders of Lola, Jordana Kier and Alexandra Friedman. Together the two have completely altered the narrative around the feminine hygiene market, making it not only more accessible but safer than ever. They have created a conversation around a previously closeted topic and in the process made the feminine product industry follow suit. The two of them have ignited a change not only in the delivery of these products but also the creation of them which encourages more transparency.

What are some things you want to know about your future senior self? 

All I really want to know about my future self is if she is passionate about what she is doing and making a change while doing it. The most important thing to me is to pursue something that I am happy doing and that I know my younger self would be proud of.

Describe one thing most people don’t know about you? 

I actually have color synesthesia related to people and events. Basically, I assign colors to people I know and associate events with colors. Don’t ask me to explain how it works because I honestly have no idea how to describe it but if you ever want your hex color number, I’ve got it.

What is one thing your parents taught you that you’d like to share? 

My mom used to always tell me to breathe out the doubt and breathe in the confidence, something that I always keep with me, especially at IYA.

What is a recent project you’ve worked on that you’re really proud of? 

I just recently completed a collection of 15 art pieces that I had been working on throughout my high school career. The works were composed using white charcoal on black paper and were a testament to the beauty of the things we cannot see. I explored the power of suggestion in my art and just how much we infer when only given a small glimpse. 

What are the essential things you always keep in your backpack? 
I always have an assortment of colored pens, a pack of gum, something to fidget with, and my laptop or iPad!

If you could be best friends with one fictional character who would it be? 
Derek Morgan from Criminal Minds!

Fresh Encounters: Alexandra Abrams