As Eliza Glover prepares to graduate, she’s celebrating the many memorable achievements that defined her college career. “From working on a video for Steph Curry's non-profit, SC30, to creating banners for USC's Spread Care Not Covid campaign, each experience has helped shape who I am as a person and motivates me to strive for more,” the senior shares. A fashion lover who started her own clothing brand, Glover is excited for a post-grad future building her GX project business, Buy Blvd. When she’s not busy launching companies, Glover makes time to collect vintage furniture (and she’s letting us in on her fave shopping spots for scoring one-of-kind pieces).

Tell us a little bit about your journey to the Academy.

My journey to the Academy has been a unique and fulfilling one, and it all started with my high school education in the UK. While most students were taking more conventional subjects, I was drawn to an unconventional mix of art, maths, and economics. But my interests didn't stop there. I also had a deep passion for fashion and had even started my own clothing company, Lonely Socialite. Despite my diverse range of passions, I found it nearly impossible to find a program that could accommodate all of my interests. That is, until I discovered the Academy. From the moment I learned about this incredible institution, I knew that it was the perfect fit for me. I was absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to pursue all of my passions in one unified experience.

I've been able to hone my skills in art and design, while also gaining a deeper understanding of business and technology. And best of all, I've been able to do it all while pursuing my passion for fashion.

What piece of advice have you implemented in your day-to-day life?

One piece of advice that has really resonated with me comes from my dad. He always says, "If you want to soar with the eagles, you can't be squawking with the turkeys." I try to surround myself with people who inspire me, challenge me, and share my values. I believe that by choosing your tribe carefully, you create an environment that fosters growth and success.

Do you have a role model? Why do you look up to them?

My parents are both incredible role models to me. Growing up, I had the privilege of watching my dad build his company from scratch, and today, I continue to be amazed by his entrepreneurial spirit and insatiable curiosity. He instilled in me the belief that success in business comes from combining creativity with a deep sense of compassion for others.

Equally inspiring to me is my mother, who has set a powerful example of balancing a successful career with being a loving and independent parent to three daughters. As a female CEO myself, I deeply admire her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to personal growth and self-care.

Describe one thing most people don’t know about you

One thing that many people don't know about me is my passion for collecting vintage furniture and art. It's a hobby that I stumbled upon quite randomly, but it quickly became one of my greatest passions. I love nothing more than scouring estate sales and online auctions to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that I can add to my collection. Each item comes with its own unique backstory and history, which makes it all the more special. Being a visual person, I find that surrounding myself with interesting objects and artwork is a great way to spark my imagination and keep my creativity flowing. Ultimately, my goal is to share my passion with others by opening a curated store featuring all of the amazing pieces I've collected over the years. 

What is the biggest risk you have taken, and was the result what you wished for?

One of the biggest risks I've taken was starting my clothing brand, Lonely Socialite, despite having no prior experience in the supply chain or logistics. It was a daunting task, but I learned so much from the experience. To launch the collection, I organized a large-scale F/W fashion show with over 200 attendees, and it turned out to be a tremendous success. Now, my next big, and exciting, risk is committing to working on my GX project, Buy Blvd, full time after graduation.

What would you say is your defining achievement thus far?

While it's difficult to pinpoint just one defining achievement, I believe that every opportunity I've pursued over the past four years has contributed to my growth and development. From working on a video for Steph Curry's non-profit, SC30, to creating banners for USC's Spread Care Not COVID campaign, each experience has helped shape who I am as a person and what motivates me to strive for more. Rather than a single defining achievement, it's the culmination of these exciting and diverse experiences that truly defines me and inspires me to continue pushing myself to reach new heights. I'm grateful for all the opportunities I've had and excited for what the future holds.

As a senior, I've realized that the connections and experiences you gain through extracurricular activities are just as valuable as what you learn in class. So my advice to freshmen is to not just join any club, but to find ones that align with your interests and goals. Also, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Lastly, take advantage of the Academy's flexibility and pursue projects that you're truly passionate about, rather than just trying to pad your resume. And don't hesitate to reach out to upperclassmen for guidance and collaboration opportunities.

How have you evolved over the past four years?

Most importantly, I sleep eight hours a night now. Biggest game changer. Otherwise, one of the most important lessons I learned was the value of work-life balance. As a freshman, I believed that working non-stop was essential to achieving success, but I have come to realize that balance is critical for sustainable achievement. Additionally, when I first entered USC, I was solely focused on the fashion industry, as I was running a streetwear company at the time. However, as I continued to explore other disciplines and opportunities, I have become much more open-minded and adaptable. While I am now refocusing on fashion with Buy Blvd, my experiences with various tech and business projects have given me a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of the industry.

My goal post-graduation is to continue to work on my GX project, Buy Blvd, which is a search and discovery platform that empowers shoppers to support LA’s local apparel retailers. My co-founder, Ryan Borchetta, and the rest of our amazing team are incredibly excited to make a significant impact on LA retail and change the way people shop in-store. My ultimate goal is to take Buy Blvd national, expanding our platform to support local retail communities in other cities and revolutionizing the way we shop in America.

My cohort is a big inspiration for me. Everyone is extremely passionate about what they do, and it is amazing to see the amazing things that everyone has accomplished. In terms of my projects, I draw a lot of inspiration from observing, and learning about, consumer behavior.

What do you like to watch, read, or do in your free time? 

In my free time, I love watching SNL and Succession. I read a lot of personal-growth and entrepreneurship books, one of my recent favorites is Why We Do What We Do By Edward L. Deci. Otherwise, when I get the chance, I love engaging in creative activities like painting, drawing, and interior design. 

Outside of IYA classes, one of my favorite classes has been BAEP 472: The Science of Peak Performance with Glenn Fox. I highly recommend this class to everyone, especially entrepreneurs. Being able to balance entrepreneurship and well-being through scientifically-backed methods has really helped me through the ups and downs that come with entrepreneurship. 

My favorite hidden gems for estate sales and vintage furniture finds are Casa Victoria (only 10 minutes from USC!) and Orrill's Auction House. 

"From working on a video for Steph Curry's non-profit, SC30, to creating banners for USC's Spread Care Not Covid campaign, each experience has helped shape who I am as a person and motivates me to strive for more,” Eliza Glover shares. A fashion lover who started her own clothing brand, the senior is excited for a post-grad future building her GX project business, Buy Blvd. When she’s not busy launching companies, Glover makes time to collect vintage furniture (and she’s letting us in on her fave shopping spots for scoring one-of-kind pieces).

Senior Spotlight: Eliza Glover