Oluwatoni Famakin BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising
My university experience has been challenging but amazing and I have learnt so much, from leaving my home in Slough to moving to Manchester, learning how to become an adult, living and studying through the Covid pandemic, securing an industry placement at TJX Europe, and finally being offered a job in Fashion Merchandising as a Senior Analyst.
Manchester Metropolitan has pushed my ability to think creatively and gain a better awareness of the fashion industry and its vast opportunities. While my placement allowed me to apply what I had learned in my lectures first-hand, it also allowed me to experience various potential career pathways that interested me.
Studying Fashion Buying and Merchandising introduced me to the sustainable fashion industry, which piqued my interest in circular fashion. I was able to pursue this interest further with a business project for Hired Harmony Bridal, a new customisable bridal wear rental company, for my Final Major Project.
This year has also provided me with the opportunity to investigate original concepts and really drive these projects, one of which is my research project on the menstrual cycle and its influence and impact on female consumers' fashion choice and consumption.
Business strategy is an important part of FBM that was covered in this degree, and it was the focus of my first project this year, in which I proposed a new strategy to improve NEXT’s own-brand sales.
Over the course of my degree, I have gained more confidence in myself and my capabilities because of the generous support of my lecturers and tutors, as well as encouragement from friends and family. I can honestly say that I am proud of what I have accomplished and am excited about what the future holds for me.