Cherokee, N.C., is known for one thing: Harrah’s Casino. As a young girl growing up in its shadow, I knew that a career tied to Harrah’s wasn’t in my future. Instead, my interests lay in finance and art. But it wasn’t until I attended Arizona State University that I under-
stood how to combine the two. Now, as an MBA candidate at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, I’m well on my way to realizing my dreams by combining my financial skills with my love of art.
I was born and raised on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Reservation, and my parents, brother, and I enjoyed the support and comradery of a close-knit community. But the reservation is very rural — the closest shopping mall is an hour away. I knew that in order to get the education I needed, I would have to branch out beyond my hometown. Because my tribe’s school on the reservation did not offer enough advanced courses, I drove around 30 minutes daily to go to a larger high school.
At Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva, N.C., I embraced my passion for numbers and art. I had the best art teacher, Gayle Woody, who truly uplifted my art and showed me how to navigate my combined love for fashion and art. Throughout high school I remained serious about my academics, and as I got closer to graduation I faced the tough decision of where to further my education.
It was common for everyone at my high school to go to the university that is about 10 minutes away. I wanted to do everything I could to avoid going somewhere that close. My grandparents — my Papa Ray especially — encouraged me not only to attend college, but to go all the way to Arizona to do it.
Once at Arizona State University, I initially struggled to find my footing. My biggest obstacle was the culture shock of not knowing anyone at a big university. Instead of becoming overwhelmed, I joined ASU’s SPIRIT program for Native freshmen, remained involved in AISES, and participated in the American Indian Student Support Services group. These connections helped me create lasting friendships and provided me with a sense of community I was missing.
I also threw myself into my studies, where I found my passion and focused my career path. I chose finance because I wanted to make sure that I would be able to have a promising future in something that I was not only passionate about, but also good at. Though once I fell in love with my fashion classes, I found that I needed to focus my financial education within the fashion industry.
After I graduated from ASU, I knew the next logical step was to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where my graduate program’s focus on business is perfect for helping me understand and work the tools necessary for my career goals. My dream is to have my own fashion brand while being CEO and possibly the CFO of a couture fashion company and maintain my unique fashion styling business for high-end clientele.
I never lose sight of my goals, and I know that I would not have gotten this far without the support of my family. Without my parents I would not be where I am today. They are the force that has driven me to pursue and develop my goals. I also believe strongly in myself and my abilities. The best quality that has helped my success is my learned ability to manifest all that I do and aspire to do.
Going to college and graduate school to follow my dreams was a huge risk, but it has come with huge rewards. Hands down the best thing I have ever done for myself was taking the chance of a lifetime and packing up all my belongings to travel across the country to a foreign place with nothing but myself. I want to encourage others to feel comfortable taking risks and following their dreams. No one should ever stop setting goals for their future. This life we are living is a gift and we should use it to manifest our dreams to provide greater gifts to others. I know I am doing exactly that.
