Madison Fashion Business Collective is a student organization founded nine months ago and led by University of Wisconsin students Gaby Goldberg, Tess Parker and Sam Waxer. The three combined their passions for business, fashion and social media to create a space where college students can gain hands-on experience and connect with industry leaders.
“We’re very excited about what we’ve been able to accomplish in such a short time,” Parker said.
MFBC has grown to 110 active members and Nov. 7, MFBC hosted its first Fall Convention at UW Hillel, featuring seven speakers with valuable insights on fashion, product design and entrepreneurship — Jennifer Fisher, Alyson Lane, Karen Tolchin, Sami Elfus, Lauren Maslauski, Regine Basha and Josh Kuhn.
Before the main panel, MFBC had a welcoming event Nov. 6 at the Wisconsin Design Team store co-owned by Chief Design Officer of Wisconsin Design Team and UW alum, Josh Kuhn. The welcome event encouraged casual conversations and meaningful connections among panelists and students, supported by sponsors such as Poppi and Saint James Iced Tea.
According to Parker, the welcome event allowed panelists to meet each other and interact with club members. Parker said many walked away with phone numbers and email contacts from the professionals.
“It made everyone seem really close-knit and comfortable,” Parker said.
The main convention had over 150 attendees, according to Goldberg.
In addition to hearing the speakers’ stories of success and setbacks, students and families were able to explore and shop at pop-up displays, featuring items like jewelry pieces from CEO and Creative Director of Aaron Basha, Regine Basha.
Goldberg said two key themes stood out across the stories of the panelists — “never say no,” and “if you don’t know how to proceed, keep trying.”
According to Waxer, Jennifer Fisher, who owns Jennifer Fisher Jewelry, began as a fashion stylist before discovering her passion for jewelry after numerous experiences and networking.
Waxer said the theme of trusting the process was also reinforced by the story behind the formed partnership between now co-owners of Current Home NY, Alyson Lane and Karen Tolchin.
“These are really key messages that students should listen to and take into account when starting their career,” Waxer said.
Parker said Josh Kuhn’s story felt the most relatable and inspiring among members because he’s only a few years older, shares a similar undergraduate experience as a UW alum and built a successful business by believing in his dream.
Waxer said Kuhn’s story showed the possibilities are endless for students.
“He showed everyone that when you start, it is okay to not know what to do, but you learn as you go along and everything is just a learning experience,” Goldberg said.
Goldberg said the convention motivated students to be more ambitious when pursuing their dreams and careers.
By the end of the event, co-founders felt deep emotions for what they achieved in spearheading this convention. Parker said they felt an intense sense of relief, accomplishment, pride and gratitude for what they and fellow members put together.
In the future, MFBC plans to host private launch events and a spring flea market featuring upcycled clothing created by members.
“We’re excited to grow as a club with everyone,” Goldberg said. “We can’t wait to see what it turns into.”