The FYI Story: How it all Began...
So ... where did it all begin? This crazy FYI journey? I will tell you one thing, Honey, it didn't happen overnight. It has been years of hard graft — but I wouldn't have it any other way.
When I dreamt up the brand in 2015 at Uni, I would never have guessed FYI as a business would be a Membership platform. But this is EXACTLY what it needs to be. All the years worrying about what the business would look like (and ultimately how I could make a living from doing what I love), I can safely say this is the SOLUTION. I can honestly feel it in my soul! And I couldn't be happier. The brand wouldn't be where it is without YOU, my community. You have trusted me enough that you have shared, from DM's about you getting the internship with an FYI CV template or just joining me here. SO THANK YOU. I am so proud of you. This is the FYI story ...
WHERE IT BEGAN
FYI was actually my FMP (Final Major Project) at Uni. What were my motives in creating this project? Whilst at Uni, my frustrations arose when looking for internships. The sites we were using were stagnate, bland, disengaging and were made up (probably) of 98% UNPAID INTERNSHIPS (thankfully that is different now). Basically the sites were bland and basic AF. We are creative! Surely they were meant to speak to us? I just knew there had to be a better way — a way in which I knew I could do it better.
I wanted to create something cool, current and unlike the rest. So my FMP was FYI. I created the platform (which was actually an app) as a prototype, the marketing materials and branding. I went through every single stage of its creation. I entered it into GFW and it scooped the New Fashion Media Award at GFW in 2015. I always knew I was onto and winner with the project and knew I could make a business from it once I graduated, but winning the award cemented even more that this had to be brought to life…
Fast forward 2 years and in Jan 2019 I launched www.findyourintern.com ; a platform that only advertises positions that are NMW and above. With the FYI shop, the site also offers products to help guide you young creatives in your soon-to-be illustrious career in the fashion world. FYI is a platform where our community comes for prime guidance, to feel safe and to feel WORTHY.
Fast forward 1.5 years .. and I have launched the New FYI !!! A platform which does all of the above, but now has a Members Area. Built just for YOU. Since launching www.findyourintern.com in Jan 2019, I have learnt so much about what YOU need and the site, I believe, now fully reflects and offers you that.
So what does the future hold?! LET'S JUST SEE! We are on this journey together. Please just promise me one thing; communicate with me! If you are struggling with something ... if you want to see something on the site ... if you want a topic discussed in The Handbook ... if you want to share an amazing piece of news. TALK TO ME. I am always here and want to know everything! 💖
If you have a burning desire to make an idea, internship, or journey work — always remember these things:
- PERSEVERANCE
People might tell you it's not going to work. But if have that internal gut feeling like I did with FYI, KEEP PUSHING and it WILL prevail. Never give up! I am stubborn by nature and this has been a defining factor in the success of FYI! 'It will work — I will show you all' was my attitude. - TRUST THE EVOLUTION, THE PROCESS
Things don't just happen overnight. If you work hard, you have intention and you TRULY want to reach that end goal, it will happen. Just go thought the motion of the journey. Things will work, things won't but you learn from this and grow. - STAY IN YOUR LANE
That person you see 'bossing it' and being 'all successful' ... that isn't luck. It's hard work and probably years of behind the scenes work. Stay focused and don't stress about someone you don't know. - HARD WORK
A cliche, but I am serious. If you work hard, you will reap the benefits. If my friends would describe me to you, they would tell you I am a grafter. When you find something you want to work endless hard for, that is exactly what you need to pursue.
LET'S LOOK AT SOME FYI UNI PROJECT WORK
Concept moodboard:
FYI was originally planned as an app ... It's crazy that so many of the features I designed in 2015, now exist in the NEW FYI. That's a sign of a good idea.
Graduation:
Winning at GFW (what are those brows?!):
GFW awards show with the old man:
Did this help Honey?
If not, just post your question in the FYI Forum and we will answer it within 24 hours. Better yet — you may even get other members responding with their prime knowledge!
