a Louise Wannier : Alumni : Textile Design : FIDM

Alumni in Focus

Louise Wannier

“I’m a serial entrepreneur,” explains Textile Design program graduate and CEO Louise Wannier, whose most recent company, myShape.com, combines her love of fashion and technology. myShape’s innovative approach to online shopping allows women to program in their actual measurements and style preferences and then shop in a personalized boutique stocked with items that match their body shape. image

After studying astronomy at the California Institute of Technology and earning an MBA from UCLA, Louise launched three tech-related companies before, as she puts it, “deciding to do something for me.” Her grandfather was in the textile industry in Leeds, England, and she grew up loving color and design, so the Textile Design Professional Designation program seemed like a logical choice. “It was one of the best years of my life,” she recalls.

 

What do you love most about your career?

Being an entrepreneur comes naturally and fashion is my passion. I get to do both.

How did FIDM help prepare you for the workforce?

Lisa Miller is a phenomenal teacher from an inspirational standpoint. She taught us that trends come from all aspects of life. FIDM gave me the technical skills, the underpinnings, to create a successful career in the industry.

What's the number one skill necessary for success in your current position as Founder and CEO of myShape?

The ability to listen and observe the marketplace, bring in the right talent, and communicate and motivate a team.

Do you have any advice for future FIDM Graduates?

Work is not work when it’s your passion. Pursue your passion, and don’t be afraid to learn the details!

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication