ABOUT ME

“Building My Brand Identity”

My name is Lorenzo Harmon and I am currently a 2nd year graduate student at Illinois State University studying Fashion Merchandising and Design. I’ve always had a passion for fashion, creativity, art and business as well. My undergraduate degree was primarily focused in Business Finance. Which is why the title of my blog is “LORENZO vs. JOSHUA”. Lorenzo is my first name and somewhat the business side of myself that people get a preview of during business hours, or school hours. On the other hand, Joshua, being my middle name, is the loud, exuberant, charismatic side of my personality that exposes itself around my family and friends. I like to think that I’m the perfect mixture of the two, like merchandising is a perfect mixture of business and fashion.

I’ve always dreamed of becoming either a merchandiser or a buyer for a major company. Being able to meet with designers, choose different fashions to sell in stores, and work with a team of creatives alike has always felt like my own “American Dream”. I started working in fashion doing some styling on friends and family, then eventually moving into gaining some retail experience at Forever 21 *R.I.P.*, Nordstrom, and JC Penny. My time at those places really solidified my love for fashion and the various things it had to offer. I was able to do Visual Merchandising at Forever 21 and Nordstrom which I loved because it helped me to explore the creative side of advertising. It taught me how to properly expose certain pieces to the public and how to properly balance mannequins in the forefront of the store.

I think that I am not only good at being creative, but I am also good at being a leader and a team player. While still in undergrad, I was able to successfully plan and manage an annual fashion show through my favorite RSO (Registered Student Organization), College Experience Ent. This show became such a staple in the black community on campus and consistently brought out crowds that filled the Brown Ballroom to capacity. Not only that, but I was also a model and designer in previous years. I think that in the long run, I will be successful in achieving my “American Dream” if I work hard and stay consistent.