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Fashion becomes a passion for creative graduate

Jhestrey Familara feels she is close to achieving her dream career after completing her degree at º£½ÇÖ±²¥.

The 23-year-old graduates today with a (BA) Hons Fashion Enterprise and is on her way to establishing herself as a fashion designer. But things could have been different for Jhestrey who was considering studying nursing or applying to the Royal Navy, before a conversation with a lecturer at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ inspired her to go down the fashion route.

She has excelled on her course and was a finalist in the i-D magazine and All Walks competition, Diversity NOW2017, which asked fashion students across the country to present their vision where diverse representation is the norm and people of all ages, sizes, ethnicities and genders are celebrated in a high fashion context.

Since completing her degree, Jhestrey has been collaborating with other designers, photographers and bloggers on a wide range of projects. She plans to continue this work before studying towards a master’s degree and eventually establishing herself as a fashion designer.

'I feel like I am close to accomplishing my dream career and what I am looking forward to the most is working in a fashion company where I am able to share my ideas, creativity and experience.'

Jhestrey, who came to study at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ from Southampton, is excited about graduating and her girlfriend and parents will be in the audience to see her receive her award.

She added: 'My experience at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ was great – meeting new friends, collaborating with other students and having supportive lecturers to help me to develop and learn. The facilities were also fantastic and always available for students.'

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