When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, many careers were put on hold. Lauren Parrish, a former esthetician, found herself at a crossroads. “I had been working in skincare for almost three years, and suddenly, everything shut down. I had to rethink my career.”
With an interest in fashion, Lauren started researching educational programs. “Hocking College stood out because it was one of the only two-year, in-person fashion programs at the time. Plus, being close to Columbus, which has a growing fashion scene, made it even more appealing.”
The Hocking College (Hocking) Fashion Design and Retail Merchandising (FDRM) program provided hands-on learning that shaped her career. “I learned so much, such as pattern drafting, sewing, working with different fabrics, and even learning CLO3D software. Some projects were serious, and some were just fun. I once tried to make vegan leather. It was a disaster, but I learned a lot!”
Beyond the coursework, Lauren took advantage of every opportunity. “We went to museums, toured the Columbus Fashion Alliance, and worked with the Film & Video Production program to create branding segments. But the biggest highlight was co-producing Hocking’s first Annual Fashion Show. That was something special.”
Hocking’s FDRM Program Manager, Coral Wedel, played a key role in her success. “Coral was the one who pushed me the most. She challenged me academically but also supported me as a person. She’d never admit it, but I wouldn’t have accomplished half of what I did without her encouragement.”
Some of the most valuable courses were focused on draping, pattern making, and tech packs. “I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoy the technical side of fashion until I was in those classes. It’s something I still use today.”
After graduating, Lauren spent a few months trying to figure out her next move. “I thought I wanted to be a technical designer, but when I started looking at job postings, I realized most companies required a four-year degree. That was frustrating, but it pushed me to explore other options.”
In 2022, she transferred to Kent State University to study Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Fashion Media. “I felt like I had learned the hands-on side of fashion, but I needed a deeper understanding of the business. Kent State helped fill in those gaps.”
Lauren graduated in August 2024, thanks in part to an articulation agreement between Hocking and Kent State. “That agreement made a huge difference. I have to thank Coral and Terry Koons for making that happen. It’s a game changer for future FDRM students who want to continue their education.”
Her career path has been anything but straightforward. While attending Hocking, Lauren gained real-world experience in retail and alterations. “The summer between my two years at Hocking, I worked at American Eagle in merchandising. That gave me a taste of the industry. Later, we started offering alterations on campus. I had never done alterations before, but those skills have stuck with me through every job since.”
After Hocking, she worked as a bridal stylist while attending Kent State. “I loved working with brides, helping them find their dress, and seeing how much joy it brought them. I moved into a management position within a year, but something still felt off. It was a dream job on paper, but I wanted more control over my career.”
Her final semester at Kent State required an internship, and Lauren landed a position in fashion trend forecasting with a company based in Los Angeles and New York. “It was interesting, but I quickly realized that corporate fashion wasn’t for me. The remote work, the lack of communication, it wasn’t what I expected.”
That experience led her back to an idea she had tossed around for years: owning a boutique. “People would always ask me what I wanted to do, and I’d jokingly say, ‘Open a boutique.’ At some point, I realized that wasn’t a joke anymore. It was what I actually wanted.”
Now, as the owner of Elle & Kay Co., Lauren is putting everything she’s learned into practice. “I love the freedom of making my own decisions. Seeing my ideas turn into something real is the best feeling.”
Of course, running a business comes with challenges. “Marketing is the hardest part. Social media is constantly changing, and figuring out what works takes time. The boutique industry is competitive, so standing out is tough. But I love the creative side of it.”
As Lauren looks back, she sees value in every step she has taken. “The skills I learned, garment construction, marketing, networking, have been essential. The fashion industry is huge, and sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you least expect.”
Her advice to current students? “You don’t have to have it all figured out. Try different things. Take opportunities that don’t seem obvious. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to fail. That’s how you learn. It’s never too late to change paths or start something new.”
