We recently sat down with Caelyn Owens, a Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia alumna, to discuss her exciting new position with Free People!
Can you describe your experience as a Girls Inc. participant and alumna?
At 14-years-old, I was a shy girl looking for a community and space to foster my passion. My older sister recommended that I join Girls Inc., where she was an intern during college. When I participated in my first Girls Inc. meeting, the environment was filled with a diverse group of girls in my age group and inspirational leaders who were eager to share their experience. In that moment, I didn’t feel alone anymore. Although my club members and I had different backgrounds, we found similarities in our experiences. We shared the desire to be a part of a collaborative community where we could explore our ambitions and passions together.
I continued to attend Girl’s Inc. for four years until I graduated high school. Girls Inc. was a safe space for me. I began to grow out of my shell and into the strong, smart and bold person I am today. Because of the awesome experience I had within Girls Inc., I maintain relationships with past group members, come back and support as much as possible and appreciate the warm welcomes from the amazing staff.
I honestly don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t pushed myself to attend a Girls Inc. meeting. I attribute much of my success to Girls Inc. for their support throughout my personal journey.
What was your college experience like and what did you study?
Throughout the past four years of my college career at Thomas Jefferson University, I enhanced my passion for fashion and business while proposing academic projects on brand development and marketing. I also studied abroad in Rome, Italy. My college experience was one of the greatest moments in my life, where I experienced new relationships, travel opportunities and personal growth. I am most proud of receiving my Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising Management, this year Spring of 2021. This new accomplishment has made me feel overjoyed with support and excitement to take on what’s next in my professional career.
Are there any details you’d like to share about your new role with Free People?
I am very excited about starting my new position at Free People as a Temporary Marketplace Coordinator! In this role, I am responsible for assisting the Marketplace/Vintage team in driving sales and gaining profit for the company. Free People is a brand that speaks to me because it emphasizes creativity, uniqueness, and quality. I look forward to making an impact on community through my role.