From Passion to Profession: Alanna Fairey's Inspiring Journey in Fashion

Written by Valiski Bernard

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion into a successful career? The journey from dreaming to doing can be challenging, but it's stories like these that remind us what's possible. This week's feature is Alanna Fairey, a trailblazer in the fashion industry. If you've ever doubted whether you can turn your love for something into a thriving career, Alanna's unwavering dedication and bold choices will inspire you.

A Passion For Fashion

From a young age, Alanna's love for fashion was evident. She cherished the self-expression that fashion allowed, experimenting with unique pieces to discover her personal style. However, it wasn't until her senior year at Wilfrid Laurier University that she considered transforming her passion into a career. The decision to pursue fashion journalism led her to Humber College, where she furthered her studies.

Breaking New Ground

Alanna's dedication soon took her to Washington, where she covered the presidential inauguration and the women's march. This experience was a stepping stone to an internship with THE KIT, which eventually landed her a job as an associate editor for a B2B magazine. Despite her success, Alanna felt a growing sense of unfulfillment as her work drifted away from fashion.

"I had felt unfulfilled and dissatisfied. And then I had an epiphany that I was ready to leave journalism and move into fashion PR."

Transitioning to Fashion PR

In a pivotal moment of clarity, she decided to transition into Fashion PR, prompting her to pursue a master's in Fashion Communications at Nottingham Trent University in England. During her studies, she thrived as the fashion editor for the Commonwealth Fashion Council, managing communications and teams across the UK and Canada. Her career in fashion PR began as a PR Coordinator for a vegan fashion brand in London.

Today, Alanna wears many hats: she is a client engagement manager for Brand of a Leader, a communications manager for Pink Dreams, and a public speaker and educator. Her journey is a testament to following your passion and embracing every opportunity that comes along the way.

Are you ready to be inspired by Alanna's incredible story? Read on to discover how she turned her love for fashion into a multifaceted and fulfilling career.

"I have done a lot in my career and am very excited at the prospect that things will only get better and better from here."

A Defining Moment: The Power of Fashion

A defining moment in Alanna's fashion journey happened when she spent a day with her mom at her workplace. This experience revealed a new side of her mother, who was not just a nurturing parent but also a fierce and stylish professional. Her mom's confidence and style, especially in her impeccable power suits, left a lasting impression on Alanna.

"What stands out in my memory is the sound of my mom's heels echoing through the office hallway. She looked so incredibly powerful and cool. At that moment, I made a promise to myself: When I grew up, I would wear heels and embody the same sense of strength as my mom. Even now, whenever I wear heels, that memory resurfaces, reminding me of the woman I aspired to become.

That experience as a little girl instilled in me the understanding that fashion has the ability to make us feel empowered and confident. From that day forward, my appreciation for fashion deepened, and it became an integral part of expressing my own identity and aspirations."

Icons and Inspirations: Shaping Alanna's Style

When it comes to fashion designers and icons who have profoundly influenced Alanna's personal style and approach to fashion, a few stand out prominently. Her admiration for Alexander McQueen runs deep, as evidenced by her decision to write her dissertation about him and his eponymous brand. Alanna is captivated by the timeless nature and enduring quality of McQueen's collections.

"What draws me in is the timeless nature of every piece from McQueen's collections. They possess an enduring quality that will always remain in style. Not only that, but there's a captivating edginess to the designs that effortlessly commands people's attention."

Another significant influence is Stella McCartney, a designer Alanna admires so much that she plans to name her first daughter after her. McCartney's commitment to cruelty-free practices, sustainability, and ethical sourcing resonates deeply with Alanna, aligning perfectly with her values and bringing a sense of fulfillment to her fashion choices.

In terms of style icons, Alanna's influences are diverse and eclectic. Carolyn Bessette, Moira Rose from "Schitt's Creek," Harry Styles, Blake Lively, Bob Dylan, and Lily Collins as Emily in "Emily In Paris" have all shaped her fashion sensibilities. Interestingly, Alanna often gets mistaken for Lily Collins, further cementing her connection to these icons. Each of these inspirations contributes to Alanna's unique and dynamic personal style, reflecting a blend of timeless elegance, bold edginess, and ethical considerations.

From Journalism to PR: Alanna's Love for Storytelling

Alanna's journey into journalism was fueled by her lifelong passion for writing and storytelling, a love that began when she wrote her first story at just four years old. Transitioning into PR and personal branding allowed her to retain her affection for storytelling and communication, albeit in a different context. Through her experiences, Alanna has come to appreciate that storytelling and communication are fundamental to everything we do. She believes that the experiences, stories, and insights we share are what truly endure and have the potential to leave a lasting impact on others. These stories define us, and it is through them that we connect, inspire, and create change.

For Alanna, balancing the need for factual reporting with the creative aspects of storytelling is a meticulous process that involves a blend of thorough research, ethical integrity, and narrative craft. She ensures that every piece of information is accurate and verified through reliable sources while also presenting these facts within a compelling narrative structure that engages the reader. This approach includes using vivid descriptions, personal stories, and literary devices to bring the facts to life, all while avoiding sensationalism and respecting privacy. By weaving human elements into the data and employing multimedia tools to enhance the presentation, Alanna creates stories that are not only informative but also emotionally resonant and memorable. Regular feedback and self-assessment further help her maintain this delicate balance, ensuring that both factual integrity and creative expression are upheld in her work.

Reflecting on memorable interviews, Alanna says:

"Over the course of 13 years, I have interviewed Prime Ministers, members of the royal family, celebrities, CEOs of multi-million dollar companies, and just about everyone in between. What always gets me is that we often forget that these individuals in power with high-ranking positions are just people. I have been able to go in-depth with these people, heard them talk about their most vulnerable and dark times in their lives, and I've even seen a good number of them cry (grown men included!). It's a reminder to me that we often look at these public figures as something other than humans, and we forget that they also deal with the same kind of feelings that we do: imposter syndrome, fear, anxiety, and doubt. Every time I interview or talk with anyone in a position of power, I talk to them like they're just people, instead of placing them on a pedestal, and I am always profoundly impacted at the results I get when I set the tone like this."

Connecting with Diverse Audiences: A Curious Approach

Alanna's ability to connect with diverse audiences across various industries stems from her approach to writing from a place of curiosity. She acknowledges that in the past, entering an assignment with the mindset of disinterest would reflect in her work, despite her efforts to mask it with research. However, when she shifted her perspective to one of wanting to learn more about the topic, her curiosity was piqued, leading to a deeper connection with the subject matter and, subsequently, with her audience.

Alanna's experience highlights the importance of genuine interest and curiosity in connecting with audiences. By approaching each topic with an open mind and a desire to learn, she is able to create content that resonates with diverse groups, bridging the gap between industries and establishing meaningful connections through her work.

The Impact of Personal Branding on Business and Personal Growth

Alanna, with her background in public relations and personal branding, understands the profound impact personal branding can have on both a client's business and personal growth. Through her own experience, she recognized that she had been building her personal brand for years, known as "the fashion girl," not only through her Instagram posts and writings but also through her demeanor and daily interactions. Alanna emphasizes the importance of authenticity in personal branding, noting that people are drawn to those who are genuine and true to themselves. She advises clients against trying to act or dress inauthentically, as it is both obvious and ineffective. Authenticity, she believes, is the cornerstone of effective personal branding, as it allows individuals to authentically embody their brand and connect with their audience on a deeper level.

Reflecting on her individual fashion sense, Alanna explains the following:

"I would describe my personal style as "Carolyn Bessette meets Moira Rose." Carolyn was the original "Quiet Luxury Influencer," and I've found lots of inspiration from her classic and timeless looks. In fact, I've even made it a habit of recreating some of her most iconic looks! When it comes to Moira Rose from Schitt's Creek, I have also loved experimenting with edgy and bold looks. Very similar to Moira, I have often been the most overdressed person in the room, a badge of honour I wear proudly.

However, I do want to say that I feel like a style chameleon. I am always experimenting with different looks, and I especially feel a shift in my style when I am influenced by any movies or tv shows, or time periods that I want to revisit. Ultimately, that's the beauty of fashion: I can explore lots of different styles while still remaining true to who I am."

Building Trust and Relationships: A Key Skill for Success

Alanna attributes much of her success across various ventures and roles to her exceptional skill in building relationships. She considers relationship building to be her greatest asset, allowing her to quickly establish trust with clients. This trust, in turn, enables clients to open up and discuss challenging topics without fear of judgment. Alanna firmly believes in the impact of making others feel valued and trusted, as she understands that people never forget how you make them feel. This skill, she notes, cannot be learned from a textbook but requires the nurturing of genuine, meaningful relationships.

Alanna emphasizes the importance of fostering these relationships, as they have opened many doors for her career. She highlights the industry's interconnected nature, noting that word travels fast about one's reputation. Her approach to being authentic and trustworthy has helped her advance in her career and contributed to her positive reputation within the industry. She underscores the significance of being genuine and kind, as these qualities have significantly influenced her professional success. Alanna's emphasis on building trust and meaningful relationships is deeply rooted in her own experiences with mentors who have guided her journey. She recognizes the impact of these relationships, noting that her mentors have played a crucial role in her personal and professional growth.

"I have been incredibly lucky to have had a number of mentors throughout my career that helped me get to where I am today. My mentors are:

Roger Gingerich: So much of where I am in my career today is thanks to Roger. He has vouched for me for different jobs and opportunities, has guest lectured for any classes I've taught, and taught me everything I needed to know about the industry without sugarcoating anything. I owe a lot of credit and thanks to Roger's guidance and tutelage.

Jennifer Reitano: I like to think of Jennifer as my first ever mentor, who guided me when I had just completed my graduate studies at Humber College, when I felt so lost and unsure of where to start. She introduced me to Fashion Group International (FGI), which opened so many doors. Today, she still guides and advises me anytime I need help with anything.

Jennifer Ettinger: Through all the years I've known and worked for Jennifer, I have become a better and wiser person. She taught me that you can work in this industry without losing your integrity, and can be a strong leader while also being empathetic and kind. She taught me that kindness isn't a weakness, but an asset.

Yuri Siregar: As my course leader at Nottingham Trent University, Yuri guided me not just through my Master’s program but beyond as well. If it weren't for him suggesting I give branding and academia a chance, I wouldn't be in the role that I am in today. He saw something in me that I didn't, and I am forever grateful."

Embracing Imperfection: A Valuable Lesson

Alanna reflects on her career journey with a valuable piece of advice she wishes she had received earlier: the importance of embracing imperfection. As a self-professed perfectionist, Alanna admits that she often felt like a failure when things didn't go according to plan. This mindset of striving for perfection led to stress and anxiety, as she believed that any mistake would define her entire career. It wasn't until her friend and mentor, Jennifer Ettinger, reminded her that "you're not saving lives" that Alanna had a breakthrough. This simple yet profound advice helped her put things into perspective, realizing that while she should always strive to do meaningful work, mistakes are a natural part of the process and do not have life-altering consequences. Reflecting on this advice, Alanna acknowledges that embracing imperfection has taught her resilience and problem-solving skills, highlighting the importance of learning from setbacks and moving forward with confidence. Alanna offers the following advice for anyone looking to follow a similar career path:

"I would advise others looking to get into this space to be clear on your vision but flexible on how you get there. My career path changed, but I always knew what kind of woman I wanted to be, and that had acted as my north star as I navigated these career changes. I knew I wanted to work in fashion, I knew I was a strong communicator, and I knew I wanted to work with and lead others. Did I ever think that I would ever leave journalism? No, definitely not. But I still found a career that combines fashion, communication, and leadership. While my career path changed, my core goals remained the same. There are countless ways to work in this industry without limiting yourself.

This can be a very competitive and, at times, cut-throat industry, and there can be a lot of ups and downs as you get started and find your way. When you get into those particularly low times, it's very easy to want to protect ourselves and think about all the ways things could go wrong or fail. But I think it's important to remember that sometimes things do work out, and sometimes even better than we can imagine. "

Reflecting on Career Milestones

Alanna takes pride in her accomplishments in the fashion industry, having made a name for herself in both Canada and the UK. Her work with the Commonwealth Fashion Council (CFC) and other projects has allowed her to leave a mark on prestigious events such as Toronto Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, experiences she describes as surreal. Additionally, she recently had the opportunity to speak for UN75, a milestone and achievement that she considers unreal. These accomplishments highlight Alanna's impact and recognition in the fashion world, reflecting her dedication and passion for her work.

Additionally, Alanna was instrumental in successfully launching CFC TV. One of her notable achievements was contributing to CFC's recognition as an Official Nominating Partner for the Earthshot Prize, an initiative led by HRH Prince William. This accomplishment highlighted the significant impact of Alanna's efforts in promoting positive change and sustainability within the fashion industry.

Prioritizing Self-Care in a Busy Schedule

For Alanna, a typical day begins with a cup of coffee, an absolute non-negotiable in her routine. She starts her day early, jumping into check-in calls and then proceeding to three to five client calls throughout the day. Her daily tasks are diverse, ranging from client consultations and internal meetings to creating content for LinkedIn and Instagram and delegating tasks to her team. While her schedule occasionally includes covering a red-carpet event or attending a fashion show, such glamorous occasions are not as typical as her Instagram activity might suggest. Despite this, Alanna remains dedicated to her work, consistently balancing the demands of her role with a passion for the fashion industry. Alanna acknowledges the challenges of prioritizing self-care amidst a busy schedule, particularly as a self-professed workaholic. However, she has learned that self-care is a journey that requires intentionality.

"I'm very intentional with my time and protecting my peace. I turn off notifications in the evening and make sure I go for a run daily, even if it's just for half an hour. Having a dog helps me take a long walk each day, which is a great way to unwind with my music and bonding time with him. I also protect my mental well-being by surrounding myself with the right people and making time for the family and friends who make me feel energized and alive after being around them."

Alanna's Definition of Success

"I define success as truly having it all. It's about pursuing my passions, reaching my career goals, and forever learning and growing. Success means maintaining meaningful relationships, prioritizing my well-being, and being authentic in all aspects of life. Ultimately, for me, success is all about feeling content and proud of the person I am and the work I do, while making a positive difference in the lives of those around me."

A Glimpse Beyond LinkedIn

Alanna's approach to her legacy is deeply rooted in her values of love and empathy. She aspires to be remembered as someone who deeply loved and cared for those around her. While she hopes her professional achievements will leave a lasting impression on the industry, her true legacy lies in the positive impact she has on individuals.

"A few years back, I remember watching the Stephen Colbert show and Keanu Reeves was a guest, and Stephen jokingly asked him, "What happens to us when we die?" Instead of offering a humorous response, Keanu simply replied, "the people we love will miss us." That answer has always stuck with me because we can only hope that we have such a profound impact that others will miss us. While I hope my professional achievements and wild stories will leave a lasting impression on this industry, the legacy I truly want to leave behind goes beyond that. Instead, I want to be remembered as someone who deeply loved and cared for the people around her, as someone who always acted from a place of empathy, and had a real and positive impact on those around me. At the end of the day, I want to leave a legacy of love."

While many may know Alanna for her professional accomplishments, there's more to her than meets the eye.

"I would probably say that I am crazy about my dog Rudy, but I'm pretty sure I have written a post about that on LinkedIn! Other than that, I would probably mention that I've always had entrepreneurial aspirations, and more and more, I see myself starting my own company and being my own boss."

Exciting Ventures on the Horizon

Alanna has exciting plans for the future, including a partnership with a major streaming giant, set to be revealed this summer. Additionally, she looks forward to increasing her public speaking engagements and podcast appearances. While her ultimate goal is to run her own company, she is focused on learning from the best in the industry to ensure her future endeavors are a success.

Alanna's journey highlights the transformation from passion to profession, illustrating that with dedication and bold choices, it is possible to turn a love for something into a thriving career. Her unwavering commitment to her craft propelled her from a young fashion enthusiast to a trailblazer in the industry, making a name for herself in both Canada and the UK.

Throughout her career, Alanna has embraced change and pursued growth, transitioning from journalism to fashion PR and mastering the art of personal branding. Her ability to adapt and evolve demonstrates the importance of being flexible in your career path while staying true to core values and aspirations.

One of the key takeaways from Alanna's journey is the impact of building trust and relationships. Her genuine approach to connecting with diverse audiences and fostering meaningful connections has not only advanced her career but also contributed to her positive reputation within the industry. Alanna's emphasis on authenticity in personal branding serves as a reminder that staying true to oneself is essential for success.

Alanna’s journey through fashion and personal branding is a story of passion, authenticity, and resilience. Her experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to follow their dreams and make a mark in the fashion industry. As she continues to inspire and innovate, Alanna remains a shining example of the power of staying true to yourself and the impact of a well-crafted personal brand.

As we navigate our own paths, let us draw inspiration from Alanna's journey and remember that with dedication, resilience, and a true passion for our craft, anything is possible.