Megan Hoelker

Hello! I am currently a student at AVEDA Fredrick's Institute in Cincinnati, where I was born and raised. I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in December 2010 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Apparel Design & Merchandising. I began my Cosmetology education in June 2022 and my expected graduation date is July 2023. 

I have a passion for all things fabulous! I believe that when I graduate from AVEDA Frederick's Institute, my greatest strength will be that am an educated professional in both the Fashion and Beauty Industries. 

When I graduated from EKU, I moved to New York City for an internship with The Color Association of America. It was here that I assisted with the theory and development of Color Trend Forecasting up to 2 years in advance. 

I also gained incredible experience as a Design Assistant & Intern for Althea Harper of Project Runway: Season 6. I assisted with the ALTHEA HARPER Fashion Show Presentation for NYFW 2010. I helped to pattern make and sew the garments of a 25 piece line at the direction of the designer Althea Harper. I assisted with fittings for the models. I purchased materials for the garments based upon directions of the design aesthetics and goals of functionality. I communicated with production and showrooms within the NYC Garment District. 

My time in New York City was one of the most amazing experiences that I was privileged to have had. I chose to move back to Cincinnati, because New York is a difficult place to live without a significant income. I was working at Men's Wearhouse as a Sales Coordinator, but the pay was not enough to cover my living expenses.

When I returned to Cincinnati, I had several roles within the industry in Ohio. I will list with a brief overview below:

Nordstrom: Sales Associate Lead, January 2011- April 2012 - Cincinnat, OH

- I began at Nordstrom working in the Brass Plum Department, and became a top Sales Associate. I was asked by the T.B.D. Department Manager to transfer departments to become the Sales Team Leader. I coached employees through customer scenarios and product knowledge. I assisted the Manager to help promote exceeding sales goals and exceptional customer service.

Von Maur: Alterations Associate, April 2012- June 2012 - Columbus, OH

- Although I was only here for a short time, I learned alteration and sewing techniques in this role that I am extremely thankful to have learned.

Limited Brands - La Senza: Fabric & Trim Sourcing Associate, June 2012- November 2012 - Columbus, OH

- I was recruited for a temporary role to cover a maternity leave. In this position I communicated with International Fabric & Trim suppliers to receive quality materials for lingerie, bras and panties. The cost savings requirements were advised by the La Senza Accounting & Merchant Teams. I communication with the La Senza Design Team to also achieve the aesthetic goals and standards of the upcoming season. 

Standard Textile: Sourcing Associate, December 2012 - January 2014 - Cincinnat, OH

- My experience at La Senza had prepared me for my role at Standard Textile. The company is a major supplier textile items for hospitals and hotels, (bed sheets, towels, linens, clothing, curtain, carpet, upholstery, etc.) I was in charge of communicaton with international factories for the production of the hospital gowns, baby shirts & blankets and scrubs.

Dress for Success Cincinnati: Donation Center Coordinator January 2014- September 2018 - Cincinnat, OH

- This was my favorite role. I was in charge of directing the distribution of the donations that we received from the public, local businesses and corporations. Clothing donations would either be delivered to the Suiting Department, where the women were styled for interviews and then invited back once hired to select additional pieces to begin their career with confidence. The women were also mentored through the interview process. DFS Cincy also offered ongoing personal and career development. DFS Cincy is also the only location with a successful boutique, known as Portaluca. It was here that I sent our donations that could not be used in the suiting department. This decision would be made based upon the intended occasion the garment was designed for, value of the piece, size availability needed in the Suiting Department, etc. I directed and coached weekly volunteer teams to assist me in organizing and distributing donations to the departments or storing them for later seasons or events.

In 2018 we found out I was pregnant and I chose to focus on my greatest role of motherhood.

In 2022, when he was settled in Pre-K, I decided to return to school to pursue a career I had always dreamed of in Cosmetology. I am estatic to see where this takes me! I believe that the dynamic experiences of my career within the Fashion Industry will enhance my Cosmetology career.