Name: Maria Hilario
KPU Program: Bachelor of Fashion Design and Technology
Grad Year: 2017
Employed as: Design Assistant at lululemon & Designer/Creator at Muvmint
Employer website: lululemon.com / muvmint.ca
What are your primary responsibilities at your job?
As a Design Assistant at lululemon my main responsibilities are to support all aspect of design from drawing, designing, fittings, sewing, presentations, and computer-generated work.
As the creator of Muvmint I run everything from designing, marketing, social media, and sourcing.
What is your favourite part of your work?
My favourite part about work is the ability to be creative and being a problem solver. Designing for new seasons is exciting because I get to work with fabrics, colours and themes. Coming up with solutions to address the needs of lululemon’s target markets is also an exciting part of the job.
My favourite part about my brand muvmint is simply seeing my customers wear my designs and the excitement they have when they are happy about the product. It makes working two jobs worth it!
How do you like to unwind/handle stress?
I love to dance. When I am feeling super stressed I will take myself away from my work, put on some good music and just dance to the beat! I also recently have been in the practice of meditation. I attend the meditation classes at lululemon quite regularly when I want to take a moment away from my desk to clear my head!
Who is the most famous person you've ever met?
I actually have never met anyone super famous. I sat next to Cole Sprouse (from Suite Life of Zac & Cody/Riverdale) at a restaurant in Gastown, but I was too nervous to ask for a picture!
If you had a time machine and could have lunch with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
I would have lunch with Rihanna.
Where does your inspiration come from?
A lot of things. I can get inspired by a song, a movie or simply an image I see online.
Where do you see yourself in one, five or 10 years?
In five years I see Muvmint growing as a company where I am working with a bigger team!
What are you most proud of?
I am very proud of the goals I have accomplished so far! I finished university and working in a field that I love. I feel blessed to have been given such amazing opportunities that allow me to grow as a person.
Greatest advice?
Work hard to live the life that you love.
Favourite KPU moment?
Spending four years with the most supportive class and teachers. The relationships I built with people I saw every day will stay with me forever.
What's the last book you read?
Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso
Any other interesting facts?
I recently shared my story about how RESP's helped me complete my degree. You can view the Heritage Hero video here: http://blog.heritageresp.com/maria-hilario/