McKenzie Davis, a senior at Oklahoma State University, has set her sights on revolutionizing the fashion industry in her home state. After attending New York Fashion Week, the Spears School of Business marketing major and MBA 4+1 candidate is determined to bring the glamour and opportunities of the fashion world to Oklahoma, creating a thriving industry that will inspire and empower future generations of fashion enthusiasts.

Unlocking Oklahoma's Untapped Fashion Potential

Bridging the Gap: Bringing Fashion to the Heartland

McKenzie Davis has observed a distinct lack of representation from the fashion and beauty industries at OSU's career fairs, a gap she is determined to fill. Driven by her passion for her home state, Davis envisions a future where Oklahoma becomes a fashion destination, offering aspiring designers, models, and industry professionals the same opportunities as the fashion hubs of the world."Going to the career fair at OSU, you see oil and gas, you see insurance, you see all these different types of industries, but no one from beauty or fashion," Davis said. "I want to bring that to Oklahoma so people who are as passionate about it as me have that opportunity. I love Oklahoma. I never want to leave. So, it would be really nice to bring some of the fashion industry here."

Forging Connections and Gaining Insider Insights

Davis' journey into the fashion world began shortly after high school, starting with a modest modeling gig. Through strategic networking at statewide photography meetups, she steadily built her portfolio and connections, eventually commanding $250 per hour for modeling work. This real-world experience has provided her with invaluable insights into the fashion industry, insights she is now applying to her academic pursuits."If I hadn't started going to those meetups, if I hadn't started talking to agencies, if I hadn't made my comp card, if I hadn't made friends with photographers and people who could help me get where I want to be, I would never have made it to New York Fashion Week," Davis said. "What I'm learning now in my business classes — marketing yourself, promotion strategies, pricing models — I was already practicing in the real world through those early modeling connections."

Seizing Opportunities and Expanding Horizons

Davis' determination and strategic networking have paid off, as she was the only student from Oklahoma selected among thousands of applicants for September's College Fashionista's Creators Loft, a premier event for fashion and beauty content creators. This opportunity allowed her to rub elbows with industry leaders and gain an insider's perspective on the business of fashion."Walking around New York, it was interesting to see how similar it was to Oklahoma once you get outside the city," Davis said. "If they can do it, why can't we?"

Paving the Way for Future Fashion Enthusiasts

While New York Fashion Week may have been a personal milestone, Davis' bigger goal is ensuring future fashion industry aspirants won't have to leave Oklahoma to pursue their dreams. She envisions a future where OSU career fairs feature recruiters from fashion brands stationed alongside energy and insurance companies, providing students with a diverse range of career opportunities."Five to 10 years down the road, I really hope that some 23-year-old girl who really loves fashion can go to the career fair and see these companies," Davis said. "I just really want people who are as passionate about it as I am to be able to pursue their dreams here in Oklahoma."