Who am I?

My name is Aydie Abdulrahim and in May 2026, I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.A. in Fashion Merchandising. Throughout my time at VCU, I developed a strong foundation in business strategy, analytics, trend forecasting, and consumer behavior. Through opportunities within the program, I was awarded grants and scholarships from organizations including the Fashion Scholarship Fund, TJX, and CottonWorks. These experiences have strengthened my industry knowledge and provided a strong foundation as I begin pursuing a career in fashion.

This summer, I will be moving to New York to begin my career in the fashion industry. I’m excited to see what I will accomplish in this next chapter because the strides I have taken in the last few years took a lot of hard work. I have a strong interest in contemporary fashion, particularly in the areas of Branding, Product Development, Merchandising, and Marketing.

I am currently seeking entry-level opportunities where I can contribute to a brand’s creative direction, product vision, and overall growth while continuing to develop professionally within the industry. Above all, I’m interested in being part of environments where thoughtful ideas, strong collaboration, and creativity can lead to meaningful work.

My Motivation
Above all, what I am most proud of are the communities I’ve been part of. I’m constantly inspired by my friends and the people I surround myself with. We all see things differently, critique things differently, and bring our own perspectives into conversations, and being around that has helped shape my own identity and creative perspective.

At VCU, I found that within the VCUarts Fashion Department. Even as a merchandising student, I spent a lot of time in the design studios, building friendships with designers, photographers, production, and other creatives. Being surrounded by people constantly creating and sharing ideas taught me just as much as the classroom did.

Of course, I want to build a successful career and create a comfortable life for myself in the city, but more than anything, I want to continue being part of environments that feel collaborative, inspiring, and creatively driven. The work matters to me, but the people around it matter just as much.

Losing Word: Souvenir

Achievements/Awards

Macy’s Charter Club Design Challenge Applicant: Developed two ready-to-wear cashmere products across apparel and accessories that aligned with Charter Club’s brand DNA.

Fashion Scholarship Fund Applicant: Developed a long-term business strategy for a conceptual collaboration between Dior and HarperCollins Publishers.

Fashion Scholarship Fund x TJX Scholar: Developed a merchandising strategy for a conceptual collaboration between Birkenstock and Artec3D focused on creating inclusive footwear for a wide range of foot shapes.

Cottonworks Research Grant Recipient: Awarded the “Cotton in the Curriculum” scholarship for excellence in research and product development for a brand concept created alongside my team.

VCUarts Fashion Student Advisory Board Member: Nominated by faculty to serve on the departmental advisory board supporting the Fashion Design + Merchandising program.

Old Bridge Elementary School Spelling Bee Winner: I beat all the 5th graders (as a 4th grader) and represented my school in the county-wide spelling bee.

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