Passion for fashion: Davis using her Spears Business degrees to turn Oklahoma into a fashion destination

Passion for fashion: Davis using her Spears Business degrees to turn Oklahoma into a fashion destination

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Media Contact: Stephen Howard | Manager of Communications | 405-744-4363 | [email protected]

After years of persistence, Oklahoma State University senior McKenzie Davis finally achieved her dream of attending New York Fashion Week. But her vision extends far beyond the runways of Manhattan - she wants to transform Oklahoma into the next fashion destination.

The Spears School of Business marketing major and MBA 4+1 candidate saw beyond the glamour and bright lights to a future where her home state has its own thriving fashion scene, and she wants to make it happen.

"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."

As the only student from Oklahoma selected among thousands of applicants for September's College Fashionista's Creators Loft, Davis rubbed elbows with industry leaders at the premier event for fashion and beauty for college content creators. The Elk City, Oklahoma, native used her time in New York to make strategic connections with industry executives and entrepreneurs while getting an inside look at the business of fashion.

The 23-year-old now serves as the OSU representative of Campus Collective, where she'll be working with brands like Dove, Prada, Rare Beauty, La Roche-Posay and Garnier to promote student ambassadorships and post-college career opportunities for future OSU students.

"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?"

Davis' path to the fashion world began shortly after high school graduation, starting with a modest $15-per-hour modeling gig. Through strategic networking at statewide photography meetups, she steadily built her portfolio and connections, eventually commanding $250 per hour for modeling work.

Now at OSU, Davis is simultaneously completing her senior year in marketing while pursuing her MBA through the accelerated 4+1 program. She's been an integral member of the Center for Sales and Service Excellence (CSSE), where she is believed to be the first freshman ever admitted to the program. She has even served as a multi-year captain for CSSE's annual golf fundraiser.

"I have been privileged to encounter McKenzie within the Center for Sales and Service Excellence," said Whitney Roman, director of the CSSE and an assistant professor of professional practice. "She is both an exceptional student and human being. I am continually impressed with her initiative and drive, paired with her incredible capabilities. She is an excellent example of the tenacity and integrity that we hope all OSU students represent."

Davis credits much of her success to a concept she learned from Dr. Andy Urich, the Eastin Center Chair for Talent Development and an associate professor of management. Urich gave a lecture on the art of creating "lucky situations," which resonated with Davis as she reflected on her journey into the fashion industry.

"I'd like to think that I'm just a person that's had a lot of lucky things happen to them," Davis said. "But Dr. Urich's lecture really helped me understand that what looks like luck often comes from consistently putting yourself in situations where good fortune can find you."

Davis realized that her path into modeling was the real-life embodiment of this principle. What started with responding to a random photographer's photo shoot invitation led her to seek out Oklahoma modeling and photography meetups. At these gatherings, she connected with experienced models who shared insider knowledge about agency signings, marketing strategies and industry pricing - essentially getting a crash course in fashion business before she ever set foot in a college classroom.

"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."

While New York Fashion Week may have been a personal milestone, her 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.

"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."

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