S6 E2: Finding a Path in Fashion Buying with Yasmin Parkin, Buying & Merchandising Degree student at The Fashion Retail Academy

In this episode, we welcome Yasmin Parkin, a Buying and Merchandising student at the Fashion Retail Academy in London. Yasmin takes us through her journey of discovering her passion for fashion during school and how that interest eventually led her to pursue a degree focused on buying and merchandising. For her, fashion isn’t just about the clothes - it’s about what they represent, who they’re for, and how they connect with people. As she puts it, “It’s not just about loving fashion, it’s about understanding the customer and what’s selling.” 

Yasmin shares how her coursework has gone far beyond the classroom, with practical projects that helped clarify her career goals. From creating her own denim brand to tackling range planning exercises, these experiences have given her a hands-on look at what it takes to succeed in the industry. She admits that some of the more technical aspects, like learning Excel and mastering retail critical paths, have been challenging but essential. These skills, she explains, are what give structure to the creativity at the heart of buying.

Yasmin explains what excites her most about buying: the opportunity to spot trends, understand customers, and make decisions that shape what people see on the shop floor. 

Work experience has been another cornerstone of Yasmin’s learning. She highlights the value of internships and industry placements, even when they reveal what doesn’t feel like the right fit. As she reflects, “Work experience is so valuable, even if it shows you what you don’t want to do.” This mindset has helped her refine her career ambitions and gain confidence in pursuing buying as her path.

The conversation also touches on Yasmin’s inspirations, from admired brands to industry figures who are pushing fashion forward. Sustainability comes up as a recurring theme, with Yasmin emphasizing that responsible buying means making smarter, more selective choices rather than producing endlessly. In her words, “Sustainability means being more selective, not just offering every product in every color.” She believes the future of buying lies in balancing creativity with a responsibility to customers and the planet.

Whether you’re a student considering a career in retail, an aspiring buyer curious about the industry, or simply someone interested in how fashion decisions are made, Yasmin’s journey offers both inspiration and practical advice.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Buying is about more than a love for fashion—it’s about deeply understanding the customer and spotting what will sell.
   
   
2. Hands-on projects and work experience are invaluable, even when they show you what roles aren’t the right fit.
   
   
3. The future of retail buying depends on balancing creativity with sustainability, making thoughtful and selective decisions.

Sponsors:
Boho Betty: www.boho-betty.co.uk
Discount code: BYB10 (offer ends 3rd October)
Wholesale site: www.boho-betty-wholesale.myshopify.com  

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