Rosa Kimosa has been an intern at the popular Fashion Magazine ‘Dazed’.
She was lucky being able to turn her internship into a paid Social Media Editor position, worked there for half a year before she decided to start working as a freelance.
We were interested in her previously gained experiences as well as how she turned her job into a freelance position.
- Hey Rosa. We are glad to having you here with us today. May you introduce yourself to the Glam Observer Community?
I am a 22-year-old freelance editor of the award-winning mental health platform Aware Online.
2.You studied Fashion Promotion in London and interned at Paused and Dazed
My university course was very practical and hands on which was tough at the time but great in the long run as it allowed me to get a taste of what working in the real world was going to be like.
I part-took in a lot of live group projects, one being curating a photography exhibition at Somerset House for the launch of a digital platform. Projects like that, not only gave me work to claim on my CV but actual industry experience that I was able to apply when working with other companies.
3.What did your internships teach you and what were your tasks and responsibilities?
I learned so much during my internship and met some amazing friends too!
Working for Pause was a dream as they gave me creative freedom to try out different tasks. I mainly worked as their social media manager but was also given the opportunity to design merch, creative visual graphics, attend and cover events and assist on editorial shoots. However, my day to day activities were scheduling social media roll outs and creating branded content for their Instagram stories. At dazed I actually interned as a fashion intern and met some amazing people that I am still friends with!
As a fashion intern we mostly dealt with preparing styling items and handling returns. Additionally, I was lucky enough to actually assist two editorial shoots and
4.After your internship at
Funny story, I had actually DM’ed @dazedfashion on Instagram two years before I got the job. I messaged them asking if they needed a social media intern.
This was very bold and not completely professional but, in my defence, I was hungry for experience.
However, they did not actually get back to me at the time. So, when I was interning there (two years later) I was talking to some friends at the office and they mentioned a social media role and I applied straight away.
The interview process had three stages, but I committed and got the job. My advice for other people looking to turn the internships into a paid job would be to first of all know what you want.
I had always wanted to do social media for Dazed and they were able to sense that enthusiasm in my drive. Secondly, make friends! I know it can be scary when you are an intern to start conversations with people around the office. But you need to understand that these are the people you want to work with and it would not hurt to get to know them. You never know who will be able to connect you to a potential job opportunity. When I was working at dazed I always spoke to the interns and tried to make them feel comfortable and welcomed in the office. Even when I was interning I made sure I spoke to the receptionist every day and believe this helped me get the job as I was clearly already familiar with some of the team.
5. You are now working as
Personally, I have always had a more freelance/ entrepreneurial drive so it was not really a set decision but more me finally fulfilling my passions. Now this is not to say that I would not go back and work for another company if a good opportunity comes my way because I would totally take it. The main concern for most freelancers is finance. Do not ever just leave your job without no financial backup. My personal challenge with freelance work is simply time management. I love to stay busy which is great for work however when you are freelancing and you have to set up your own timetable it is easy to take on too much and think you have all time in the world to get things done when you don’t. However, I have adapted a 9-5 template in which I try to complete all my tasks between 9 am to 5/6pm. Now, that varies on the project but it does give me a lot of structure and clarity.
6.How do you find clients and work as freelance?
Network, network, network. Go to events and launches and get speaking to people. You have to be your own walking billboard and let people know what you can offer their business. Also, an amazing way to make connections is LinkedIn.
Update your profile whenever you can to show potential clients what you have been up to. And do not be afraid to reach out to them and offer your services. You have to be bold and confident with yourself as you are your brand.
7.Could you give us a definition of the word ‘freelance’ and explain its differences compared to
My definition of a freelance or freelancer would be “a go getter”. Compared to a normal job, as a freelancer you literally have to go out there and get the opportunities you want and need. You are no longer relying on a company to issue you a pay check at the end of every month. Every single penny you get is earned by networking, collaborating and working hard every day. It is not easy but it is very rewarding.
8.What would your advice for people, wanting to work in freelance be?
Make a plan of exactly what service you can offer, save up some good amount of money for financial protection and then just go for it. Make sure you brand for service, so get a website or a LinkedIn or some business cards and a work email for all our admin. Also build up clientele before you leave your work place as finding new clients is not always a straight path.
9.May you tell us a little about your morning routine and the three
I aim to wake up earlier than everyone else. I love the piece and quite of the early mornings. Luckily for me I love outside the city so I go for a run every-other-day and get some fresh unpolluted air. When I get in, I grab something to eat, shower then listen to this super cool audio book app called Blinkist whilst getting ready. On days where I do not run, I meditate to the Sip and Om daily podcast.I am not the best of meditation I must be honest, but I always give my best.
As mentioned before I run a mental health awareness platform, so I have a hot seat desk space that I go to. I actually try to make an effort for my little office space.
Currently, I am all about colour! I am in love with bright colours although it is not summer yet, I have no regrets. So I always try to wear a bright item be it a top or jacket. I recently bought a pair of Cat footwear trainers in red and I wear them all the time. I also DIY’d myself a cute YSL tote for my laptop from an old dust bag and I have been getting a lot of compliments.
10.What makes nowadays fashion industry worth working in?
Fashion to me has always been exciting because it is unpredictable. Especially with so many young new designers blossoming you never know what you are going to see on the runway or even social media.
However, my most enjoyable part of being in the industry is being around creative people.
I gain inspiration so easily from those around me and that really keeps me going.
Interview by Lilly Meuser
