Dylan Barron (B.S. Public Relations, ’28) began an internship with luxury PR firm PURPLE PR that inspired her to start her own business.
Dylan Barron (B.S. Public Relations, ’28) chose Indiana University Bloomington and the College of Arts and Sciences’ Media School because it “… offered great academics, opportunities to explore my creative and professional interests, and, most importantly, a proud community,” said Barron. Her first visit to campus solidified her decision to come here as she walked through a sea of IU gear and Hoosier energy.
“I felt the Hoosier pride honestly radiating from every person I walked by, and I also liked how everyone was different,” said Barron. “With that difference in mind, I was even more drawn to this togetherness everyone seemed to express.”
Junior Dylan Barron, B.S. ’28, Public Relations
Fascinated by the entrepreneurial side of her Public Relations studies, Barron enjoyed classes like J326: Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Media. The course helped her discover her interest in fashion, the business behind it, and what trends are on the horizon in the world of fashion, including buying clothing for online avatars and a clothing rental business boom.
On top of leadership responsibilities within her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, Barron was looking for a summer internship that would challenge her and teach her more about the public relations industry. This led her to PURPLE PR.
Interning in L.A.
Barron’s internship began with a flurry of applications to multiple summer internship programs as the Spring semester was winding down. PURPLE PR caught her attention because it matched her interest in fashion.
“I was initially drawn to PURPLE PR because of its work at the intersection of luxury, fashion, and strategic communications,” she said. “I’ve always been interested in the way fashion brands establish a distinct identity and maintain relevance in an industry that is constantly evolving.”
When she completed the interview process and learned that she had gotten the internship, she began planning her stay in L.A. Thanks to a <a href="https://careers.college.indiana.edu/work-experience/experiential-learning-scholarships/index.html” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>Leona Zweig Rosenberg Internship Scholarship from the College’s Walter Center for Career Achievement, Barron didn’t have to worry about the financial aspects of moving to the west coast for her internship.
“Without this [scholarship], I legitimately do not know what would’ve happened,” she said. “I had the best summer ever working for PURPLE PR. I still have much to learn, but I am so grateful for this experience.”
Surrounded and inspired by the behind-the-scenes work that goes into luxury PR events, Barron gained first-hand experience assisting with showroom organization and archival inventory as well as assisting with stylist pulls and merchandising. Her summer with PURPLE PR inspired her to begin her own company, after seeing the popularity of individualized charms in PR and showroom work.
“Now I am starting up a jewelry brand of my own, Alicia Jaie, after seeing all the custom keychains and charms stylists and celebrities would come in with, wanting to give that piece of high-end custom magic to all,” said Barron.
Her internship reinforced the importance of taking opportunities that put you out of your comfort zone and taking opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Barron’s internship pushed her to meet new people and dive into new things, eventually giving her the confidence to start her own business venture.
Amidst her junior year studies and activities, Barron is looking ahead and starting to plan for her life post-grad. She hopes to move to a large city where she can shape culture and change the world while pursuing a career in lifestyle, fashion, or beauty.
“I think my internship at PURPLE PR definitely increased my interest in working in luxury creative spaces,” said Barron. “I for sure know I want to be involved with fashion. I really love being creative and PURPLE just reinforced that passion.”
Her internship and PR studies have shown Barron just how much of a successful public relations campaign happens behind the scenes, far from the eyes of consumers. As she prepares for her next big step into the world of PR, the skills Barron has picked up in the College and through her internship will guide her as she steps into her bright future.
“I’m so very grateful to have had the opportunity to explore an industry I’m passionate about, and I’m excited to continue building on that experience and legacy throughout the remainder of my time at Indiana University.”
Author
Devyn Blandford
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