Abbey Parodi ('16), an alumna of the Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design program, has been busy weaving a bit of magic into her career and all the costumes she’s helped develop for enchanted park-goers at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. A costume development manager, Parodi serves the Orlando parks and began her costuming career with The Walt Disney Company shortly after graduating in 2016. Her time spent there has offered her wonderful opportunities to hone her skills, meet and work with many amazing people, and even make a few wishes comes true, including helping a young, aspiring designer and Make-A-Wish kid bring her dream dress to life.
Learn more about Abbey’s time at CEHS, what she enjoys most about her role at Disney, and the advice she has for current and future TMFD students working to make their own dreams come true.
Why did you choose to attend UNL for your undergraduate degree?
I was born in Baltimore and grew up all over the East Coast. My family ended up moving to Omaha, Nebraska where I spent my high school years. When I was looking at options for colleges, I knew I wanted a college with a strong fashion program. I feel like I was lucky in finding a college that not only has a remarkable fashion and textile program but was in the state I had made home and loved for so long.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in textiles and fashion industry?
From the first pencil bag I designed and constructed in second grade, I knew I wanted to be a part of the fashion community! I spent the rest of my school career signing up for every extracurricular class that concentrated on sewing, knitting, textiles, crafts—you name it! I was lucky my high school offered design ‘study hall’ courses where I could use the equipment and study my areas of interest within art and design.
Throughout high school I always tried to attend local events like Omaha Fashion Week, or any charity fashion show in the area. I spent my career days in high school at local boutiques learning the workings of the merchandising side of the industry. All those opportunities continued to grow my love of fashion and design.
What set the program in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design apart for you when choosing your college?
I was extremely impressed with the quality and scale of the department. To the rest of the world, Nebraska may not be the first place people think of when discussing high fashion. But what I saw when touring the department was a team of incredibly talented individuals committed to their craft and studies. I saw a department making incredible advancements in the textile sciences world, and one that gave every student the chance to grow, learn, and develop their specific and unique eye. Those factors made it clear that this was the department I needed to be a part of.
If you had a favorite class, what was it and why?
I loved so many of the classes during my time in college—anything with textile design, garment construction, costume history. All have proven to be beneficial to my professional career, but one class will always stand out to me: Professor Barbara Trout’s Experimental Design Course.
This was by far my favorite class during my college career (senior year). Our assignments consisted of an idea, a topic, and a discussion. And we were responsible for developing a concept, design, pattern, and final product during our weekly studio sessions. Although I had never been pushed harder creatively, I have never had such beneficial learning. I reflect on that course and wish that I could, today, spend three hours, three days a week, coming up with the next best thing in fashion. We were encouraged and pushed to test our boundaries creatively, conceptually create something never seen, and fail if that meant learning about the process. I will forever hold that class as one of the best art and design experiences I’ve ever had in my life.
What experiences did you have during your time at UNL that helped you get where you are today?
UNL really presents students a chance to succeed by offering so many opportunities to share their work within university events, like student run fashion shows or exhibits. They also encouraged us to go out and find other work to showcase our talent within the community. I was encouraged to participate in off campus events like Omaha Fashion Week and Project Funway. I had the support of my peers and professors to go out in the world and perform to the professional level that they knew I could. These events were monumental in creating confidence to find my passions in my future career. The mixture of courses, campus events and local events prepared me for entering the workforce as a creative professional.
What made you decide to apply for the costumer internship at Disney?
Right out of college I knew I wanted to jump into the world of development. After searching through so many companies and applications, The Walt Disney Company really caught my interest. The application spoke to a creative costuming team that supported all areas of their business. I knew I wanted to explore and learn more about this company. From their dedication to incredible show, creativity, and global impact initiatives; I loved the idea that I could be making magic for such an amazing company.
What is your favorite part of the work you do?
I feel like you hear the name Disney and think “magic.” Well, I am here to say the best part of my career is I get to make magic every day. I get to collaborate with a team of incredibly talented individuals from all over the world who make such beautiful, creative, and special products that our guests get to experience every day! We work with the best products and technology that are always changing and growing to keep up with the amazing creativity behind our designs! Collaboration is a huge part of my job, and I love to work with all lines of business to produce the best products we can for our clients!
What advice do you have for current students looking for internship opportunities?
I have recruited and helped many people within the Disney Professional Internship program and have a few key points I like to share with those looking for internships or new positions:
- Don’t be afraid to apply for positions out of the scope of interest or out of experience. Look for key words in postings that excite you and your creativity.
- Meet as many people as possible! Any area of the creative world is about who you know. Send out emails and request meet and greets. Ask your professors for contacts and career path advice. Join alumni channels. You have an amazing support system behind you, take advantage of it and the support that comes with it. You will never regret reaching out regardless of the outcome, but you may regret never trying!
- Brag about yourself! You have found your talent, your voice, your design aesthetic. You have spent years in school mastering your craft. Take time to celebrate that while interviewing for the positions you want. Tell the world what sets you apart, what you have mastered, what you bring to the table. Your voice and your eye are so important to this industry. Please don’t be afraid to share that. You should be willing to grow, willing to lean, willing to adapt as needed, but you should also be so proud of everything you’ve accomplished to get here.
What advice do you have for a student considering a career in costuming or any other aspect of the TMFD programs?
When I was studying fashion design and textile design, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would end up working for the largest entertainment company in the world! The world of fashion and design is a big place, and there are areas of it you might have never even considered! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and show off your incredible talent!
My advice would be to step out of your comfort zone. Learn as much as you can about anything offered to you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for an interview, ask for guidance, ask for favors. The worst thing anyone can say to you in this world is “no”. And if that’s the worst you’ll ever hear, then think of the good things that could come your way too. Always ask for what you want for yourself and be your biggest cheerleader!
My last thought on this would be don’t be afraid to go for it. You have one life and you’ve already made it this far as a TMFD student. Go for your wildest dreams! If I could give advice to my college self, I would beg them to stress less and get excited! Figuring out what comes next in life after school is an amazing and exciting time. Trust your gut, trust your talent, and go show the world what you have to offer!
College of Education and Human Sciences
Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design
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