Peggy Higman (Margaret)Fashion Design
Peggy Farritor (Margaret)
1996
I surprisingly loved my experience at UNL College Of Family and Consumer Sciences. I transferred from Purdue University, I was born, and raised in the suburbs of Chicago and never thought I would enjoy a more rural setting for college. Circumstances lead me to UNL and it was one of the best decisions of my life! I decided to attend the school based on my meeting with Dr. Hillstead! I was so impressed with him, I decided to give it a try!
The diversity of classes offered from Textile Science with Dr. Crews, to Screen Printing with Wendy Weiss, to any class Dr. Hillstead taught is still memorable!!! I left with a very well rounded experience in an atypical setting for Fashion Design.
The diversity of classes offered from Textile Science with Dr. Crews, to Screen Printing with Wendy Weiss, to any class Dr. Hillstead taught is still memorable!!! I left with a very well rounded experience in an atypical setting for Fashion Design.
Immediately after graduation, I went to work for a small boutique design company, Janell Beals Designs. We attended many Regional and National market shows. I was a midwest sales rep, and assistance designer for 2 years with her Women's Wear fashion line. After she relocated to San Francisco, I went to work as a costumer for Independent Films, Commercials, and Television Series in Los Angeles and Chicago. I worked on Feature Films, Commercials, and a long stint in Daytime Soap Operas Including, Passions, Young and the Restless, and General Hospital. I used many teching skills learned in Textile Science as well as Fashion Buying, Styling, and Garment Construction. After years in LA, I moved back to Chicago and managed Women's Clothing at Barneys New York in Chicago. After getting married, moving, and having a few children, I opened my own clothing store, Ava Morgan in Vermillion, South Dakota. I owned and operated the store for 5 years. Currently, I am a part time personal trainer, and gym owner, and full time mom of 3 very busy children!
I had a very well rounded education that helped me advance my career. I had so many skills and experiences working with materials, construction, design, and business marketing and accounting. I used them all over the years. I would say the only thing I did not have access to was good job placement... really had to get out on my own and network and make opportunities happen. I am sure things are much different now. But that is always one thing I wished we had more access to!
Nothing replaces hard work and desire! Get the education and degrees, but YOU must put yourself out there, Be Brave, Never Fear Failure, and GO for IT!
