Inside the 8th Annual Michigan Fashion Media Summit
By Brooke Quirarte
On March 28th, the Michigan Fashion Media Summit hosted its 8th annual summit, continuing the tradition of inspiring students to pursue careers in fashion and media. Founded in 2018, the Michigan Fashion Media Summit (MFMS) is a student-led organization focused on cultivating a community for students who share a passion for fashion and media.
Students in MFMS are given the opportunity to interact with a supportive and established network in both fashion and media industries. Within this community, students have access to the most influential talent on the University of Michigan campus and alumni.
Each year, the MFMS hosts their key event–the summit. This conference welcomes not only students actively involved in MFMS but also any student on campus who is interested in exploring fashion and media. The event features distinguished speakers, cutting-edge workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
The event is entirely student-run and non-profit, highlighting the dedication and talent of MFMS members, bringing an event of this magnitude and impact to students.
Co-Presidents Lila Grayson and Izzy Saunders led the process of speaker outreach through both recommendations from MFMS members and networking with professionals in the industry. From outreach to scheduling, all aspects of planning panels are carried out exclusively by students.
In addition to planning and programming, all internal and external processes are managed by various student-led teams. Whether it be collaborating with other student organizations, orchestrating ticket sales, or publicizing the event, every element of the summit is dependent on student leadership and initiative.
This year’s conference had a clear focus:inspiration and the power of being fully committed to pursuing one’s passions, even when they differ from the norm. From Sami Clarke, co-founder of digital wellness platform Form, to Joe Holder, GQ wellness columnist, each speaker shared their personal journey, cultivating an overarching message of dedication and individuality in pursuing their passions.
The first panel, From Followers to Founders: Creators Building Thriving Businesses, featured Chelsea Parke, Founder and CEO of Parke, Ella Rose, Founder of Skin by Ella Rose, and Diana Cohen, Founder of Crown Affair. In this panel, each entrepreneur underscored the importance of believing in their brand’s purpose and maintaining authenticity, which often converge with content creation and sustaining a business.
“It’s really hard to grow if the brand isn’t authentic to you,” Cohen shared.
Parke echoed the statement, “If you don’t believe in what you’re doing…I don’t think there is any point in starting a brand”.
The panelists highlighted the importance of establishing one’s individuality when building their own company. In an increasingly saturated beauty and fashion market, panelists confirmed that success oftentimes results from cultivating a product founded on genuine passion.
Later in the day, Lori Singer, President of Parlux Ltd., delivered a powerful message that originated from her journey in the fragrance industry.
“If you have passion, go for it. Be curious, don’t be afraid,” Singer says.
Singer recounted that in the early stages of her professional journey, she consistently aimed to do more than what was asked of her. Singer emphasized a key takeaway that, in business, passion and drive are essential, especially in younger and less experienced employees.
Throughout the summit, speakers emphasized the importance of pursuing ambitious goals and pushing conventional boundaries. While most speakers had backgrounds in fashion, beauty, wellness, and content creation, their insights are relevant to all businesses and industries.
The 2025 Michigan Fashion Media Summit offered attendees a truly inspirational call to believe in their passions, push beyond their limits, and be bold when building a future.
“Nothing is ever too saturated if you’re good at it,” concluded panelist JT Barnett..
