Fashion Merchandising

Our Grads

Maria Frankito

Maria always knew she wanted to open her own boutique, a store where customers could buy unique clothing and accessories.

After graduating from VMCAD in 1997 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising, she worked at several top name clothing stores. She was a visual merchandiser for Express and a store manager for both Wet Seal and JCrew. But in 2006 she knew she was ready to fulfill her dream. In October of that year she opened Savvy Chic Boutique in Broadview Heights, Ohio.

"At Virginia Marti I really developed the foundation, tools and skills necessary for owning my own business," Maria says. "I liked the small classes and the collaboration I found with my classmates. I still keep in touch with some of my instructors today."

Click Maria’s photo to see her store!

Savvy Chic often partners with several salons in the area to put on Fashion Shows and raise money for philanthropic causes. They’ve been featured in several magazines and on local television. Maria says she wanted to open a shop that allowed women to put their whole wardrobes together in a contemporary and unique way, in a way that you couldn’t find in just any store. And not only has Maria found the merchandise to put it all together, she’s found her dream, too.

Billy Lucas

Billy Lucas has worked hard to achieve his success. As a 2006 Fashion Merchandising graduate, Billy worked as an Assistant Manager at Urban Outfitters while taking classes at VMCAD.

Within months of graduating Billy was hired to Manage the American Apparel store in Coventry. Today he criss-crosses the United States helping American Apparel turn around troubled stores and open new locations. In total Billy has worked with 25 American Apparel stores in many states and has opened six new locations.

Billy says that reaching your goal isn’t difficult if you work hard. “Set realistic career goals,” he says. “Then develop a strategy to achieve those goals and work until you reach each one of those goals.”