Fashion is around us all, but few are fortunate enough to be completely immersed in it on a daily basis. Even fewer get to pursue their passion right here in Berks County. Read on and meet three local ladies who are true fashion mavens — each pursuing her love of high style in her hometown. Who needs to go to the big city to find a life in fashion?
Rose Fritch
Berks County Hometown: Kempton
Current Occupation: Senior Designer, Sorrelli Inc.
Did you always want to work in fashion? Why?
It wasn’t until college, when I took my first Fine Metals Studio class. I truly found myself through the jewelry making medium. I’m in love with the process; it’s tough but feminine. I can relate to that.
Can you recall your earliest fashion memory? What was it?
I went through a phase where I wasn’t seen without Punky Brewster pigtails, a rainbow of jelly bracelets on each arm and sparkly pink jelly shoes. Just to be clear, it was the 80s.
If you weren’t in fashion, what would you want to be doing?
I thoroughly enjoy the path that I’m on, but as long as I’m able to be creative and work with my hands, I think I could be happy. There are a lot of things I truly enjoy doing; I love to cook and garden. I collect vintage fabric, and I love to sew. I’m interested in interior design, and I’m constantly working on my home. I love finding old antiques and refurbishing them; I found and refurbished all of the fixtures in my home myself and enjoyed every minute of it!
What inspires you most about your fashion career?
Knowing that my jewelry designs give other women confidence and make them feel beautiful.
What is the best aspect about what you do currently?
There’s something uniquely expressive about working with metal, manipulating the parts with your hands, adding some fire and ultimately ending up with something so beautiful.
What is the most challenging part of your fashion career?
Working to meet tight deadlines; fortunately, I enjoy the challenge.
Why did you choose to stay in Berks County to pursue your fashion career?
I hadn’t even graduated college when I landed my dream job at Sorrelli. It was a great opportunity to learn and grow with a family owned and operated business. All of their values were so similar to my own. The decision was easy.
What inspires you most?
I have many muses: nature, architecture, vintage jewelry and textiles. While most of my inspiration comes through the observation of natural forms, man-made patterns and street style — and the act of creating — are equally motivating. Sometimes my hands can’t keep up with my brain. I design one thing and it sparks an idea for another, and another...and the cycle continues.
Describe your personal style.
Timeless and practical, but distinctly feminine.
White after Labor Day? Yes or No?
I think you should wear what makes you feel good, regardless of the season.
You couldn’t do your job every day without?
Caffeine, good music and the support of my amazing and talented co-workers.
Best fashion career advice you’ve ever been given?
When I first started designing jewelry for Sorrelli, Lisa Oswald’s (Sorrelli Founder, Owner and Creative Director) initial instruction was to “make things that you would want to wear.” It’s simple yet brilliant advice.
Favorite fashion item — old or new?
My Frye boots. They are the only shoes that can carry me from the office straight into my garden. It’s not unusual to find me harvesting veggies and picking flowers in my work attire!
Best advice for someone who wants to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
I don’t think it matters what industry you work in; you have to love what you do. When love and passion are present, success will meet you.
Susan Golembiski
Berks County Hometown: Mt. Penn
Current Occupation: Owner, Jan Rae Boutique
Did you always want to work in fashion? Why?
Although my first passion was ballet, fashion was a close second.
Can you recall your earliest fashion memory? What was it?
My earliest fashion memories include watching my great-grandmother make clothing for my Barbie and movies. I was enthralled with movies from the 40s and 50s during the 1970s. I did not find the trends of my youth, the 70s, very compelling.
If you weren’t in fashion, what would you want to be doing?
If I couldn’t work in fashion, I would be an architect.
What inspires you most about your fashion career?
Fashion itself is inspiring. It is an art form that is compelled to move and breathe.
What is the best aspect about what you do currently?
I provide flattering, quality, timeless garments for women who dress to enhance their best attributes and lifestyle. I love getting to know my clientele personally and providing solutions efficiently so that they can get on with their priorities.
What is the most challenging part of your fashion career?
I find the more mundane aspects of running a business to be a challenge.
Why did you choose to stay in Berks County to pursue your fashion career?
I would like to think that Berks County chose me! I have had tremendous support with each fashion endeavor, from custom design to teaching to boutique ownership. Also, this area has a huge creative community.
What inspires you most?
I am inspired by making. My soul is fed by making, watching others make, and teaching how to make.
Describe your personal style.
My personal style is ever-evolving, classic with an edge, yet feminine. And dog friendly.
White after Labor Day? Yes or No?
Absolutely. Snow is white; always trust nature's fashion sense.
You couldn’t do your job every day without?
I could NOT do my job without my husband, James Evans. Every creative person needs a left-brained partner in order to be successful.
Best fashion career advice you’ve ever been given?
I am not sure I ever received any fashion career advice. I am the type of person who figures out most things on my own, for better or worse.
Favorite fashion item — old or new?
My current favorite fashion item is a cashmere, hand-dyed wrap from Donna Karan Urban Zen. It was a gift.
Favorite place to shop in Berks County?
I am not a shopper! I am an "inspiration gatherer.” I love hunting for vintage and unusual pieces at Berks County's Goodwill stores.
Best advice for someone who wants to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
The advice I give to students is this: "Bang on your craft every day; hone your skills, read, draw, sew, every single day."
Current trend you wish would go away? Current trend you’d love to see stay?
The trend I wish would go away? Trends, period. Trends are a waste of money and bad for the environment. Buy clothing you can love for 20 years; build a wardrobe that suits your body type and lifestyle. Splurge on pieces you can pass down to your granddaughters.
Jennifer E. Focht
Berks County Hometown: Reading
Current Occupation: Ladies Better and Junior Shoe Buyer, Boscov’s Department Stores
Did you always want to work in fashion? Why?
Originally I was an Art History major at Susquehanna University. While I was doing internships in my major, I was working at Banana Republic, and that’s when I really started to enjoy fashion. I discovered it was difficult to land a job in the Art History world, so I focused my energy on working in retail.
Can you recall your earliest fashion memory? What was it?
I have always enjoyed shopping, paging through fashion magazines, and my particular “vice” has always been handbags! My earliest fashion memory was really going through my mother’s closet and trying out her handbags; she always had the best ones!
If you weren’t in fashion, what would you want to be doing?
I would be in the entertainment industry. I love seeing what celebrities are wearing and what the latest fashion trends are.
What inspires you most about your fashion career?
I have to say what inspires me most is when I’m looking at my selling report and I see a shoe that I was a little nervous about bringing in to sell and I see it take off and I have to do a reorder. It is so exciting to see the items that you pick out take off. Also, as a buyer, I have the opportunity to work in the Boscovs’ stores, and I think it’s great because we get to interact with the customers and get their feedback on the product.
What is the best aspect about what you do currently?
I love going to Las Vegas for the Platform/Magic Shoe show and also going to Manhattan Beach, CA, to see Skechers' Shoe Preview. I enjoy seeing all of the new products, then doing our style outs and deciding which shoes will be the best for our stores for that season. I love seeing all of the fresh new products first.
What is the most challenging part of your fashion career?
The most challenging part is really managing the business. Inventory, markdowns, and margin all have to be managed, but it really comes down to making the sales!
Why did you choose to stay in Berks County to pursue your fashion career?
I love it here. It is the one reason I didn’t pursue a corporate position at Gap; I would have had to move to CA. I am very much a homebody, plus my parents are still in the area. Berks County has always been home for me.
What inspires you most?
My dad, still practicing medicine at 83; he loves being a doctor. My favorite quote from him: “I am retired; I love what I do.”
Describe your personal style.
Preppy, classic and casual. I love the whole “loungewear/athletic” trend.
White after Labor Day? Yes or No?
The only “yes” I would do after Labor Day is a pair of white jeans.
Best fashion career advice you’ve ever been given?
Less is more. You must really believe in a style; don’t overwhelm the consumer with product. This is why we have style outs. I have to work on narrowing down my assortments to the Boscov’s customers!
Favorite fashion item — old or new?
My old Louis Vuitton handbags!
Favorite place to shop in Berks County?
Bella Jules in West Reading and The Store at Bell Tower in Wyomissing.
Best advice for someone who wants to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
It can be challenging. Business is great when the economy is good and people are spending money. Be prepared for bumps in the road; there will be slumps.
Fashion is around us all, but few are fortunate enough to be completely immersed in it on a daily basis. Even fewer get to pursue their passion right here in Berks County. Read on and meet three local ladies who are true fashion mavens — each pursuing her love of high style in her hometown. Who needs to go to the big city to find a life in fashion?
Rose Fritch
Berks County Hometown: Kempton
Current Occupation: Senior Designer, Sorrelli Inc.
Did you always want to work in fashion? Why?
It wasn’t until college, when I took my first Fine Metals Studio class. I truly found myself through the jewelry making medium. I’m in love with the process; it’s tough but feminine. I can relate to that.
Can you recall your earliest fashion memory? What was it?
I went through a phase where I wasn’t seen without Punky Brewster pigtails, a rainbow of jelly bracelets on each arm and sparkly pink jelly shoes. Just to be clear, it was the 80s.
If you weren’t in fashion, what would you want to be doing?
I thoroughly enjoy the path that I’m on, but as long as I’m able to be creative and work with my hands, I think I could be happy. There are a lot of things I truly enjoy doing; I love to cook and garden. I collect vintage fabric, and I love to sew. I’m interested in interior design, and I’m constantly working on my home. I love finding old antiques and refurbishing them; I found and refurbished all of the fixtures in my home myself and enjoyed every minute of it!
What inspires you most about your fashion career?
Knowing that my jewelry designs give other women confidence and make them feel beautiful.
What is the best aspect about what you do currently?
There’s something uniquely expressive about working with metal, manipulating the parts with your hands, adding some fire and ultimately ending up with something so beautiful.
What is the most challenging part of your fashion career?
Working to meet tight deadlines; fortunately, I enjoy the challenge.
Why did you choose to stay in Berks County to pursue your fashion career?
I hadn’t even graduated college when I landed my dream job at Sorrelli. It was a great opportunity to learn and grow with a family owned and operated business. All of their values were so similar to my own. The decision was easy.
What inspires you most?
I have many muses: nature, architecture, vintage jewelry and textiles. While most of my inspiration comes through the observation of natural forms, man-made patterns and street style — and the act of creating — are equally motivating. Sometimes my hands can’t keep up with my brain. I design one thing and it sparks an idea for another, and another...and the cycle continues.
Describe your personal style.
Timeless and practical, but distinctly feminine.
White after Labor Day? Yes or No?
I think you should wear what makes you feel good, regardless of the season.
You couldn’t do your job every day without?
Caffeine, good music and the support of my amazing and talented co-workers.
Best fashion career advice you’ve ever been given?
When I first started designing jewelry for Sorrelli, Lisa Oswald’s (Sorrelli Founder, Owner and Creative Director) initial instruction was to “make things that you would want to wear.” It’s simple yet brilliant advice.
Favorite fashion item — old or new?
My Frye boots. They are the only shoes that can carry me from the office straight into my garden. It’s not unusual to find me harvesting veggies and picking flowers in my work attire!
Best advice for someone who wants to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
I don’t think it matters what industry you work in; you have to love what you do. When love and passion are present, success will meet you.
Susan Golembiski
Berks County Hometown: Mt. Penn
Current Occupation: Owner, Jan Rae Boutique
Did you always want to work in fashion? Why?
Although my first passion was ballet, fashion was a close second.
Can you recall your earliest fashion memory? What was it?
My earliest fashion memories include watching my great-grandmother make clothing for my Barbie and movies. I was enthralled with movies from the 40s and 50s during the 1970s. I did not find the trends of my youth, the 70s, very compelling.
If you weren’t in fashion, what would you want to be doing?
If I couldn’t work in fashion, I would be an architect.
What inspires you most about your fashion career?
Fashion itself is inspiring. It is an art form that is compelled to move and breathe.
What is the best aspect about what you do currently?
I provide flattering, quality, timeless garments for women who dress to enhance their best attributes and lifestyle. I love getting to know my clientele personally and providing solutions efficiently so that they can get on with their priorities.
What is the most challenging part of your fashion career?
I find the more mundane aspects of running a business to be a challenge.
Why did you choose to stay in Berks County to pursue your fashion career?
I would like to think that Berks County chose me! I have had tremendous support with each fashion endeavor, from custom design to teaching to boutique ownership. Also, this area has a huge creative community.
What inspires you most?
I am inspired by making. My soul is fed by making, watching others make, and teaching how to make.
Describe your personal style.
My personal style is ever-evolving, classic with an edge, yet feminine. And dog friendly.
White after Labor Day? Yes or No?
Absolutely. Snow is white; always trust nature's fashion sense.
You couldn’t do your job every day without?
I could NOT do my job without my husband, James Evans. Every creative person needs a left-brained partner in order to be successful.
Best fashion career advice you’ve ever been given?
I am not sure I ever received any fashion career advice. I am the type of person who figures out most things on my own, for better or worse.
Favorite fashion item — old or new?
My current favorite fashion item is a cashmere, hand-dyed wrap from Donna Karan Urban Zen. It was a gift.
Favorite place to shop in Berks County?
I am not a shopper! I am an "inspiration gatherer.” I love hunting for vintage and unusual pieces at Berks County's Goodwill stores.
Best advice for someone who wants to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
The advice I give to students is this: "Bang on your craft every day; hone your skills, read, draw, sew, every single day."
Current trend you wish would go away? Current trend you’d love to see stay?
The trend I wish would go away? Trends, period. Trends are a waste of money and bad for the environment. Buy clothing you can love for 20 years; build a wardrobe that suits your body type and lifestyle. Splurge on pieces you can pass down to your granddaughters.
Jennifer E. Focht
Berks County Hometown: Reading
Current Occupation: Ladies Better and Junior Shoe Buyer, Boscov’s Department Stores
Did you always want to work in fashion? Why?
Originally I was an Art History major at Susquehanna University. While I was doing internships in my major, I was working at Banana Republic, and that’s when I really started to enjoy fashion. I discovered it was difficult to land a job in the Art History world, so I focused my energy on working in retail.
Can you recall your earliest fashion memory? What was it?
I have always enjoyed shopping, paging through fashion magazines, and my particular “vice” has always been handbags! My earliest fashion memory was really going through my mother’s closet and trying out her handbags; she always had the best ones!
If you weren’t in fashion, what would you want to be doing?
I would be in the entertainment industry. I love seeing what celebrities are wearing and what the latest fashion trends are.
What inspires you most about your fashion career?
I have to say what inspires me most is when I’m looking at my selling report and I see a shoe that I was a little nervous about bringing in to sell and I see it take off and I have to do a reorder. It is so exciting to see the items that you pick out take off. Also, as a buyer, I have the opportunity to work in the Boscovs’ stores, and I think it’s great because we get to interact with the customers and get their feedback on the product.
What is the best aspect about what you do currently?
I love going to Las Vegas for the Platform/Magic Shoe show and also going to Manhattan Beach, CA, to see Skechers' Shoe Preview. I enjoy seeing all of the new products, then doing our style outs and deciding which shoes will be the best for our stores for that season. I love seeing all of the fresh new products first.
What is the most challenging part of your fashion career?
The most challenging part is really managing the business. Inventory, markdowns, and margin all have to be managed, but it really comes down to making the sales!
Why did you choose to stay in Berks County to pursue your fashion career?
I love it here. It is the one reason I didn’t pursue a corporate position at Gap; I would have had to move to CA. I am very much a homebody, plus my parents are still in the area. Berks County has always been home for me.
What inspires you most?
My dad, still practicing medicine at 83; he loves being a doctor. My favorite quote from him: “I am retired; I love what I do.”
Describe your personal style.
Preppy, classic and casual. I love the whole “loungewear/athletic” trend.
White after Labor Day? Yes or No?
The only “yes” I would do after Labor Day is a pair of white jeans.
Best fashion career advice you’ve ever been given?
Less is more. You must really believe in a style; don’t overwhelm the consumer with product. This is why we have style outs. I have to work on narrowing down my assortments to the Boscov’s customers!
Favorite fashion item — old or new?
My old Louis Vuitton handbags!
Favorite place to shop in Berks County?
Bella Jules in West Reading and The Store at Bell Tower in Wyomissing.
Best advice for someone who wants to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
It can be challenging. Business is great when the economy is good and people are spending money. Be prepared for bumps in the road; there will be slumps.
By Amanda Dietrich Zeigler | Photos by Maria Stamy, Maria Stamy Photography
