The Tribune

ERIN WHYLEY is on her second stint as a student of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI). She initially began classes as a fashion design student in Fall 2020, the year the global COVID-19 pandemic hit. For multiple reasons, she lacked the drive to continue in that programme so she switched to entrepreneurship, graduated and is now back finishing what she started.

“I love the fashion programme at BTVI. I love the people. Everyone has big personalities and are creatives in their own way. It’s fun. There is a big support system even for out of class projects. It’s extrinsic motivation and the instructors make all the difference,” said the 21-year-old.

Erin has discovered the possibilities of a BTVI education. In the entrepreneurship programme, she learned about ensuring there are no holes in a business plan, pitching and executing ideas and running a business. However, she said it was fashion that did an amazing work on her confidence levels.

“It has been a confidence booster. I was insecure. I was scared. The fashion programme pushed my boundaries. Before, everything had to be neat, symmetrical and perfect. Before, I was in a box, but lately I’ve been experimenting and no longer hold to this invisible standard,” said the creative.

“Challenges come up, but I feel I could bulldoze through,” she added.

Garment design and portfolio selection was one of the courses Erin took last semester, which enhanced her creativity.

“I came to the programme as an artist. I’m artsy. I like being an artist, but I’ve always a maker. Anything that is crafty, I bring it to life. Creativity is definitely my strength. Sometimes my work is eccentric, but wearable. I focus on the character and the story of the project. I focus on my clients’ personality,” said the character designer.

The garment design and portfolio selection class is designed to build the fashion, art and design skills of students. It is in this class where students begin to develop their signature design aesthetic and must present their work to the class for discussion and critique. These outcomes collectively build confidence and encourage individual creativity while strengthening design concepts that are used in other courses.

Head of department Apryl Burrows taught the class last semester and spoke of Erin’s abilities.

“Erin is very talented and has a unique perspective on design. Her ability to design garments and accessories for a specific clientele gives her an advantage when preparing for assignments. She is not limited to design, however. Her communication and marketing skills are excellent and once fully developed, will serve as an asset to a successful fashion business,” said Ms Burrows.

Responding to Erin’s comment about the department’s support system, Ms Burrows underscored that it is vital the entire fashion trades team offers support to all students, even if they are not their instructors.

“Students glean information from us daily and we always provide an honest, constructive critique, which builds trust. The instructors in the Fashion Department are all working professionals in the fashion and garment industry, and we are well aware of what it takes to succeed and survive in this industry; therefore it is essential that we prepare them for success,” she added.

“The BTVI Story” is a bi-weekly column which highlights the who, what and why of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), a tertiary institution where individuals ‘Discover the Possibilities’ related to various trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.