Jessie Roller - Ambassador Spotlight

Tell us about yourself!  

My name is Jessie Roller. I am an apparel merchandising major with a minor in business, and currently completing a minor in international studies through my study abroad with the Joseph S. Bruno program. This program is offered to all Human Sciences students, and I signed up for this program before I had signed up for ANY Auburn courses. I was absolutely devastated after it had gotten cancelled due to COVID in the Spring of 2021, but I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Fall 2021 semester. I am extremely passionate about my studies at Auburn, but I have been having the time of my life here in Italy. I am finally getting to live out a dream of mine.  

What does your dream job in fashion look like?

If you had asked me this question when I was a freshman, I would have said Chanel. I wanted to live and breathe Chanel, in whatever sense of the word that meant. However, through the course of my studies, I have learned about the stress that the apparel industry puts on the environment and humans, and I have drastically shifted my end goal. I would like to be a part of bettering the apparel industry, rather than contributing to the disaster it causes. When I was a freshman, the term “sustainable” was a buzzword. It was new on the scene, and no one really knew what it looked like. However, the more educated I became on the topic, and how it applies to the fashion industry, I have realized that this is where my true passion lies. Ultimately, I would like to work within sustainable textile production. I would like to help solve the problem of the fashion industry at the root. My classes at Auburn have taught me a lot about this, but since being in Italy, I have become even more inspired. Women focus on quality rather than quantity here. They focus on neutrals that can be worn in every season, and there are a lot more sustainability practices within the country of Europe. My peers and I have been lucky enough to receive lectures from founders of some of these sustainable textile companies, and it has really opened my eyes to the future of fashion.  

What inspired you to study fashion in college and why?  

It definitely stemmed from my mother’s passion for dress, and I distinctly remember my favorite Justice outfit, purple with sequins, with a matching cardigan and headband, of course. I never second guessed my career choice. I have known that the fashion industry was for me since the age of 10. I had no idea where I would fall into it, and that is something that changes, especially as I get older, but I knew I needed to live and breathe within the realm of fashion from the start.  

Also, a first impression is everything, and what better way to get your point across, than through your clothes?  

What inspired you to get involved with SWATCH and why?  

I joined AMDA when I was a freshman and I have always loved the community that it has brought me. I remember sharing the joy with the executive board when they launched SWATCH, and I have always enjoyed being included in the milestones. I actually kicked myself for not being able to be more involved, but the study abroad hindered a lot of opportunities for me, since I didn’t know if I would actually be in Auburn or not. I am so grateful that I have gotten to share what I have so far, and I am excited to be a part of this organization for my final year at Auburn.