UCA Graduate is a hit with the tabloids

Sarah Jane Adams graduated from UCA Rochester in 2008 with a BA (Hons) in Fashion promotion. She is now a successful fashion editor and budding entrepreneur, contributing to publications such as the 'Daily Express' and 'Daily Sport' as well as establishing her own web design and marketing agency Creative Vanity. Sarah Jane talked to us about her time at UCA, her career so far and plans for the future.

Sarah-Jane can you give us a summary of your career so far?

Upon graduating from UCA, I founded a teen orientated fashion magazine, which quickly established itself as a popular brand with thousands of global readers.  From this success, I was offered roles at other publications, namely Editor in Chief of high fashion London based magazine 'Flair Now', and columnist for the 'Daily Sport', 'Urban World', 'Trespass Magazine' and 'Chic Galleria', as well as acting as a contributor to a wide variety of other titles. With my name becoming established in this area, I launched Creative Vanity (www.creativevanity.com) which explores my interest in branding and marketing by offering high fashion web design and promotional services to young creatives, namely in the fields of fashion and music.

After completing your course at UCA how did you establish yourself in the world or journalism and PR?

By creating my online magazine I was able to use this as a means of promoting myself and my writing. The industry was crowded and work experience was hard to get. Therefore if I could succeed with my own publication it would give me more kudos when offering my service to others. The success of the publication gave me access to some incredible talents and contacts and it has enabled me to become more of a brand.

How easy did you find setting up your own company?

It was a learning curve; I had to teach myself a lot in a short space of time. My interest in the branding and promotional side of starting a business has given me the skills and expertise to become involved in the PR and marketing for other new businesses, which I would never have had if I had not gone it alone myself.

What advice would you give to new graduates wanting to start up their own businesses?

To go for it, but never underestimate how much time and money you'll need to sacrifice in the initial stages.  As your classmates are starting to find jobs within the industry it may seem disheartening to be left behind as you work tirelessly for little to no financial reward, but it's important to remember that you're building something sustainable for your future, and if you take it seriously, there's no reason why you can't make the dream of making a living from your art a reality. I think it's also important for creative graduates to have, or learn, a really solid understanding of the business elements involved in running a brand, otherwise you'll find it difficult to balance your talent with the sheer admin involved, and the marketing savvy needed to promote your work.

What has been your career highlight so far?

Working for the 'Daily Sport' has definitely been a thrill so early on in my career, alongside being featured by the 'Daily Express'; being entrusted with my own column is immense, and it's so exciting to be associated with a national newspaper.  I try to never become complacent when it comes to striving for the next big achievement, so hopefully there are plenty more landmark moments to come! 

Who was the most interesting person you have interviewed to date?

I recently worked with Radio One DJ Ronnie Herel, which was a pleasure. He gave me some great insights into how young talents can get noticed by those in the creative industries, and he keeps in touch to see how I'm getting on. For me, that was a particular favourite as I'm a big fan of urban music, Ronnie's shows and Radio One. The amount of knowledge someone who has been renowned in the industry for years brings to the table is very inspiring.

What are your plans for the future?

Right now I'm looking to add as many strings to my journalism bow as possible, and working hard to promote and grow Creative Vanity and have my services seen by the right people.  In the immediate future, I'm launching a range of eBooks for young designers, models and musicians which will offer effective business tips and interviews with industry leaders and celebrities. Long term, I'd love to be offering full PR representation and business consultation, and generally become the definition of an entrepreneur.