Katie Ciolino is from Columbia, MO.

She is graduating with a BFA in Fashion Design & Product Development. In the future, she hopes to one day create her own fashion brand that focuses on sustainable, high-quality pieces that make people feel confident and beautiful. She wants to design clothing that not only is beautiful but makes people feel empowered and comfortable in their own skin while also keeping sustainability in mind. When she first came to Stephens, she was actually studying something completely different. But deep down, she always knew she loved the arts and especially fashion. It was something she had dreamed about but never thought she’d actually pursue. Eventually, she took a leap of faith and switched to fashion design and it has been one of the best decisions she’s ever made. She’d tell her freshman self to stop comparing her art and journey to everyone else’s. Everyone’s path is different, and that’s what makes your work special. She’d also say: take risks, try new things, and use these years to figure out who you are and what you really love. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, so don’t be afraid to step out of it.