Salma Hanifa

Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors

High school teacher helped inspire Hanifa's love for the fashion industry

Hometown

Johns Creek

Major

Fashion Merchandising, Emphasis in Product Development & Design

Activities/Honors

Activities

• Undergraduate Research Assistant, Material Innovation Team 
• Social Media Marketing Intern, Reprise Activewear
• Marketing Intern, SFWRUNWAY
• PR Intern, Rehab Studios
• Head of Fashion, Student Merchandising Association
• Logistics and Production Intern, EASTEAM
• Digital Content & E-commerce Intern, Wild Swans
• Executive Assistant Intern, Brian Murphy Design
• Social Media Intern, Strike Magazine Athens
• Designer, Strike Magazine Athens
• Director of Social Media, Rouge Magazine

Honors

• Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation Charlie Gilbert Scholarship Recipient
• Experiential Learning Scholarship Award
• Office of Global Engagement Scholarship
• FACS Study Away Scholarship
• Dean’s List Recipient
• President’s List Recipient

Why I chose my major

I was introduced to fashion merchandising in high school through a pathway program that I studied for two years before becoming a teaching assistant for the class. A big reason I chose this major is because of my high school teacher, Mrs. Elliott. She studied fashion at UGA, and our coursework was based on what she learned. Through that experience, I completely fell in love with the field and knew I wanted to pursue it further!

What I like most about FACS

What I love most about FACS is the guidance and mentorship from the professors in the TMI program. I want to give a special shoutout to Dr. Sharma for allowing me to explore the textile side of the fashion industry and better understand how we can solve sustainability issues. I also appreciate Dr. Jo for being so patient with students and giving us a creative outlet to explore industry-level pattern making software. Additionally, Professor Anderson has provided me with amazing professional guidance and has truly helped grow my passion for product development and manufacturing.

Post-graduation plans

Following my graduation, I will be interning at Shopbop as a Buying Intern in New York City. I’m excited to continue growing up in my career in a city full of opportunities and creativity!