Introducing the babes behind the one and only PROJECT WOMENS, a trade event by UBM Fashion that focuses on contemporary apparel and accessories, taking place in Las Vegas and New York City. With Pooja Gandhi as business development manager and Shannon Fresca as an account executive, these babes work alongside their team in NYC to create incredible events that bring the entire fashion industry together.
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
Shannon: In Beyoncé’s words: WHO RUN THE WORLD GIRLS!!
Pooja: To me, it means women supporting women, regardless of what’s going in the world, what you may personally believe in, and despite society influencing us to compete with one another.
Do you have a life mantra/motto that you live by?
Shannon: I’m a go with the flow kinda girl.
What is your spirit animal?
Shannon: Tiger!
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
Shannon: Being the boss babe on our team at PROJECT WOMENS. I may not be the boss, but a lot of the younger girls looks up to me for advice and help!
What’s the most unexpected thing you have in your purse or wallet?
Shannon: My checkbook at all times!
What is your most used app?
Shannon: Instagram.
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling anymore?
Shannon: Makeup remover wipes!
Pooja: I wish I had stockpiled Marc Fisher’s Kaee espadrille wedge sandals. They’re the perfect espadrille wedge and I can’t live my summers without them!!
What emoji best describes you?
Shannon: Grinning smiley face with star eyes.
Pooja: The rolling eyes emoji.
What was the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
Shannon: There is no I in TEAM, but always watch your back and speak up if you want to be heard.
When I dance I look like….
Shannon: Carlton from FRESH PRINCE!
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
Shannon: Kelly Helfman, VP of SALES for WWDMAGIC.
How would you describe your personal style?
Shannon: Casual yet stylish.
Pooja: I usually switch between either boyfriend chic, casual cruise/resort, or somewhere in between.
What’s your favourite thing about living in New York?
Shannon: You can do something different each day, I love exploring new things.
Pooja: It’s a blessing that almost any and every pizza place in NYC has GOOD pizza. You can never go wrong… it’s one of the top reasons why I’ve never moved.
What’s your favourite meal to eat?
Shannon: Gnocchi with Vodka Sauce.
Pooja: Pizza is my religion.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
Shannon: The relationships I’ve built throughout the years.
Pooja: It’s very rewarding to be a part of the growth and success of our brands. When they share that they’ve had a great show, whether it be they opened influential accounts or garnered editorial press, whatever it iS, it makes what I do meaningful and fulfilling.
What inspired you to start pursuing the fashion industry?
Shannon: I got a job at a boutique through a friend and they brought me to my first trade show at the piers in NYC. I fell in love the moment I walked in and said to myself, “I want to be a part of this!”
Pooja: Since I was a child, I’ve always had a love for the colour wheel, shapes, silhouettes, juxtaposition of materials, etc., and as I matured, that evolved into a love for fashion, so here I am!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Shannon: Pitch Perfect, love me some acapella.
Pooja: Eating Taco Bell while face masking.
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
Shannon: Letting go of the negativity in my life.
Pooja: I’m working on holding onto positivity every day.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Shannon: Learning to just be there to listen to the customer about their needs and wants. We try to do the best we can for each customer, but we can never please every single exhibitor.
If you had an unlimited budget for 2 hours of shopping where would you go?
Shannon: Another guilty pleasure of mine…KOHL’S lol!
Pooja: I’d make sure I’d get to KITH like speed lightning.
What advice do you have for those trying to break into the fashion industry?
Shannon: Be patient! It takes time to get to where you want to be in your career. You may change jobs a lot at first to find your niche, but it’s well worth it!
Pooja: I’d say to make sure that you have a true love for what makes fashion, fashion. The industry and market throws new challenges every day, so if you really love it for what it is, you’ll be able to face and overcome the obstacles.
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with these babes on Instagram @projectwomens.
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.