Meredith College School of Business Hosts First Suit Yourself Event

The School of Business hosted Suit Yourself, an event where students could receive free professional clothing and styling assistance, for the first time on January 29.  

The idea of such an event struck Kim Burke, dean of the School of Business, during a conversation with Ele Roberts, associate director of MBA Admissions. Roberts previously owned a women’s boutique and has many years of experience in retail and styling women to help them feel their best. 

“Kim had noted how many students were scooping up clothing from the Dress for Success Mobile Boutique when they were on campus. Later on, when we were discussing my fashion background, she thought of hosting a styling event with free clothes,” said Roberts.   

The pair immediately began working to make the idea a reality. Communications were sent to faculty, staff, and the Business Advisory Board to donate clothing, resulting in hundreds of items in various styles and sizes being dropped at the Harris Building. Roberts also recruited students to help promote, set up, and break down the event.

“I heard about the event through the Broyhill Business Fellows and decided to help out because it’s important to have business clothes for interviews and professional settings,” said Shatvika Sriram, ’27, who made a promotional video of herself modeling the clothing and helped the day of the event. 

Taylor Elias, ’25, also a Broyhill Business Fellows added, “I wanted to help others feel confident and good in their skin. Job interviews can be nerve-wracking but having a nice outfit can give you a confidence boost.” 

On the day of the event, dozens of students filed in and out of the pop-up shop to find their perfect fit with styling advice from Roberts. “We tried to track the amount of people early on but it was impossible. There were so many people we even ran out of bags within an hour,” said Roberts. “I don’t think anyone left empty-handed.”