Fighting fast fashion on the fast track to a career
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—“There’s no Planet B,” reads Julia Adams as she holds up a screen-printed sweatshirt in a trendy studio space in downtown Kalamazoo.
“This is the only Earth we have, and we really need to start thinking creatively and intentionally about what we’re wearing and our everyday habits and how to make a positive impact,” says Adams, a Western Michigan University digital marketing student from Glen Arbor, Michigan.
Pairing passion with purpose, Adams is finding new meaning in her career path through an internship with sustainable fashion brand Plannett Gunnett—a Kalamazoo-based company created by Western Michigan University entrepreneurship alumna Siera Gunnett, B.B.A.’23.
“Working at a company that is so purpose-driven has definitely inspired me to continue doing work in those types of industries,” says Adams, who is preparing to graduate Saturday, May 2. “What I’m doing feels so impactful, and I love knowing that I am making a difference and that the work I’m doing—the work I’m passionate about—is affecting something greater than what I am.”
This opportunity has reinforced my desire to work in purpose-driven, results-oriented marketing roles in the future.
Shaping messaging for a movement
Conscious consumerism is a rising trend as Gen Z shoppers increasingly consider how their purchases will impact the environment—shifting from high-polluting fast fashion to brands with more environmentally responsible practices. As a social and digital marketing intern at Plannett Gunnett, Adams amplifies those ideals while promoting the brand.
“It has been especially rewarding to know that my contributions help educate and engage audiences on living a more sustainable, forward-thinking lifestyle,” she says. “This opportunity has reinforced my desire to work in purpose-driven, results-oriented marketing roles in the future.”
In supporting Plannett Gunnett’s digital presence, Adams is charged with creating graphics and short-form video content for social media.
“I am able to express my own creative style with editing and photo shoots that I believe represent the company in the online space well,” she says, adding that the content ranges from aesthetic to informative to promotional.
The internship has allowed Adams to put classroom lessons—from email marketing to audience and market research—into practice in real time.
“Experience-Driven Learning here at Western has definitely been a very empowering experience for me,” she says. “I’m learning so many of these things in the classroom, and I understand the concepts, but when I get to my internship, I’m able to apply those actual skills.”
One project she’s particularly proud of is developing a biweekly newsletter that educates subscribers on sustainability and builds community.
“My career aspiration is to work in a role that blends creativity with data-driven strategy, allowing me to see tangible results while contributing to a company whose mission I wholeheartedly believe in,” she says. “Through my work at Plannett Gunnett, I have been able to see how my creative ideas and research directly influence outcomes.”
Working at a company that is so purpose-driven has definitely inspired me to continue doing work in those types of industries. What I’m doing feels so impactful, and I love knowing that I am making a difference and that the work I’m doing—the work I’m passionate about—is affecting something greater than what I am.
Building a foundation for future success
Adams’ experience is part of the Broncos Lead Internship Program. Supported by the historic Empowering Futures Gift, the program partners with small businesses and nonprofits to cover paychecks and provide professional development workshops for participating students.
“Broncos Lead has given me many important opportunities that have helped me grow both personally and professionally,” says Adams. “I appreciate doing work that directly correlates with what I aspire to do in my future and knowing I have support while doing it.
“I have really enjoyed being at workshops with my peers who are in different majors, industries and different companies. It has offered so much perspective, and I have learned so much just through them sharing their experiences.”
Adams has also found value in working alongside recent graduate Gunnett, who developed the idea for the fashion brand as a student. Working with Starting Gate, Western’s student business accelerator, Gunnett was able to take her business idea—a company she initially called SheMakings—from concept to reality.
“It’s been so inspiring to see what Siera is capable of doing and how Western has set her up for success. This also being a woman-owned business has shown me that the sky’s the limit, really.”
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