Name: Jessica “The Thriller” Miller

Age: 24

Astrological Sign: Scorpion Woman…watch out

DMSC Duty: Marketing Magician

Once upon a time, a young girl (me) lived in a small-lackluster town (Van Meter, IA. Population 900, class size 36).  I knew by my sophomore year (2001) that I had to hit the ground running SOMEWHERE else. I wanted to study fashion because it was my passion, something like– Fashion show producer or a buyer for Nordstrom. Looking back, I am not sure how this came about…being that I was in every sport all through high-school and it was looked “down upon”  if you did not dress in your All-Conference basketball t-shirt and Nike pull-away pants. hmmm… I didn’t care, though.  I knew what I wanted to do and I realized I had to go elsewhere to gain this experience, so I left thinking I would never return back to Des Moines.  In the fall of 2003, I pulled up to Dominican University in River Forest, IL (about 10 west of downtown Chicago) totally naive on what would come about in the next 3.5 years.

Dominican had a kick-ass Fashion Program.  When I started there were 30 or so enrolled, now, I hear they are pushing 120 students.  The Program  offered us  lot of opportunities  in the real world.  I interned in the fashion office at Merchandise Mart and Apparel Center for 6 months. I was involved in fashion and trade shows, markets, and marketing.  I was a great, painful experience.  I was unpaid and worked 40-55 hours a week.  Have you seen Devil Wears Prada? If you have, you would understand the atmosphere I worked in for free that summer.

Fast forward 3 years and now I’m back in Des Moines and loving every minute of it.  It is so neat to be a part of a movement.  So many people, young and old, want to make DM better.  This was not the case when I left in 2003…I went away gained GREAT experience and immersed myself in different way of living and brought it back here….which I think is pretty cool. I have made great friends and priceless connections-something that Des Moines can only offer.

Paid Career- I was lucky enough to land a position with Business Publications pretty quickly.  I work on the magazine side- dsm Magazine and the Men’s Book. I started in sales, but now I wear many hats.  I kept asking for more and proving my talents and they gave it to me! Amazing how that works! Currently, I am the style director, social media guru, and in marketing and sales (got to make the money somehow).  I absolutely love it and I feel very blessed at 24 year-old to have these responsibilities.

I got involved with the DMSC because it absolutely sounded like the best idea I have ever heard.  I had read about it several times before meeting Zach M. through my office.  After the meeting, I offered myself to the cause right away.  I knew that it was something that I had to be a part of .  So I jumped into the Company with both feet and haven’t looked back since.  Press releases, marketing, social media, oh my!  It has all worked seamlessly.

So, thank you to Zach and Matt, the company, volunteers, and supporters.  We promise to provide Des Moines great entertainment and educational opportunities. Des Moines Social Club, I think I love you.

Cheers,

Jessica “The Thriller” Miller