Melissa Anne Briner

My Greatest Accomplishment

My greatest accomplishment stems from my time at Drexel, where the shift toward sustainability in fashion became a prominent focus within our curriculum. I was determined to integrate this knowledge into my professional endeavors. Within a span of two years, I successfully orchestrated the relocation of our manufacturing operations to European family-owned factories. Simultaneously, I transitioned our entire fabric sourcing to natural materials, aligning our business practices with a commitment to sustainability. This achievement reflects not only my dedication to environmentally conscious practices but also the impactful application of my education at Drexel in shaping real-world business decisions.

How Drexel Helped Me

Drexel has been my invisible string, leading me from a high school summer program to a four-year bachelor’s program in fashion design, which unexpectedly steered me toward the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship. This shift opened doors to networking with Drexel alumni, ultimately connecting me to a Drexel-founded company. Through this serendipity, I now hold the role of creative director and co-founder, a culmination of Drexel’s influence on my academic and entrepreneurial journey. The invisible link to Drexel has not only shaped my professional trajectory but has also connected me with a supportive community that continues to inspire my path. Drexel, for me, is the guiding force that led me to the right place at the right time.

Where I Hope to Be in Five Years

My aspiration is to elevate Timeless Tartans to national recognition. I envision a continued expansion of our production, maintaining our commitment to sustainability through partnerships with family-owned, environmentally conscious factories. Additionally, I aim to delve into the realm of education, sharing my industry knowledge and experiences. Looking forward, I harbor ambitions of launching a company bearing my namesake, a venture reflecting my personal vision and values. Ultimately, my foremost desire is to attain happiness and contentment with both my professional and personal life at that stage.

How I Pay It Forward

Paying it forward for me involves recognizing the power of authentic networking and embracing one’s true self as a valuable asset in today’s world. A key aspect of this is mentoring and supporting younger generations, a responsibility I take seriously. Participation in programs like the Pennovation Accelerator and Macy Philadelphia Fashion Incubator has provided me with a unique platform to both network and mentor numerous Drexel students. Beyond professional realms, I believe in the significance of volunteering and giving back to the community. As the former head of community service at Drexel Delta Phi Epsilon, I continue this commitment by volunteering for organizations such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand.