"You have to work hard. When you're passionate about what you do, it's worth it, and hard work is always rewarded"
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
Beatriz Bóia
Bachelor's in Fashion Design and Production
Driven by a passion that began in childhood, Beatriz Bóia, a student on the Bachelor's in Fashion Design and Production at Lusófona University - Porto University Centre, shares how the degree has enabled her to enjoy unique experiences, develop essential pattern-making and garment construction skills, and demonstrate that dedication and hard work turn talent into achievement.
“Hello. My name is Beatriz Bóia and I am a student on the Bachelor's in Fashion Design and Production at Lusófona University - Porto University Centre.
Honestly, I think I was born for this. When I was younger, I used to spend a lot of time playing in my grandmother's workshop. She had a whole wall covered with fabrics, and I would use them on a mannequin to create my own designs.
I've had three experiences that have been especially memorable.
The first was attending ModaLisboa with my class and Professor Luís Buchinho, who gave us the opportunity to work alongside him and end our degree on a real high. The second was entering the Lérias competition with my friend Alberto Martins, where we won first place. The third happened when I was at home watching a programme presented by Paulo Almeida and Marta Marques. A few days later, they contacted me personally to ask whether I would like to speak at Portugal Fashion.
That was, without a doubt, an incredible experience that I never imagined I would have in only my second year of the degree.
The main skill I developed was mastering pattern making, which is incredibly important. It's not enough to design a garment if you don't know how to make it. You can create something extraordinary, but if you can't translate that idea into pattern making and garment construction, it remains just an idea. I think that was the greatest skill I gained, and something I had no idea would be so essential.
When it comes to the lecturers, I think they provide us with so many opportunities. They introduce us to the world of fashion shows and everything that exists beyond this classroom where we create our collections.
The lecturers are with us every day, spending hours supporting us and teaching us new skills. I genuinely think they are fantastic.
The advice I would give to anyone thinking about enrolling is that it's not enough simply to love fashion or the image people have of the fashion world. You have to work hard. When you're passionate about what you do, it's worth it, and when you put in the effort, it pays off. That's the most important thing.”
Production & Interview
Bruna Pereira
Susana A. Oliveira
Photography
Paulo Renato
Video Editing
Gabriel Motta
