9.Alicia: Hi, business students. I'm here with Martina Diaz! Martina has accomplished something pretty cool. She graduated from our college seven years ago, and now she's a fashion designer!
Martina: This is so-so. Do this one over. I love this.
Alicia: She's very busy preparing for a fashion show, but she agreed to talk to me today. I'd like to get some advice about how to become a fashion designer myself.
Martina: Hello, Alicia, welcome to my studio. Hello, students!
Alicia: So, Martina, when did you first start designing clothes?
Martina: I started designing when I was in college. I didn't have much money, so I made my own clothes. It was a way to be creative and to express myself. But other students loved my dresses and skirts. So I started selling them. This is chic! This is old-fashioned! This is tacky!
Alicia: Do you remember the first dress you made?
Martina: Yes! I have it right here, in fact. I started with this sketch. It was hard at first. I had a lot of ideas and not as much talent or training. I made a lot of mistakes, and I had to do it over about five or six times. Yes. No. No.
Alicia: What advice would you give if someone wanted to be a designer?
Martina: Someone like you?
Alicia: Yes, like me.
Martina: Three words: enthusiasm, dedication, confidence. You have to know what you like, and you have to be brave and not afraid to say what you like. For example… which one do you like? Point it out.
Alicia: Ummm…
Martina: Be honest – say what you think.
Alicia: I like… that one.
Martina: Why?
Alicia: I… like the color?
Martina: Ladies, let's try those out on her. So, what do you think, Alicia?
Alicia: Well, I'm not sure it's the best idea.
Martina: Next!
Alicia: I could give this one some thought.
Martina: That's a maybe, we'll talk it over. Next!
Alicia: I don't think we should do that.
Martina: Right. That's terrible.
Alicia: Sorry, I didn't like any of the outfits…
Martina: Don't be sorry! I didn't like them myself. If I liked every idea, I wouldn't be a very good designer! Now, I do like your dress a lot. I think you should give those shoes away. But your dress is lovely.
Alicia: Really?!
Martina: Did you make it?
Alicia: Yes, I did, actually.
Martina: Not bad. You have talent. If I were you, I would plan a career in fashion. But start today. Don't put it off, OK?
Alicia: OK! Gosh! Thanks!
Martina: You're welcome. Good-bye. Good-bye.
Alicia: Good-bye.