Ever found yourself scrolling through LinkedIn, secretly envying someone’s dream job and wondering, How on earth did they get there? Here’s the truth most people don’t talk about: those seemingly unattainable careers aren’t just handed out—they’re built, layer by layer, through grit, strategy, and a whole lot of self-doubt. But here’s where it gets controversial: is it all about hard work, or does luck play a bigger role than we’d like to admit? Let’s dive in.
Welcome to How I Got Here, where we peel back the curtain on the journeys of professionals who’ve made it to the top of their game. In this edition, we’re sitting down with Abbey Dockrill, Brand Manager at Beare Park, to uncover the twists, turns, and unexpected lessons that led her to her dream role. Spoiler alert: it’s not as glamorous as it looks—but it’s way more inspiring.
Fashion’s Dirty Little Secret: It’s Not Just About Creativity
While the title ‘Brand Manager’ might sound like it’s all about creative flair, Abbey’s role is a delicate balance of art and science. Her job? To ensure Beare Park’s brand identity shines consistently across creative, digital, and commercial platforms. But here’s the part most people miss: fashion is driven by emotion, but it has to pay the bills. Abbey’s secret weapon? A relentless focus on performance metrics—from customer acquisition costs to conversion rates. “It’s not ‘brand versus performance,’” she explains, “it’s brand *through performance.”* Bold statement, right? But it’s this blend of creativity and analytics that sets her apart.
From Vogue-Obsessed Teen to Industry Powerhouse
Abbey’s journey into fashion wasn’t accidental. From a young age, her bedroom walls were plastered with Vogue pages—a quiet, constant obsession that felt like manifestation in hindsight. But here’s the twist: she didn’t start with a clear roadmap. Instead, she pursued an unconventional double degree in art theory and social research, a choice she credits with teaching her to blend creativity with critical analysis. “Fashion doesn’t offer a clear path,” she admits, “and that’s both disorienting and exhilarating.”
LinkedIn Stalking: The Unlikely Career Hack
Abbey’s big break? A healthy dose of LinkedIn stalking. After graduating, she reached out to fashion recruiters, landing her first full-time role at Manning Cartell. Within a week, she’d moved from Newcastle to Sydney with two suitcases and a mountain of determination. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. She recalls frantically Googling acronyms during her first trade meeting, only to later present her own slides with confidence. “You don’t step into your dream role,” she advises, “you build it, layer by layer.”
The Controversial Truth About Confidence
Here’s where it gets real: Abbey’s biggest hurdle wasn’t a lack of skill—it was self-doubt. In an industry where success is highly visible, it’s easy to question your worth. “For a long time, I assumed everyone else was more confident, more creative, more qualified,” she shares. The turning point? Grounding her confidence in tangible results. “Confidence isn’t about being louder,” she says, “it’s about standing firmly in the value of your own voice.” But here’s the question: in an industry that thrives on comparison, can we ever truly silence the doubt? Let’s discuss in the comments.
A Day in the Life: Chaos or Calculated?
Think fashion is all photoshoots and runway shows? Think again. Abbey’s days are a whirlwind of problem-solving, from analyzing creative fatigue to planning seasonal campaigns. “Is there really a typical day in fashion?” she laughs. “If there is, I haven’t found it.” But amidst the chaos, there’s a method: every decision is backed by data, every creative choice tied to business growth. It’s a reminder that even the most instinct-led industries require a backbone of strategy.
Career Highlights That Double as Full-Circle Moments
From Beare Park’s partnership with the Matildas to their Vogue Runway debut, Abbey’s career is a series of pinch-me moments. But the most surreal? Opening Beare Park’s first flagship store in Paddington. “It’s one of those rare, full-circle moments,” she reflects, “like those magazine pages on my bedroom walls finally coming to life.”
The Advice You Didn’t Know You Needed
For aspiring creatives, Abbey’s advice is blunt but brilliant: “There’s very little handholding in fashion. Use that uncertainty to take ownership of your growth.” Her practical tip? Stay agile. “Fashion moves fast, and the goalposts can shift overnight. Your ability to adapt with clarity is what keeps momentum alive.”
Final Thoughts: Is Fashion Worth the Hustle?
Fashion is a demanding industry, no doubt. But as Abbey puts it, “The fact that there’s no roadmap is part of what makes it so rewarding.” So, here’s the question for you: Do you think success in creative fields is more about talent, hard work, or timing? And if you’re chasing a dream role, how are you building it—layer by layer, or waiting for the stars to align? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Keep up with Abbey’s journey here: Instagram.
