Ever found yourself scrolling through LinkedIn, staring at someone’s seemingly perfect career, and wondering, 'How on earth did they get there?' Let’s face it—social media often makes our dream jobs feel like unattainable fantasies. But here’s the truth: those people weren’t always at the top. They started just like you, dreaming big and figuring it out step by step. And this is the part most people miss: behind every impressive title is a mountain of hard work, strategic choices, and a few lessons learned the hard way. So, how do you go from daydreaming to actually landing that dream job? Let’s dive in.
Welcome to How I Got Here, where we peel back the curtain on the careers of people crushing it in their fields. We’re not just talking about the highlights—we’re getting into the grit, the setbacks, and the game-changing advice they wish they’d known sooner. In this edition, we’re chatting with Abbey Dockrill, Brand Manager at Beare Park, who’s here to spill the beans on her journey from LinkedIn stalking to leading a digital-first fashion brand.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is fashion all about creativity, or does it demand a hard-nosed focus on performance? Abbey’s take might surprise you. While her role as Brand Manager might sound glamorous, she’s quick to point out that it’s as much about analytics as it is about aesthetics. 'Fashion is driven by emotion,' she says, 'but it still has to sustain itself.' Bold statement? Absolutely. But it’s this blend of artistry and strategy that’s propelled her career.
Abbey’s path to fashion wasn’t linear. Growing up, her bedroom walls were plastered with Vogue pages—a quiet obsession that felt less like a phase and more like a prophecy. She admits, 'I wasn’t fixated on a specific role; I just knew I had to be in this industry.' After dabbling in sewing (and quickly realizing it wasn’t her calling), she pursued an unconventional double degree in art theory and social research. This unique blend, she says, taught her to merge creativity with critical thinking—a skill that’s become her secret weapon.
Her break came through good old-fashioned LinkedIn stalking. By connecting with fashion recruiters, she landed her first role at Manning Cartell, uprooting her life in Newcastle for Sydney with nothing but two suitcases and sheer determination. Later, she joined Lee Mathews, where she honed her digital and eCommerce skills, before reaching out directly to Gabriella Pereira, Beare Park’s Creative Director. 'I saw an opportunity to help build something special from the ground up,' she recalls. And build she did—leading Beare Park’s DTC growth and opening its first flagship store within two years.
But here’s the real kicker: Abbey’s advice to aspiring creatives is refreshingly straightforward. 'You don’t simply step into your dream role. You build it, layer by layer.' No shortcuts, no magic formulas—just consistent effort and a willingness to evolve. And this is where it gets thought-provoking: In an industry that thrives on trends, how do you stay agile while staying true to your vision? Abbey’s answer? 'Change doesn’t undo good strategy; it sharpens it.'
A typical day for Abbey? 'Is there really a typical day in fashion?' she laughs. It’s a whirlwind of problem-solving, from analyzing product performance to conceptualizing campaigns, all while ensuring everything feels cohesive. Her biggest highlight? Seeing Beare Park become the official formalwear partner of the Matildas ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 'Surreal,' she calls it. But it’s her ability to ground her confidence in tangible results—growth driven, campaigns shaped, metrics achieved—that’s been her biggest lesson.
Here’s the controversial question: In an industry that celebrates visible success, how do you silence self-doubt? Abbey admits it’s been her biggest hurdle. 'For a long time, I assumed everyone else was more confident, more creative, more qualified.' Her solution? Shifting her focus from comparison to contribution. 'Confidence isn’t about being louder; it’s about being grounded in the value of your own voice.'
So, what’s her advice for you? 'Stay agile. Fashion moves fast, and the goalposts can shift overnight.' And here’s where we want to hear from you: Do you agree that agility trumps perfection in this industry? Or is there room for both? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
Keep up with Abbey’s journey here and remember: Your dream job isn’t a destination; it’s a series of bold moves, calculated risks, and lessons learned along the way.
