Stepping back from the display table of graphic tees, Kimberly Sacco glances around the sales floor. Each mannequin is styled in the latest fashion trends. For Sacco, it’s a technical work of art.

“I’ve always enjoyed shopping and being around fashion, whether it was at a mall with new and current fashion or at a resale or thrift shop looking at recycled fashion,” she said. “I feel there is a lot of opportunity to be creative in the fashion retail industry.”

After more than seven years in graphic design, Sacco enrolled in Austin Community College’s Fashion Marketing Program for a chance to expand her career.

“I reached a plateau and knew I couldn’t advance anymore,” she said. “I decided to go back to school to find something that allowed me to combine my two passions.”

Sacco is one of more than 1,800 students graduating from ACC this spring.

“There is a lot of opportunity to be creative in the fashion retail industry.”

She accepted a job as a visual merchandiser at one of the newest department stores in The Domain in North Austin. She’s the artist behind the styled mannequins and sets.

“It’s a marriage of creativity and business,” she says. “Through my classes at ACC, I’ve explored various aspects of fashion. I got involved with Phi Theta Kappa and DECA. I served as a state officer and participated in meetings, committees, and volunteer opportunities, which expanded my network and got me out into the community.”

Now, Sacco is moving forward as part of Austin’s rapidly growing fashion scene. In 2013, the local industry generated more than $86 million dollars and spurred more than 1,300 jobs.

“There’s so much room for growth,” she says. “I want to gain as much experience and knowledge as I can to get me to the next opportunity.”

Tags: commencement, Fashion Marketing, graduation