Aerie is breaking the rules of dorm décor with Dormify! This like-minded brand takes a fashion-forward approach to stylin’ small spaces & ONLY offers products they’re obsessed with.
We sat down with Dormify Co-Founder, Amanda Zuckerman, to ask a few questions about one of the newest brands we’re crushing on!
It’s no secret we love Dormify, can you tell our girls a little bit about the brand and how it got started?
When my mom and I were shopping for my freshman dorm room we realized first-hand that creating a space of your own, your first home-away-from-home, was a big deal. The problem, though, was that it was not easy to do so. We had a ton of questions – what exactly do I need for my dorm room? Where can I find it? What is the best way to maximize a small space? Can I decorate my dorm room in a way that is comfortable and affordable? How can I represent my personal style in my dorm decor?
It was during my dorm room shopping experience that the idea for Dormify.com was born: A brand and one-stop shopping destination carrying everything students need to easily and effectively style their small space. It was so important to me to be able to create a space that reflected ME, so we wanted to make sure that we could provide our customers with real ways to create a space that is uniquely theirs as well.
How does your style advisor community work?
Our Style Advisor community consists of high school and college-aged tastemakers that act as style consultants and contributors to our content site, a destination for decorating tips, DIYs, and college advice. We love having real girls contribute real world ideas, whether through the content and images they create around their own small spaces or through consulting on product designs and initiatives we’re rolling out. It is so important to us to hear from those using our products and sharing their ideas with our customers too. We also work with our Style Advisors to help them build up their skills in design, social media, writing, and more—so that they take away some awesome experience to put on their resume!
What kind of trends are you seeing this season in dorm must-haves?
This season, muted tones are making a loud statement. The Misty Rose Bandana Print duvet paired with warm grey colors is the epitome of this trend. Another favorite of ours is incorporating texture into your look. For example, with a faux mongolian fur accessory—like a pillow or a rug—you can achieve a look that’s boho, girly, or luxurious, depending on how you style it! And last but not least, multifunctional pieces are SO important in a small space. Right now old school trunks are my favorite. You can create a chic nightstand or coffee table look, while still using the inside for extra storage.
We’re so excited to offer Dormify on Aerie.com! Do you have a favorite item from the collection?
So hard to choose just one, but I’m obsessed with the ombre knit throws! And I definitely would’ve had the Reversible Mosaic Duvet Cover in my dorm.
What advice would you give to those young entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses?
Establish your personal brand. Start a blog, an Instagram account, a Twitter page—establish your online presence and talk about things that interest you.
Network. Stay in touch with people you have worked with in order to meet new people, you never know who could be of help to you in the future!
Be prepared. Whether you are at an event, networking, approaching someone in your industry, or finally getting that coffee meeting with someone you admire—do your homework so you are asking smart questions that can push the conversation forward.
Find a mentor. Learning from someone who has more experience than you can help you navigate your way as a young entrepreneur, and help you meet important people.
Stay humble. It is ok to not know everything! Listen to others, learn from them, get advice and opinions. Use what works for you, but do take the opportunity to listen to others.
Thank you, Amanda! Shop Dormify bedding, pillows & more now on Aerie.com. xo
