SENIOR COLUMN: HADLEY FAIN
BY HADLEY FAIN PHOTO COURTESY OF HADLEY FAIN
The butterfly effect works in strange (and sometimes magical) ways. Who could have imagined that joining Thread on day one of my freshman year would lead to a role at Disney?
When I joined Thread, there were certain things I expected to gain from the organization: experience, some friends, or maybe a leadership role somewhere down the line. What I didn’t expect is for those friends and that experience to change my life for good.
During Welcome Week, I met Meg Rees. Optimistic and kind, she took me “under her wing” in a sense. I came to OU as a graphic design major, and because of Thread and Meg’s encouragement, I added commercial photography as a second major by the start of my sophomore year. It was also the year I started on exec, but only because of a technicality. I had applied for art director position and didn’t get it. I couldn’t argue with the decision, though, because Meg got it. A long story and a strange series of events later, Meg was creative director, Grace Auble was art director, and they made up a new role for me — creative assistant. Grace was going abroad in the spring, so they needed to train someone to take over as art director.
My taking over as art director put so much into motion. Although incredibly stressful and directly after a creative “purge” (AKA half of the creative executive board quitting), it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I stepped up and, for lack of better words, worked my ass off.
Fast forward, and I have been the longest-serving upper creative executive member in Thread’s 15-year history. My role as creative director, which I stepped into starting my junior year, was once considered “cursed.” Not only have I broken that curse, but I have tossed it out completely. The creative team I have fostered has changed my life and my work significantly, and I couldn’t be more appreciative. I consider myself hard to be friends with, and you all have shown me that that’s not the case. Morgan, Gab, and Cami, you three in particular have always seen the best in me and have cheered me on the loudest. I love you guys, and if I wrote out something to each of you, this column would be way too long.
I have a few additional shoutouts for exec members I have known the longest. It wouldn’t feel right to write this without acknowledging them.
Zennia, you are literally my “Thread day one.” Our first Thread shoot together was about three weeks into our freshman year, in which we modeled together. I’m so glad we got to spend time on exec together this year.
Natalie, we survived the purge together as some of the youngest people on exec. You have grown into such a wonderful business manager, and your passion for Thread is palpable.
Bella, what would I have done without you? Your dedication has never gone unnoticed by me. You alone inspired me to get into styling, which is how my BFA thesis project succeeded. Your vision is unmatched.
Disha and Jori, you guys came into Thread at a scary time; what I consider the “purge hires.” During the interview process, I knew I wanted you two on exec. You guys put my nerves at ease, and you never stopped learning.
Now, dear reader, you are probably still wondering how in the world a university fashion publication led to Disney. Not only has leading this organization given me a stacked resume, but the real reason leads back to Meg Rees.
After her graduation in 2024, Meg joined BurkleHagen, a food photography studio in Cleveland. I always admired Meg’s work and wanted more than anything to intern there in 2025. Because she believed in me, I earned that internship and leveled up my own work and experience.
Fast forward to my “post-grad freak out” of January-March of this year. I had applied to 200 positions and already had 17 interviews. Finally, over spring break, I got invited to interview with Disney as a Food & Beverage Stylized Photography Intern — a dream of mine. In the interview, one of the first things I was asked about was my experience at BurkleHagen. The team knew of them and took inspiration from them. The rest is history.
The beautiful thing about opportunities and relationships is that you never know what they could one day lead to.
Threadies, I leave you with ten pieces of advice:
Make the best work you can, then make it better.
Even if you think you can’t do it, try anyway.
Never burn bridges.
If you’re not loving what you’re doing, try something else.
If there aren’t opportunities, make them yourself.
Tell your friends you appreciate them.
When you care about something, make it known. Don’t be nonchalant.
Embarrassment is a temporary feeling.
Trust your gut, body, mind, and heart.
NEVER take 26 credit hours in one semester.
Joining Thread was the second-best decision I made in the past four years, topped only by staying in it. I love you all, and I hope you find just as much joy, friendship, creativity, fulfillment, and love as I did.
Sincerely,
Hadley Fain
