Hi there! My name is Penelope Klein and I’m a fourth-year Communication Studies major and member of the University Honors Program.  Since I transferred to Chapman a year ago, time has been flying by and I am grateful for all of the special moments I have experienced thus far, both in the School of Communication and Honors Program.  During the Fall 2024 semester, I had the pleasure of interning in the Creative Department at Z SUPPLY, a women’s apparel company based in Costa Mesa. They are a female-led brand dedicated to empowering women with casual, comfortable fashion across all the moments of their day.

Creative direction inspiration in the in-house photo studio.

As a Creative Production Intern, I had the incredible opportunity to transform my passion for creativity into impactful work. This role challenged me to think outside the box and bring visual brand ideas to life, allowing me to truly immerse myself in the creative process. From brainstorming photoshoot production concepts to assisting in art direction on set, I experienced the full spectrum of creative production, which was slightly intimidating but extremely rewarding. Every task became a chance to refine my skills, including creating creative “decks,” using InDesign, and proactively communicating with talented professionals, such as photographers, models, and modeling agents. It was both fulfilling and inspiring to see my creative vision play a (small) role in Z SUPPLY’s process!

Behind the scenes of an E-commerce photoshoot.

One highlight was assisting in coordinating a special photoshoot for the Z SUPPLY Foundation, the philanthropic branch of the company dedicated to supporting students pursuing creative degrees. During one of the in-house E-Commerce photoshoots, I helped set up the photo studio and prepare the sets in preparation for the students to come. Seeing the final images weeks later, featuring three talented scholarship recipients from art schools across California, was a particularly inspiring moment. As a fellow college senior, I felt a strong connection to their stories and was motivated by the exciting possibilities of the future. 

Z Supply Foundation 2024 BFCM Campaign.

As graduation approaches in the Spring, I am incredibly grateful for the skills I’ve gained, the mentorship I’ve received, and the supportive team I’ve been a part of.  Z SUPPLY has been an exceptional place to learn, grow, and contribute, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to work with a forward-thinking, innovative brand. Their rapid growth and dedication to empowering women in fashion make them a standout company in the apparel industry. Ultimately, this experience reaffirmed my belief that creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a powerful tool for storytelling. As I continue on my journey, I’m excited to carry forward the lessons I’ve learned and the creative spirit that drives me.