By Belinda Nolan
The St Albans teenager had always dreamed of a life in the fashion industry but knew he would have to take a chance to turn the dream into a reality.
Fresh out of high school, the then 18-year-old decided on a plan of action to follow his heart, rather than his head.
“I made a decision to take risks to do what I wanted to do,” the teenager said.
“I didn’t want to be slaving away in a job I hated. I wanted to do something I was passionate about.
“But it was never going to be the safe option.”
Along with his best friend, Jamie began plotting a career as an event planner.
The pair decided to merge their loves of fashion and music by co-ordinating runway shows in Melbourne’s nightclub scene.
But sadly, Jamie’s friend would never live to see their dream take shape.
Six months ago the 18-year-old passed away in tragic circumstances.
“Her death has never actually been solved,” Jamie said.
“It was a really difficult time for me but it actually motivated me to keep going with my dreams because I knew that’s what she would have wanted.”
Jamie’s hard work paid off last month when the 19-year-old bagged a prestigious job planning a runway show for well-known fashion label Stevie.
“It was a great feeling to run my own show,” Jamie said.
“The best thing was knowing my friend was looking down on me.
“I knew she would be smiling.”
The teenager hopes there will be more success on the horizon.
But he admitted a love of fashion could come at a high price.
“I do spend quite a bit of money on my clothes,” Jamie said.
“But it’s money well spent.
“As far as I’m concerned, I’d rather spend my last $10 on Luis Vuitton than on McDonalds.”
