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AFA MAGAZINE | SPRING 2025 ISSUE

  • AFA Digital Magazine "ASCEND: Elevate. Inspire. Achieve" Spring 2025 Issue, cover image in black and white showing young woman posing with her arms overhead.

    ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1 Cover

  • Table of Contents

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 1: Table of Contents

  • Weaving Careers & Connections, page showing woman working in fashion design.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 2: Weaving Careers & Connections

  • Black & white photo of Kelly Helfman lounging on a loveseat and laughing, with a biography of her work overhead and the article title.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 3: Finding Yourself: Q & A With Kelly Kelfman - Bio

  • Page one of Kelly Helfman Q&A article, with black and white photo of her and two questions and answers variating in color.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 4: Finding Yourself : Q & A with Kelly Helfman, Part 1

  • Kelly Helfman article page two, featuring full-size, full-color photo of Kelly on a studio set being interviewed.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 5: Finding Yourself : Q & A with Kelly Helfman, Part 2

  • Kelly Helfman article page three with full-size, left aligned photo of Kelly at a fashion mart.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 6: Finding Yourself : Q & A with Kelly Helfman, Part 3

  • Visual break with black and white photo of woman using sewing machine.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 7: One Thread. Many Stories.

  • Magazine article about member alumni, Shayla Kalac, who joined Strut & Bolt this year, featuring an image of Shayla at show and a quote reading "It was really important to me to find some more passion in my day-to-day and I feel like I found that."

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 8: Taking a Leap to Land the Dream Job

  • Full-page image of alumni member Ashtyn Riegert in denim jacket with cityscape background.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 9: Embracing Change: Finding Creative Freedom

  • Two images of Ashtyn Riegert, left aligned with four questions and answers about her experience embracing a career in fashion.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 10: Q&A with Ashtyn Riegert

  • Article reading "How Building Relationships and Following Passion Transformed Two Careers in Fashion and Showing the first feature for Alicia Jones, with a left aligned image and info card about her experience.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 11: The Power of Connection: Alicia Jones

  • Large image of Alexis Mahon with information card about experience embracing fashion.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 12: Alexis Mahon

  • Image of Kelly Helfman speaking at a lively panel.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 13: Top Tips for Starting a Fashion Line from Kelly Helfman

  • Article with five tips for starting a fashion line successfully, with a charcoal overlay against a photo of a fashion line.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 14: 5 Tips for Startup Success

  • Image of Maddie Castleberry sitting on a well lit stairwell while talking on the phone, with a quote reading "Always be kind and pour your heart into what you do and you will be successful!"

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 15: Maddie Castleberry - Serene Content Co

  • Alumni article featuring Maddie Castleberry's experience starting a business in the wedding content industry.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 16: Carving Out a Niche as an Entrepreneur

  • Feature article about alumni member Destiny Porter's experience growing into fashion, with left aligned image of Destiny in a denim dress and a pink background.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 17: Destiny Porter's Journey: Embracing Growth & Opportunity in Fashion

  • Q&A article with full-size image of Destiny Porter and quote reading "Don't be afraid to present people with ides-- it shows you're eager to do the work, and that can open up so many opportunities."

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 18: Destiny Porter's Journey Article

  • Visual break with black and white image of two women laughing and networking.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 19: Woven Together: Real Stories. Bold Moves. Lasting Impact.

  • Introductory page for article by AFA Staffing CEO, featuring image of Brooke Hammer.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 20: Navigating Success Through Uncharted Territory, by Brooke Hammer

  • Brooke Hammer article, page one, with introductory paragraph and two sections: Diversify your Skills and Be Bold.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 21: Navigating Success Through Uncharted Territory, part 1

  • Part 2 of Brooke Hammer's article with two photos and two sections reading "Go the Extra Mile" and "Forge Your Own Path"

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 22: Navigating Success Through Uncharted Territory, part 2

  • Conclusion article with black and white image of four friends walking through the Hollywood hills.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 22: Rooted in Community, Ready for What's Next

  • Closing image with women in front of palm trees

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 23: Closing Page

  • Back cover with title and transparent image of person in front of car next to palm trees.

    AFA Magazine, ASCEND, Spring 2025 | Issue No 1, Page 24: Back Cover

Read the Fall 2023 Issue: California Dreaming

  • AFA Digital Magazine "California Dreaming" August 2023 | Issue No 2 Front Cover, reading "California Dreaming" and featuring an image of two fashionable young women in the city, with the AFA logo.

    California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2 Cover

  • Magazine article detailing Atlanta First Agency's (AFA) work traveling members to Atlanta, Vegas, Dallas & Chicago for apparel marts. Four images feature young, excited and professional women working together at apparel marts.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 2: A Look Into August | Catching Flights Not Feelings

  • Magazine article from the perspective of owner and founder of Atlanta First Agency (AFA), Brooke Hammer, explaining the organization's expansion to permanent placements, adding a division headquartered in LA to provide opportunities for AFA members.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 3: East to West | Expansion to L.A.

  • Image of Los Angeles road, lined with palm trees and with the foothills in the background. Blockquote reads, "Dreams can become a reality when we possess a vision, a plan, and the courage to chase it relentlessly."

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 4: East to West

  • Magazine article exploring a recent trip to LA with three candidates from Georgia, where AFA facilitated successful career placements by connecting them with and taking them to wholesale offices and garnering insights from esteemed AFA members.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 5: AFA Takes LA | Coast to Coast: AFA's Journey Out West

  • Magazine article highlighting the journeys of Melina Degroot and Sara Beth Banta as they entered the fashion industry with the help and support of AFA Staffing.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 6: East to West | New City, New Opportunities

  • Magazine article reading "AFA's Guided Journey to Landing your Dream Job" and examining the Permanent Placement Program and how this opportunity provides candidates with crucial development and secures them the role.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 7: From Show Floor to Career Door | AFA's Permanent Placement Program

  • Magazine article in Q&A format with one of AFA's members, examining the benefits of working with AFA and being a recruiter with the agency.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 8: Finding Your Path | A Journey of Growth, Leadership, and Success

  • Magazine article introduction with three locations: Atlanta, Dallas, and New York. Page reads, "AFA is experiencing remarkable growth in each city, bolstering our thriving presence as a leading agency in the fashion industry!"

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 9: City Spotlight | Our Three Home Branches

  • Magazine article exploring five fashion careers and what these roles look like in the industry.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 10: Pursuing Your Passions | Mapping Out Your Career Route

  • Image of two girls at one of the apparel markets, preparing for show.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 11: Showtime

  • Magazine Article featuring three essentials for show: Converse sneakers, a spacious tote bag, and a water bottle.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 12: Top-Rated | GRWM For Show, As We Bring Our Most Essential Items

  • Image of a girl at Magic Apparel Market in Nashville, Tennessee (TN).

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 13: Showtime

  • Magazine article with a checklist of travel essentials, flight essentials, entertainment, snacks & water,, toiletries, wardrobe, and health items for apparel show trips.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 14: Travel Checklist

  • Image of four girls posing for a mirror selfie.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 15: Community | You Look Good.

  • Magazine article about AFA's community of girls connecting with one another to encourage lasting personal and professional development. Image of a group of diverse girls smiling together and posing for a photo.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 16: Beyond the Daily Hustle | Beyond Work, Embracing Family: How AFA Nurtures Genuine Connections

  • Magazine page 17 featuring images of girls engaging with one another, posing and smiling and reading, "Building relationships is at the heart of AFA"

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 17: Community | Building Relationships

  • Magazine article with testimonials from three of the girls who have participated in AFA's program and achieved the career of their dreams, while connecting and developing essential skills.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 18: Community | Zoe, Lilli, and Cheyanne

  • Magazine article with two features, highlighting the incredible entrepreneurial work by two of AFA Staffing's members.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 19: Entrepreneurs in AFA | A Culture of Girls Supporting Girls

  • Magazine announcement by AFA Staffing about the upcoming Women in Fashion Conference in spring of 2024.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 20: Breaking News | Women in Fashion Conference is Back!

  • Last page of the AFA digital magazine, with the AFA logo and featuring an image of palm tress in LA.

    AFA Magazine, California Dreaming, August 2023 | Issue No 2, Page 21: Kaizan | Always Striving for Continuous Improvement

Read the 2022 Edition