Today, as a part of our Behind the Seams with A.K. Rikk's series, we would like to introduce you to Samantha Huyler, the Men’s Visual Assistant. Samantha has an important role keeping the floor stocked, styling mannequins, refreshing displays and making the floor look ultra-presentable and shoppable. It’s her job to create a killer first impression (over and over again).
What initially drew you to A.K. Rikk's?
A.K. Rikk’s pays attention to detail and aesthetics to give you a whole feeling and experience as soon as you walk into the store. The main thing that caught my attention was the fact that they have personal shoppers in store to help you. I love that they care about their clients and work to provide a great environment.
What is your favorite part of working at A.K. Rikk's so far?
Everyone here has a love for fashion. This is my first fashion-related job and it’s so exciting to come to work with people who appreciate fashion the same way I do. It also helps that everyone here is super welcoming so that makes the job very enjoyable.
What is your favorite brand at A.K. Rikk’s?
Rag & Bone. I love the timeless look of their pieces as well as some of the more neutral color palettes that they offer. My goal is to try and make my wardrobe as timeless as possible and to be able to interchange pieces.
Did you go to school for fashion/hold a degree or did you just come by it naturally?
Fashion has always been something I’ve been interested in ever since I was little. I’ve always loved art and all things creative however, I majored in Apparel and Textile Design at Michigan State University.
When you're not at work, what could we find you doing?
Online shopping, going out with friends, at the beach, reading a book or playing pickle ball or tennis.
How do you blow off stress?
I blow off stress by listening to music or writing in a journal. Both are great ways to make me feel better.
Favorite season to dress for? Why?
Winter is probably my favorite season to dress for because there are so many outfits you can make. I love to layer and add accessories to spice up an outfit and winter fashion allows for lots of different options to have fun with.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve done lately?
Going to Faster Horses this past summer. I wasn’t a huge country fan at the time and I’m not a huge camper but I went and it was a great time and country is now one of my go-to music genres.
What is something that you learned about yourself this year?
I’ve learned to be okay on my own. Graduating from college this past May was a big change for me. A lot of big changes happened as I adulted and I learned that I can do things on my own and just being me is enough to get me to where I want to go.
What’s the one achievement you're most proud of?
Being part of MSU’s Vim Magazine fashion show in 2023. I was selected as a designer and was able to design and create four outfits. I was able to work with models and perfect their outfits and even choose the hair and makeup to go with each look. The night before the show I was up until 3 am sewing an outfit and doing last minute alterations. It was super rewarding to be able to pull it off and watch all my models walk out in my designs and to be able to walk out with them. I felt like a real fashion designer and people appreciated my work and it was a great feeling.
If you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be?
Emma Stone because I think she’s funny and similar to me, Leonardo DiCaprio because he’s cute and Coco Chanel (if she were alive) because I love her designs and what the brand stands for.