Senior digital marketing major Turner Livingston recently completed a fall semester internship working alongside prominent fashion brand owner Tyrus Divine Hosley. Through this process, Livingston gained direct experience in entrepreneurship, branding, and creative leadership. The internship allowed Livingston to connect his academic studies with real-world applications while refining his long-term vision as a business owner.
“I have my own clothing brand, and I want to be my own entrepreneur someday,” Livingston shared. “So having someone who already has their own clothing brand and learning from them was huge.”
We caught up with Livingston to learn more about his fall internship experience and how it supported his professional, personal, and creative growth.
Internship Experience and Professional Growth
Livingston was drawn to the internship because it aligned directly with his passion for fashion and entrepreneurship. He launched his first clothing brand, Fearless, in 2020 and spent several years learning through independent trial and error. Working with Hosley gave him the opportunity to learn from an established professional and gain insight into the industry.
“I learned a lot of real-world skills, but also a lot of networking and connections through Tyrus, which was a huge blessing,” Livingston said. “He kind of prevented me from making my own costly mistakes.”
Throughout the fall semester, Livingston contributed to professional fashion projects, including helping assemble style portfolios for NBA athletes’ pregame outfits. “We had two portfolios for a couple NBA guys, and I helped put those together,” he said. “Seeing someone wearing outfits we put together before a game was really cool.”
The internship also supported Livingston’s academic and technical development by strengthening his understanding of branding, business strategy, and long-term planning. A key focus of the experience involved preparing to rebrand his work under a new label, Overlook.
“So everything I did wrong with my last brand, I learned how to do better this time,” he explained. “It really helped me understand how to be a business owner, how to expand, and how to do things the right way.”
Beyond technical skills, Livingston experienced personal and cultural growth through his work. He reflected on the role of clothing as both creative expression and a catalyst for meaningful conversation.
“For me, it’s an expression of yourself,” he said. “And as a believer, I think people can see a difference through us. Clothing can be a beautiful conversation starter.”
He noted that his earlier brand often prompted curiosity. “People would ask what Fearless meant. Even for people who weren’t believers, it opened the door to conversation. That’s really where my passion comes from.”
Looking Ahead: Lessons, Advice, and Impact
The fall internship played a significant role in shaping Livingston’s future goals and affirming his desire to pursue entrepreneurship. Seeing his work come to life in a professional setting tested and strengthened his commitment.
“It was motivating and honestly tested my passion,” he said. “Seeing the work come together confirmed that this is what I want to pursue.”
Livingston encourages other Bushnell students to seek internships that align with their interests and to pursue mentorships intentionally. “Find something you’re interested in and passionate about,” he advised. “Work with someone who can really help you grow in the field you want to be in.”
He also expressed appreciation for Bushnell’s approach to experiential learning. “It was never about finding something that just fit a curriculum,” he said. “They really wanted me out in the world trying something I love and enjoy.”
Bushnell University is proud to support students like Livingston as they engage in meaningful internship experiences that connect academic learning with professional purpose. To learn more about internships and career development opportunities at Bushnell University, visit bushnell.edu/career-development.