We’re Back: Ryann Sax Opens the Spring Semester of CCI Internship Diaries

Photo courtesy of Ryann Sax, pictured in Paris. Here, she showcases her favorite work outfit and captures a memorable moment from a professional event where she had the opportunity to meet the CEO of Sephora.

Welcome back to a new semester and a new installment of the CCI Internship Diaries, where we highlight your incredible experiences and the internships you’ve secured within the creative and cultural industries. This series exists to celebrate your work, your ambition, and the many ways CCI students are carving out their own paths to success.

To kick us off this semester, we’re featuring Ryann Sax ‘26!

Ryann is a Business Entrepreneurship major and CCI double major who took her academic journey into her own hands. Through Chapman’s self designed major program, and after nearly two years of dedication, planning, and collaboration, she created her own major titled The International Fashion Context of CCI. With the guidance of Founding Director Patrick Fuery, Ryann built a program centered around her passion for fashion and global creative industries, proving that CCI students do not simply follow existing paths, they create their own.

Her journey has taken her across cities and creative capitals, from studying abroad in London to pursuing opportunities in her hometown of Los Angeles. Along the way, she has embraced new environments with confidence and curiosity, seeking out experiences that expand both her perspective and her creative voice. Her drive to step into unfamiliar spaces has allowed her to grow, connect across cultures, and build a strong foundation within the global creative industries.

Photo courtesy of Ryann Sax. Paris is a city overflowing with love, inspiration, fashion, and excitement. She often visited a local market near her workplace, returning time and time again to find fresh inspiration in its vibrant atmosphere.

For Ryann, fashion has always been more than clothing, it’s a form of self-expression. What you choose to wear tells a story about who you are, how you feel, and how you move through the world. That passion has guided her through international internships, creative exploration, and even undergraduate research in Australia, an experience we’ll dive into later in a separate feature.

Despite her busy schedule, Ryann took the time to share her journey with us. In this edition of the CCI Internship Diaries, we are spotlighting the fashion internship she secured the summer before her sophomore year in one of the world’s fashion capitals: Paris.

So without further ado, let’s dive into Ryann’s story.

Photo courtesy of Ryann Sax. She attended a work event at La Galerie Dior, the iconic museum dedicated to Christian Dior. Known for its immersive installations, the museum showcases some of the fashion house’s most celebrated designs and creative legacy.

So Ryann, let’s talk about Paris. How does someone even land an internship halfway across the world?

RS: Honestly, it all started with a spontaneous yes. My freshman year, I had just joined Chabad and was having a terrible day when someone casually invited me on a last minute trip to New York City. I went without overthinking it, and that one decision changed everything. While I was there, I met someone who told me about interning abroad and said, “Why don’t you come to Paris this summer?” That idea stuck with me. I applied through Absolute Internships, chose fashion in Paris, and landed an interview with Jean Marc Philippe. The conversation flowed so naturally that by the end, he offered me the role on the spot. It felt surreal. One unexpected opportunity led to another, and suddenly, I was on my way to living and working in Paris.

Wow! What was it like adjusting to the culture in Paris and navigating that work environment?

RS: It honestly felt surreal. I was 18, living in Paris and working in fashion marketing, when on my very first day I was asked to present my ideas to the entire company, including presidents and directors. I barely spoke French, and the hierarchy was very formal, which made it intimidating at first. Still, I opened by introducing myself in French to show respect. That small moment shifted everything. After that, I was trusted with more responsibility and invited into spaces I never expected to be in, from major fashion events to high level meetings. At one event, I struck up a conversation with someone next to me and later realized she was the CEO of Sephora. It was one of those moments where you pause and realize how far you’ve come. Paris taught me how to adapt quickly, trust my voice, and step confidently into rooms that once felt out of reach.

What were some of your responsibilities during the internship?

RS: My role was very creative and hands-on, which I loved. I worked on building presentations, creating Instagram content, and contributing marketing ideas for the brand. They didn’t treat me like I was “just an intern,” they really encouraged me to think creatively and bring my own perspective to the table. The company focused on plus-size fashion, which made the experience even more meaningful. In France, most brands have very limited sizing, so being part of a company that was intentionally creating space for inclusivity felt powerful. It showed me how fashion can be used not just to sell something, but to make people feel seen. One of the most unforgettable moments happened during a presentation I created. I decided to redesign the company’s logo, not because I was asked to, but because I saw an opportunity and wanted to challenge myself creatively. I didn’t expect anything to come from it, but a few weeks later, I saw that they had actually adopted my design. It was such a full-circle moment. It taught me that even as an intern, your ideas can make a real impact. Sometimes all it takes is the confidence to share your creativity, because you never know who’s listening.

Photo courtesy of Ryann Sax. This is the beautiful city of Paris, captured from her favorite viewpoint.

That’s incredible. Did you see connections between your CCI classes and your experience in Paris?

RS: Absolutely. CCI completely changed the way I experienced Paris. It taught me that fashion isn’t just about clothing, it exists at the intersection of tourism, culture, marketing, and global creative industries. Being there, I could actually see those connections in real time. Fashion shows weren’t just events; they were cultural moments. Storefronts weren’t just retail spaces; they were storytelling platforms. CCI gave me the language and perspective to understand the bigger picture of what I was stepping into. Studying abroad in London and taking classes focused on cultural context also deepened that understanding. European cities live and breathe creativity. Art, fashion, architecture, it’s all part of everyday life, and it’s valued in a way that feels intentional. 

On to our last question: What would you say was the biggest lesson you learned from your internship?

RS: The biggest lesson I learned was the power of speaking up. Even in environments with clear hierarchies, your voice still has value. I realized that when you share your ideas with confidence and respect, people listen, and sometimes, those ideas can genuinely shape the work. It taught me that being an intern doesn’t mean staying in the background; it means showing up, contributing, and trusting that your perspective deserves a seat at the table.

Photo courtesy of Ryann Sax. Pictured at one of the Paris Métro stations she frequently commuted through for work, Ryann embraces French style in a classic beret. Alongside this moment is a behind-the-scenes look at a photoshoot she attended, where she played an active role in styling the models. The final images were later featured across the brand’s social media platforms and website.

What a journey this has been. We are so grateful to Ryann for sharing her story with such honesty and insight. Her experience is a reminder that CCI is about more than gaining experience. It is about learning to see the world differently, to trust your ideas, and to have the confidence to pursue them. From making her mark in fashion to exploring bold academic ideas in her Bizarre Objects class, Ryann has fully embraced what it means to carve out your own path. If you or someone you know in CCI would like to share your internship experience, we would love to hear from you, don’t hesitate to contact us at erosas@chapman.edu!