Stay Curious: The Key to Growth and Discovery

Imagine stepping into a world where every moment is a chance to uncover something new about yourself, the people around you, and the infinite possibilities ahead. That’s the magic of curiosity—it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Today, I had the privilege of experiencing that magic firsthand as I spent the afternoon mentoring a high school student during her career shadowing experience.

From the moment she arrived, her enthusiasm was contagious. She peppered me with questions about the fashion industry—its challenges, its opportunities, and its power to shape not just how we look but how we feel and who we become. In her eyes, I saw the spark of someone standing at the edge of discovery.

I shared with her the lesson I share with everyone I mentor: stay curious. Let your curiosity be the compass that guides you through life. In the beginning, it will help you explore the vastness of an industry—like fashion—so you can find the area that truly excites you. Later, once you know your path, curiosity shifts gears, helping you refine your craft, master your niche, and continuously improve. It’s like building a runway to your dreams, one question at a time.

As we talked, the conversation naturally drifted to the importance of self-expression—how wearing what you love isn’t just about clothes but about understanding yourself. Fashion becomes a mirror, reflecting back your values, your passions, and your personality. The more you embrace what makes you unique, the more confident you feel, and the closer you get to living a life aligned with your purpose.

It was a joy to explore these ideas with her, weaving through scenarios and imagining what her future could hold. By the end of the day, I was reminded of the ripple effect of curiosity—not only does it fuel your own growth, but it inspires those around you to dream bigger and dig deeper.

But this special day didn't end there, more happened. Curious yet?

When I got home, my son couldn’t wait to tell me that Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped was out. He gleefully grabbed my phone to check my stats and proudly announced that I had listened to 110,000 minutes of podcasts this year. That’s over 1,800 hours of learning and inspiration, putting me in the top 6% of listeners worldwide! I couldn’t help but laugh—of course, I love podcasts. They’re my daily dose of discovery, my constant companions as I drive to and from work, fall sleep and wake up.

This discovery reminded me of a creative project I started 1-2 years ago: Talking Fashion with the Dead. This podcast was my way of keeping the legacies of iconic fashion designers alive. Using AI, I simulated conversations with some of my favorites, tailoring questions based on their philosophies and teachings. I even brought students from Columbus Fashion Academy into these “interviews,” imagining how these legends might inspire the next generation. While the project is on pause for now, it remains close to my heart. Maybe one day, I’ll dust it off and bring it back to life.

Until then, I’ll keep soaking up inspiration from every conversation, every podcast, and every curious mind I meet. Curiosity has been a great ally—not just in fashion, but in life. It’s the secret to growth, the spark of creativity, and the glue that connects us to one another.

So, I’ll leave you with this message: Stay curious. The world is full of magic waiting to be discovered. Discover and give it back!

About Priscila Teixeira

Priscila Teixeira is a visionary entrepreneur, creative leader, and founder of The Fashion Space ecosystem, which includes Columbus Fashion Academy, TalkingFashion, and The Fashion Community. With decades of experience in the fashion industry, Priscila’s journey began in São Paulo, Brazil, where she launched her first business at the age of 12. Now based in Columbus, Ohio, she is on a mission to transform lives through fashion by combining sustainability, education, and empowerment. An award-winning social enterprise leader, Priscila believes in the power of fashion as a tool for self-expression, confidence, and community building. Visit her LinkedIn profile to learn more.