Charlie Marix: ‘Still Waters Run Deep’

Charlie Marix is one of the most unassuming individuals I have ever known. She’s demure, kind and sees the good in everyone. She’s a classic example of “Still waters run deep.”

She is someone to be admired, because she values the simple things. The important things, such as a good meal with friends, which often plays out at her favorite restaurant, Tiny Boxwoods, or exercising in an expert level spin class at Soulcycle. 

In spite of the fine and fun things Charlie enjoys in her off time, her dedicated work ethic and desire to succeed found her working two jobs over the summer between junior and senior year. One of her jobs was at the exclusive River Oaks boutique Ann Washburn, preparing the Fall/Winter fashions for display, and her second job was assisting with lighting for photographer Margaret Rotan. 

Charlie used her summer to not only build her resume with valuable work experience, but to experience and engage with experts in her particular fields of interest, fashion and photography. She described both experiences as educational and engaging. Her enthusiasm and appreciation for her bosses at both jobs broke the usual shy and soft-spoken traits that everyone associates her with. Charlie’s passion and respect for both of them was palpable.

Her internships allowed Charlie the opportunity to be in an environment where there was “team work” and where she could pick up on the skills of her coworkers to learn more about the two industries she loves. During her internship at Ann Mashburn, she worked with clothes, kept inventory and monitored the floor. Charlie said she “loved working with easy-going professionals who knew everyone by name, even mine.” 

She added how she respected the professional attitudes of the employees and that in each situation the wonderful people she worked alongside of were reflections of her two wonderful supervisors. In reflecting back, Charlie shared, “Both of my bosses were able to provide a really friendly and welcoming customer experience for everyone and genuinely engage with people in a way they felt heard and understood.” Charlie was able to learn about the importance of communication and interpersonal skills needed to be successful in a future job, especially one in retail or fashion. 

Similarly, as a photography assistant for Margaret Rotan, Charlie acknowledged Rotan’s ability to make people feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera - a skill highly valued when working as a photographer. She took note of Rotan’s behavior towards her clients and learned how professional photographers effectively interact with their subjects. 
    
Aside from the valuable skills she learned, Charlie loved how both internships gave her an opportunity to combine fashion and photography. The first half of the day she spent time learning the retail industry at Ann Mashburn, and second half she assisted Margaret Rotan with her photoshoots.

Charlie said, “It was my first time experiencing photography and fashion in a real-life setting. I learned about how photographers work and how a successful boutique is run. I hope to one day to integrate these skills into a future career.” 

As a testament to Charlie’s hard work and solid character, at the end of her summer internships both of her bosses hired her on for an after-school positions. Beautiful, kind, and quiet with a work ethic like no other, “Still waters do run deep!”