Ava: Welcome back, Off the Record readers. Today, I'm here with a very special guest, Alisha Ahmed. She has had several titles at SEASON, which we'll get into in a moment, but welcome!
Alisha: Thank you for having me.
Ava: Of course. I'm excited to interview you today.
Alisha: I'm excited to be interviewed!
Ava: Awesome. You've had quite a range of experiences with this magazine. As someone who’s taken on multiple roles at SEASON, how do you think the magazine has evolved during your time?
Alisha: I started out my freshman year in Season as a stylist, and it was really fun. At first, it was just a creative outlet for me—I never saw it going anywhere. I kind of took it as something fun to do with my friends and enjoyed having a way to express myself creatively since my academics didn’t really allow for that. Eventually, I applied sophomore year to be editor-in-chief during my junior year. Stepping into that role was a bit intimidating and unexpected, but also an exciting challenge. I really enjoyed getting to creatively direct the magazine and learn from all the amazing people around me. A lot of the directors had been there longer than I had or had held their positions before, so I learned a lot from them—not just about publishing and media, but also about creativity and how to support others through the process, which was really cool. Over my time here, I’ve seen people continue to push the boundaries of what we think we’re capable of. It would be easy to play it safe stylistically or conversation-wise, but I’m so proud to be part of an organization that doesn’t shy away from important topics and expresses itself boldly through art. It’s refreshing to be around people who aren’t afraid to speak their minds.
Ava: It is truly a special thing to be a part of. And what is your current role today?
Alisha: After my year of being editor, the position opened up to be the Communications Director for SEASON. So I stepped into that role this year, which has been really fun. I’ve been working on projects outside of print media…doing other forms like podcasts, videography, email newsletters, and Spotify playlists. It’s been really fun to explore other outlets and try out different media channels.
Ava: I loved being on the podcast. It was so fun, and it felt so professional. And I love making people listen to me talk – especially about sustainable fashion! But, four years at SEASON Magazine is no small feat. What has been the most transformative lesson you’ve learned from your time here?
Alisha: Learning to delegate was really important for me, especially as a Type A person who finds it hard to let go sometimes. It was a big lesson because some directors already had experience in their roles when I took the position. I realized it was better to let them take the lead on things they knew about and then walk me through it, rather than having me impose a system that might not work for them. Sitting back and learning from others, even in a leadership role, was valuable. SEASON has nearly 100 people for a reason—creating a magazine takes a village. I couldn’t do it alone and had to trust others, which ended up being really fun. People often brought creative ideas I wouldn’t have thought of, like the Office Siren shoot where they paired a bikini with dress shorts. It looked amazing and was something I never would have imagined.
Ava: Yeah, I totally understand that. There are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything that you want to as a director. I think reflecting on this time at SEASON is very fitting for this time of year, as we have just a few weeks left before the start of 2025. With the new year approaching, what are you looking forward to most?
Alisha: Well, I will be graduating this year, so I definitely have a lot of changes coming up, but something I always enjoy about a new year is the feeling of a fresh start. I know a lot of people hate winter and the cold months, but to me, there’s something so refreshing about a new year. It kind of helps me get through the winter and the cold times. I just get this new kind of energy.
Ava: I think that’s a great perspective because now that it’s cold and gets dark at 5 p.m., the vibes definitely feel a bit low. That seems to be the general consensus, so finding a positive spin is refreshing. I’m ready for a fresh start, too. You mentioned that you’re graduating in May—how are you feeling as you prepare to step into this next chapter of your life?
Alisha: For the first time in my life—at least from what I can remember—I’m really looking forward to not being in school. Obviously, we don’t start school until we’re five or six, so not technically my whole life, but it feels like it has been. I’m excited to explore what my life and routine look like without homework, and to have free time to pursue hobbies. I’m really looking forward to that. I’m also excited to see what’s next for me. I like to have a lot of things going on, so I’m looking forward to a fresh start and seeking out new opportunities. In high school, I stayed pretty involved, and I wasn’t sure if college would be the same for me, but with SEASON and other commitments—and of course friendships—I found my place. Now, I’m excited to see what life looks like outside of school and an academic setting.
Ava: It is quite strange to think about the fact that our identity up until now has always revolved around being a student. And one day soon, it just won’t be anymore.
Alisha: Yes. It will be interesting to redefine who I am without a student title.
Ava: My last question to you is: if you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of Season staff, what would it be?
Alisha: One piece of advice I’d give to anyone joining SEASON is to not be afraid to make it your own. That’s what makes it so fun. Looking through past editions, you can see that while they all share the same cohesive brand name, each one tells a completely different story. They embrace unique photographer styles, editing choices, writers’ voices, and even the clothing we choose for shoots. You can tell that different people have put their personal touch on each edition, and that’s what makes it special. It’s not meant to be a one size fits all or follow a cookie-cutter outline every semester. Each one has its own vibe, and that eclectic energy is what makes it so exciting to put together—because there are no rules. So, I think it’s really about embracing your own creative vision, rather than just following a brand or formula from the past, and making each edition truly your own.
Ava: That’s wonderful advice. Off the Record readers are going to be enlightened.
Alisha: Haha, I hope so!
Ava: This was actually just a sneak peek of Alisha’s new book coming out, The Alisha Bible. I would read it and I think the readers would too, so leave a comment down below if you want to see that happen. But, all jokes aside, thank you so much for letting me interview you today.
Alisha: Yes! Thank you for having me. I’m so excited to be on Off the Record.
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