5 Minutes with Rachel Smithie, Trinity College
Meet Trinity College Grad Rachel Smithie, Email Marketing Specialist at Michael Kors and Founder of Grape and Olive Creative Consultancy. Rachel went from Hartford, CT to NYC and has taken her styling and marketing expertise to major brands like Baked by Melissa, Mestiza and now Michael Kors!
May 20, 2026
Dear Class of 2026:
The journey to the top is never a straight line. We’ve gathered the best advice from industry leaders, top athletes, and more – because the best guidance comes from those who’ve been there. Follow along for stories of resilience, unconventional advice and inspiration!
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Meet Trinity College Grad Rachel Smithie, Email Marketing Specialist at Michael Kors and Founder of Grape and Olive Creative Consultancy. Rachel went from Hartford, CT to NYC and has taken her styling and marketing expertise to major brands like Baked by Melissa, Mestiza and now Michael Kors. She's truly the embodiment of a marketing mogul in the making!
What's a Moment After Grad that Really Shaped You?
After graduation – I would say my four years in my a cappella group at college, that really shaped me! Those are my forever friends and I will always cherish those memories.
How has Your Idea of Success Changed Over Time?
I think I used to view success as linear, and something that is quantifiable by a certain title, income, status, etc. Whereas now, I truly feel like if I am creatively fulfilled, happy, and surrounding myself with good people… that is success in my eyes!
A snippet of Rachel's work
Favorite place in the world. Why?
New York City! It is so full of life, culture, fashion, politics, cuisine, architecture, history, beauty . . . everything! And the opportunities are truly endless. I’m constantly inspired in this city, more than anywhere else.
A snippet of Rachel's work
What's One Piece of Advice You Would Give Future Graduates?
Don’t worry about the future! All you can do is live in the present, exactly where you’re feet are. Life will often lead you down roads you didn’t expect, but remain open to everything that may be thrown at you, because you never know where a path might lead!
Thanks so much to Rachel for sharing her advice and inspiration with us! We can't wait to see what you do next <3