Jordyn Chase
Pictured (left to right): Jordyn Chase, with Toi Ohomai Māori Success Manager Mel Katu and nursing student Kat Stevens.
As the eldest of five children, Jordyn Chase, is no stranger to responsibility. Growing up in Wellington, she would endlessly sketch her creative ideas and fashion designs down on paper.
After finishing high school, Jordyn decided to put her fashion industry goals on hold to pursue what she considered “a more sensible vocation”, working for several years in administration and office management roles. Jordyn’s eye for detail and exceptional time management skills meant she was very successful in these roles, however, she still felt somewhat unfulfilled.
Deciding there was no time like the present, Jordyn enrolled in a Certificate in Arts in Design and later expanded her knowledge of Mataranga Māori to learn more about her whakapapa and Māori culture.
Now, Jordyn is studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, majoring in Fashion Design. The course covers everything from designing, pattern making, and complex fashion garment creation, to wider industry information such as quality control, the fashion supply chain, fashion buying and retailing.
Jordyn says she is grateful for the ongoing support she has received from her tutors at Toi Ohomai, including multi-award winning fashion designer and Academic Staff Member, Donna Dinsdale, who has shared valuable, technical garment making skills.
"Donna has helped me every step of the way, from sketch to finished piece."
During the first year of her Bachelor of Creative Industries course, Jordyn joined the Toi Ohomai student mentoring programme for Māori wāhine, called Tuakana – Teina. Through this programme, Jordyn received additional guidance and support from a mentor; Toi Ohomai Māori Success Manager, Mel Katu.
"As well as meeting to discuss my study goals, progress and any set-backs, Mel introduced me to the local Māori arts community, which meant I attended a variety of creative events around Matariki and Maramataka, learning more about the creative industry.”
As part of Tuakana - Teina, Jordyn built on her design skills acquired throughout her course by creating a logo for the mentoring programme, drawing on inspiration from moko kauae. "The other students loved the logo, and we put it on hoodies which we wore to our Tuakana – Teina Graduation, celebrating the completion of the mentoring programme. Another tutor, Quinton Bidois - who teaches Visual Arts - shared his extensive knowledge about Māori Art, which gave me confidence to design the Tuakana – Teina logo. I’m still on my mataranga Māori and te reo journey, but I’m learning so much along the way.”
For Jordyn, studying at Toi Ohomai has been a journey of both personal and academic growth.
"At first, the Bachelor of Creative Industries seemed like a big jump up from my previous certificate level course, but I’m really enjoying it. With smaller class sizes, there’s so much support and guidance available which helps to grow your confidence, as well as your skills and knowledge… I’ve learnt while fashion design and administration are completely different fields, I’ve got strong transferrable skills.”
Jordyn says she has been particularly proud of her ability to manage time and complete her assignments on schedule, adding that she loves what’s she studying, which makes it easier to stay on top of the work.
Her advice to students currently studying or training - or considering their vocational study options - is to ask questions, seek feedback, and make the most of your time.
“A few years of study can make a huge difference to your future. Follow your passion and don’t give up, even when it’s tough… I can’t wait to see how much I continue to improve creatively and academically in 2025," Jordyn says.