Hi, I’m Boston Jordan, and I’m the Free People merchandising intern for Summer 2025.
Maybe you’ve heard about the Free People internship through our pages, or have seen a viral “day in the life” video from our team—it seems like a dream job, right?
Right— spending my summer in Building 25 at the Navy Shipyards in Philly has been an absolute dream come true.
If you're anything like me, you might create a vision board every year, and while the quaint cottage in the French countryside has yet to manifest, this Pacific Northwesterner is still pinching herself that "working for Free People" finally came to fruition.
In addition to crushing on Free People since roughly age 10, I have been reading the blog for as long as I can remember, especially the styling posts because they give me so much inspiration. Naturally, when the team asked if I wanted to write my own editorial, my heart skipped a beat. Not only do I love this blog, but I also have one of my own. In my free time, I write stories just like these, so it meant a lot that they noticed and wanted to include me in the process.
I decided to create a “What’s in Our Bags” feature because it’s such a fun peek into the lives of interns, and it’s exactly the kind of thing I would have wanted to read a year ago. I love seeing which Free People pieces everyone carries with them and the personal items they use every day.
It feels like a little time capsule of our summer together, and I’m excited for you to meet them!
OFFICE DIARIES
What’s In Our Free People Summer Interns’ Bags
By: Boston Jordan
Treasured trinkets and trusted advice…
Hannah Nelson, Buying Intern, Fashion Institute of Technology 2024
Do you carry anything unique or unexpected?
My handheld fan. I got it when I went back to the Philippines a few years ago with my mom, and it’s so convenient to have, especially this summer. It’s so hot!
Favorite way to decorate and personalize your bag:
I love using old keychains or charms I find at home, or anything vintage I pick up at a flea market or thrift store. They make my bag feel more like me.
One song to describe this summer:
“Everything is Romantic” by Charli XCX because I romanticized The Yard, the 3 p.m. snack, Mr. Softee, and all the events held here.
Best piece of advice from applying for this internship:
Advocate for yourself! This is a tough business, and standing out helps you get noticed. Reference school projects, work, or volunteer experience—be your best friend.
Do you carry anything unique or unexpected?
My handheld fan. I got it when I went back to the Philippines a few years ago with my mom, and it’s so convenient to have, especially this summer. It’s so hot!
Favorite way to decorate and personalize your bag:
I love using old keychains or charms I find at home, or anything vintage I pick up at a flea market or thrift store. They make my bag feel more like me.
One song to describe this summer:
“Everything is Romantic” by Charli XCX because I romanticized The Yard, the 3 p.m. snack, Mr. Softee, and all the events held here.
Best piece of advice from applying for this internship:
Advocate for yourself! This is a tough business, and standing out helps you get noticed. Reference school projects, work, or volunteer experience—be your best friend.
Sydney Harsh, Photo Studio Intern, Indiana University 2025
What’s always in your bag?
My favorite lip balm, my earbuds and a notebook .
Do you carry anything unique or unexpected?
A film camera!
Most memorable part about working here:
Being able to go on location for shoots!
What does a typical day interning here look like?
It's different every day, but usually includes shadowing and helping out in the studio with whatever I can!
What’s always in your bag?
My favorite lip balm, my earbuds and a notebook .
Do you carry anything unique or unexpected?
A film camera!
Most memorable part about working here:
Being able to go on location for shoots!
What does a typical day interning here look like?
It's different every day, but usually includes shadowing and helping out in the studio with whatever I can!
Car’Lee Hall, Marketing Intern, North Carolina A&T State University 2025
Favorite way to decorate and personalize your bag:
Meaningful charms and pins.
Best piece of advice from applying for this internship:
Work as hard as you can, be yourself, and know that you are worthy of any position you’re applying to!
Most memorable part about working here:
Gaining connections and friendships I hope last a lifetime.
What does a typical day interning here look like?
Get here early, meet with my supervisor, attend meetings throughout the day, check out Talent events, and say hi to my friends in passing!
Favorite way to decorate and personalize your bag:
Meaningful charms and pins.
Best piece of advice from applying for this internship:
Work as hard as you can, be yourself, and know that you are worthy of any position you’re applying to!
Most memorable part about working here:
Gaining connections and friendships I hope last a lifetime.
What does a typical day interning here look like?
Get here early, meet with my supervisor, attend meetings throughout the day, check out Talent events, and say hi to my friends in passing!
Emma Rogers, FP Movement Buying Intern, University of Tennessee 2026
Do you carry anything unique or unexpected?
I have a Tennessee baseball ticket in my wallet from when my parents came to visit!
Favorite office spot:
My desk in FP Movement or outside 543 at the dry dock!
Most memorable part about working here:
Coffee walks with my managers, Rachel and Whitney, and having the best group of intern friends!
What does a typical day interning here look like?
My roommates and I get here early and grab breakfast at 543. Every day looks different—I attend lots of meetings with my team and others in Movement. I also help with tasks like ordering samples, creating decks, and placing orders.
Do you carry anything unique or unexpected?
I have a Tennessee baseball ticket in my wallet from when my parents came to visit!
Favorite office spot:
My desk in FP Movement or outside 543 at the dry dock!
Most memorable part about working here:
Coffee walks with my managers, Rachel and Whitney, and having the best group of intern friends!
What does a typical day interning here look like?
My roommates and I get here early and grab breakfast at 543. Every day looks different—I attend lots of meetings with my team and others in Movement. I also help with tasks like ordering samples, creating decks, and placing orders.
Boston Jordan, Merchandising Intern, University of Oregon 2027
What’s always in your bag?
Earbuds, my duck key holder my sister got me, my emotional support water bottle.
Do you carry anything unique or unexpected?
A giant photo of me as a baby that my parents mailed to me on my birthday.
Favorite way to decorate and personalize your bag:
I love using bandanas and beads. Since working here, I’ve started pinning brooches on it too, anything I like and think is unique, I’ll use to decorate it.
Best piece of advice from applying for this internship:
The day before my interview, my dad told me they’re not looking for someone with an insanely stacked resume, we’re all young and here to learn. Be someone they want to teach. Show that you're passionate and eager. I also applied before and didn’t get it—it's about how you bounce back and grow. I even did visualization meditations every week leading up to the interview!
What’s always in your bag?
Earbuds, my duck key holder my sister got me, my emotional support water bottle.
Do you carry anything unique or unexpected?
A giant photo of me as a baby that my parents mailed to me on my birthday.
Favorite way to decorate and personalize your bag:
I love using bandanas and beads. Since working here, I’ve started pinning brooches on it too, anything I like and think is unique, I’ll use to decorate it.
Best piece of advice from applying for this internship:
The day before my interview, my dad told me they’re not looking for someone with an insanely stacked resume, we’re all young and here to learn. Be someone they want to teach. Show that you're passionate and eager. I also applied before and didn’t get it—it's about how you bounce back and grow. I even did visualization meditations every week leading up to the interview!
A huge thank you to all the interns for sharing their bags and stories from the summer. Each one feels like a unique reflection of its owner, and I love seeing how much you can learn about someone just by a peek into what they carry every day. I hope you found a little inspiration to decorate your own bag and make it completely yours—just how Free People would want it.
So ... What's in your bag?!
So ... What's in your bag?!
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