meet the team
Our team is made up of design professionals who have a passion for educating today’s youth with a creative approach.
kristen dees,
founder
Product Development graduate from FIDM/ Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.
Public Relations graduate from University of La Verne
Background in product development, footwear design, public relations, event planning, wholesale & college admissions
Created Designer Camp out of a love for educating today's youth about the world of design
Mommy to Ava & Briar
Loves chocolate chip cookies & binging on HGTV design shows
Tanya Buzalsky,
Executive Director
Graduate of FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Loves teaching and leading teams
Background in event management, retail, visual merchandising, and teaching
Worked at FIDM for over 20 years leading teams and planning campus events and camps
Currently is a freelance event planner with clients such as Havainas, Nordstrom, Camp Firework, FitCity, San Antonio Winery and more
She loves to travel and has a passion for being outdoors, surfing, rollerblading and bike riding
Gretchen Dawley, Fashion & Styling Director
Fashion Design graduate from FIDM / Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
Industry background designing within the junior’s and women’s contemporary markets
Fascinated by history and culture, with a love for nostalgia and all things vintage
Lover of the lost art of couture gown making and the bridal market
Currently designing and constructing hand-crafted wedding gowns under her own label
Dreams of living in the countryside surrounded by a rose garden, sewing gowns and exploring with her husband and little boy
Alisha (Agrellas) Stuart,
Interior Design Director
University Of San Diego Graduate with a multi-faceted background in Broadcast Media, Marketing, and Design
Founder & Principal Designer of Honné Studio, a Los Angeles-based interior design & styling firm serving Southern California and beyond
Loves Architecture, Travel & Culture, Antique-ing & Vintage Hunting, Discovering Emerging Artisans & Craftspeople
Dreams of expanding to E-Commerce and designing a line of furnishing/home decor pieces for the masses alongside one of my favorite retailers
Newly married and loves spending the weekends exploring Southern California together, when not onsite ;)
Von Dominguez,
Interior Design Director
Bachelor of Fine Art of Interior Design, CSULB ; Master of Architecture, Cal Poly Pomona
Assistant Professor of Design, CSULB
Loves Photography, Art, Automotive Design. Anything or everything that can be inspirational to Design and teaching!
Continuing to establish further connections for HIS students into the profession with internships, scholarships and design competitions.
Recently completed a re-model of two residential homes, one a single family residence in Whittier, the other a senior care center facility in Oxnard, CA.
Dreams of traveling more in the future! with his wife. Would love to explore more of Europe, particularly Spain and Italy.
Philip Cuenco, Photography Director
Philip has been photographing professionally since 2005 and is now a Leica Akademie instructor
Originally trained as a 3D Animator, & working in post-production, Philip has acquired a unique array of skillsets
Though he can still be occasionally seen on the red carpet or high-end private celebrity events, he prefers to teach
Known for his work in fashion, expediting work for clients in the past such as: Tadashi Shoji, Swarovsky, Escada, bebe, AFI/American Film Institute, Ford MotorSports, Alter-G, and more
If Phil is not taking photographs, he can be found enjoying good food, traveling, and spending time with family
mercedes curran,
DIRECTOR
Graduate from FIDM/ Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Background in brand development, creative direction, event planning, public relations, and curriculum design
Believes that if you are passionate about design you should be able to experience the opportunities within the world, no matter your age
Presently works with brands to tell their story through design direction, color, and brand experience
Dreams of being a mermaid, traveling the world port to port
Carley Tawney,
Associate Director
Former Designer Camp LA and OC student.
Currently taking a gap year and heading towards further education in design and/or writing to pursue a career in a creative industry.
Eternally a student of the world around her who loves to learn by doing. Passionate about championing people in their unique voices and creating with sustainability and purpose. Forever fascinated by popular culture, old and new, and what it says about the world we live in.
Dreams of living in New York and being her own boss. Strictly exists outdoors with a book in hand when it's sunny.
Erin Noël,
Fashion & Styling Director
Erin has always been drawn to the art of getting dressed. She believes the power of an outfit can say more than words, it can convey a story, who you are as a person, or say nothing at all.
After spending 12 years working in retail for well known contemporary designers, Erin began her styling journey. She assisted industry leaders; Joseph Cassell, Law Roach, Evet Sanchez, and Jeanne Yang before starting her styling business Erin Noël Creative LLC.
Erin is known for her attention to detail, understanding her clients needs, and creating memorable fashion moments. She believes that style is an enjoyable expression of showcasing who you are. Erin’s background gives her a unique perspective with her clients, and her attention to fit and style is second to none. Her client list includes; Candace Cameron Bure, Jordin Sparks, Peta Murgatroyd, Olivia Holt, and McKenna Grace.
Erin currently lives in Beverly Hills, with her dog Max. In her free time enjoys playing tennis, taking pilates classes, and all the benefits of a sunny California life.
Nicole Artmont,
Beauty Industry Director
Nicole Artmont is a Los Angeles born and bred makeup artist.
She began her career over 20 years ago in New York assisting top makeup artist Vincent Longo, granting her access to working the catwalks of Alice and Olivia and Cynthia Rowley. As her career progressed she gained experience in sales, brand management, training, and product development as she took on different roles in the industry. Following in the footsteps of her father and uncle, she began doing makeup in Hollywood in 2009.
Nicole has worked on a number of films and television shows, including Euphoria, Big Little Lies, and Daddy’s Home. She has also had the pleasure of doing the faces of many celebrities, including Zoë Kravitz, Kristen Wiig, Ellen Barkin, Mary Steen, Kevin Costner, Quincy Jones, and Steve Carell.
Nicole lives in Los Angeles with her mom and beautiful little girl.
Brytni Jean,
Fashion & Styling Director
Background in experiential & social media marketing
Previous performer at Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios
Created Wilder Blue Co. a small independent & female founded jewelry boutique located in Venice Beach, California
Freelance wardrobe stylist for Commercial & E-commerce, responsible for visual style representation of various brands
Proud dog mom of a German shepherd/Australian shepherd puppy named Alba!