By Jillian Risberg 

His passion for fashion and creativity led EB Sarr to make an impromptu decision — and potentially pivotal career move for the 2022 Centenary University graduate.  

That’s because Sarr applied for ‘A Day in the Life With Steve Madden,’ which invites college students to network in New York with executives of the fashion firm, learn more about business operations, and it included a surprise meeting with Madden himself.

“It was probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had,” says the artist/future entrepreneur, who was encouraged to go for the program by his business professor Cheryl Veronda. 

He got hands-on experience in how things were manufactured, what Madden’s work culture is like and how the fashion company works. 

According to Sarr, the legendary designer and entrepreneur was down-to-earth, attentive to what the students were talking about and wanted to answer everybody’s questions.

“You wouldn’t expect somebody of that stature to be so cool,” he says, and that Madden was surprised he was from Harlem and the only guy in the group. “So he gave me a little more attention.”

Sarr had a good rapport with the guy who interviewed him. “So I guess I lucked out, and I think my professors threw in a good word,” he says several days later, human resources reached out. After two rounds of interviews, he is hoping to receive a job offer from Steve Madden, Ltd., in account services. 

He calls the Madden opportunity the best of both worlds.

“It’s a bridge between retail and corporate so I would get a feel for every department,” says the 22-year-old. “It’s all about results at the end of the day. And a huge family; everybody talks to everybody, it’s like home.”

He enjoyed  the  collaborative environment, where ideas were thrown around. 

“Seeing everyone smiling, I was like, ‘Is this actual work.’ I’m hoping I get accepted and they do give me this role,” Sarr says the position offers a flexible schedule and would combine his interests, while giving him the freedom to pursue music. “It’s the right place for me.”

And he is proud of his perseverance to follow his dreams (pursue a creative career), so freshman year the artist transformed the poems he used to write his whole life into songwriting and music.

“It’s an honor to be from Harlem (the epicenter of fashion), ‘cause it’s the home of the Harlem Renaissance, the Apollo, many great things. It always has some kind of impact on how I see things (grew a love for music and that whole space) and I appreciate things much more,” he says getting to have the college experience was amazing.

It’s been a tough road for everyone through COVID and the pandemic. 

“I grew up Muslim so I know everything that goes on may not be the greatest but I have to keep a positive light inside me” Sarr says. “Knowing how hard my family worked to put me in the position I am in today is going to keep me going.”  

In the artist’s down time (which isn’t much) he enjoys gym workouts, listening to music and to self-reflect.

He is grateful to Madden for giving him a chance. 

“Everyone’s happy for me, my school’s proud of me, I’ve been receiving a lot of love and I appreciate it, so thank you for the ‘A Day in the Life With Steve Madden’ opportunity,” Sarr says they all want to see him succeed; nothing but good things.

The 22-year-old says he is putting in all the hard work now, including “pursuing the Steve Madden thing” to get where he needs to be so he doesn’t have to worry later.

And learning how to be more independent as an adult, making the transition from under his parent’s wing. 

“I’m my own man but in the blooming process; my music and everything is going well,” the artist/future entrepreneur says whether he’s giving back to his community or touching a heart through a note, he sees himself having an impact on people. 

“You can live a long life and not do anything or touch anybody. So as much time as I have on this Earth, I want to make people feel good,” says Sarr. 

To follow EB’s journey, @ebsarr (Instagram) or @TheEBSarr (Twitter).