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Do I need a specific degree or certification for merchandising or to own a brand?

I am going into my Senior year and am considering college. I'm thinking about majoring in business and minoring in Interior Design, but I want to have something already going to fund my passion! Can you also list at least 3 branding companies as well? Thank you so much!

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Maryam’s Answer

No, you don’t need a specific degree or certification to get started in merchandising or to own a brand. Many successful brand owners began with passion, a good eye for trends, and a willingness to learn by doing. However, studying business and interior design can absolutely give you a strong foundation, especially in marketing, branding, and product presentation.

If you’re already thinking about launching something to fund your passion — that’s a great mindset. Start small, test your ideas, and build as you go. You can even use platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Creative Market to start selling.

Here are 3 well-known branding agencies to get inspired by:
1. Pentagram – A legendary, multi-disciplinary design firm working globally.
2. Wolff Olins – Known for bold brand transformations (like Google, Spotify).
3. Collins – A creative strategy and brand design company working with top names like Dropbox and Nike.

Let me know if you’d like help brainstorming a name or idea for your brand!
Thank you comment icon Wow! Thank you so much for your thorough response! I really do appreciate it! I will consider your great suggestions! Alaina
Thank you comment icon Maryam is correct. I would however suggest that you do some research on other people or companies who specialize in branding (easy to find online) and learn the key concepts of how to creatively and technically tell a story of a company (branding). Then execute. This is what gets you to what you want to do. I hope my two cents were helpful. Leo McKenzie
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Jerome’s Answer

I think business can be a wonderful foundation. Some colleges are also offering degrees in entrepreneurship, which could give you a little more focus..

I highly recommend reaching out to other entrepreneurs or small business owners in the same industry. Treat it like an interview where you ask them about their journey and things they wish they would have known starting out.

You might find associations within that industry that you can join. Those offer network, networking and mentorship programs which can be invaluable.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Alaina
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your quick response! Are you saying that I am required to have a degree or certification for branding and merchandising? Alaina
Thank you comment icon Not at all. Some people go right into a trade and learn. They can go on to use that experience to start their own company. I think having an education is a smart play as a foundation for many potential outcomes, but people do fine successful without a degree. Jerome Dees Jr.
Thank you comment icon Okay! Thank you again! Alaina
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Alaina!
High School Diploma is the minimum requirement to start a career in merchandising. Pursuing a two-year associate degree in fashion, business, or marketing can provide a solid foundation. SEE https://www.designrush.com/agency/logo-branding/us A successful branding strategy is as follows:-
You Need A Clear Brand Identity. Establish a distinct brand identity that resonates with your target customers, including credible voice intonation, elaboration, storytelling, didactic and visual elements.
Consistent Messaging. Ensure that your brand communicates its values and message consistently across all platforms and touchpoints.
Customer Engagement. Build relationships with customers through engagement, interaction, and participation, making them feel valued and connected to the brand.
Adaptability To Change. Be willing to adapt and evolve your branding strategy based on market trends and customer feedback to stay relevant.
Differentiation From Other Brands. Clearly differentiate your brand from competitors by highlighting unique selling points and value propositions.

These elements collectively contribute to a strong and effective branding strategy that can lead to long-term success.

GOD BLESS.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your quick response! Are you saying that I am required to have a degree or certification for branding and merchandising? Alaina
Thank you comment icon No Alaina, you do not have to do a degree. High School is sufficient! James Constantine Frangos
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Peter’s Answer

Hello, for the first question, I have found that my students tend to major in Entrepreneurship (we have a center that focuses on space and support for these majors, who many times have their own small business) with minors in marketing, business law, or even design/art.

College that support these majors, and minors, specifically this niche (like with design, not just general art) should be on your radar. Majors can be general, so look at the specific courses within that to ensure you can get the outcomes, or if a minor will fill that space for you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Peter for the advice. Alaina
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your quick response! Are you saying that I am required to have a degree or certification for branding and merchandising? Alaina
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Phill’s Answer

Hey Alaina,

It is great to hear you are considering whether you need a degree in order to follow your passion. In todays world, it is usually recommended to get a degree as a safety net, but more and more are questions how much of a safety net it is within difficult or small job markets. When it come to merchandising and creating your own brand, think about what you are more passionate about. If you are more passionate about business, with some interest in interior, than a business major might be better. But if you are more interested in design and creating but doing it on your own, then it would be best to study interior to gain the skills you would need. You can always minor in business or take courses for it on the side. There is also potential to partner with someone in the future that majored in business that you can partner with to create a brand.

Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you comment icon Thanks a bunch for your very thorough response! It was most helpful! Alaina
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Vladimir’s Answer

You don’t need a specific degree to work in merchandising or build a brand. Experience, portfolio, and results matter more. A business degree gives you fundamentals, while interior design can give you a creative edge, but you can start small now (e.g., reselling products, launching a small Shopify store, or growing a niche social account) to fund your passion. Certifications (Google Analytics, Shopify Academy, HubSpot, Meta Blueprint) help but aren’t required. I agree with Alex's suggestion on branding companies like Pentagram and Landor & Fitch.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your response! This is very helpful information! Be blessed! Alaina
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Alex’s Answer

You don’t need a specific degree to start merchandising or own a brand, but having business knowledge definitely helps with scaling and avoiding costly mistakes. Many successful brand owners started with hands-on experience, online courses, or mentorship instead of formal degrees.

If you want to start early, focus on building a small product line, learning marketing, and understanding your target audience now, it’ll give you a huge head start by the time you graduate.

Some well-known branding agencies you can check out for inspiration:
• Pentagram – Known for high-profile global branding projects.
• Landor & Fitch – Specializes in strategy-driven brand creation.
• MetaDesign – Focuses on brand identity and user experience.

Starting small now can be your best investment in your passion.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Alaina
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Lakshmi’s Answer

Earning a degree can be useful for networking and building connections, which are important for promoting and selling your product. I believe having a degree in marketing and sales can help you find a better position in the industry. Education can offer new business insights you might not have considered before. However, a degree is not absolutely necessary. I hope you make the best decision for your situation. Good luck, Alaina.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your advice, thank you! Also, do you know of any merchandising companies? Alaina
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Paul’s Answer

Pursuing a marketing degree is a smart move, especially if you're hoping to fund your passion for interior design. The University of the Cumberlands offers a flexible and affordable marketing program that can be completed online, making it ideal for students who want to start building their brand or business while still in school. With a major in marketing, you’ll learn about digital strategy, branding, social media, and consumer behavior—key tools for turning your creative interests into a source of income.

Pairing a marketing degree with a minor in interior design is a powerful combination. You’ll be developing your eye for aesthetics while also learning how to sell your vision, reach your audience, and manage a business. Whether you choose to freelance, consult, or eventually launch your own firm, having marketing skills will make a real difference in standing out and succeeding.

As you explore the world of branding, here are three leading agencies to inspire your journey:

* **Wolff Olins** – known for bold, innovative branding solutions
* **Wieden+Kennedy** – famous for creative, culture-shaping campaigns
* **72andSunny** – focuses on forward-thinking, strategic brand storytelling

You’re already on the right path—combine your talents with strategy, and the possibilities are endless.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your thorough response! It was very helpful! You made some great points; I appreciate your time! Alaina
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