Zoe De La Paz, 26, left her corporate drafting job in Chicago to follow a passion for sewing and costuming by taking a seasonal seamstress role at Yellowstone National Park. Originally starting sewing as a hobby in high school, Zoe gradually connected with people in the wardrobe departments of touring productions through gig work at music venues. Her break came unexpectedly while catering a concert for The Weeknd when she was offered a chance to assist with costume repairs—a step that solidified her resolve to pursue sewing professionally.

In January, Zoe sought to make the leap from her desk job to full-time sewing, inspired by a friend’s transformative seasonal position at Yellowstone. She applied and was hired by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, which manages the park’s hotels and lodges, standing out during the interview for her creativity and ability to handle multiple projects. Since starting in June, she has repaired uniforms for thousands of employees, including mending pants and repurposing old items like backpacks, showcasing her ingenuity in the high-pressure environment.

Though her seamstress pay of $19.25 per hour at Yellowstone is lower than her corporate salary, Zoe highlights the financial benefits of lower living expenses and no-cost recreational activities available at the park. Her workweek runs from Monday to Friday, and she enjoys outdoor hobbies such as horseback riding and hiking. The subsidized housing and meals also contribute to her ability to save more money than she did while living in Chicago.

Zoe plans to stay at Yellowstone through October before moving on to New York City, where she aspires to work in wardrobe and costuming for Broadway and film industries. This career shift marks a significant change from her previous path but one that aligns closely with her creative passions. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that just two years ago, this sort of opportunity seemed unimaginable while working in corporate America.