EXPERIENCE

Chief Curation Officer - Swoon the Studio, Dallas TX November 2022 to Present

Directed retail concepts for diverse clients, overseeing store concept development, product curation, and visual merchandising strategies to drive sales and elevate the customer experience. Launched the design studio retail e-commerce and showroom, leading retail operations and business strategy.

  • Nurture vendor relationships to ensure the availability of high-quality merchandise and oversee meticulous planning and allocation processes.

  • Conducted profit analysis and financial forecasting and devised growth strategies that propel the retail business forward.

  • Foster partnerships with local and national brands, enriching retail programming with unique collaborations that enhance guest experiences.

  • Established and launched Shop Swoon, an innovative e-commerce platform, and physical retail showroom with a focus on strategic business planning and operational excellence.

Vice President of Retail, Art + Curation - Makeready, Dallas TX April 2016 to November 2022

Directed retail operations across multiple locations, overseeing store concept development, design, product curation and development, visual merchandising, e-commerce, marketing, and social media strategy. Managed comprehensive tasks, including planning and allocation, profit analysis, financial forecasting, and growth strategy implementation.

  • Managed e-commerce platforms and implemented marketing and social media strategies to increase brand visibility and engagement.

  • Cultivated and maintained vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of merchandise.

  • Conducted profit analysis, financial forecasting, and growth strategy development to optimize retail performance and achieve business objectives.

  • OS&E selection for hotels, including product development and interior styling.

  • Uniform design, styling, and operational standards for hotels, restaurants, and bars.

  • Partnership programming and activations for retail, hotels, restaurants, and bars, connecting to the local community.

Fashion Stylist + Art Direction - Neiman Marcus/Freelance, Dallas TX June 2011 to April 2016

  • Created the look and feel for the e-commerce and in-store fashion campaigns.

  • Worked with the buying team to select featured merchandise.

  • On set styling of clothing, sets and featured products.

  • Art direction and for editorial campaigns so each element was cohesive and consistent.

Owner + Designer - Little Bean, Dallas TX May 2005 to June 2011

  • Designed and manufactured a children's clothing collection.

  • Conception of seasonal collections with sketches, pattern and sample making, promotion and distribution.

  • Wholesale business to 60+ small boutiques nationally.

  • Namesake brick + mortar boutique featured the collection alongside curated independent children’s brands.

  • National and international recognition in the press.

Co-Founder + Editor + Content Director - Small Magazine, Dallas + NYC August 2007 to September 2011

  • Co-founded an online children’s magazine featuring independent designers and makers.

  • Collaborated with artists and designers to create original content for each quarterly issue.

  • Responsible for the graphic design and layout of each issue.

  • Programmed activations and events nationally to promote the magazine and its contributors.

Senior Buyer - Alloy, NYC April 2000 to May 2003

  • Buyer for a teen catalog that reflected the trendy junior market Responsible for shopping the market, identifying and creating trends, and product development.

  • Contributed to the styling, layout and copy writing for catalog and online.

  • Negotiated price structures and delivery dates with vendors.

  • Cultivated strong relationships with designers and showrooms.

Owner + Curator - Max + Roebling, Brooklyn NY November 1998 to January 2000

  • Owned and operated a boutique in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with a focus on independent and local designers.

  • Sourced new vendors through local artists studio visits, trade shows and showrooms.

  • Responsibilities included financial planning, fashion trend forecasting, buying, merchandising, marketing and promotion.

RELEVANT SKILLS

Leadership, Collaboration, Excel, Photoshop, Product Design + Development, Fashion Design, Interior Styling, Visual Merchandising

EDUCATION

Parsons School of Design, NYC 1998 - 2000

Coursework:

  • Fashion Design

  • Patternmaking

  • Draping

  • Fashion History

Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC 1993 - 1998

Coursework:

  • Buying + Merchandising

  • Small Business

  • Retail Management

  • Illustration

  • Painting