Project Manager, Merchandise Manager, Senior Buyer
Resume:
Ilyse Craft
Sherman Oaks, Ca ***23
*********@***.***
Objective
Join a fast paced organization utilizing the entrepreneurial, leadership and self starter skills to develop exciting product mix and drive profitable sales. With excellent communication and negotiation skills, along with keen attention to detail and organization needed to consistently delivery high quality goods, and create a Brand reputation, I’m seeking an environment to bring my vast experience. Having worked in so many work environments, I meld very well and tend to bring a lot of spirit both inside and to the outside vendor community,
Employment History
Founder/ CEO
Knew LLC, Aglow Eco Living, Van Nuys, California
September 2008- Present
• Designed, developed and brought to shelves nationwide and 5 countries an “Eco Glamorous” candle, home décor, gift wear, personal care/beauty
• Managed production, design, sales teams and work directly with all manufacturers throughout the US and overseas
• Created effective sample approval process for both domestic and overseas vendors
• On track to triple sales in year 3, cut expense by over 30% monthly and implemented inventory controls
• Developed off price product line for TJX Companies in candle and accessories departments, growing sales by 52%
• Appeared on “The Today Show” 3 weeks after product launch, won “Best in Show” Star Award, voted on by attending Retailers at the L.A. Gift Show January 2009, and Finalist for “Extract Best New Product Award” in January 2009 at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF)
• Fiscally responsible for managing over 175 SKUS, tracking production and having a consistent on time shipping record. Shipped product within 7 day window
• Secured press in national publications, well known blogs and national television shows (Today Show Nov 2008, June 2010, My Fair Wedding with Celebrity Host, David Tutera, June 2010)
• Chosen by top Event Planners for National Charity Events: 2010/2011Project Ladybug, Dina Manzo, May 2011 Saving Kids with Cancer, hosted by Donna Karan, June 2011 Music Education Programs through San Diego Symphony Orchestra Chair Lori and Bill Walton, July 2011 Purple Ribbon for Pancreatic Cancer
Account Executive/Product Development and Sales
Triple Accessories, Los Angeles, California
January 2008- December 2008
• Responsible for sales growth through product development for all TJX Divisions
• Developed new product lines in accessories through a monogram compact line, novelty notepad and pen gift item, luggage tag line, and candle line
• Called on and secured appointments with all Buyers in all TJX divisions in handbags and in the accessories and gift areas
• Dramatically increased TJX closeout business by over 70% and upfront business by 100%
• Created a strategy for a Branded handbag business model, with brand name (“Blush” by Triple Accessories), price point, styling, and storyboards to market to Department Stores in order to increase value to Marmaxx
• Designed and developed a “Travel bag/Carry-on” Fashion line to market with the “Blush” handbag line with price point, styling, storyboard and market research to support trends in travel industry, habits of female travelers along with customer profile to support design direction and target retails
Consultant
TJX Companies, Los Angeles, California
January 2007-December 2007
• Stepped into open buying slots and immediately integrated into departments needs, becoming student of specific business needs, working with East Coast management and Buying Counterparts to learn most necessary actions for greatest impact
• Able to increase sales in first quarter, increase gross margin, and refresh west coast assortment by opening new resources for fresh mix of product by studying selling and vendor analysis reports
• Revisited vendors of importance with lower margins to look at new offerings and price goods at lower price points to find retails the customer may respond to, due to importance of brand recognition
• Responsible for training and development of new hire into the company culture and interpreting company reports and appropriate response to information
• Provided feedback on interaction with co workers, vendors and management and offered alternative approached where needed and role played to help grow confidence
Assistant Vice President, Divisional Merchandise Manager
TJX Companies, Los Angeles, California
April 2006- March 2007
• Promoted to AVP, Divisional Merchandise Manager overseeing Juniors, Active wear, Dresses and Swimwear
• Responsible for Sales Volume of $350 million and 8 direct reports
• Executed a 500,000 unit swimwear purchase with East Coast Divisional Counterpart, $5.0 million buy, praised for out of the box strategy, resulting in 30% sales increase in swim and most profitable swim season.
• Worked with Buyers to devise team sales and gross margin plan, using bi-weekly coaching meeting to ensure individual and team success.
• Exceeded margins in all departments, including those where sales plans were missed, keeping businesses profitable
• Praised for responsible risk taking in business and leadership skills with Buyers and Divisionals
• Coached other Divisonals on how to improve their business relationships with their East Coast Divisional and Management teams
Buyer, Junior Fashion Tops
TJX Companies, Los Angeles, California
July 2002- March 2007
• Buyer of Junior Fashion tops. Responsible for $75 million in sales annually and responsible for identifying emerging fashion trends.
• Grew Branded Beach business by over 30% within first year by identifying key item logo t-shirt for spring summer and hoodie sweatshirt for fall
• Identified as team leader and coached other buyers on relationship skills with east coast team and interpersonal skills with vendors in market
Owner/Design/Sales
The Girls Unlimited Showroom Los Angeles, California
1992-2001
• Ran multi line showroom, carrying 6-10 lines in Junior apparel
• Worked with Specialty Chain Store and Department Store Buyers on line product buys and product development to grow businesses
• Designed and developed a T-shirt line for “Dr. Design” and hit on major logo t-shirt trend when movie “Clueless” came out. Produced $6mil/sales
• Partnered with One Market Street sweater line out of New York and designer line as well as worked for Junior Specialty Chains on Product Development fro, inception of style to fit and approval, to delivery from 1995 thru 2001( partner retired)
• Managed all showroom personnel staff, expenses and operations
Buyer/ Specialty Store Retailing
The Wet Seal Irvine, California
1990-1992
• Areas of Buying included Junior tops, dresses and swimwear
Buyer / Dept. Store Retailing
Goldwater’s, AZ / Filene’s, Ma /Robinsons, LA
1987-1990
• Areas of Buying included Junior knits and woven tops and outerwear
Teaching and Education
• Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Instructor, Los Angeles 2005-2007
• University of Arizona, Business/Fashion Merchandising, 1985
References available upon request
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