Project Manager Sales
Resume:
Shahla Safaie
*** * ******* *****; Mountain House, CA 95391
abieaa@r.postjobfree.com
shahlasafaie.com
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Superior apparel buyer and retail management
Dynamic career reflecting record-breaking performance in the retail sales
management field. In-depth knowledge of both U.S. and European Couture and
collectors. Exceptional textile, fabric, design and color expertise.
Experienced in personnel leadership and logistics management. Proven
ability to determine the best merchandising, product placement and sales
strategies that achieve optimal success. Demonstrated success in
developing financial plans for profit and loss and merchandise buying;
forecast industry trends, negotiate favorable terms. Expert in developing
highly motivated and organized team that produces results. Well-rounded
background with demonstrated strengths in reducing turnover, minimizing
shrinkage, and outperforming profit goals.
Fluent in English, Farsi, Italian with knowledge of French and Arabic, well
traveled.
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Professional Experience
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San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton, CA
2009-09-10
Faculty, Teaching Introduction to Fashion, Marketing & Retail
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Nordstrom, San Francisco, CA
2003- 2008
Couture & St. John Manager: Reported to Gm. Oversaw and planed special
events. Ensured corporate goals were met and exceeded, focusing on
merchandising, customer service, staff development, and bottom line expense
control. Conceptualized, developed and implemented publicity events,
resulting frequent media coverage. Expanded sales team and reduced
turnover, minimized shrinkage, and created a profitable and successful
business.
Delivered Results:
Drove sales 25% by improving lifestyle merchandising, customer care, and on
the job staff training.
Maintained lowest staff turnover for 4 years.
Expertly coordinated the grand reopening and created and oversaw all
department events.
Recognized for lowest departments shrinkage for 4 consecutive years.
Saks Fifth Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
1997-2003
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Project Manager: Recruited by Saks Fifth Avenue to launch a new concept
Men's Club and to introduce designer collections to the mix for the store.
Reported to GM and the CEO.
Delivered Results:
Conceived and developed marketing strategy, business plan and projections.
Created a customer profile to define the market; submitted profile to
company CEO.
Parmees, Minneapolis, MN
1993-2003
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Co-Founder/ Buyer/ General Manager: Secured financing and sourced elegant
location, developed initial concept and personally led the design and store
layout process... brought in exclusive European and Japanese couture and
collectors for men and women including men's and women's shoes and
accessories, women's plus sizes. Worked closely with the designer houses
and completed all required financial operations including international
transportation, U.S. customs clearance, and letter of credit. In less than
12 months, positioned the business to rapidly grow to 2.2 million annual
sales and double digit increase each year.
Delivered Results:
Secured financing, sourced elegant location (5300'sq), developed initial
concept and worked as staff designer with architect and contractors.
Designed interior store layout and motifs, creating an exclusive,
aesthetically pleasing setting.
Designed and produced company logo.
Traveled regularly New York, Milan, and Paris, London to buy exclusive
couture and collector's designer fashions, such as: Jean Paul Gaultier,
Karl Lagerfeld, Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Luciano Soprani, Yohji
Yamamoto, Kenzo, Trussardi, Junko Shimada and more.
Developed and implemented business plan, marketing strategies, publicity
campaign and advertising.
Community Leadership
Martini Splash, Nordstrom San Francisco, Ca
2004-2008
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Planner and coordinator: Created an event in collaboration with the Bay
Area Artists community and Nordstrom, helped artists to exhibit and sell
their art works and the regular shoppers view arts and meet the artists.
Portrait for Charity: Created an annual event in collaboration with San
Francisco women Philanthropists and an international artist to raise money
for charity.
Arts, Fashion, Design, and Sports (AFDS) to benefit children Minneapolis,
MN 1990- present
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Founder/ President: Identified and proactively met needs for a community
based nonprofit organization to benefit homeless children, HIV AIDS
children, and abused children. Served as program director and event
coordinator in collaboration with the Downtown Council of Minneapolis,
local stores, performing arts, homeless advocates, members of the
hospitality industry.
Grandma's House, Washington, D.C
1991-1993
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Committee Member/Program Director: Facilitated fundraising and
organizational activities for this nonprofit organization dedicated to
providing housing for HIV/AIDS infected children (Honorary Co-Chairperson
Mrs. Barbara Bush, Late Princess Diana, and Countess Albina Du
Boisrouvary).
Education
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University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Spring semester 1997
Master of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Venice, Italy; a study
abroad program in Europe (no degree awarded).
Catholic University of America Washington, D.C
1991-1993
School of Engineering College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
and Planning
Master of Architecture fast track program (transferred to U of M).
Drake University Florence, Italy Des Moines, IA
1976-1979
Bachelor of Art (BA)
Major: Textiles and printmaking.
Minor: Political science and International Relations.
Fleming College Florence, Italy Associate degree in Art (AA) majoring in
Textiles, fine arts 1974-1976
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