Product Marketing Development

Raquel V. Thomas

N. Hollywood, CA ***** linkedin.com/in/raquel-v-thomas 818-***-**** *******************@*****.*** DIRECTOR, PRODUCT MARKETING

Intuitive, forward-thinking Director Of Product Marketing dedicated to helping wellness & beauty brands to expand into new territories, boost sales revenue, and capture market share. More than 15 years’ experience in sales, marketing and operations, driven by core values of transparency and direct communication. Known for crafting compelling brand narratives with clarity and class, enabling wellness and beauty brands expansion into the mainstream market.

● Strategic Marketing Leadership: At Curve Toys, led strategic marketing, sales, and operations initiatives to build company from ground up, expand market reach, and attain industry leadership.

● Creative Brand Management: Rare ability to reshape consumer perception of stigmatized products, communicating their value and integrating into everyday lifestyle choices.

● Cross-functional Leadership: Led multiple initiatives involving integration of sales, marketing, product development, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to drive brand success and customer engagement.

● Data-Driven Decision Making: Created bestselling product lines by using market analysis and consumer insights to guide product innovation and strategic marketing decisions.

● Operational Excellence: Demonstrated proactive leadership throughout career, mentoring team members, solving problems, streamlining processes, and improving communication. Creative Brand Strategy Consumer Behavior Product Development Operational Efficiency Team Leadership Merchandise Planning Customer Engagement Retail Management CPG - B2B & DTC Branding & Identity Trend Forecasting Emotional Intelligence PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR MAY 2016 – PRESENT

Curve Toys Valencia, CA

Aka Curve Novelties, manufacturing innovative adult products for diverse distributors, retailers, and consumers. Key contributor in building company in adult industry from ground up, focusing on customer acquisition and product development. Lead strategic marketing and sales, including trade show representation and direct client interaction. Manage product innovation and package design based on detailed market analysis, customer feedback, and data-driven insights to address market gaps. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

● Created new product that led to immediate sell-outs and sustained bestseller status over 8 years, selling 207,000 units and capturing 42% market share. Product line, initially a 15 SKU expansion to an 8 SKU line, grew to 97 SKUs, becoming second best-selling line across all 17 brands in catalog.

● Enhanced Rooster product line sales by aligning with emerging wellness trends and customer safety preferences, transitioning to healthier silicone material, and adopting discreet packaging. STRATEGIC MARKETING

● Generated $13,000 monthly orders per store by directing launch of leading gay male product line, optimizing product placement and branding in targeted retail spaces.

● Pioneered entry into untapped markets, such as smoke and cannabis shops, leading to substantial orders, including a partnership with a 100-store retail chain.

● Achieved 94% quality score in B2B email campaigns with 2.4% average click rate and above-industry-standard open rate, reflecting effective targeting and engagement strategies. OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP

● Mediated and improved communication between CEO and VP, enhancing operational efficiency and RAQUEL V. THOMAS 818-***-**** *******************@*****.*** PAGE 2 organizational dynamics without formal authority.

● Streamlined invoicing process for $1M yearly account, resolving payment delays and fostering more efficient and profitable relationship.

MARKET EXPANSION

● Facilitated regular bi-monthly orders of 10,000 units and expanded market presence by developing sleek, discreet product lines tailored for mainstream markets like Walmart and military commissaries.

● Spearheaded entry into European market with a minimalistic, silicone-based product line, now ranking as the third best-seller, responding to specific market demands. ACCOUNT MANAGER APR 2015 – MAY 2016

Honey’s Place San Fernando, CA

Wholesale distributor specializing in adult products and novelties. More than 15,000 SKUs sourced from 170+ global manufacturers. Oversaw sales and digital services in adult product distribution for 300+ different manufactured product lines. Managed lead generation, trade show events, customer relations, and consulted with CEO on strategic direction of sales department. Specialized in building and supporting online stores for clients, including website development and product curation based on target customer demographics.

● Revived 40% of previously dormant accounts by leveraging emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills. Re-engaged, problem-solved, and negotiated to get accounts back on board.

● Became top seller of online stores at 8 to 10 per month, $10,000 per website. Facilitated client success by managing website development, curating products, and providing digital marketing support.

● Converted retail customer from $70/month online to $100,000/month brick-and-mortar within 9 months. Provided product innovation and operations support throughout transition. ACCOUNT MANAGER APR 2014 – APR 2015

Xtetic World, Inc. North Hollywood, CA

Skincare product distributor catering to medical and aesthetic professionals. Currently #1 leader in pharmaceutical skincare. Tasked with revitalizing sales in mesotherapy niche, a new and rapidly growing sector in skincare. Pioneered introduction of new skincare lines, addressing market demand for variety and innovation. Expanded product range and rekindled customer interest, leading to surge in orders and revitalizing company’s market position.

● Increased customer orders and revitalized sales by spearheading introduction of additional skincare line, diversifying product catalog in response to market demand for variety and innovation.

● Aligned strategic decisions with customer preferences and industry trends by conducting comprehensive market analysis and product comparisons for product line expansion.

● Ensured effective marketing and customer engagement by facilitating extensive training for sales and training teams to enhance their product knowledge and sales skills. OPERATIONS MANAGER FEB 2008 – MAY 2014

Astrology News World Glendale, CA

Pioneering media company offering digital content that blends social media dynamics with astrological insights. Key facilitator in developing company’s social networking website and driving its digital presence. Managed creative and web development teams, both domestically and internationally. Enhanced user experience, oversaw web development projects, and led brand marketing initiatives across various social media platforms.

● Improved user engagement and functionality for website by selecting optimal software and content management systems.

● Enhanced operational efficiency and client relations by providing comprehensive support in drafting correspondence and managing user inquiries.

● Maintained project momentum and minimized delays by effectively managing in-house projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, and resolving challenges.

● Increased brand visibility and audience engagement by developing and maintaining dynamic social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest. QA/QC CO-BUYER MAR 2011 – AUG 2011

Product Packaging West, Inc. North Hollywood, CA RAQUEL V. THOMAS 818-***-**** *******************@*****.*** PAGE 3 Oversaw operations as primary internal contact for contracts, focusing on client vendor relationships. Managed daily interactions and negotiations for raw materials for manufacturing OTC skincare and hair care products. Played a pivotal role in technical meetings, coordinating with client, vendor, and customer representatives. Involved in applied research, primarily in generating and analyzing batch sample tests in a lab setting.

● Strengthened client vendor relations and operational efficiency by establishing and maintaining robust daily communication channels and negotiation strategies.

● Enhanced product quality and consistency by conducting thorough batch sample tests for pH, specific gravity, and viscosity, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

● Spearheaded research and development initiatives leading to successful creation and reformulation of skincare and hair care products aligned with company’s scientific and business objectives.

● Drove product innovation and expanded business opportunities by integrating new products into company’s strategy and recommending novel business avenues.

● Improved reliability and accuracy in product testing by optimizing research processes and ensuring adherence to established operating procedures and test methods. ACCOUNT MANAGER NOV 2003 – JUL 2008

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Downey, CA

Oversaw key aspects of sales and customer service in the fast-paced, competitive cosmetics department. Managed team of four beauty advisor teams, focusing on sales goals, client engagement, and event planning. Excelled in product knowledge dissemination, makeover consultations, and client registry applications.

● Increased sales performance by effectively managing territory sales teams, achieving daily, weekly, and monthly objectives.

● Enhanced individual performance of beauty advisors by using various profit orientation tools.

● Achieved monthly counter goals and quarterly gift goals by coordinating major makeup artist events, overseeing entire production from inception to completion.

● Maintained high ranking through exceptional customer service and in-depth product knowledge.

● Bolstered client retention by delivering personalized experiences, including makeover consultations and client registry applications.

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