Christina Okula
Bethpage
Summary
Visual Merchandising Manager with a strong passion for fashion styling and presentation design. Committed to driving business growth for Macy's Inc. through inspiring visual displays. Successfully adapting to diverse consumer groups across various stores by tailoring strategies to meet the unique needs of each market. Focused on elevating the shopping experience through innovative visual storytelling and effective merchandising techniques.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Merchandising Manager
Macy's
Walt Whitman
11.2024 - Current
- Cultivate a positive, trusting and inclusive team environment by building strong individual relationships.
- Train colleagues with patience, understanding and mentorship to strengthen team performance and confidence.
- Maintain strong knowledge of our area-specific, elevated costumer preferences in an A++ mall, applying this insight to mannequin styling and presentation.
- Analyze customer survey responses daily to identify visual opportunities, aiding in an increase of our total NPS by 6.3 points from last year.
- Anticipate sales trends alongside SMM by adjusting brand space allocation, product placement and displays to maximize impact on customer purchasing behavior.
- Strategically merchandise and highlight higher AUR pieces within displays and mannequin styling to drive increased sales.
- Plan and execute floor moves with partnership of SMM to maintain fast, clean and effective movement.
Visual Merchandiser
Bloomingdale’s
Roosevelt Field
07.2023 - 11.2024
- Analyzed current fashion trends and assembled collections by color story and vibe for mannequin showcases.
- Executed routine floor upkeep and resolved issues with merchandising colleagues to maintain a visually appealing environment.
- Built strong relationships with vendors to enhance collaboration.
- Produced vinyl logos and created self-made designs that elevated visual moments and brand recognition.
- Furnished store with seasonal and brand-right decor.
- Fostered a positive work environment by supporting teammates with floor sets, daily operations and fashion styling.
- Assisted in constructing furniture and large display pieces.
Men’s Fragrance Sales Associate
Macy’s
Roosevelt Field
04.2022 - 07.2023
- Built client and vendor relationships to further sales
- Maintained presentable sales floor and merchandise displays
- Studied product details to recommend specific fragrances for clients and demonstrated key differences
- Computed sales, returns, exchanges and opened Macy’s credit cards and Star Rewards accounts
Visual Merchandiser
Macy’s
Roosevelt Field
08.2019 - 04.2022
- Pull newest fashion for mannequin runways and style according to current trends and company directive
- Merchandise product with a color story to drive sales
- Furnish store with decorations, ornaments and graphics for holidays and events in a timely manner
- Refurbish and recycle props into fun and fresh elements
- Build rapport with vendors and customers
- Generate logos and produce self-made designs using Graphtec Pro Studio and Graphtec Vinyl Plotter
- Render design concepts and composition for aisle runways and events using Adobe Illustrator
- Photograph, edit and post in-store setups for Viva Engage
- Elevate product placement and visual pieces for a more refined look
Education
Bachelor in Technology - Visual Communications
Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale, NY05.2019
High School Diploma - undefined
Bethpage High School
Bethpage, NY06.2014
Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite proficient
- Organization and prioritization
- Layout and composition
- Fashion styling and trend knowledge
- Visual storytelling
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Customer experience
Timeline
Visual Merchandising Manager
Macy's
11.2024 - Current
Visual Merchandiser
Bloomingdale’s
07.2023 - 11.2024
Men’s Fragrance Sales Associate
Macy’s
04.2022 - 07.2023
Visual Merchandiser
Macy’s
08.2019 - 04.2022
High School Diploma - undefined
Bethpage High School
Bachelor in Technology - Visual Communications
Farmingdale State College