Erin Dowd
Ridgewood,NJ
Summary
Junior fashion merchandising student at Marist University specializing in product development and promotion. Experienced in customer service and hospitality, with coursework in fashion and backstage support for fashion shows. Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, textiles, and garment construction. Aiming to enhance customer-focused retail teams through inclusive service, styling support, and effective collaboration.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Hostess
Applebee's
Paramus, NJ
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Managed reservations and welcomed guests to create a positive first impression in high-volume restaurant.
- Balanced guest flow through strategic seating decisions and effective communication with front-of-house staff.
- Responded promptly to service needs, ensuring smooth operations during peak hours.
- Resolved timing and seating challenges with a calm approach, enhancing table turnover and guest satisfaction.
International Retail/Fashion Attachment Program
Marist fashion
, Portugal
05.2025 - 06.2025
- Engaged in Marist’s international fashion program, focusing on retail textiles and fashion culture.
- Visited design studios, textile manufacturers, museums, and fashion spaces for industry insights.
- Observed factory production and craftsmanship to comprehend garment development from concept to customer.
- Explored Portuguese fashion through Isto Fabricaal, Pedrosa & Rodrigues, and Behen.
- Examined store presentation, product assortment, quality, fit, and brand strategy.
- Connected global retail and production insights with fashion merchandising and sustainability coursework.
- Applied observations on product storytelling to enhance understanding of personalized customer service.
Dresser / Backstage Assistant
Silver Needle Runway (SNR), Marist University
Poughkeepsie, NY
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Assisted backstage during Marist's annual fashion show in 2024 and 2025 as a dresser.
- Organized garment changes, ensuring timely support for designers and models.
- Coordinated with team members to maintain an efficient lineup and garment handling.
- Facilitated quick garment changes and addressed last-minute needs for polished runway presentation.
Camp Counselor / Sewing Instructor
Camp Fernwood
Poland, ME
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Led sewing activities, teaching construction basics with patience to campers of varying skill levels.
- Created inclusive environment for first-time campers, building trust and offering steady support.
- Organized materials, daily routines, and activity flow to keep groups engaged and on schedule.
- Adapted communication style to individual camper needs, fostering confidence through personalized guidance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising, Concentration in Product Development and Promotion
Marist University
Poughkeepsie, NY05.2027
Summer Program - Patternmaking and Garment Construction
Parsons School of Design
New York, NY06-2022
Skills
- Customer service and guest support
- Interpersonal communication and guest greeting
- Personalized customer service
- Hospitality experience in fast-paced environments
- Professional communication and active listening
- Fashion styling support
- Visual merchandising and brand presentation
- Product knowledge and storytelling
- Garment construction basics and fit awareness
- Trend analysis and brand aesthetics
- Team collaboration and organization
- Problem-solving and accountability
- Learning agility and feedback openness
- Solutions-oriented approach under pressure
- Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop proficiency
- Microsoft Excel expertise
- Digital tools for fashion presentations
Academic Fashion Experience
- Developed fashion merchandising projects focused on customer needs, product storytelling, trend research, brand identity, visual merchandising, and retail strategy.
- Created brand-focused presentations using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to communicate visual direction, product concepts, styling ideas, and customer-facing brand experiences.
- Applied coursework in retailing, trend forecasting, product development, merchandise planning, sustainability, and fashion branding to understand how product, fit, styling, and brand experience connect in a retail setting.
- Built knowledge of textiles, garment construction, fabric quality, and product development to better understand how customers connect with fit, comfort, and brand storytelling.
Timeline
Hostess
Applebee's
06.2025 - 08.2025
International Retail/Fashion Attachment Program
Marist fashion
05.2025 - 06.2025
Dresser / Backstage Assistant
Silver Needle Runway (SNR), Marist University
05.2024 - 05.2025
Camp Counselor / Sewing Instructor
Camp Fernwood
06.2023 - 08.2023
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising, Concentration in Product Development and Promotion
Marist University
Summer Program - Patternmaking and Garment Construction
Parsons School of Design