Lisa Mills
Mebane,NC
Summary
Energetic, dedicated professional focused on delivering solution-oriented customer-centric experiences and building authentic business partnerships. Skilled communicator with strong interpersonal and communication skills who thrives on shared objectives in collaborative cross-functional teams. Manages information flow with big picture oversight and accountability to support the team's goals and drive profitable results. A curious, empathic, open-minded, inclusive team player who enjoys encouraging others' endeavors.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Vintage Clothing Sourcing Specialist & Curator
Like Gold Dust Vintage
02.2017 - Current
- Participate in the circular economy by sourcing and curating timeless and designer vintage clothing with discernment towards exquisite construction and signature craftsmanship.
- Collaborate with boutiques: Happy Isles Salon, Timeless Vixen, and Decades in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, to deliver a unique proprietary offering of luxury vintage clothing for global clients.
- Responsible for packaging, repairing, and shipping on-time products to surpass clients' expectations and arrive in ready-to-sell immaculate condition.
Buyer
Brookline Furniture
Archdale, North Carolina
04.2023 - 09.2024
- Negotiated with vendors on pricing, delivery schedules, warranties, and contractual terms.
- Cultivated relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable pricing and payment terms.
- Streamlined purchase order management and maintained precise inventory records using ERP systems.
- Managed inventory control systems for efficient stock monitoring and data management.
- Conducted competitor analysis to identify and evaluate potential vendors and innovative products.
- Researched competitors to assess and select suppliers based on quality and pricing.
- Reviewed MRP work order demand and aligned inventory with company needs.
- Participated in trade shows to remain updated on product development trends.
PRODUCT MANAGER
Sun Moda (Independent Contractor)
06.2012 - 05.2017
- Oversaw product direction and vision, achieving 7% sales growth and 23% SKU reduction in first year.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch products on time and within budget.
- Collaborated to prioritize product features using market research insights.
- Established milestone criteria within product roadmap to facilitate planning and measure progress.
- Conducted focus groups and in-store research to identify diverse market opportunities.
- Guided development team to create an inclusive culture centered on customer solutions.
- Provided training to enhance individual team member skills and promote productivity.
- Provided updates to CEO and Production Manager on product development initiatives.
Lead Buyer
Island Farm (Independent Contractor)
09.2012 - 03.2017
- Oversaw a $1.5 million budget to purchase products within seasonal calendars.
- Analyzed current vendors and products to stay abreast of market trends and evaluate new suppliers.
- Evaluated sales data, customer feedback, and market opportunities to inform business strategy during weekly planning sessions.
- Traveled to trade shows in NY, LA, and Las Vegas building positive vendor relations and purchasing products for new opportunities to engage and inspire customers.
- Supported growth of local vendors by collaborating and hosting in-store trunk shows to encourage a community spirit and build strong partnerships with local businesses and customers.
- Designed personalized customer experiences, resulting in 29% increase in customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated with owners and sales team to guide company growth from start-up to established local business.
PRODUCT MANAGER
Fresh Produce Sportswear
10.2000 - 05.2012
- Hired as first designer by the family owned business. Advanced the design direction with strategic,
innovative, and inspired product solutions resulting in sales doubling in just seven years. - Spearheaded collaborative efforts to bring products to market.
- Collaborated with sales, marketing, and support teams to launch products on time and within budget.
- Thrived in fast-paced, highly-adept team to develop and prioritize product features and build product roadmap.
- Reviewed opportunities at planning sessions, aligning business strategy with market needs.
- Directed design team on all phases of design and product development to include inspiration, color palette, lab dips, over prints, silhouettes, fittings ,fabrications & screen prints.
- Partnered and developed exclusive fabrics and trims with USA manufacturers, worked alongside production to complete specifications, pricing and delivery dates.
- Strategized and developed specific products alongside Nordstrom buyers to fulfill customers' prerequisites. This category grew to become 25% of revenue.
- Tracked sales trends and identified macro trends, guiding product innovation and seizing marketplace opportunities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design, Womenswear
Central Saint Martin's University of The Arts
London, EnglandSkills
- In-depth product knowledge
- Supply chain strategy
- Inventory oversight practices
- Trend forecasting
- Market analysis
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Purchasing
- Vendor relations
- Data-driven analysis
- Cost evaluation techniques
- ERP system management
- Negotiation with vendors
- Project coordination skills
- Proactive problem solving
- Problem resolution capabilities
- Strong analytical abilities
- Highly organized approach
- Effective time management strategies
- Multitasking ability
- Detail-oriented mindset
- Strong communication
- Customer service excellence
- Management of vendor relationships
Timeline
Buyer
Brookline Furniture
04.2023 - 09.2024
Vintage Clothing Sourcing Specialist & Curator
Like Gold Dust Vintage
02.2017 - Current
Lead Buyer
Island Farm (Independent Contractor)
09.2012 - 03.2017
PRODUCT MANAGER
Sun Moda (Independent Contractor)
06.2012 - 05.2017
PRODUCT MANAGER
Fresh Produce Sportswear
10.2000 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design, Womenswear
Central Saint Martin's University of The Arts