Marisa Drago
Baton Rouge,Louisiana
Summary
Retail management professional and stylist with a proven track record of leading store operations and driving sales growth. Known for a collaborative leadership style and a strong results-driven mindset, with extensive experience in inventory management, customer service, and staff training. An effective communicator and problem solver who thrives in fast-paced retail environments. Passionate about creating positive, memorable experiences while improving overall store performance. Naturally skilled at building trust and forming genuine connections with customers, pairing creativity with thoughtful decision-making that prioritizes the customer experience as much as business success.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Designer Assistant at Bridal Market
Emily Kotarski Bespoke Bridal Boutique
10.2025 - 10.2025
- Drafted and organized outreach emails inviting bridal boutiques and buyers to view the new collection.
- Assisted in setting up the showroom, steaming gowns, organizing racks, and setting up important documents.
- Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery.
- Independently ran the showroom on the final day of market, representing the designer and overseeing all buyer appointments.
Store Manager / Senior Stylist
Proper & Co.
05.2025 - Current
- Managed store operations for a luxury evening wear boutique featuring gowns priced $2,500–$10,000, ensuring elevated client service and brand-level standards.
- Delivered personalized event-based styling consultations, guiding clients through gown selections for galas, formal events, and special occasions.
- Received and inspected incoming gowns, confirmed order accuracy with designers, and maintained ongoing communication with brand reps.
- Submitted purchase orders, drafted contracts, processed client payments, and thoroughly explained policies and expectations.
- Maintained detailed tracking systems for all special orders, shipping timelines, confirmations, and customer updates.
- Designed and executed polished visual merchandising displays to enhance client experience and highlight new arrivals.
- Managed all opening/closing procedures and upheld operational readiness when working independently.
- Styled and communicated effectively with a diverse luxury clientele, adapting the experience to individual tastes and needs.
- Participated as an assistant buyer at New York Market, with the owner of Proper&Co
- Created, contributed, and posted content for Proper&Co on all social media platforms
- Soft Launch Operations Within I Do Bridal Couture: January 2024
- Official In-Store Role: May 2025 – Present
Bridal Market Assistant
Melangé De Blanc
10.2024 - 10.2024
- Supported showroom setup and merchandising for multiple bridal designers during New York Bridal Market.
- Ran necessary errands for designers and owners of Melange during New York Bridal Fashion Week.
- Assisted with designer and buyer interactions by preparing spaces, managing appointments, and supporting day-to-day showroom flow.
Bridal Stylist & Sales Assistant
I Do Bridal Couture
01.2024 - Current
- Styled brides in a luxury bridal environment with gowns ranging $3,500–$20,000, providing guidance on silhouettes, designers, fabrics, and customizations.
- Generated exceptional sales performance, including $145,000 in sales in a month through effective rapport-building and high-end client service.
- Inspected and processed new merchandise, confirming accuracy with designers and brand representatives.
- Assisted the owner with buying decisions, evaluating new collections and selecting gowns for stock and trunk shows.
- Scheduled appointments, communicated with brides, and maintained a highly personalized shopping experience.
- Supported store presentation through elegant visual merchandising and consistent upkeep of bridal displays.
Sales Associate
Posh Boutique
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Styled clients using trend knowledge, body-type assessment, and current seasonal collections.
- Assisted with visual merchandising, ensuring displays were aligned with brand aesthetics and supported sell-through.
- Entered inventory, tagged merchandise, and maintained an organized and visually appealing sales floor.
- Delivered personable, high-quality customer service that encouraged repeat visits and relationship-based selling.
- Modeled new merchandise for the store’s social media platforms to help promote weekly arrivals.
- Operated the POS system, balanced cash drawers, and completed all opening and closing procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising - Minor in Business
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA05.2025
Skills
- Story and style board design using trend analysis
- Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, and Mockshop
- Illustration of fashion designs on croquis and flats
- Teamwork skills
- Presentation design
- Rough sketching
- Fashion trends
COURSEWORK
Intro design studio, Fashion industry, fashion and society, fashion fundamental, intermediate design studio, textiles, textiles lab, supply chain management, visual merchandising, 3D visual retailing, fashion trends, retail buying, sustainability, quality analysis, textile and apparel production, apparel merchandising strategy and lab, advanced textiles and lab, and digital illustration.
Timeline
Designer Assistant at Bridal Market
Emily Kotarski Bespoke Bridal Boutique
10.2025 - 10.2025
Store Manager / Senior Stylist
Proper & Co.
05.2025 - Current
Bridal Market Assistant
Melangé De Blanc
10.2024 - 10.2024
Bridal Stylist & Sales Assistant
I Do Bridal Couture
01.2024 - Current
Sales Associate
Posh Boutique
08.2021 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising - Minor in Business
Louisiana State University