Rebecca O'Connor
Nashville,TN
Summary
A highly organized individual who was instrumental in creating a holistic shopping experience garnering an average increase of 53% sales YOY.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Fashion Designer and Co Creative Director
Kittenish
Nashville , TN
07.2018 - Current
- Managed and coached design, creative and production staff to ensure team creates innovative designs while hitting key deadlines.
- Sketched artistic and fresh designs for consideration to improve category depth and breadth.
- Partnered with vendors to gather market trends and competitive insights to drive business strategy.
- Removed blockers and resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Clearly communicated feedback to members on both creative and photography teams to ensure proper use of branding materials.
- Built strategic communication and marketing plans to meet customer needs and creative visions.
- Evaluated and contributed to creative team ideas and translated into actionable project plans.
- Looked over and approved image retouch work, mechanicals and art proofs to deliver quality results.
- Negotiated over 100 contracts with stylists and photographers to organize photo shoots and meet budget requirements.
- Partnered and negotiated with vendors on availability, product specifications, distribution, delivery deadlines and price.
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality, flow and output.
- Sourced materials to keep up with production goals and meet customer demands.
- Created streamlined production schedules and collaborated with production employees to communicate objectives and goals.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment and showcased willingness to help wherever needed.
Fashion Designer
Rachel Allan
Burr Ridge, IL
12.2016 - 07.2019
- Hand and electronically sketched artistic and fresh designs for prom and bridal lines.
- Worked with technical design and product management to provide accurate and complete design packages.
- Worked directly with oversea vendors explaining and choosing garments bead work, fabrication, color, and design.
- Demonstrated construction visuals to overseas pattern making team.
- Developed seasonal merchandise assortment to improve category depth and breadth.
- Managed all aspects of bridal samples: arrival of boxes, steaming, trunk shows, market shows, labeling, and placement in seasonal line.
- Organized and directed over 50 on location and in house photoshoots.
- Assisted with returns from retailers.
- Negotiated with vendors on availability, product specifications, distribution, delivery deadlines and price.
- Achieved costing and aesthetic goals for seasonal fabric palette.
- Learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
Sales Specialist
Victoria Secret
Orland Park, IL
06.2013 - 12.2017
- Certified Bra Specialist for fitting and enhancing customer experience.
- Educated customers about product features and benefits to aid in selecting best options for each individuals' needs.
- Built rapport with customers and assessed needs to make product recommendations and upsell.
- Showcased product features to customers and discussed technical details to overcome objections and lock in sales.
- Top 2% for sales within store structure.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts in Fashion Design
The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago
Chicago, IL09.2016
Skills
- Sewing
- Patternmaking
- Draping
- Illustration
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Office
- WebPDM
- Gerber Accumark
- Constructive Feedback
- Creative Solutions
- Vendor Negotiations
Timeline
Head Fashion Designer and Co Creative Director
Kittenish
07.2018 - Current
Fashion Designer
Rachel Allan
12.2016 - 07.2019
Sales Specialist
Victoria Secret
06.2013 - 12.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts in Fashion Design
The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago