Sandy Basta-Lee

• Lead new product strategy and creation that generated 5 million in new sales 1st year in Men's and Women's apparel
• Expanded company into new retailers and expanded product lines with current retailers that resulted in additional 15 million in sales: Walmart Canada, Belk, Cracker Barrel, Dillard's, and TJ Maxx.
• Cultivated a culture of continuous learning and growth by providing mentorship and guidance to design team, leading to enhanced skills, heightened performance, and boosted team morale
• Directed artistic vision across various mediums, including labels, catalogs, prints, and color schemes, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market demands
• Pioneered initiatives in sustainable fashion, implementing eco-friendly practices throughout design and sourcing processes, while optimizing strategies for cost efficiency
• Established strategic partnerships with new factories and mills, diversifying raw material sources and enhancing production capabilities to meet growing demands
• Fostered strategic product and merchandise categories through forecasting and planning
• Collaborated closely with sales team to develop compelling selling strategies, foster client relationships, and identify new business opportunities, resulting in sustained revenue growth
• Leveraged extensive industry knowledge and expertise to lead and oversee multiple cross-functional teams, guiding them through successful execution of both small- and large-scale projects
• Engaged in extensive domestic and international travel for sourcing, trend research, and participation in industry-leading trade shows, ensuring alignment with global market trends and emerging consumer preferences.
• Created cost effective product for Vince Camuto/ English Laundry, Tahari and Adrienne Vittadini licenses in Men's and Women's for off price retailers. Resulting in increase in revenue.
• Juggled multiple projects simultaneously, never losing strategic vision and always maintaining focus.
• Oversaw successful rebranding campaign that revitalized company image, attracting new clientele while retaining existing customers.

Spearheaded the conceptualization and implementation of design and graphic initiatives, driving a remarkable surge in sales from $8 million to $20 million within the initial year

• Engineered overhaul of internal design systems, streamlining workflows, enhancing organization, and optimizing overall efficiency, resulting in significant time and cost savings
• Revitalized struggling brand through the introduction of innovative designs and strategic sales tactics, resulting in notable increase in market share and brand visibility
• Orchestrated and led fitting sessions to ensure precise and consistent garment fits across various product lines, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Established and maintained collaborative relationships with global manufacturing partners, conducting regular visits to overseas factories to ensure adherence to quality standards and production timelines
• Provided inspirational leadership to the design team, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and excellence, resulting in successful development of trend-setting fashion items.

• Lead design and graphic team to help create on trend profitable designs
• Secured key partnerships with retail giants such as Walmart & Sam's Club, contributing to a notable sales increase of $9 million within the first year of collaboration
• Created tech packs on PLM and communicated with production team to ensure proper fit of garments
• Managed print, shopping, and graphic budgets with precision, maximizing profitability and driving sustainable growth for the organization
• Collaborated closely with sales team to understand and address the unique needs and preferences of individual clients, resulting in tailored product offerings and enhanced customer satisfaction
• Established and nurtured collaborative partnerships with buyers, facilitating productive exchanges and informed decision-making in product development and trend forecasting.

• Utilized trend intelligence and analyzed current business to help design items that were relevant to the customer and brand
• Collaborated with merchants on corporate calendar to meet deadlines
• Researched market competitors and created trend reports to be presented to CEO
• Implemented weekly meetings with production team to ensure factories with following time and action calendar
• Trained and mentored new employees on PLM.
• Directed photo shoots for print and digital media, reviewing each element against client standards and expectations.

• Managed and designed 150 million dollar business with smaller scale design team.
• Presented and collaborated with product design teams for major retailers: Kohl's, Target, JCP, Nordstrom Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Bloomingdale's, Venus, and Tilly's
• Led and motivated design team to always create programs and trend driven line which helped secure new business
• Developed and launched new Cut & Sew lifestyle brand that secured 10 million in sales first year
• Traveled Domestic, Asian and European markets for trend research, inspiration and sourcing.
• Managed projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope constraints.
• Delivered high-quality designs for major clients, leading to increased brand recognition and repeat business.