Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Sara Zoie

Irvine,CA

Summary

Designer, Developer, and Production Manager with over 9 years of experience in startups and global brands. Expertise in converting concepts into market-ready products using detailed sketches, CADs, and tech packs. Proven track record in product lifecycle management, vendor negotiation, and quality assurance, ensuring timely and cost-effective deliveries. Proficient in PLM and ERP systems, enhancing workflows and driving efficiency in design-to-production processes.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder & Creative Director

Flexverse adaptive activewear
01.2025 - Current
  • Founded and launched an adaptive activewear brand focused on inclusive, functional, and stylish apparel for people of all abilities.
  • Designed and developed core product lines (sports bras, joggers, tanks) featuring adaptive closures, sustainable fabrics, and accessibility-focused construction.
  • Managed the entire product lifecycle: design, tech packs, sourcing, vendor communication, sample revisions, cost negotiations, and production management.
  • Built and executed brand identity, marketing strategy, and launch campaign, including Amazon storefront, influencer collaborations, and expo showcase.
  • Oversaw financial planning, inventory strategy, and budgeting to maximize ROI on limited capital.
  • Established cross-functional partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, and accessory companies (e.g., magnetic hardware specialists).

Accessories Designer

Self Employed Services
Los Angeles, California
07.2023 - 02.2024
  • Designed and developed accessories collections for fashion and lifestyle brands, including handbags and footwear.
  • Created CAD sketches and detailed tech packs to ensure production-ready specifications.
  • Researched trends and sourced materials to propose brand-aligned design solutions.
  • Negotiated with vendors for competitive pricing and timely deliveries.
  • Coordinated prototype development with sample reviews to ensure quality standards.
  • Oversaw production from concept to final delivery, meeting all design and timeline requirements.
  • Delivered commercially successful accessories merging creativity, functionality, and brand integrity.

Product Development Manager

DIFF Eyewear
Torrance, United States
08.2022 - 06.2023
  • Directed end-to-end product development lifecycle for eyewear collections, from initial concept through to mass production.
  • Translated creative direction and seasonal strategies into detailed product roadmaps, ensuring alignment with brand vision and market trends.
  • Managed cross-functional collaboration between design, sourcing, vendors, and production teams to deliver products on time and within cost targets.
  • Created and maintained tech packs, BOMs, and CADs, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all product categories.
  • Coordinated with domestic and international factories to source innovative materials, evaluate samples, and resolve technical challenges.
  • Led fit sessions and product reviews, implementing design and construction improvements to achieve brand standards of quality and comfort.
  • Negotiated costs, MOQs, and timelines with suppliers to maximize margins and minimize risk.
  • Oversaw quality control standards by reviewing samples, approving pre-production units, and troubleshooting production issues.
  • Implemented process improvements that increased efficiency in product development workflows and reduced lead times.
  • Supported merchandising and marketing teams by providing product knowledge, technical details, and timelines to ensure seamless product launches.

Product Development & Production Manager

Grace Eleyae, Inc.
01.2021 - 08.2022
  • Managed development and production of loungewear, hats, and hair accessories from concept through final delivery.
  • Built detailed tech packs, BOMs, and CADs to communicate design and construction requirements to vendors.
  • Coordinated with domestic and overseas factories, overseeing sampling, sourcing, costing, and production timelines.
  • Led fit sessions and product reviews to ensure quality, functionality, and alignment with brand standards.
  • Negotiated costs, MOQs, and delivery schedules with vendors to optimize profitability and meet deadlines.
  • Streamlined development processes, improving efficiency and reducing lead times.
  • Partnered cross-functionally with design, merchandising, and marketing teams to ensure cohesive launches.

Associate Designer and Development Coordinator

Grace Eleyae, Inc.
08.2019 - 12.2020
  • Supported design and development of hair accessories, hats, and apparel.
  • Created CAD illustrations, mockups, and technical drawings to guide sample and production accuracy.
  • Assisted in preparing tech packs and updating BOMs for cross-functional alignment.
  • Coordinated vendor communication, tracking sample development, approvals, and production status.
  • Assisted in fit reviews and quality control checks to ensure adherence to brand and customer standards.
  • Collaborated with design and production managers to ensure projects stayed within cost and delivery goals.

Freelance Handbag Designer

Self Employed Services
Los Angeles, California
03.2019 - 08.2019
  • Partnered with emerging and small fashion brands to support the full design and development process for handbag collections.
  • Created detailed CAD illustrations and comprehensive tech packs to clearly communicate design intent and construction details.
  • Collaborated directly with vendors and factories, managing all communication and negotiations to achieve optimal pricing, MOQ, and timelines.
  • Sourced and developed high-quality materials, trims, and hardware that aligned with client brand aesthetics and standards.
  • Oversaw sample development, reviewing prototypes and ensuring alignment with customer brand expectations.
  • Monitored production stages to ensure adherence to agreed quality standards, delivery schedules, and costing requirements.
  • Delivered market-ready products that balanced creativity, functionality, and commercial viability for client brands.

Associate Handbag Designer / NINE WEST

SIGNAL BRANDS
Greater Los Angeles Area
09.2018 - 02.2019
  • Assisted in designing seasonal handbag collections for Nine West, creating CAD illustrations, mockups, and detailed sketches.
  • Supported the development process by preparing tech packs and updating BOMs to communicate design intent to vendors.
  • Researched materials, hardware, and trends to inform design concepts aligned with brand direction and market needs.
  • Collaborated with senior designers and cross-functional teams to review prototypes, providing feedback on construction, quality, and fit.
  • Coordinated with overseas vendors to track sample progress and ensure timely approvals.
  • Contributed to line presentations and showroom samples, supporting merchandising and sales teams.

Production Manager

NewbarK
Los Angeles
05.2012 - 03.2015
  • Managed end-to-end production for luxury leather handbags and footwear collections.
  • Coordinated with overseas factories and artisans to oversee sampling, sourcing, costing, and manufacturing.
  • Created and updated tech packs, BOMs, and CADs to ensure accurate communication of design intent.
  • Reviewed prototypes and pre-production samples, implementing design and quality improvements.
  • Negotiated pricing, timelines, and MOQs with vendors to maintain profitability and meet deadlines.
  • Oversaw quality control inspections and ensured all products met brand standards in construction and finishing.
  • Collaborated with design and merchandising teams to align production with seasonal collections.

Design and pattern maker assistant

Gregory parkinson
01.2012 - 05.2012
  • Assisted in design and pattern development for ready-to-wear collections.
  • Supported pattern drafting, cutting, and sewing prototypes under designer direction.
  • Prepared mockups and samples to test fit, drape, and fabric functionality.
  • Created fashion illustrations and technical drawings using Adobe Illustrator.
  • Collaborated with the design team to meet deadlines for seasonal collection development.

Design and pattern maker assistant

le sang bleu
11.2011 - 04.2012
  • Assisted in design, patternmaking, and sample development for contemporary collections.
  • Helped prepare muslins and prototypes to refine fit and silhouette.
  • Conducted fabric research and supported sourcing of materials and trims.
  • Produced CAD sketches and fashion illustrations to communicate design intent.
  • Supported the design team through fittings, alterations, and adjustments to achieve final collection quality.

Education

Associate of Arts - Fashion/Apparel Design

FIDM
Los Angeles, CA
01.2012

Skills

  • PLM and ERP software (WFX, Apparel Magic, NetSuite)
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Product design
  • Technical design
  • Market analysis
  • CAD and tech packs
  • Quality assurance
  • Production management
  • Vendor negotiation
  • Costing and sourcing
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Process optimization
  • Leadership
  • Project management
  • Team leadership
  • Business strategy
  • Effective communication
  • Problem solving

Timeline

Founder & Creative Director

Flexverse adaptive activewear
01.2025 - Current

Accessories Designer

Self Employed Services
07.2023 - 02.2024

Product Development Manager

DIFF Eyewear
08.2022 - 06.2023

Product Development & Production Manager

Grace Eleyae, Inc.
01.2021 - 08.2022

Associate Designer and Development Coordinator

Grace Eleyae, Inc.
08.2019 - 12.2020

Freelance Handbag Designer

Self Employed Services
03.2019 - 08.2019

Associate Handbag Designer / NINE WEST

SIGNAL BRANDS
09.2018 - 02.2019

Production Manager

NewbarK
05.2012 - 03.2015

Design and pattern maker assistant

Gregory parkinson
01.2012 - 05.2012

Design and pattern maker assistant

le sang bleu
11.2011 - 04.2012

Associate of Arts - Fashion/Apparel Design

FIDM

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