SONICA PATEL
New York,NY
Summary
Accomplished luxury events and client relations expert with a proven track record of curating high-touch experiences that drive brand loyalty and revenue growth. Currently serving as an Uber Luxury Events Manager at Dior, specializing in bespoke events for high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clientele. Adept at managing multiple high-stakes projects, orchestrating seamless collaborations with elite partners, and executing strategies that elevate brand exclusivity.
With a background in luxury retail at Golden Goose, Ami Paris, and Khaite, I bring a deep understanding of client engagement, business growth, and sales optimization. A strategic leader with a keen ability to anticipate client desires, build meaningful relationships, and create unforgettable experiences that strengthen brand desirability. Passionate about crafting immersive, story-driven events that resonate with an elite clientele.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Uber Luxury Events Manager
Christian Dior Couture
New York, NY
08.2024 - Current
- Leads and Manages Multiple High-Stakes Projects – Expertly oversees simultaneous luxury events, ensuring flawless execution under tight deadlines.
- End-to-End Event Strategy & Execution – Develops and implements comprehensive event plans, managing timelines, budgets, staffing, and logistics with precision.
- Vendor & Partner Collaboration – Orchestrates seamless coordination with top-tier vendors to guarantee exceptional event experiences.
- Data-Driven Post-Event Analysis – Creates insightful post-event reports, analyzing key metrics such as attendance, engagement, and ROI to inform future strategy.
- Curates Exclusive Bespoke Experiences – Strategically designs ultra-luxury events tailored for high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clientele, reinforcing brand exclusivity and desirability.
Multi-Unit Director
Khaite
New York, NY
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to drive sales growth, improve operational efficiency, and enhance profitability across multiple retail locations.
- Provided leadership and guidance to store managers, ensuring alignment with company goals and standards while fostering a culture of accountability, performance excellence, and customer satisfaction.
- Conducted regular performance reviews and offer targeted coaching and development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of store management teams, driving continuous improvement and talent retention.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with internal stakeholders such as marketing, merchandising, and finance to align strategies, leverage resources, and support the achievement of overall business objectives.
- Cultivated and strengthened partnerships with high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI), concurrently ensuring the retention and satisfaction of our established customer base.
Retail Director, North America
Ami Paris
New York, NY
10.2022 - 09.2023
- Formulated and executed retail strategies aimed at optimizing operational profitability.
- Delivered leadership and mentorship to onboarded employees, imparting comprehensive understanding of company SOPs.
- Analyzed regional market trends to discover new opportunities for growth.
- Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
- Established performance metrics and systematically evaluated employee performance against predefined goals, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Regional Manager, West Coast
Golden Goose
01.2020 - 10.2022
- Opened 22 stores between 2019-2022 along with building and managing all teams.
- Executed day-to-day operational activities for regional business bringing in an estimated turnover of $90 million in 2022.
- Established goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and standards of performance for all personnel in the region.
- Managed regional operations including inventory control, staffing levels, logistics, customer service.
- Supported retail and wholesale teams with in-store events and activations.
Store Director
Golden Goose
Costa Mesa, CA
11.2018 - 12.2020
- Hired, trained, and supervised store personnel including cashiers, client advisors, sales leads, and assistant directors.
- Managed overall inventory levels of merchandise by monitoring stock rotation and ordering new items as needed.
- Created incentive programs for employees to encourage higher levels of productivity.
- Balanced sales, reconciled cash and made bank deposits to facilitate opening and closing duties.
- Worked with SCP management to execute successful "Sneakers Maker" in-store events that generated 35K-150K per event.
Event Planner
Ajita Chopra Events
Irvine, CA
12.2010 - 10.2022
- Directed event production in collaboration with sponsors, hosts and internal teams.
- Stayed current with event trends and organizational culture, optimizing experience cycle.
- Built detailed event plans and timelines to ensure successful execution of events.
- Led site walk-through and meetings prior to event to go over checklists and delegate assignments to staff.
- Developed relationships with vendors to facilitate quality service at competitive rates while maintaining financial responsibility within budgets.
Key Holder, Visual Specialist
SMCP
Costa Mesa, CA
09.2016 - 11.2018
- Assumed leadership responsibilities in the absence of management, effectively overseeing store operations, resolving customer issues, and ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Drove sales performance by providing guidance and support to sales associates, conducting regular coaching sessions, and implementing strategies to optimize productivity and revenue.
- Managed inventory levels and merchandising initiatives to maintain a visually appealing and well-organized store layout, enhancing the overall shopping experience for customers.
- Coordinated floor moves, merchandising and display maintenance and monitored floor stock to keep popular items available to buyers.
- Accomplished sales goals by engaging customers, delivering top-notch service and promoting special items.
Stylist
Bloomingdale's
Newport Beach, CA
01.2014 - 09.2016
- Exceeded sales targets consistently by leveraging persuasive communication and product knowledge to meet and exceed customer needs and expectations.
- Cultivated strong customer relationships through attentive listening, personalized recommendations, and proactive follow-up, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Proactively identified and capitalized on upselling and cross-selling opportunities to maximize revenue generation and enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
- Maintained relationships with vendors to trend-forecast for upcoming seasons.
- Collaborated effectively with team members to achieve collective goals, contributing to a positive work culture and fostering a cohesive and motivated sales team.
Assistant Department Manager
Nordstrom
Brea, CA
12.2011 - 11.2013
- Mentored staff to enhance skills and achieve daily targets, using hands-on, motivational leadership.
- Assisted in the development of departmental goals and objectives.
- Planned special events or activities related to the department's mission.
- Managed inventory levels by tracking stock movement, restocking shelves as necessary, and ordering additional items when needed.
- Content creator for Social Media Team (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter).
Education
Kinesiology
Mount San Antonio College
Walnut, CASkills
- Client Relationship Management
- Strategic Planning
- Market Intelligence
- Exceptional Multi-Tasker
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Relationship Building
Timeline
Uber Luxury Events Manager
Christian Dior Couture
08.2024 - Current
Multi-Unit Director
Khaite
09.2023 - 12.2023
Retail Director, North America
Ami Paris
10.2022 - 09.2023
Regional Manager, West Coast
Golden Goose
01.2020 - 10.2022
Store Director
Golden Goose
11.2018 - 12.2020
Key Holder, Visual Specialist
SMCP
09.2016 - 11.2018
Stylist
Bloomingdale's
01.2014 - 09.2016
Assistant Department Manager
Nordstrom
12.2011 - 11.2013
Event Planner
Ajita Chopra Events
12.2010 - 10.2022
Kinesiology
Mount San Antonio College
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