Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Summer Larsen

Summer Larsen

Denver,CO

Summary

Experienced merchandising and design professional with over 15 years in fashion, custom product design, and community leadership. Proven ability to integrate creative and consumer insights to enhance AI training and product development. Strong track record in boutique retail, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors, demonstrating effective management and entrepreneurial skills. Established relationships with clients and teams while consistently achieving organizational objectives.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Owner

Summer Forrest Designs
Denver, CO
01.2020 - Current
  • Deliver custom design and printing services for apparel, mugs, and home décor.
  • Translate client needs into consumer-friendly and visually impactful products.
  • Utilize Canva, sublimation printing, and Cricut for high-quality merchandise.

Executive Director & Founder

The Kingsley Foundation
Denver, CO
01.2010 - Current
  • Lead a nonprofit providing support, resources, and joy to families of children with special needs.
  • Develop inclusive programming and maintain partnerships with hospitals and care providers.
  • Manage all aspects of nonprofit operations, fundraising, and outreach.

Parent Care Provider, CNA

Aveanna Home Healthcare
Denver, CO
01.2015 - 01.2024
  • Provided full-time care to son with profound special needs.
  • Managed complex medication schedules, oxygen therapy, and mobility using medical equipment.
  • Maintained patient comfort, safety, and quality of life with compassion and precision.

Founder & Executive Director

Square One Boutique
Denver, CO
01.2001 - 01.2010
  • Operated an upscale boutique in Larimer Square featuring curated fashion and accessories.
  • Oversaw buying, merchandising, and team leadership for a high-volume storefront.
  • Recognized multiple times as Denver’s best boutique by local press.

Senior Merchandise Manager

Calvin Klein (Warnaco Inc.)
Chicago, IL
01.1998 - 01.2001
  • Managed regional merchandising for men's and women's apparel divisions.
  • Increased product turnover by 25% through improved marketing and store-level strategies.
  • Liaised with retailers across the Midwest to ensure brand cohesion and performance.

Education

BBA - Consumer Merchandising/Retailing Management

University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO

BA - Fashion Merchandising/Marketing

International Academy of Design and Technology
Chicago

Skills

  • Fashion merchandising and buying
  • Visual merchandising and branding
  • Product categorization and annotation
  • Consumer language analysis
  • Custom design and sublimation printing
  • Patient care and medical equipment use
  • Canva proficiency
  • QuickBooks expertise
  • Excel and Microsoft Office skills
  • POS system management

Certification

  • Certified Nurse Assistant CNA

Timeline

Owner

Summer Forrest Designs
01.2020 - Current

Parent Care Provider, CNA

Aveanna Home Healthcare
01.2015 - 01.2024

Executive Director & Founder

The Kingsley Foundation
01.2010 - Current

Founder & Executive Director

Square One Boutique
01.2001 - 01.2010

Senior Merchandise Manager

Calvin Klein (Warnaco Inc.)
01.1998 - 01.2001

BBA - Consumer Merchandising/Retailing Management

University of Colorado Denver

BA - Fashion Merchandising/Marketing

International Academy of Design and Technology