How did you start working in eCommerce?
After college I bounced around the east coast opening up new restaurants and tending bar. That landed me in Columbus, OH where I had the fortune of meeting an entrepreneur – the founder of JackThreads. He had also been hustling in the service industry to save money and launch the company. We were a small young team with little experience, but we made it work. Over time we made some key hires and the initial team was given more resources to succeed. I took over needs along the way, from accounting, to fulfillment, merchandising operations, and eventually the business roadmap working with all of the teams. The business pivoted several times and I am very grateful for my time there and to have experienced each evolution.
What does your typical work day look like?
Coffee, spreadsheets, dial ins, repeat. I try to start each day making it around to a few members of the team and then settle in to catch up on reporting and emails. Some days are back-to-back and range from that day’s site asset updates to next year’s’ international strategy. We work with a lot of external teams which means either phone calls, having teams come to us, or traveling to them. It’s always interesting!
What do you love most about your job?
I love being able to bring a vision to life (digitally). We’re doing a lot more with the product, content, and customer engagement that will support some really fun executions. Also, everyone at MVMT has a lot of autonomy to form and execute their vision which keeps us moving fast and excited about the work that we do.
What advice would you give to others looking to work in the industry?
Retail is going through some awesome transitions post-D2C emergence. The barrier to entry is lower, brands have the authority to show their personality, and digital solutions (online and point of sale) are making shopping more engaging. Ideally, the output of your job should align with some personal goal or passion. It’s a great time to find a product or brand that speaks to you. And don’t be afraid to start with a small company where you can learn as you go, or influence even more.
What do you think is the next big development/trend that will define the industry?
Sustainability is a buzzword right now, but continually putting it into practice is key to protecting our future. I believe that all major industries, including retail, have a responsibility to get creative and start improving where they can, as soon as they can. From sourcing and manufacturing practices, to supply chain efficiency, to recycling and upcycling product components, we have to start thinking about the impact full circle.
Are there other women in the industry that you admire & why?
I’ve been admiring Elizabeth Suzann from afar for a few years. She’s a designer/entrepreneur based in Nashville who is growing a pretty kick-ass business. Her ‘why’ resonates in everything she does: the product is simple and ecologically responsible, their content embraces the vision and community, and she communicates openly with social media followers. In an age where there is still so much contrived marketing it’s inspiring to see someone succeeding so naturally.
