Experience

The Design Museum

• United Kingdom
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Visual Lead Retail Manager

  • Nov 2017 - Present



LavishHabitHome

• CoFounder & Creative Stylist

  • Feb 2011 - Present



LAVISH HABIT LTD

• Managing Director

  • 2011 - Jul 2017

  Overall responsibility for establishing and developing this unique concept store selling retail gifts, fashion, jewellery and homewares such as vintage furniture and lighting, as well as exquisite food delicacies and specialist coffee.Ensured company revenue and profits allowed Lavish Habit to be sold as an ongoing concern.• Developed excellent research skills by devising a detailed business plan two years prior to opening, covering market trends, customer demand and the perfect location• Applied strong budget management abilities to project manage all aspects of the construction and décor of the store, working with specialist scenic artists• Effectively recruited, trained and developed all staff, ensuring they embodied the brand values of Lavish Habit at all times, customer service being key• Sole responsibility for sourcing and buying unique brand enhancing retail, planning all window designs and store moves, as well as designing props and artwork for key window events• Implemented and regularly adjusted show stopping, inspiring window and in store displays, as aligned with current trends and ably supported by strong sales, promotions and training workshops• Mastered hands on crafting and up-cycling of furniture and recycled vintage items that transformed to a new life to either sell or act as display tool for in store windows and promotions• Aligned to the integrity and spirit of the vintage environment by buying furniture, homewares, gifts and stationary as well as ladies fashion, jewellery and accessories in small quantities• Developed knowledge of buying trends by regularly attending auctions, trade and antique fairs across the country



OLIVER BONAS LIMITED

• United Kingdom
• Retail
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Visual Merchandising Design Manager

  • 1997 - 2010

  Key role in contributing to the rapid growth of the Oliver Bonas brand, assisting store design and rollout of 19 new stores. Created and managed the visual merchandise department in line with company growth for this leading British lifestyle store, now with over 60 stores nationwide. Reported directly to the CEO.• Collaborated with buying teams to purchase and design products and props to own brief in tune with visual trends, seasons and key event windows and displays• Effectively developed, delivered and communicated all visual concepts and strategies, contributing to healthy growth and financial success, with 3 new stores opened per year on average• Designed and delivered visual induction training packages and conducted training to store management via workshops and store visits, covering sales analysis, window design briefs etc.• Liaised closely with the construction team to develop new store openings, covering new site visits, initial store design and layout, as well as all merchandise and new store promotional packages• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing comparative shopping and online research to resolve any barriers to continued growth and profitability whilst identifying the keys to business success