I am currently working full time as manager of the Trelise Cooper fabric store. I work sole charge 5-6 days a week, meaning I am in control of everything; rosters, dealing with customers both in store and phone orders, budgeting, pricing and ordering stock, cleaning, merchandising, window displays, and advertising ideas. This has given me a great sense of organization, idea of costing and how a business is run, customer relationships, fabric knowledge, and creativity.
In December 2009 I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree majoring in Fashion Design. Whilst at university I gained significant experience and skills within the industry, working for well-known New Zealand designer Trelise Cooper, Internationally recognized label Pumpkin Patch ltd. and emerging local designers Lucie Boshier and Tara Cunniffe (currently also still working for her part-time). In addition to this, I have worked at New Zealand Fashion Week for the past five years helping backstage with the shows and assisting international buyers.
I have acquired basic computer design skills, including a great knowledge of the social networking programs (blogspot, twitter, facebook, wordpress), beginner photography level, objective drawing and painting, advanced fashion illustration drawing, design development and research, pattern drafting and garment construction, fabric manipulation, dyeing, and screen-printing; all following industry methodology. I have completed papers in Art and Design History, New Zealand Art History, Fashion History and Theory, PR and Marketing, and Business Studies. During my studies at Whitecliffe College I was a participant of the annual Fashion Shows. Individual presentations within this show have given me additional skills in events managing, styling and self-promotion.
I keep a daily updated fashion blog page, make and sell clothes to friends (currently completed 4 bridesmaid dresses for a wedding in December) and have a handmade gift card business “Madam Mouse” founded in 2000; currently selling in Trelise Cooper and Chambers stores.
