Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Byrne.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kristin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Sure! Funny enough, throughout college, I was certain I was going to be a lawyer. Working in fashion retail was something I loved, but hadn’t considered for a career. However, while working part-time at the Coach store on Michigan Avenue, my store manager (otherwise known as my “fashion fairy godmother”) encouraged me to pursue what I was passionate about. Late one night, between studying for Senior Year finals, I applied to a place a few of you might know from getting your ears pierced, Claire’s. Three weeks later, this girl had her first post-college job as an Assistant Buyer! I went on to move around the country, working for some of the biggest names in fashion retail, such as Charming Charlie, Francesca’s, and EXPRESS. The retail community is like a small town, where everyone knows each other; it’s become, my second family. I’m so grateful to be a part of it and love the challenge of anticipating what trends are coming next.
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, I think mine is the path less traveled, and not to quote Robert Frost, but it really has made all the difference. Pursuing my career meant moving to where the job was, whether I had friends in that city or not. You have to be flexible and willing to relocate to grow your career in this business, and for a lot of people, myself included, it can be intimidating. But the best part about this business is that unlike others, we have a great foundation of woman role models who have led retail into the progressive direction we’re moving towards today. I’ve definitely had moments where I felt I wasn’t taken seriously (because I worked in “fashion”), and there can be a mean girl culture that comes from working in a woman-dominated field, but overall I believe we drive our own development. No one is going to offer you your dream job, or even in some cases come to you with a promotion. If you have a career destination in mind, you own the journey in getting there. My advice for women just starting their careers is to not be afraid of failure. You will fail at times (who doesn’t?), so being afraid is fruitless. If you want something, go out and get it, but know it will take risks and sacrifice.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
In the merchandising world, I’m known for product development and business development in gifting and accessories. It’s a rewarding business to be part of because the reality is that no one NEEDS a cute trinket dish — so how do you make one where the customer feels like she HAS to have it? For me, that’s when the fun begins. A former CEO of mine always said to become “BFF’s” with your customer — Brand Friends Forever. Customer loyalty is how specialty retail will survive in the Amazon world. Brick and mortar will survive despite what people say, as long as merchants accept the challenge to offer more than on-trend merchandise — now, we owe it to our guests to offer an experience, one that exceeds just walking up to the checkout counter.
I currently work on the vendor side of retail and sell giftable beauty products to places such as Anthropologie, Bloomingdales, and even my alma mater, Francesca’s. I’m grateful for the experience because it’s allowed me to sit on both sides of the corporate retail table, as a buyer and a seller.
In regard to what I’m most proud of? I have to say the network and community I have built in this business. I’m extremely vocal about my encouragement of women supporting women and work hard to be a role model for young women just starting out.
Which women have inspired you in your life? Why?
In life, my Mom is my number one teacher and life coach. Her kindness and encouragement of others have had a huge impact on the way I conduct my life.
In regard to my career, I’ve been lucky to have several mentors that have helped me along the way. When they say it takes a village — it doesn’t stop at childhood. My old boss, Lindsay, who is currently the head buyer of gifting at Charming Charlie, impacted my life in a huge way. She never made me feel “less than”, and she encouraged collaborative, creative brainstorming among her team that pushed us to think outside the box. She made everyone on her team feel supported, which I’ve tried to mimic in my own managerial roles. I’m a firm believer that if you want your team to thrive, let them know you have their back. Meetings are much more productive when they’re not full of people who are in fear of saying the wrong thing. A lot of work cultures can be that way, and that trickles down into the numbers over time. Lastly, Lindsay taught me the value in knowing your worth — don’t settle for anything less — in your career or in life.
Contact Info:
- Email: thatotherblonde@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotherblonde/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-byrne-4987501a/
Image Credit:
@beautyintheye, @michellecoxphoto, @lostartofstyle, @elenacue11ar
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