A luxury retail professional shares insights on building meaningful client relationships, emotional intelligence, and authentic personal branding as essential skills for lasting success in the fashion industry.
Her Story
About Alia
Alia K is a Men’s Tailored Clothing Specialist at Dillard’s in Strongsville, Ohio, where she has distinguished herself through exceptional sales performance, personalized styling, and a relationship-centered approach to luxury retail.
Her career in retail began unexpectedly with a part-time position in cosmetics, initially pursued for the employee discount. What began as a casual opportunity quickly developed into a passion for client engagement, brand representation, and the psychology of consumer relationships. She went on to serve as a Dior Counter Manager at Saks Fifth Avenue, gaining valuable experience in luxury retail leadership, client development, and delivering elevated shopping experiences.
Following her time at Saks Fifth Avenue, Alia pursued an opportunity with Dillard’s, transitioning into men’s tailored clothing despite having limited prior experience in the category. Within her first six months, she exceeded sales goals by 44%, earned recognition as the district’s top-performing tailored specialist, and contributed to significant growth within her department.
Alia holds an Associate of Applied Science degree with an academic focus in biology and psychology. Her diverse educational and professional background has shaped an analytical yet personable approach to business, allowing her to understand both the practical and psychological elements of building lasting client relationships.
Today, she approaches tailored clothing as more than a retail transaction. From understanding a client’s lifestyle to curating complete wardrobes and coordinating personalized fittings, she prioritizes an experience built on trust, attention to detail, and genuine connection.
Looking ahead, Alia is focused on expanding her professional network, strengthening her presence in the Cleveland market, and creating new opportunities that bring personalized tailoring beyond the traditional retail environment. She remains committed to professional growth, meaningful relationships, and redefining what exceptional service looks like in modern retail.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values instilled in me by my family, my strong work ethic, and my natural drive to overachieve. Whatever I pursue, I’ve always believed in giving my absolute best and continually raising the standard for myself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never become so comfortable with being good at something that you stop striving to be better. True success comes from consistency, discipline, and a willingness to keep learning.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never underestimate the value of authenticity, confidence, and genuine relationships. Learn your craft, take initiative, and never be afraid to make your presence known. Your success will come not only from what you know, but from how you make people feel.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As professional suiting becomes an increasingly niche market, staying informed and adapting to evolving fashion trends is essential. Building a strong personal brand is non-negotiable. Expanding my clientele beyond traditional retail and establishing meaningful connections can be challenging, but I believe these efforts offer the greatest opportunities for long-term success in the fashion industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Personal growth, authenticity, and ambition are the values I prioritize most, always striving to evolve, remain true to myself, and pursue excellence in everything I do.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Alia
The Art of Being Remembered: Why Relationships Still Matter in Retail
The Art of Making People Feel Seen in Modern Sales
In an industry increasingly driven by numbers, convenience, and automation, I believe one of the most valuable skills a professional can possess is the ability to make someone feel genuinely seen.
Working in luxury retail has taught me that people rarely remember every product you show them, but they remember how you made them feel. A well-tailored suit can transform someone's appearance, but the confidence they leave with is what makes the experience memorable.
Success in sales requires more than product knowledge or a persuasive personality. It requires curiosity, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the discipline to continuously refine your craft.
I've always considered myself an overachiever, but I've learned that ambition is most valuable when paired with authenticity. Being exceptional at what you do shouldn't require sacrificing who you are.
As fashion continues to evolve, so must the professionals representing it. Building a personal brand, developing meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities beyond the sales floor are no longer optional for those seeking longevity in this industry.
My philosophy is simple: Don't just aim to make the sale. Aim to be the person they remember when they need one.
Because transactions build revenue, but relationships build careers.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.