Her Story
About Ellen
Ellen Ethridge is a merchandising professional at The Michaels Companies, Inc. in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where she currently serves as an Associate Category Manager in Custom Framing. With more than 11 years at the company, she has built a career rooted in retail merchandising and operations, transitioning six years ago from communications and operational roles into merchandising leadership. Her work focuses heavily on the visual and analytical sides of retail execution, including product presentation, planogram development, assortment optimization, and designing in-store displays that enhance customer engagement and drive measurable business results.
Throughout her tenure, Ellen has contributed to large-scale, high-impact initiatives across the organization, including chain-wide store remodels, new product assortment strategies, and the modernization of supply ordering processes through digital transformation. She has led and supported cross-functional efforts spanning product launches, vendor collaboration, and in-store execution systems, while also helping develop training materials and rollout strategies for field teams. Her expertise in custom framing merchandising is supported by both framing certification and trainer certification, reinforcing her role in maintaining consistency and excellence across store-level execution.
Ellen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development with a minor in Marketing from the University of Arkansas, along with study abroad experience in fashion styling and trend forecasting in London and Paris. She is an active participant in employee resource communities, including the Women’s Resource Group and as an ally in the Pride Resource Group, where she supports volunteer and engagement initiatives. She credits her success to strong family influence, especially her mother’s example of integrity and self-advocacy, and she emphasizes the importance of having a voice in the workplace, acting with honesty, and proactively demonstrating value rather than waiting for recognition.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ellen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation I’ve been given through family support, especially my mother’s example of integrity, resilience, and mentorship. I’ve also benefited from access to good schools and educational opportunities that helped shape my early interests and skills. In addition, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive community of friends and colleagues who both challenge and encourage me, which has pushed me to grow personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mother: do not wait for someone else to recognize your worth. I’ve carried that with me throughout my career. It means speaking up, making my contributions visible, and confidently advocating for myself while still maintaining dignity and respect for others. That mindset has helped me step into opportunities and grow in roles that I might not have pursued otherwise.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women not to be afraid to speak up and to make sure they are in environments where their voice is valued. It’s important to seek out workplaces that encourage growth, collaboration, and visibility. I would also encourage them to keep their long-term goals in mind, stay open to challenges, and take on opportunities that build confidence—even if they feel uncomfortable at first—because those experiences often accelerate career growth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in retail merchandising today is the competition with online retailers and the ongoing need to keep brick-and-mortar stores relevant and engaging. At the same time, I see a major opportunity in creating more interactive, experience-driven store environments. There is also significant potential in strengthening omni-channel integration, where digital and in-store experiences work seamlessly together to better serve customers and enhance overall engagement.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are voice and collaboration, integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of justice. I also place a high value on community reciprocity—showing up for others, contributing where I can, and supporting the growth and success of those around me. These principles guide how I work, how I lead, and how I engage with both my professional and personal communities.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.