Her Story
About Karmen
Karmen Anderson serves as Visual Merchandising Manager and senior manager for Macy's in Atlanta, Georgia. With approximately 10 years in retail management, she has held roles including apparel manager at Urban Outfitters in Hawaii and Anthropology, merchandising service manager and travel area manager for Lowe's in DC, and Operations Visual Manager at Macy's before advancing to her current position. She earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Clark Atlanta University, an associate's degree in graphic design, and an associate's degree in fine arts. Anderson has received awards for excellence in operations and cash bonuses at Macy's. She volunteers with Society in Atlanta and previously taught art classes in Maryland. She credits her mother, a hardworking single parent, and her late grandmother, who instilled professionalism and assisted with career guidance, for her success. Anderson emphasizes leading with care, being a good listener, working smart rather than hard, and focusing on trust, reciprocity, anticipation, and problem-solving in her leadership approach.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karmen
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my mother and grandmother. My mother was a single mom who worked incredibly hard, grinding to support us, and I learned my work ethic from watching her. My grandmother taught me professionalism and grace, helped with resumes, and steered me toward what I was great at. Thanks to her, I acquired most of my jobs.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
People work for people - the leader can make or break your career. Also, the building will always be there, so work smart not hard and take care of yourself. I learned the hard way by working excessive hours but it led to promotion.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Lead with care - care about your people and your team. Be a good listener. This helps understand problems, behaviors, and get great ideas from others even if you don't agree.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The economy is a challenge but it pushes us back to basics in retail, focusing on customer service and the in-store experience. People come to the store for the experience they can't get online, so customer service is number one.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust and reciprocity - it goes both ways, I have to do for you too. Anticipation and problem-solving as a leader to buffer issues for the team so things run smoothly.
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