Her Story
About Marissa
My career in retail merchandising has been quite a journey spanning about 7 years. I started at Walmart where I worked for 4 years, and from there I graduated into other retail industries focusing on resets and merchandising. I've worked across various stores including Fry's and Safeways, handling retail sets, resets, and display management. Just half a month ago, I was promoted to Project Manager Supervisor with SAS, where I lead teams that take care of displays and marketing changes across stores in Arizona, Nevada, and California. My role involves managing teams of varying sizes - sometimes as large as 50 people on major projects like full store remodels. I'm responsible for setting up teams, keeping them on track with timing, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and correctly, and paying extremely close attention to detail, from digital tags to paper tags and product placement. My work requires constant travel across multiple states, and I take pride in completing projects before their scheduled deadlines. It's a very detailed, hands-on role that keeps me on my toes all the time.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to just trying to climb and stay on top. I know there are other achievements I want to go for as far as goal-wise, but right now, it's just about keeping climbing up and staying on top. I believe in not becoming stagnant because it opens up so many good and new doors all the time.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is simple but powerful: to keep going. Just keep going. It's straightforward, but it's been incredibly effective in helping me push through challenges and continue moving forward in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be prepared. With the traveling situations and everything that comes with retail merchandising, things can begin at a rocky start. Sometimes it may come out of your pocket first, which isn't ideal. But for any career you want to go for, you definitely want to make sure you got your ducks in a row. You want to be prepared for whatever comes your way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are around income and work consistency. Sometimes with job locations, there will only be work for maybe a week, depending on the contracts we have or obstacles with holidays, because not everybody works during holidays. I'm always needing to work and wanting to work, so those times where I have to halt myself are really the hardest. As for opportunities, the traveling aspect is huge. My position now involves a lot of traveling across Arizona, Nevada, and California for retail merchandising projects. The option is open for workers who volunteer or want to travel, which creates great opportunities for growth and experience.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is the most valuable thing I have. As far as value with family and work, I always have to make that time, so valuing time is incredibly important to me. There's got to be a good work-life balance, and making time for family while managing my career is something I prioritize above everything else.
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