Her Story
About Pamela
I've always loved fashion. Watching every designer fashion show, reading all the fashion magazines, tracking all of the trends and of course shopping. That love of fashion developed into a lucrative career in the fashion industry in New York City. Attending the Fashion Institute, engaging in industry events and meeting designers who were creating of-the-moment collections, set me on the fast track to dive in quickly.
I began my career in textiles then quickly moved to apparel and intimate apparel where I eventually settled. Starting in sales provided the ground work to understanding the importance of "customer first". Listening to customer needs, understanding the challenges and offering solutions was paramount. From there I was very interested in understanding the production process and private label development morphing into sourcing, product development and costing. It has been a rewarding, exhilarating journey opening doors in the industry I never thought possible. Meeting so many talented people along the way supporting, offering advice and sharing their experiences and knowledge is something I will always treasure.
Working with various customers from around the globe, establishing partnerships with vendors and factories while offering tailored products became a passion as well as a challenge. More so today than at any other time due to lingering supply chain disruptions, increasing costs and production delays keeps anyone in the industry on their toes to meet those challenges. And for me I wouldn't have it any other way. The personal connections made along the way is a constant reminder of why you are creating and selling. They are colleagues as well as customers and the customer always comes first.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Pamela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying focused, staying grounded and never saying never. There is always a way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do not listen to the noise and negativity. Follow your inner compass and you will be fine.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
So many young women are disillusioned by the industry. It's not about what is seen on social media.. It has to be in your DNA, it has to be in your blood. Their expectation levels are so high that they're not understanding you need to really work the ropes. You will start at the bottom and work your way up. Keep your nose to the grindstone, stay focused, and make your decisions as to what you want to excel in as you are climbing that ladder. The reward come to you if you are persistent, curious and tenacious.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenges are, and I think most industries currently are grappling with the day-to-day ups and downs. There can be layoffs, there can be switches in job function, you could be moved to a different division. So, you have to work fast, think quickly. You have to be very adept at change and making those changes without disruption. That's what makes it so fascinating to me, because you're never doing one thing all the time. It's constantly changing, as fashion does. Companies need to stay ahead of the competition, be able to say that it's one of the first to bring a new product to market. It requires agility, being aware of what's trending, keeping costs under control and delivering quality and sustainability in a timely manner.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, transparency and giving.
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