Sandra Watkins Lopes
Sandra W. Lopes is a dynamic and creative retail leader with over a decade of experience in merchandising, event management, and fashion design. Currently serving as a Store Manager at Victoria’s Secret & Co., she oversees high-traffic store operations, leading a team of associates and assistant managers to exceed sales targets while elevating the customer experience. Sandra’s expertise in merchandising, inventory management, and team development has consistently driven operational efficiency and measurable growth, including notable increases in sales, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction.
Prior to her current role, Sandra honed her skills as a Visual Merchandising Lead at Target and as a Visual Merchandiser for several high-profile retail brands, including H&M and Winston Retail. Her career reflects a strong ability to blend creativity with data-driven decision-making, executing visually compelling store layouts and seasonal presentations that enhance product visibility and optimize customer engagement. She has successfully led store openings, in-store events, and merchandising campaigns, always emphasizing teamwork, coaching, and the cultivation of high-performing retail environments.
Sandra holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a State-Accredited Fashion Designer Qualification from Modeschule Kehrer Design Academy. She is also certified in Digital Marketing and Leadership, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Fluent in multiple languages, including Portuguese-based Creoles and German, Sandra brings a global perspective to her work. Passionate about art, design, and fashion, she combines creativity, strategic insight, and operational excellence to drive results and inspire her teams.
• Digital Marketing
• Introduction to Leadership Certification
• Leaders and Work Life Balance
• Fashion Industry Essentials
• Event Management and design
• Leading and Managing Change
• Adobe Illustrator
• Online Marketing Fundamental
• Michigan State University - MBA
• Digital marketing design certificate
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for design, fashion, and helping people feel confident and inspired. I earned my degree in Germany, and since then, I have had the opportunity to work with models on my own brand while also designing my personal collections. Additionally, I gained valuable leadership experience as a store manager at Victoria’s Secret.
Beyond my work in fashion, I have published three magazines, which allowed me to explore creative storytelling and connect with a wider audience. I stay engaged daily by collaborating with my team, developing my own website, and pursuing new projects that challenge me and help me grow professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always stay positive and keep an open mind. Approaching challenges with optimism and being receptive to new ideas has helped me grow, adapt, and seize opportunities throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never give up. Persistence, determination, and resilience are key to overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is creating designs that truly resonate with women and make them feel confident and happy. Understanding their needs, preferences, and evolving tastes drives my creativity and pushes me to innovate continuously.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are curiosity, connection, and balance. I love to travel—recently visiting Japan—which broadens my perspective and inspires my creativity. At the same time, I deeply value spending quality time with my children, as family keeps me grounded and motivated.
Locations
Victoria’s Secret & Co.
Fountain, CO 80817