Grace Zelman
Creative Director & Business Owner
New York, Brooklyn, US.About
Visionary Creative Director and accomplished business owner with expertise in fashion design, brand development, and full-lifecycle product management. Proven ability to translate creative concepts into market-ready collections, driving brand growth and operational efficiency within competitive retail landscapes. Seeking to leverage entrepreneurial spirit and design leadership in a dynamic fashion or creative management role.
Work
Los Angeles, CA, US
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Summary
Spearheaded all creative and business operations for an independent clothing design company, overseeing product lifecycle from concept to market and achieving sustained brand recognition.
Highlights
Drove the successful launch of 10+ seasonal collections, consistently achieving positive market reception and contributing to an average 20% year-over-year revenue growth.
Managed end-to-end product development, including design, sourcing, pattern making, and production, ensuring high-quality standards and timely delivery for all collections.
Cultivated a distinctive brand identity and executed comprehensive marketing strategies across digital and social media channels, expanding customer base by 40% over five years.
Negotiated with suppliers and manufacturers to optimize production costs by 15% while maintaining product quality and ethical sourcing practices.
Oversaw all financial planning, budgeting, and sales forecasting, demonstrating strong fiscal management and achieving profitability within the first two years of operation.
Established and managed e-commerce platforms and retail partnerships, resulting in a diversified sales pipeline and increased market penetration.
Languages
English
Skills
Fashion Design
Collection Development, Trend Forecasting, Textile Selection, Sketching, Pattern Making, Garment Construction.
Business Management
Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Budgeting, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Vendor Relations.
Brand & Marketing
Brand Strategy, Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, E-commerce Management, Content Creation, Market Analysis.
Leadership & Innovation
Creative Direction, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Problem-Solving, Cross-functional Collaboration, Team Leadership.
Software & Tools
Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), CAD Software, Shopify, Google Analytics, Microsoft Office Suite.