Lindsay, Buyer at Nili Lotan: Advize Career Interview
A Nili Lotan Buyer's journey reveals a dynamic career path built on diverse internships, showcasing the value of exploring interests before specialization.
The role demands strong interpersonal and mathematical skills, a passion for the work, and the ability to advocate effectively for one's vision.
Day-to-day activities vary between market trips involving showroom visits and collection decisions, and internal tasks focused on data analysis and inter-store management.
Success in the fashion industry requires detail-orientation, organization, and a willingness to speak up, but also a balanced perspective recognizing that setbacks are opportunities for growth.
Entry-level positions, such as merchandise assistant roles, or even starting in unrelated positions within a company, provide viable avenues for aspiring buyers.
This career highlights the importance of networking, trusting one's instincts, and embracing the full-circle nature of the fashion world.
Ultimately, a journalism background unexpectedly provided transferable skills, and a positive attitude and belief in one's capabilities are crucial for navigating a rewarding career in fashion.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Lindsay Gross
Buyer
Nili Lotan
University of Arizona 2013
University of Arizona, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Creative Writing, Journalism
Fashion
Business Strategy
None Applicable
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Career Path Of A Buyer At Nili Lotan
During college, Lindsay completed internships in New York City across various fields to discover their preferences, ultimately leading to post-graduate employment within a chosen area; the approach of "find[ing] out what I really liked" and then building a career around it is a key takeaway from their career path.
Main Responsibilities of a Buyer at Nili Lotan
Lindsay's main responsibility as a Buyer at Nili Lotan is "the purchasing of the collection," working with planning, design, and retail teams to determine quantities of each garment based on sales projections and design success, ensuring alignment between design and market demand. This involves assigning "high depth" to items with strong sales potential, maximizing profitability for the brand.
A Day in the Life of a Buyer at Nili Lotan
A fashion buyer's day-to-day activities vary greatly; when "in market," a typical day involves reviewing collections in showrooms, deciding on "which stores" receive specific items and quantities, and even overseeing fabric and goods purchasing. Conversely, days spent outside market focus on analyzing sales data, managing inter-store transfers, and performing other essential internal tasks for the company.
Most Important Skills for a Buyer at Nili Lotan
For a buyer at Nili Lotan, strong interpersonal skills are key, requiring the ability to "communicate with all the different areas within the company," including web, production, customer service, and sales teams. Mathematical skills and a genuine "love for" the work are also essential components of success in this role.
Favorite Parts of Being a Buyer at Nili Lotan
Lindsay, a Buyer at Nili Lotan, most enjoys "learning about the company and being really involved with the owner and founder," highlighting a close working relationship and company immersion. This, combined with "working with all different kinds of people and the clothes," showcases a multifaceted role emphasizing both business and creative aspects.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Buyer at Nili Lotan
Lindsay's biggest challenge as a Buyer at Nili Lotan is "fighting for what you believe in," particularly when advocating for specific styles and quantities that may differ from others' initial opinions. This highlights the importance of trusting one's instincts and vision within the fashion buying profession.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Fashion Industry as a Buyer
Lindsay enjoys the "full circle" nature of the fashion industry, reconnecting with colleagues from previous roles and sharing career journeys. The diverse people and events, including fashion shows, also contribute to a rewarding experience.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Fashion Industry, According To A Nili Lotan Buyer
Lindsay, a buyer at Nili Lotan, highlights that success in the fashion industry requires individuals who are "detail oriented, organized," and possess the ability to "speak up and speak their mind." This is illustrated by their own career trajectory, starting as a front desk person and proactively making a name for themselves to advance.
What a Buyer at Nili Lotan Wishes They Had Known before Entering the Fashion Industry
Lindsay, a buyer at Nili Lotan, advises aspiring fashion professionals to not take the industry "too seriously," emphasizing that mistakes happen and "everything will work out." This perspective highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced outlook and resilience within the demanding fashion world.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Buyers At Nili Lotan
Entry-level positions in buying, such as a "merchandise assistant," involve tasks like "day-to-day tasks, a lot of data entry," offering a path to advancement. Alternatively, starting in another company role and "work[ing] your way up" is a viable strategy, allowing exploration of the field before committing to a buying career.
Significant Career Lesson From a Buyer at Nili Lotan
Lindsay, a Buyer at Nili Lotan, emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships throughout one's career, stating, "you don't wanna burn bridges because your paths are gonna cross again." This highlights the value of treating everyone well and handling situations appropriately for long-term career success.
College Experiences That Helped A Buyer At Nili Lotan Succeed
Although Lindsay's journalism major was unrelated to their current role as a Buyer at Nili Lotan, the skills and experiences gained during their undergraduate internships proved more valuable than a directly related major in shaping their career path. Journalism courses also unexpectedly provided transferable skills that benefit Lindsay in their current fashion buying position.
How Identity Has Influenced a Buyer at Nili Lotan's Career
Lindsay's career in fashion, primarily within women-owned businesses, has fostered a belief in their own capabilities and the potential for success in the industry. This experience instilled a conviction that "women are capable of doing anything," empowering a proactive approach to seizing opportunities and believing in their own "unstoppable" potential.
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