In Conversation with Alyssa Boren

Tell us about your background:

Hi, I’m Alyssa. I’m a Merchandise and Inventory Planner with 5 years of experience in the apparel industry. I started my career at Urban Outfitters in a rotational program, where I learned everything from finance to merchandise planning to store operations. After graduating from the program, I worked at UO as a planner for 2 years, managing their vintage apparel and shorts businesses.

After UO, I took a leap outside of fashion/retail into the finance world. I didn’t stay long – I missed the creative, collaborative nature of the industry – and moved back this time at Dick’s Sporting Goods. I currently work at DSG in inventory planning, where I manage allocation & replenishment for their socks business.

Outside of work, I teach vinyasa krama yoga, love to travel, and enjoy learning about sustainability and new startups within the apparel industry.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

Trust your gut! The moments in my career where I look back and wish I had done something differently were moments where I wasn’t trusting myself.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Ask for what you want. I was told this early on, when I was interviewing for my first job, and it has been incredibly helpful to me at different points in my career.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

I admire leaders who are empathetic, transparent, passionate, and have a unique perspective.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? 

I would say the biggest challenge was my pivot into finance and back to fashion/retail. The biggest lesson I learned is you can always pivot and you can always start over!

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

A perfectly oversized white button down and some Agmes jewelry.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssaboren/

Instagram: @_lyssie