In Conversation with Collab Society

From Left: Jennifer Rome & Pamela Berick

Tell us about your background: 

Jennifer Rome:  A long-time veteran at Anthropologie, Jennifer holds 15 years of experience in the home and lifestyle sector.  Possessing a gift for discovering talented artists, Jennifer has, in turn, developed relationships with makers, brands and factory owners around the world.  With an impressive track record of guiding clients from initial concept through to customer purchase, Jennifer is highly skilled at project managing both artisan and large-scale projects.  Her background also includes experience in wholesale – a unique tool in a merchant’s belt.  Armed with negotiation, licensing, and product development prowess, her process-driven leadership is a rarity – and deeply assuring to each client she calls her own. 

Pamela Berick:  Pamela has a rich and storied career with over 20 years of experience in luxury retail.  Prior to launching Collab Society, she consulted for Arhaus, managing a freelance creative team, creating seasonal concepts, and working closely with the founder and his product development team, and for Roman and Williams Guild, helping to develop the brand’s merchandising arm.  Pamela co-founded two active proprietary clothing lines for Anthropologie; Girls from Savoy, a women’s clothing collection, and The Good Friends, a sweater line.  In her prior roles, Pamela served as a VP at The Line, where she oversaw its merchandising, product development, styling, and retail programs as furniture, hardware and found objects buyer at Anthropologie, and as a women’s designer clothing buyer for Barneys New York.  Her international experience includes dealing and importing antique furniture from France and Italy.

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

JR:  That it is ok to make mistakes - just ensure that you learn and grow from the experience so it helps educate future decisions and challenges you may encounter.  

PB:  That everyone has their own unique path to follow. I didn’t start working for Barneys in a corporate setting until I was 29 years old. Don’t put pressure on yourself by applying milestones or markers to your career by comparing yourself to others. 

Best career advice you've ever received?

JR:  Take risks, be bold!  Retail is ever-changing so embrace the new opportunities you can gain from being uncomfortable and stepping outside your norm!

PB: Don’t become a siloed practitioner. Be open to trying new categories or careers.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

JR:  Trust, honesty/transparency, driven – leads by example

PB:  Someone who can articulate a common goal and inspire the team to take the same journey. Also, it’s so easier to be nice. Just be kind.

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

JR:  Successfully launching a wholesale business for Anthropologie home.  

PB:  Launching Girls from Savoy for Anthropologie. At its height we were shipping up to 200,000 units annually with my former business partner and only one employee.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

JR:  Navy blazer and a coffee mug for all my Zoom calls!

PB:  Anything with ruffles or bows!

Email Jennifer and Pamela at jennifer@collabsociety.com & pamela@collabsociety.com

Instagram: @collab_society

www.collabsociety.com