In Conversation with Lisa Joseph

Tell us about your background: 

I grew up knowing that I wanted to be in fashion…any other career wasn’t even a consideration since I was a child. I gained my Bachelor’s in Design and Merchandising from Drexel University. During undergrad, I interned at David Jones in Sydney, Australia, Shoshanna in New York, and Volcom in California. After undergrad, I started my Master’s in Fashion Design at Drexel. After a year into the program, I interned at Jack Spade. During this time, I sat down with some employees to discuss my schooling and career path. I was given the advice to not go back to school, move to New York, and work retail until I got a job. It was a scary decision but also the best decision I’ve made. After a couple months working retail at Betsey Johnson, I started my career in knitwear design.

I started in the industry as an Assistant Designer for Autumn Cashmere’s women’s collection. The second I walked by my design in a store window, I knew every ounce of hard work to get to that point was worth it. At Autumn Cashmere, I worked my way to Designer, managing the kid's and private label division. I was lucky enough to have found a small company that allowed me to be in all aspects of the design process from picking out new yarns, producing photoshoots, and fitting final samples. During my time at Autumn Cashmere, I traveled to Los Angeles, Paris, London for inspiration and Shanghai for production meetings.

After six years, I decided to pivot into a full time activewear role while working nights and weekends in a part time freelance knitwear role for Bloomingdale’s. At my activewear role, I gained experience in cut and sew knits, domestic production, and print design. I worked closely with an in house pattern maker, sample cutter, and sample sewer turning samples around in a week instead of the month or more that I was used to with overseas development. Fast forward three years, I’m on maternity leave, the company is struggling, and my position has been eliminated with countless others. I took a step back, used this time to enjoy my family, explore the freelance world, and use my creativity to create felt art. Don’t burn bridges (especially when freelancing), because you never know when that bridge will take you to your next opportunity.

If you are designing a product you love, for a brand you believe in, the late nights are worth every second.

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

To put my family and health first...sometimes the work can wait. I was scared to miss a day of work after a miscarriage and RUSHED back to work after my father's death. After 9 years, I realize the right company will understand and trust you to take the time you need.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Work hard but don't stress too much — it's just fashion.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Lead by example, be positive + kind, trust in your co-workers.

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

Learning my strengths.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

Lack of Color Wool Hat.

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisakatjo/

Instagram: @lisakatjo