In Conversation with Nancy Phan

Tell us about your background: 

I have always loved fashion, but growing up in a small town in Arizona, I never thought having a career in it was a possibility. Business and language were the subjects encouraged in my family, so I pursued a double degree in Consumer Sciences and French at the University of Arizona.

When I graduated, I was offered a position in New York working for the French Ministry of Finance and Economy as a Government Trade Attaché, where I did commercial development for French designers. The opportunity to meet many amazing talented designers like Jerome Dreyfuss and Isabel Marant inspired me to pursue design myself, so I transitioned to a career in handbag design.

A little while later, after a few handbag construction classes at FIT and a slew of leather bags I made in my apartment using an old 1940's singer I bought in the garment district, I landed my first design job working for the owner of a handbag factory in China where I learned everything about sketching and construction while on the job. I then helped that company to launch its own brand which went on to be sold at Nordstrom, Intermix, Free People, Anthropologie and others. After that, I moved onto various projects: launching a domestic manufacturing program using dead stock leather for a small Brooklyn based brand, and freelancing for various brands like Cuyana and Rafe New York. I also spent 5 years working at Nine West being immersed in the world of commercial design and large volume production. In my last year there, after I worked my way up as a lead, I collaborated very closely with the VP of Creative to modernize the handbag product and increased sell throughs at Macy's--their largest retailer--by 80%. I then moved onto becoming Design Director at Camuto Group for Lucky Brand handbags where I was tasked to redesign the entire handbag collection while leading the transition of handbag development and production out of China and into India. That was an intense challenge, but ultimately it led to significant margin gains and a 3X increase in sales by the end of the first year.

Currently, I am working closely with an Indian leather accessories manufacturer to connect them with businesses in the US. I have introduced them to designers and brands of all sizes, and the best part about this job is using my background to help designers strategize their approach to development and provide extra support through my experience in design and factory relations. It's especially gratifying to work with smaller designers who have yet to learn all the complicated facets of this business because I get to be the person I wish I knew 15 years ago when I was just starting out!

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

Place limits when it comes to personal sacrifice and don't let anyone bully you into thinking it's something you have to do in order to deserve your job. Working late nights is sometimes unavoidable, but I missed too many personal vacations with friends and family because I was too stressed to miss work. That regret hit me especially hard after this year and not being able to travel at all and spend time with anyone that I really care about. I really wish I had spent more time with my friends and family when I had the chance, and it feels silly how worried I was not to take an extra day or two off work here and there to be with the people I care about.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Invest in the people you work with. I've been very lucky to have so many supportive co-workers and leaders over the years who not only taught me so much but who made coming to work every day a million times better. As I've moved on in my career, I've had more opportunities not just because of experience but because of the close relationships with those former coworkers and bosses that lasted after everyone went on to different companies.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

A hard worker who also understands, practices and encourages a fair balance between professional and personal life, who can deliver direct and honest feedback while remaining empathetic and constructive, and someone who understands hard work because they've done it, and pursues results by leading through example.

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

I am part of an industry that continually puts more stuff out into the world and I want to have a better understanding of how to do that more responsibly and with intention.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

Jumpsuits! They're not sweats but they are comfortable and fun. And there are so many styles that work no matter the season.

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-phan-144b014/

Website: https://www.nancyphannyc.com

Instagram: @nancy_phan_nyc