In Conversation with Sarah Ross
Tell us about your background:
I started my career in fashion on a whim. After graduating from NYU in May 2003, I was still looking for a job in July and started to get nervous. A friend of mine mentioned that the clothing brand Joie was looking for a sales assistant to work out of their showroom. I had no idea what that meant or what the job entailed but 2 weeks later there I was sitting at the front desk.
I stayed in wholesale fashion sales for nearly 15 years working for Hudson Jeans, Free People, Rag & Bone, Misha Nonoo (the royal matchmaker) and decided along the way that helping other companies launch was my real passion. I created my consulting company, WIP Strategic Brand Management, to help start-up brands and designers get their bearing in a tough marketplace.
One magical day, S'well reached out to me and a week later I was sitting across the table from Sarah Kauss at a coffee shop in Boulder reviewing my specialty store sales strategy with her. Stojo followed and was a phenomenal professional experience that prepared me for my next adventure supporting Hitch.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
I wish I had known just how important all the failures and mistakes were going to be in shaping my career. When I was starting out, every misstep felt like a gut-punch. But in actuality, I was learning invaluable lessons that I needed in order to continue moving forward. Have the courage to fall and fail. Know you are strong enough to pick yourself back up!
Best career advice you've ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is simple, "always say thank you." Always say thank you to your team, to your boss, to your colleagues. Thank them for their time, patience, thoughtfulness and honesty whenever you have the chance.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
Leadership qualities that are important to me are integrity and trust. As a leader, it is just as important for my team to hear me say I made a mistake as it is to say I made a profitable deal. That is the only way to remain credible when trying to mentor and teach. It keeps you humble! Those sorts of qualities are what keep teams together for the long haul.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
The biggest challenge in my career so far has been navigating Covid-19 and the financial repercussions on a truly global scale. Pivoting. Re-strategizing. Downsizing. A brand needs sales in order to survive, whether it be e-commerce or wholesale. You have to have at least one running to cover the other.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
My favorite wardrobe staples are my Doc Marten Chelsea Boots. I wear them with dresses to relive the Nirvana 90's and tuck my jeans into them when I want to look tough. They are absolutely hideous and I LOVE them!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlilyross/
