sarah schwennsen

Passionate product creator with 20+ years of experience building and managing highly efficient teams for major retailers and brands utilizing diverse product background. Successful entrepreneur. Exceptional at identifying trend drivers that translate into high volume items. Skilled in soft goods and hard goods. Able to drive and execute company vision combining innovation with customers’ needs. Key areas of skill and expertise include:
  • Creative Direction
• Product Development
• Trend Forecasting
• Graphic Design
• Process Development • • Workflow Management • • Budget Management • • Textile development •
New Brand Development Team Leadership
Market research
Product development
• UX Research & Design • Competitive Analysis • Cross Functional Team
Partnership
• Private Brand Str

OBAL FASHION LAB/ BOHO LUXXE Columbus/Los Angeles/NYC/Miami Global Fashion Lab is a consulting firm focusing on socially responsible initiatives. Boho Luxxe offers one of a kind upcycled luxury styles. 

Creative Director-Trend & Design
• Clients include Satva Living, Gaiam, Kendall & Kylie, Dollar General, Walmart, CPBranded, Krishna Lounge, Illumination Academy, Powwow Products.
• Set up website, created all product, and directed photo shoot.
• Maintain zero waste by using scraps and vintage clothing to create items.
THINGS REMEMBERED Highland Heights, OH
Things Remembered is an American retailer specializing in personalized gifts, messaging and engraving.
Creative Director- Trend & Design
• Set trend direction for key milestones and seasons. --
• Developed new product assortment for personalization including hardgoods and softlines
• Created custom artwork for printing onto gifts, home goods, and seasonal items.
ASCENA RETAIL GROUP/PLUS SIZE DIVSION, Columbus, OH Ascena offered women’s plus-sized clothing
Director of Trend, CAD & Color
2010 to Present
 2021 to 2022
2018 to 2020
 Appointed to set design & trend direction for plus-size collection for all categories while leading and managing 10-person team comprising designers and associates. Worked alongside cross-functional teams in sourcing, merchandising, and planning. Traveled to conduct market research, nurture store relationships, and inspire product development.
• Modernized product line across this 280-store chain by creating a cohesive, high-demand collection, which lifted sales ~25%.
• Presented seasonal trend overviews to CEO and all key stakeholders.
• Participated in company-wide fit events to engage with customer and gather feedback.
• Partnered with Editd and First Insights to collect and analyze customer data.

ALP N-ROCK, San Diego, CA 2016 to 2017 Alp N Rock offers luxury sport-lifestyle clothing inspired by European heritage.
Director of Design & Product Development
Recruited to work directly with CEO/Founder to execute the company’s vision while building and mentoring lean, 3-person design and graphic team.
• Transformed inefficient supply chain by relocating all production to India and China, which cut costs 50%.
• Established new processes for product development and production overseas while maintaining quality standard.
• Oversaw and collaborated with domestic and offshore manufacturers to execute all products.
TORRID/HOT TOPIC, Los Angeles, CA 2008 to 2015
An American women's retail chain formerly owned by Sycamore Partners that offers plus-size clothing and accessories.
Director of Design & Trend
Built and led internal design team to fulfill initiative to become vertical retailer. Directed team of 20 apparel, accessory and graphic designers to create 17 product assortments per year/$600M volume.
• Devised merchandising strategies with senior management. Determined trend direction and presented seasonal concept
meetings companywide.
• Launched new product initiatives, designer collaborations, and new brand concepts.
• Fueled store-count growth from 135 to 400+ throughout role tenure while boosting private-label programs from 35% to 95%
and expanding ecommerce business to account for 30% of company volume.
• Traveled extensively for inspiration and product development.
PRANA, Carlsbad, CA 2007 to 2008 PrAna is an American brand specializing in athletic gear for yoga, climbing, surfing, and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
Head Designer
• Worked directly with the founder on new development and establishing design processes
• Enhanced product assortment of active wear collection which resulted in new account placement at Nordstrom and Dillard’s
• Developed new eco-friendly performance fabric minimizing environmental blueprint
THE MARIKA GROUP, San Diego, CA 2006 to 2007 The Marika Group’s line of business includes wholesale distribution of women's, children's, and infants' clothing and accessories.
Design Director
• Directed and managed 3 designers graphic designers, patternmaker, and sample sewer
• Designed 3 unique brands: Marika, Balance Collection, and Shiva Shakti plus private label for Victoria’s secret and Jazzercise
• Worked with cross-functional teams inclusive of sales, merchandising, marketing, and product development
Previous work experience includes:
Director of Trend & Design at RAMPAGE/CHARLOTTE RUSSE Design Manager – Ready to Wear at TARGET
Design Director –LEVI STRAUSS
Senior Designer- SPORT HALEY GOLF
Technical Skills: Photoshop and Illustrator

BS apparel design   Colorado State University

UX design certificate harness projects August 2023