Denise Lemons
Freelance Product Developer
Los Angeles | United States
Skills
No information
Interests
Social media
Diy projects
Community building
Travel & culture
Deib
Youth development
Summary
Activity
Work experience
Denise Lemons Inc.
Freelance Product Developer | 04/2021 - Current
Freelance Consultant-Denise LeMons Inc., Los Angeles, CA Periodic 2013-2021
*Guide design direction, creative merchandising, and digital content for global B2B/B2 and licensed markets
Clients Engaged: Jessica Simpson Kids, Trimfoot, Eastar Intl., Anthropologie, Brighton, Torrid, ALDO, Steve Madden
NATco Global Inc.
Product Development Manager | 09/2021 - Current
Oversee art direction, specifications, costing, and proofs, meeting key deliverables for packaging, print, trims, and promotional assets
*Effectively implemented processes, and tools to positively impact productivity, accountability, collaboration, and service
*High level stakeholder engagement, balancing shifting priorities, escalation management, and dedicated relationship building
Sportsheets Intl.
Project Coordinator | 08/2020 - 04/2021
*Inform NPD process supporting workflow alignment and efficiency across multiple cross-functional teams
*Own project calendar and scheduling, ensuring adequate resource allocation and adherence of critical project milestones
*Manage vendor relationships, negotiate for cost optimization, coordinate prototypes and sample shipments
*Facilitate weekly meeting schedules, set agenda, formulate timelines for integration and execution
*Develop R&D briefs, procure raw materials, assess vendor capability, certifications, issue RFQ/RFP, QA/QC standard
Footwear Unlimited
Senior Product Developer | 03/2019 - 06/2020
*Provided creative leadership and execution of innovative product styles for built-in orthotic footwear collection
*Developed directional outsole construction with a fully 3D printed midsole, engineered breathable knits, and designed modular branded components
*Conducted quantitative and qualitative analysis for consumer insights, informing development of best-in-class products
*Initiated daily communication with overseas vendors, tracking development, guiding prototype modifications, and troubleshoot at risk issues
BEARPAW SHOES
Product Line Manager/Brand Strategist | 09/2015 - 07/2018
*Scaled business 20% by identifying white spaces bridging seasonal gaps and championing category extensions
*Partnered with Sales and Marketing leveraging metrics and KPIs, identifying key volume drivers for accurate segmentation, market demand, pricing tiers, and ROI
*Increased revenues from Value Channel Retailers 15%, value-engineering MTO designs for target cost and quality
*Collaborated with Macys stores to design “Abominable” capsule collection coinciding with movie release
*Accelerated speed-to-market by implementing lean methodologies, resulting in improved quality and 32% waste reduction
Denise Lemons Inc.
Freelance Creative | 01/2013 - 09/2015
Clients:
-Sequential Brands Group-Jessica Simpson Kids Footwear & Accessories
-DOLCE by MOJO MOXY-TORRID Inc., Anthropologie
MIA Footwear
Senior Designer/Merchandiser | 09/2010 - 01/2013
*Researched and designed unique, market-right footwear and fashion accessories for mass, mid-tier, and specialty retailers such as Target, Kohls, Walmart, DSW, and Nordstrom
*Achieved margin targets and business objectives, by pro-active oversight of design feasibility, cost, quality, and timing
*Forecasted market trends, monitored inventory levels and OTB planning, ensuring dynamic and consistent product flow for retail and e-commerce channels
*Presented global industry trends and pitched seasonal themes to key internal and external senior management
*Extensive domestic and international travel for trade show, market research, development, and sourcing
ITC Trading
Design & Product Development Manager | 03/2007 - 08/2010
*Managed product development lifecycle for over 200+ SKUs/per season with a large variety of footwear brands, categories, and complexities
*Mentored and motivated 5-person remote PD team, composed training manuals, implemented guidelines and SOP
*Introduced new product concepts, sketch/CAD design silhouettes, produced style guides, prepared tech packs, detailed spec sheets, and BOMs
Education history
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Associate of Arts | 1999 - 2002
UDACITY
Nanodegree | 2018 - 2018
