Karen Von Clezie
Team-Oriented Professional · Gembah
Denver, CO
In My Own Words
With over 18 years of experience in product design and development, I have a passion for creating innovative and functional products that meet the needs of consumers and the environment. My expertise lies in designing for manufacturing, ensuring quality, cost, and time efficiency throughout the product lifecycle.
As a product designer at PetWise Inc., formerly Worldwise Inc., I worked on the Sherpa and Trusty Pup brands, creating new and enhanced bags and accessories for canine travel. I collaborated with cross-functional teams, vendors, and partners to deliver products that won customer satisfaction and loyalty. I also applied my background in fiber art studies and my advocacy for sustainability to incorporate eco-friendly materials and processes in my designs.
Work Experience
Soft Goods Designer / Developer
Gembah2024 – Present
I can help with a variety of soft goods product design and development tasks. Concept development, material sourcing, trim development, tech packs and prototypes. Seeking new projects now.
Product Designer | Canine Travel & Accessories
PetWise, Inc. (Formerly Worldwise, Inc.)2022 – 2023
I designed these new bags and enhanced older products for canine travel accessories with the Sherpa and Trusty Pup brands.
Senior Product Developer
Eagle Creek2018 – 2020
Senior Product Developer for various successful projects including "Caldera" which won "gear of the year" 2020 in Outside magazine. Several other projects have been delayed going to market because of COVID-19, especially the updated large collection of packing accessories and gear cubes. Developed and prototyped several masks for the current mask on JanSport and Eaglecreek's website's.
Senior Product Developer
Samsonite2012 – 2016
Effectively create and manage all product design packages within assigned categories. Responsible for lab-dip management and print development. Project management of all new and existing projects for cost control and quality. Analyze and research trends for color, material and finish including sales market validation. Collaborate with existing vendors on all new development, as well as, bring new vendor relations to the sourcing team for improvement in supply chain quality and consistency.
Senior Product Designer/Developer
Nathan Sports2010 – 2012
Specialized in product design and development for hydration specialty packs and reflective safety categories for global distribution. Analyzed, researched and oversaw colors, material, trim, lab-dip management, and new factory sourcing. Provided training and management of design teams in respective projects. Increased efficiency and communication through problem solving techniques in department and vendor selection.
Product Development Manager
VF Corporation, JanSport, Inc.2008 – 2009
Managed collections sold to specialty retail environments in limited distribution. Aided in hiring, training, and preparing new product developers in the USA and China for product development, with partners in Asia. Collaborated with PLM Systems Management to streamline and select a new PLM database
Senior Product Developer
VF Corporation, JanSport, Inc.2005 – 2008
Trained and managed up to eight junior product developers to utilize PLM systems and product design foundations. Conducted extensive overseas travel with multiple business partners to problem solve and troubleshoot product consistency and integrity. Created and developed limited distribution collections.
Senior Product Designer
BDA, Inc.2001 – 2002
Accomplished multiple youth product designs for several Licensee’s, including Avon, Nintendo, Starbucks Corporation, Tony Hawk and Brittany Spears.
Designer
Pacific Market International2000 – 2001
Designer/Developer for multiple retail channels; including a lunch box line for Aladdin Inc. & Stanley Thermos outdoor gear, Bass footwear and Air Jordan for Nike.
Product Designer
Ellington Handbags1997 – 2000
Design and development of handbags, accessories, and luggage. Day to day factory correspondence and product quality control.
Intern
Wexner Center for the Arts1991 – 1993
I was the assistant to the Performing Arts Director. My position involved everything from putting up posters in galleries in the arts district, campus areas and surrounding communities to ushering performing artists on stage. It was a wonderful experience and only enhanced my love for visual and performing arts.
