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I am the Senior buyer at Tobi.com.  I am responsible for several buying departments; Women’s Collection, Men’s Collection, Men’s Casual, Handbags and small leather goods, Accessories and Beauty.

I am responsible for purchasing product for my departments and managing my inventory. My goal is to have amazing profit margins at the end of each season and to maintain relationships with the 200 or so vendors I work with.  Good relationships are key.

I received my Bachelor’s in Mass Media Communications from New York University.  I also have an associate degree in Fashion Merchandising Management from The Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in New York City.  I worked at EMI Music Publishing for 4 years in the Tracking and Copyright department and realized that I wasn’t using my skill set to benefit my career.  I enrolled at F.I.T., graduated and then began working as an assistant buyer and then denim buyer at a premier specialty store called Atrium in New York City.  This opportunity and path led me to Tobi.

Where were you born? New York City

Where were you raised? Forest Hills, New York (Queens)

Who do you think had the most influence on your life and why? My parents had the most influence on my life.  They always have supported me 100% in anything that I wanted to pursue. With the support also came the constant challenges that helped me get to the next level.  My parents both came to America to follow their dreams and to be successful.  I see them work so hard everyday and this has taught me so many integral lessons that continue to motivate me today.

The aforementioned person, is their influence used/applied at NextInternet? Their influence is applied on an everyday basis.  I am positive, respectful of others, passionate and have a strong work ethic.  These are attributes, my parents instilled in me since I was old enough to understand.

What do you think about your upbringing or life experiences led you to working at a Start-up?  Mom and dad always made me feel beautiful and smart.  They taught me to be outspoken and questioning which brought self confidence.  It led to a feeling that my opinion was always important and should be heard.   This is why I always loved working in creative environments where everyone’s voice was acknowledged.  I have worked at large corporations and never felt that I had any power to make decisions and make changes.  After 4 years of working for a large company; I left to work for a 1 door retailer.  It was so amazing to be such a nominal part of a company.  At Tobi.com; I also feel as if my voice counts and it is a wonderful experience.

What do you like about working at a start-up/NextInternet?  The free flow of energy and the creative and young environment is the most attractive asset of working for a start-up.  Working somewhere from the beginning allows an employee to learn how to run a company from all aspects.

If you had to describe your day to day in the office in 3 sentences how would you?  Oh boy, this may be a bit difficult.   Working in the buying office at Tobi.com is quite interesting and extremely busy.  I start my day analyzing sales bright and early in the morning before the office is full and bustling.  From 9:30 am on, my day is full of problem solving with the other buyers and assistant buyers; meetings with our dmm Karen and various other departments in regards to trends, look books etc.  Before you know it; it is 6:30 pm; and I am left asking myself “where did the day go”?

What valuable lessons have learned in working at NextInternet?  My first lesson was learning to be open minded living and working in a city that is very different than my home town of NYC.  Moving to SF 7 months ago has been quite a challenge; but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.  Secondly, I had to learn to work for an online retailer, rather than a brick and mortar institution.  The ironic part of the job is; that both are pretty much the same.  Except that my customer base at Tobi.com is wider; this can make it a bit more difficult, since you need to satisfy a myriad of people. However, once again; difficulties and challenges make for a better rounded employee.  And I am ready for anything thrown my way.

If you had to tell a new employee of NextInternet what to expect in their first two weeks what would it be?  I would let them know that their days will be extremely busy; however, working for Tobi.com is so inspiring.  We work with intelligent individuals from various employment backgrounds which makes it a great environment to learn something new and exciting every day. 

Have you worked with any members of staff before at other companies? No I have not.  However, some of us share many of the same industry contacts.

What types of companies have you worked with before?  (Small, large, etc.) I have worked for a variety of companies.  Many have been small and intimate and others quite large.

In your own words:

Working as a senior buyer at Tobi.com, is a dream come true for me.  When most of my friends talked about wanting to be lawyers, CPA accountant and doctors; I knew that I wanted to do something more creative and something that addressed my love of clothing and accessories.  My love of fashion goes back to 5^th grade when I use to cut and sew my own clothing and wear it. I remember wearing over the knee suede black boots and this huge rock and roll silver cross necklace in 5^th grade. I loved how happy shoes and clothing made me feel and this feeling is something I want to bring to others. To be able to help men and women feel equally content and happy with them selves when they find the perfect jeans is so rewarding.  Fashion is powerful and will be part of my life forever.

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