Resume
Katherine Sipes, BFA
Kesipes95@gmail.com 336.209.9991
Website: www.katherinesipes.com
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Award-winning, designer with over 6 years of experience with talents in art and compositional design, interior design, product development, marketing, and management. I am looking to join a creative team oriented organization in promoting products and services. My greatest strength is melding business awareness with artistic elements which enable me to perform in various sectors of business.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
KEECO HOME : Charlotte, NC
Merchandiser/ Product Developer
2023-Present
· Planning and developing merchandising strategies
· Analyzing sales figures, customer reactions and market trends to anticipate product needs
· Collaborating with buyers, suppliers, distributors, and analysts to negotiate prices, quantities, and time-scales
· Bridge between buyer and manufacturer
· Responsible for the process of bringing a product to market or improving an existing product – packaging, marketing materials, copy, materials
· Cultivate, maintain, and increase the companies market share by satisfying customer demands
· Vendor sourcing
· Product testing
Floor Coverings International : Charlotte, NC
Designer/ Sales Representative
2021-2023
· Responsible for sales goals and financial targets
· Responsible for developing and keeping up with my client base
· Working with social media to drive sales and show before and after’s
· Working with clients to help design or re-design their homes; including but not limited to flooring, tile, kitchens, bathrooms
· Helping clients choose the best finishes for their spaces based on their needs and budget
La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings and Décor (Tipperary Sales Inc.) Charlotte, NC
Interior Designer/ Manager
2018 – 2021
· In store sales, and traveling to clients homes in order to create presentations complete with 3D models of personal spaces
· Interim store manager
· Responsible for merchandising and designing showroom floors to promote visual aesthetics with the goal of enhancing sales
· Staff management
· Responsible for developing and keeping up with my client base
· Establishing and scheduling sales structures and plans
· Responsible for training and developing new employees
· Developed new strategies to improve operations
· Responsible for sales goals and financial targets
· Currently ranked number 3 of 59 designers in the Southern Division of La-Z-Boy Corporate
· Winner of the Peak Performance Award two years in a row, grossing over 5 million in sales
· Member of the La-Z-Boy corporate design team tasked with rebranding and deigning new product lines
· 2020 MVP award winner for overall performance and sales
Bailey - Craft Planners, LLC. : Raleigh, NC
Design Assistant
September 2015 - 2017
· Develop guidelines for products consistent with desired brand recognition
· Design covers using knowledge of composition, shapes, layout, and color
· Develop and manage blog and social media posts to facilitate revenue enhancement through marketing strategies
· Communicate with customers at trade shows to promote products
· Sales and distribution of products
Visual Arts Exchange : Raleigh, NC
Gallery Assistant
January 2016 – May 2016
· Design and manage gallery displays
Rehab Dynamics, Inc. : Greensboro, NC
Graphic Designer
July 2011 – September 2012
· Developed business logo, business cards, stationary, and other marketing materials
· Managed website and social media platforms
Sherrill Furniture : Highpoint, NC
Furniture Market Assistant
2009 – 2010
· Assisted with layout of showcase rooms to create an appealing aesthetic and encourage sales
FORMAL EDUCATION
North Carolina State University, College of Design Raleigh, NC 2014 - 2017
Bachelor of Art and Design: Fibers and Fashion Studies
Study Abroad - Florence, Italy – Lorenzo School de’ Medici
Summer 2017
Areas of study include Art History of the Italian Renaissance, jewelry design and fabrication, marketing with practical application in order to gain an understanding of best business practices for a global market.