I'm an international student pursuing a Master’s degree in Management with nearly a decade of experience as a product development merchandiser in the global apparel industry. My career has developed with a unique 360° view of how fashion works- from the initial design concept to the ready-to-wear product. Negotiations with international buyers and stepping onto production floors crafted me with knowledge and real-world experience.
I have worked for prestigious global brands such as Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Club Monaco, Levi’s and NEXT by ensuring that every piece meets high quality, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction. My professional life required bridging the gap between the designer’s vision and commercial demands, including supplier handling and problem-solving. Being successful in the apparel industry is not just about manufacturing a garment; it is a business strategy that transforms creative ideas into commercially marketable products.
Studying in Aotearoa has broadened my skills in leadership, business professionalism, global business and business transformation, which are important tools in the global fashion industry. The blend of both local and international work experience and education has developed my ability to work in fast-paced environments and accept multicultural professional settings. Currently, I am working as a sales assistant at a NZ artisan souvenir shop, which specialises in selling locally made crafts by New Zealand craftsmen. This role directly binds with my earlier education and career, which involve customer engagement, visual merchandising, and storytelling about cultural heritage. Working in this new environment helps to understand retail operations, inventory management, and identify customer preferences. This experience supports my long-term goal of starting my own fashion label, as it helps to understand how to build the business from the ground up.
My immediate priority is to pursue my Master’s Degree in Management and step into a Merchandising Manager position in a leading fashion brand where I can blend my industry experience with management and design skills to build a stronger, ethical, and innovative brand. I seek to be a part of an organisation that values creativity, sustainability, and ethical production.
In the long-term plan, I plan to launch my own fashion label- a childhood dream rooted in my passion for designing and responsible business. In my Bachelor’s final-year collection featured a reversible concept, offering customers multiple styling options using a single garment to reduce overconsumption. Further, the collection strengthens with a modern approach to traditional craftsmanship by introducing batik into digital printing. The collection was built to represent sustainability principles, which reinforced the belief that fashion can set trends while protecting the environment. Sustainability is no longer optional; it has become a global standard in the global fashion market. Therefore, I am committed to stepping into this transformation, designing clothing that customers value, love, and leave a lighter environmental footprint.
With my academic and career experience, I have developed a set of skills which reflect my professional identity. I am a creative and innovative individual who can transform fresh ideas into actions that meet both design and business objectives. My problem-solving skills helped to find innovative solutions to overcome obstacles raised by both local and international suppliers and teams. In an environment where collaborative work is important, my leadership guided the team towards shared goals and vision while ensuring the adaptability for a constantly changing environment and the value of teamwork. My strong time management skills enable me to prioritise day to work effectively and meet required deadlines.
As my ambition is to obtain a merchandising manager role in a reputable fashion brand, I am focusing on improving my analytical skills to support decision-making and navigate to commercial success. Attention to detail and negotiation skills are two main factors I need to develop to maintain stronger supplier and stakeholder relationships. Enhancing my communication and collaboration skills will further strengthen seamless teamwork across cross-functional departments and global markets. Leveraging my current strengths while prioritising targeted improvements will position me in a better place in the global fashion industry.
