1. Where was your first Not-for- Profit/Museum job? Position? What did it teach you?
Orlando Museum of Art
Asst Manager Museum Shop
Manager Children's Shop
Visual Merchandiser
It taught me the necessity of paying invoices on time! The need to cater to your customer and respect the artists you represent. I learned about UBIT, and the value of following regulations under difficult circumstances.
2. Name a mentor that most influenced you: How did they help you?
Stuart Gerstein, Philadelphia Museum of Art- taught me the importance and value of guiding your staff, and allowing them to do “their jobs”- Being there for support, but not always hovering on the sales floor. When the “boss” is on the floor, staff often back off, and lets the boss take the lead, rather than being assertive. It was a difficult lesson, but stepping back allows you the opportunity to see where training needs to be strengthened, if/when necessary.
3. What was your educational background? Was it useful?
BA in Art Education
MA in Art (textiles/crafts)
4. How did you get into retail?
At the age of 6 or 7, I worked in the hospital snack bar/gift shop (with my mom).
At age 11, I worked weekends at my aunt's grocery store-Started my love of “customer service” and operating cash registers!
After graduating from graduate school, I began a career in Visual Merchandising (Neiman Marcus and May Company)- and eventually freelance window displays. I was initially hired by the Orlando Museum of Art as a Visual Merchandiser and quickly moved into the Manager of the Children's Shop and Visual merchandiser, and then onto Assistant Manager of the Museum Shop.
When I was hired at The Morse Museum, I was handed a blue print, and was told, “Here is your shop. Build it.” My in-depth retail days began, as a store designer, buyer, product development coordinator, shop manager, and visual merchandiser.I never thought I would have a career in retail, but I have enjoyed a very successful career in Non profit retail related to my art background and interests.
5. What tips would you like to pass on to a future colleague:
MSA involvement will be a life changer! The network of colleagues and museum professionals will become your support and inspiration!