Michelle Holguin

About Michelle Holguin

From a young age, I found my passion for creativity when I eagerly pieced together unique outfits that stood out from the crowd. While my peers were drawn to mainstream brands, I sought inspiration in discounted retailers and thrift stores, where I found myself captivated by colors, textiles, and designs. Little did I know, this early fascination would pave the way for my career in visual merchandising.Today, I\'m dedicated to how a customer perceives, explores, and gets inspired throughout their shopping experience. My journey from fashion enthusiast to industry professional has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to translate my childhood passion into meaningful contributions on a global scale.I\'m constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the retail landscape while remaining practical and responsive to the evolving needs of consumers. My strength lies in crafting immersive experiences that resonate with shoppers, from captivating displays to cohesive brand aesthetics.

Experience

1. Visual Merchandising Manager Sephora Kohl s, U s Boutiques

   Benefit Cosmetics

   Nov 2024 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   Streamline Work Processes* Established and maintains a comprehensive store iteration photo library covering diverse door types.* Develops efficient workflows for New Store Openings/Remodels, including the creation of a Visual Checklist for participating vendors.Enhancing the Retail Environment:* Enhances field execution through improved tools and training methods, fostering partnerships with field teams via Field Calls and Conferences.* Implements How-To videos for product launches, crafted a VM Standards Guide, and spearheaded a NSO/Remodel directive.* Integrates sustainability initiatives by exploring innovative materials and processes.* Elevates visual merchandising presentation by optimizing product assortment and visual hierarchy.Leading Strategic Initiatives:* Led the first U.S. remodel rollout featuring our new brand design, actively addressing challenges and implementing solutions to refine processes. Set the foundation for smoother, more efficient execution in subsequent remodels, ensuring future success and alignment with brand standards.* Completed a successful tester wedge rollout, strategically impacting top brow doors by streamlining assortment structures, managing timelines and budgets, and ensuring clear field communication.* Led a fixture and graphic overhaul initiative, modernizing and aligning gondola types across all doors to enhance the overall customer experience.

Education

• Mesa Community College

  Associate’s Degree, Fashion Merchandising & Design

  2007 — 2009

Skills

• Priority Setting
• Leadership
• Visual Merchandising
• Merchandising
• Clienteling
• Strategic Planning
• Apparel
• Store Management
• Loss Prevention
• Retail
• Retail Sales
• Styling