L.WYATT FASHION RESUME
L A U R E N J I L L I A N W Y A T T
5025 5th Street N.W. Washington, DC 20011 C: ------------ H: ------------ E: ------------
Proposed Position: Fashion Editor, Communication Strategist, Feature Writer, Development Writer, Researcher, Project Manager
Objective: I am a passionate, highly skilled and dynamic professional, seeking a career with advancement opportunity at a fashion publication or creative arts advocacy organization, whose mission is rooted in service by way of the development of artistic and cultural platforms. Ideal is at a capacity that utilizes my superior communication, project management, organization and presentation skills. Of particular interest is work that will allow me cultivate and maintain viable relationships in the service of diverse audiences, data collection, research analysis, strategy development and solution oriented projects. I possess over seven years of working experience in the private, non-profit, philanthropic, communications (technical writing) and grants administration industries combined. In addition, I offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Fashion Merchandising Management and am on course to pursuing a Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Communication. I have a plethora of experience, specifically related to program management, coordination, and implementation. Transferable skills of benefit include research analysis and writing in all forms, (articles, newsletters, briefs, memos and other forms of official correspondence).
EDUCATION
American University May 2020
MA Strategic Communication
Howard University May 2014
BBA Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology May 2020
Certification in Fashion Styling
EXPERIENCE
US Department of Health and Human Services
The Administration for Children and Families February 2018-present
Office of Community Services
Executive Assistant, Office of the Director
At this capacity, I provide a plethora of direct, specialized service to the Acting Director of the Office of Community Services. In addition to providing high level administrative support to Executives, I act as liaison between Office of the Director (OD) and an array of internal and external program support offices, to include the Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget (OLAB), Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary (IOAS), Office of Program Review and Evaluation (OPRE) and Office of Workforce Planning and Development (OWPD) to name a few. Work with these offices entails monitoring the channels for which we receive and communicate critical information from OD and other operating divisions within OCS across programs, products which are often used for official reports or to derive solutions to existing issues as they pertain to priorities of the Administration. I provide support to all of OCS’s Operating Divisions (OpDivs), including Division of Community Discretionary and Demonstration Programs (DCDDP), Division of Energy Assistance (DEA), Division of Community Assistance (DCA) and Division of Social Services (DSS). As described, supports are the review of all documents, The Reports to Congress, Annual Reports, Information Memorandums, Dear Colleague Letters that require the approval of the Acting Director. Often this process is one that is back and forth, requiring frequent follow up and immediate responsiveness. It also requires situational awareness and an ability to provide insight into and analysis of complex circumstances. On a weekly basis, I update the Acting Director with a “Hot List” which details what is expected from OCS as it pertains to deliverables to aforementioned Program Support Offices, Status Updates on the progress of various tasks by OpDiv. I draft and finalize the OCS Weekly Report, which encompasses a 7 Day Look Ahead and a 30 Day Look Ahead; describing in detail anything of note occurring within OCS OpDivs in the given time frames, internally and externally, such as conferences, speaking engagements, new policy initiatives and the sort. I accompany the Acting Director to most all standing meetings, such as the OCS One on One Meetings which happen on at least a monthly basis with all OpDiv Directors, the OCS Monthly Managers Meeting, Status Update Meetings, and all instances where OCS is being represented in an ACF-wide environment, or where OCS has been called in to provide feedback or thoughts on a particular Federal initiative. At this capacity, I officially record meeting minutes in such a way where any and all OCS deliverables or follow up actions are clearly defined. My essential job is being able to anticipate the needs of the Acting Director and to fill them, prior to their own recognition of the need. In this way I am Managing Up, keeping the Acting Director informed, prepared and on time: for anything that is asked or required of OCS.
Lauren Jillian Company Fashion Consulting Washington, DC
Owner and Sole Proprietor
2009 – Present
Lauren Jillian Company is a multi-faceted fashion consulting practice specializing in personal shopping and styling, closet organization and clothing recycling and repurposing. Sunday Monday Vintage is under the LLC umbrella, but takes form as a vintage retail business that caters to upper middle class shoppers. According to independent market research, data indicated that shoppers want exclusivity in their purchases. Further, the research revealed that shoppers have an emotional attachment to their purchases, specifically when those buys affirm deeper beliefs about the ideal self. To fulfill their needs, I made a data driven decision to tap this open market and create a niche retail shopping experience. In addition to the retail operation, I host independent shopping events and trunk shows, partnering with other local business owners to reach a more broad audience. I develop customer shopping incentives and constantly conduct market research, consumer research and trend analysis to ensure that all business decisions are relevant and data- driven. Managerial tasks include oversight of daily operations including but not limited to day to day operations, accounting functions tracking and maintenance of business inventory, Working closely with suppliers and vendors and making presentations to investors interested in working with Lauren Jillian Co., LLC. Other services offered by Lauren Jillian Co. include; space utilization and maximization, analysis of sales figures, forecasting, future sales volume, budget formulation, execution and analysis, wardrobe and prop rental, closet organization and maintenance personal shopping and styling for editorial and entertainment.
Nordstrom Pentagon City Arlington, VA
Visual Stylist; Savvy
06/2014-02/2015
On a full time basis, I worked with the Visuals Team (in house and regional) in the configuring and execution of window, in store and departmental displays. Holiday specific duties included prepping trim for windows and common areas, preparing windows for prop installation (painting, drilling, mounting frames, delivering and placing fixtures, installing lighting, wallpaper application and striking mannequins.) Additionally, I helped to develop an effective organizational strategy for elements within the visual workshop and aided extensively with various departmental floor moves, blitzes, mannequin dressing and styling including but not limited to such departments as BP, Lingerie, Kids, POV and Petites. Through highly interactive work, I was able to gain relevant experience with regard to Nordstrom’s philosophy about visual standards and how to use both internal and external elements such as lighting, composition, color and space to help construct a positive experience for the customer and high impact visual presentation.
Winston Retail Solutions Washington, DC
Merchandise Coordinator
09/2012-02/2014
Partnering with prestigious brands in fashion retail and beauty to drive sales and increase brand visibility by creating compelling visual presentations via detailed schematics, floor sets, window displays and mannequins, managing stock and inventory levels through customized reports and educating store management and sales staff about brand philosophy, product knowledge and other forms of information to aid in brand recognition.
Sephora, LVMH Washington, DC
Make-up Artist /Color Specialist, Dates: 05/2009-12/2010
Offer personalized complexion, make-up and skin care consultations and applications for clients of all ages. Additionally, I provide in store-education to coworkers about product knowledge and selling strategies, monitor brand inventory and perform cycle counts for specific vendors carried in store.
Sarah Shirley Inc. New York, NY
Freelance Stylist’s Assistant and Company Writer, Dates: 01/2007-present
Responsibilities include shopping for various fashion editorial jobs, correspondence with several fashion and public relations companies, extensive prep work for photo shoots, writing for and maintaining the official company blog (S------------/Style Diary), writing pitches to major television networks regarding style segment material and conducting trend and market research used to educate company client base. Initiated correspondences with fashion houses and public relations ?rms designed to promote Sarah Shirley Inc., including developing, assembling and distributing press kits. I conducted research for and prepared a successful writing pitch that led to a television segment for Sarah Shirley Inc. on the "The Today Show" in December 2008.
Additionally, I provided style expertise on fashion shoots for use in editorial, and print advertisements, managed the stylist's appointment book, assembled and distributing media kits and other promotional materials, facilitated conference calls, organized and managed ?les, ordered supplies, scheduled coworkers time to ensure the phone system was always covered and insured that blog contents were up to date.
INTERNSHIPS
Smithsonian Center for Folk-life and Cultural Heritage (CFCH) Washington, DC
Research Intern; Will to Adorn Project and Global Cultural Heritage Industries
09/2016-09/2017
As a research intern, my role is to help develop, expand on and spread awareness of the plethora of issues-as well as opportunities- surrounding cultural appropriation as it pertains to style, the semblance of community and identity politics within African and African-American diasporas, and its relationship to other global cultures. In facilitating this exploration, duties include work on three major projects: The Will to Adorn manuscript and Youth Access grant; largely project development by way of incorporating digital and technological techniques into instructional ethnographic research methods and sustaining cultural heritage industries.
PBS, Pati's Mexican Table Chevy Chase, MD
Assistant Crew Leader 08/20/2010-11/6/201
As lead assistant to the late Daisy Lewellyn, my primary responsibility was to ensure that all elements of wardrobe reflected quality, were expressive and articulated accurately. During the course of filming I addressed a plethora of wardrobe related needs, maintained highly specific stylist's notes, completed continuity sheets and worked on set to ensure accuracy of outfits on film which included basic garment alterations, wardrobe changes and dressing. I pulled clothes from various showrooms and boutiques, assisted in planning and organizing wardrobe for a 12 episode run, and trained interns about the logistical aspects of working on a television set.
Italian Vogue, Conde Nast International New York, NY
Fashion Department Intern
04/2007-09/2007
As a fashion editorial intern, I maintained an expansive fashion closet, to include tasks such as categorical organization and labeling, pulls receipt and disbursement of various products to a multitude of PR and Design Houses, as well as general material upkeep. I accompanied editors on photo shoots for the purpose of assist-styling as well as management of the full project inventory. I reviewed and catalogued invoices for photo shoot budgets, accurately tabulated receipts from fashion houses and fashion PR companies and corresponded with local museums and exhibitors for the purposes of editorial review.
VIBE Magazine
Fashion Department Intern New York, NY
10/2007-02/2008
As a Fashion & Beauty Editorial intern responsibilities included detailed analysis of emerging trends in both fashion and beauty, retrieving garment orders from showrooms, organizing and updating resource databases, creating story boards for looks related to themed photo shoots and researching and spearheading special interest fashion and beauty stories.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
"Dollars for Darfur" Auction and Fundraiser New York, NY
01/2007- 04/2007
In collaboration with the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising and Christian Mission, I hosted a fashion auction, in which I solicited donations from Gucci, and several private boutique owners to raise funds for survival kits for refugees in Darfur, Sudan.
SKILLS:
Technical qualification in public relations, journalistic media, fashion styling for celebrities and entertainment, personal shopping and organizational techniques. Proficient in Microsoft Programs including WORD, EXCEL, PUBLISHER, POWERPOINT and in CAD programs, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Have the ability to speak and understand basic French and Spanish.
References Available Upon Request
L A U R E N J I L L I A N W Y A T T
5025 5th Street N.W. Washington, DC 20011 C: ------------ H: ------------ E: ------------
Proposed Position: Fashion Editor, Communication Strategist, Feature Writer, Development Writer, Researcher, Project Manager
Objective: I am a passionate, highly skilled and dynamic professional, seeking a career with advancement opportunity at a fashion publication or creative arts advocacy organization, whose mission is rooted in service by way of the development of artistic and cultural platforms. Ideal is at a capacity that utilizes my superior communication, project management, organization and presentation skills. Of particular interest is work that will allow me cultivate and maintain viable relationships in the service of diverse audiences, data collection, research analysis, strategy development and solution oriented projects. I possess over seven years of working experience in the private, non-profit, philanthropic, communications (technical writing) and grants administration industries combined. In addition, I offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Fashion Merchandising Management and am on course to pursuing a Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Communication. I have a plethora of experience, specifically related to program management, coordination, and implementation. Transferable skills of benefit include research analysis and writing in all forms, (articles, newsletters, briefs, memos and other forms of official correspondence).
EDUCATION
American University May 2020
MA Strategic Communication
Howard University May 2014
BBA Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology May 2020
Certification in Fashion Styling
EXPERIENCE
US Department of Health and Human Services
The Administration for Children and Families February 2018-present
Office of Community Services
Executive Assistant, Office of the Director
At this capacity, I provide a plethora of direct, specialized service to the Acting Director of the Office of Community Services. In addition to providing high level administrative support to Executives, I act as liaison between Office of the Director (OD) and an array of internal and external program support offices, to include the Office of Legislative Affairs and Budget (OLAB), Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary (IOAS), Office of Program Review and Evaluation (OPRE) and Office of Workforce Planning and Development (OWPD) to name a few. Work with these offices entails monitoring the channels for which we receive and communicate critical information from OD and other operating divisions within OCS across programs, products which are often used for official reports or to derive solutions to existing issues as they pertain to priorities of the Administration. I provide support to all of OCS’s Operating Divisions (OpDivs), including Division of Community Discretionary and Demonstration Programs (DCDDP), Division of Energy Assistance (DEA), Division of Community Assistance (DCA) and Division of Social Services (DSS). As described, supports are the review of all documents, The Reports to Congress, Annual Reports, Information Memorandums, Dear Colleague Letters that require the approval of the Acting Director. Often this process is one that is back and forth, requiring frequent follow up and immediate responsiveness. It also requires situational awareness and an ability to provide insight into and analysis of complex circumstances. On a weekly basis, I update the Acting Director with a “Hot List” which details what is expected from OCS as it pertains to deliverables to aforementioned Program Support Offices, Status Updates on the progress of various tasks by OpDiv. I draft and finalize the OCS Weekly Report, which encompasses a 7 Day Look Ahead and a 30 Day Look Ahead; describing in detail anything of note occurring within OCS OpDivs in the given time frames, internally and externally, such as conferences, speaking engagements, new policy initiatives and the sort. I accompany the Acting Director to most all standing meetings, such as the OCS One on One Meetings which happen on at least a monthly basis with all OpDiv Directors, the OCS Monthly Managers Meeting, Status Update Meetings, and all instances where OCS is being represented in an ACF-wide environment, or where OCS has been called in to provide feedback or thoughts on a particular Federal initiative. At this capacity, I officially record meeting minutes in such a way where any and all OCS deliverables or follow up actions are clearly defined. My essential job is being able to anticipate the needs of the Acting Director and to fill them, prior to their own recognition of the need. In this way I am Managing Up, keeping the Acting Director informed, prepared and on time: for anything that is asked or required of OCS.
Lauren Jillian Company Fashion Consulting Washington, DC
Owner and Sole Proprietor
2009 – Present
Lauren Jillian Company is a multi-faceted fashion consulting practice specializing in personal shopping and styling, closet organization and clothing recycling and repurposing. Sunday Monday Vintage is under the LLC umbrella, but takes form as a vintage retail business that caters to upper middle class shoppers. According to independent market research, data indicated that shoppers want exclusivity in their purchases. Further, the research revealed that shoppers have an emotional attachment to their purchases, specifically when those buys affirm deeper beliefs about the ideal self. To fulfill their needs, I made a data driven decision to tap this open market and create a niche retail shopping experience. In addition to the retail operation, I host independent shopping events and trunk shows, partnering with other local business owners to reach a more broad audience. I develop customer shopping incentives and constantly conduct market research, consumer research and trend analysis to ensure that all business decisions are relevant and data- driven. Managerial tasks include oversight of daily operations including but not limited to day to day operations, accounting functions tracking and maintenance of business inventory, Working closely with suppliers and vendors and making presentations to investors interested in working with Lauren Jillian Co., LLC. Other services offered by Lauren Jillian Co. include; space utilization and maximization, analysis of sales figures, forecasting, future sales volume, budget formulation, execution and analysis, wardrobe and prop rental, closet organization and maintenance personal shopping and styling for editorial and entertainment.
Nordstrom Pentagon City Arlington, VA
Visual Stylist; Savvy
06/2014-02/2015
On a full time basis, I worked with the Visuals Team (in house and regional) in the configuring and execution of window, in store and departmental displays. Holiday specific duties included prepping trim for windows and common areas, preparing windows for prop installation (painting, drilling, mounting frames, delivering and placing fixtures, installing lighting, wallpaper application and striking mannequins.) Additionally, I helped to develop an effective organizational strategy for elements within the visual workshop and aided extensively with various departmental floor moves, blitzes, mannequin dressing and styling including but not limited to such departments as BP, Lingerie, Kids, POV and Petites. Through highly interactive work, I was able to gain relevant experience with regard to Nordstrom’s philosophy about visual standards and how to use both internal and external elements such as lighting, composition, color and space to help construct a positive experience for the customer and high impact visual presentation.
Winston Retail Solutions Washington, DC
Merchandise Coordinator
09/2012-02/2014
Partnering with prestigious brands in fashion retail and beauty to drive sales and increase brand visibility by creating compelling visual presentations via detailed schematics, floor sets, window displays and mannequins, managing stock and inventory levels through customized reports and educating store management and sales staff about brand philosophy, product knowledge and other forms of information to aid in brand recognition.
Sephora, LVMH Washington, DC
Make-up Artist /Color Specialist, Dates: 05/2009-12/2010
Offer personalized complexion, make-up and skin care consultations and applications for clients of all ages. Additionally, I provide in store-education to coworkers about product knowledge and selling strategies, monitor brand inventory and perform cycle counts for specific vendors carried in store.
Sarah Shirley Inc. New York, NY
Freelance Stylist’s Assistant and Company Writer, Dates: 01/2007-present
Responsibilities include shopping for various fashion editorial jobs, correspondence with several fashion and public relations companies, extensive prep work for photo shoots, writing for and maintaining the official company blog (S------------/Style Diary), writing pitches to major television networks regarding style segment material and conducting trend and market research used to educate company client base. Initiated correspondences with fashion houses and public relations ?rms designed to promote Sarah Shirley Inc., including developing, assembling and distributing press kits. I conducted research for and prepared a successful writing pitch that led to a television segment for Sarah Shirley Inc. on the "The Today Show" in December 2008.
Additionally, I provided style expertise on fashion shoots for use in editorial, and print advertisements, managed the stylist's appointment book, assembled and distributing media kits and other promotional materials, facilitated conference calls, organized and managed ?les, ordered supplies, scheduled coworkers time to ensure the phone system was always covered and insured that blog contents were up to date.
INTERNSHIPS
Smithsonian Center for Folk-life and Cultural Heritage (CFCH) Washington, DC
Research Intern; Will to Adorn Project and Global Cultural Heritage Industries
09/2016-09/2017
As a research intern, my role is to help develop, expand on and spread awareness of the plethora of issues-as well as opportunities- surrounding cultural appropriation as it pertains to style, the semblance of community and identity politics within African and African-American diasporas, and its relationship to other global cultures. In facilitating this exploration, duties include work on three major projects: The Will to Adorn manuscript and Youth Access grant; largely project development by way of incorporating digital and technological techniques into instructional ethnographic research methods and sustaining cultural heritage industries.
PBS, Pati's Mexican Table Chevy Chase, MD
Assistant Crew Leader 08/20/2010-11/6/201
As lead assistant to the late Daisy Lewellyn, my primary responsibility was to ensure that all elements of wardrobe reflected quality, were expressive and articulated accurately. During the course of filming I addressed a plethora of wardrobe related needs, maintained highly specific stylist's notes, completed continuity sheets and worked on set to ensure accuracy of outfits on film which included basic garment alterations, wardrobe changes and dressing. I pulled clothes from various showrooms and boutiques, assisted in planning and organizing wardrobe for a 12 episode run, and trained interns about the logistical aspects of working on a television set.
Italian Vogue, Conde Nast International New York, NY
Fashion Department Intern
04/2007-09/2007
As a fashion editorial intern, I maintained an expansive fashion closet, to include tasks such as categorical organization and labeling, pulls receipt and disbursement of various products to a multitude of PR and Design Houses, as well as general material upkeep. I accompanied editors on photo shoots for the purpose of assist-styling as well as management of the full project inventory. I reviewed and catalogued invoices for photo shoot budgets, accurately tabulated receipts from fashion houses and fashion PR companies and corresponded with local museums and exhibitors for the purposes of editorial review.
VIBE Magazine
Fashion Department Intern New York, NY
10/2007-02/2008
As a Fashion & Beauty Editorial intern responsibilities included detailed analysis of emerging trends in both fashion and beauty, retrieving garment orders from showrooms, organizing and updating resource databases, creating story boards for looks related to themed photo shoots and researching and spearheading special interest fashion and beauty stories.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
"Dollars for Darfur" Auction and Fundraiser New York, NY
01/2007- 04/2007
In collaboration with the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising and Christian Mission, I hosted a fashion auction, in which I solicited donations from Gucci, and several private boutique owners to raise funds for survival kits for refugees in Darfur, Sudan.
SKILLS:
Technical qualification in public relations, journalistic media, fashion styling for celebrities and entertainment, personal shopping and organizational techniques. Proficient in Microsoft Programs including WORD, EXCEL, PUBLISHER, POWERPOINT and in CAD programs, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Have the ability to speak and understand basic French and Spanish.
References Available Upon Request