Industry Insider – Miriam Alden

WHO: Miriam Alden
WHAT: Owner and operator of Brunette Showroom
WHERE: Vancouver

Years in the Business… I’ve been a sales rep for just over 6 years. Brunette Showroom has been open just short of one year.

Brunette Showroom is… A fashion wholesale agency that focuses on representing women’s clothing and accessories collections to boutiques in Western Canada.

Brands… I represent Lisbeth Jewelry, Division-E, Zanerobe Ladies, Sienna Ray Handbags, Desigual, Hellz Bellz, Nakamol, and C-Pak Jewelry.

Career start-off… I have always had a love for both fashion, and business but didn’t ever realize I would get the opportunity to peruse both together as a career. I always was knowledgeable in fashion, but felt is was important to have the business background before I got started so I went to BCIT and took the sales and marketing program. After that, I ended up applying for a job, and luckily got hired by an amazing showroom, and was giving a phenomenal brand to represent. I started out steaming clothes, and within my first few years I had developed amazing business relationships, been to Bread&Butter in Barcelona and Magic in Las Vegas, helped with creative development of a growing brand, and appeared in an ad campaign in Vogue September 2008. I stayed with that job for five years, and throughout that time dabbled in styling, and writing my own fashion column for a few local newspapers called Miriam Must Haves. At the end of the five years it was a very tough decision for me to decide to go out on my own, but I felt I had hit my maximum on personal and professional growth and needed to move forward. Brunette Showroom was incorporated October 1, 2009 I have not looked back.

Typical day… Luckily for me with my personality type there isn’t really a typical day. I’m a multi-tasker and always on the go. My business is a lot of work, a lot of traveling, and not very many days off. If I am working out of my showroom at The Parker Building I split my time between appointments showing my collections, and calling new or current customers to see how they are doing, and/or educating them on new product. If it is selling season, I am traveling across Western Canada, and the US working trade shows. I also get the opportunity to work with brands that have head offices in great places. This July I will be visiting Barcelona, and LA for sales meetings to discuss the brands and get excited on this upcoming season.

Most excited about for Summer 2010… I love, and wear pieces from all the collections in my showroom. Lisbeth just launched a new fabulous collection for summer, and I can’t take off heavy sterling silver tag pendant engraved with a key on a ball chain. Sienna Ray is coming out with the most beautiful collection I have ever seen her do! Her leather colors are to die for, and all the straps are chain and leather. I’m a sucker for anything leather, studded, and rocker influenced, so I can’t wait to get the tuxedo mak with the chain strap. The 212 color-blocked cardigan is amazing, and the Zanerobe ladies Striker motorcycle inspired jacket will be a fall must have. Division E does a great boyfriend t-shirt, and I love that they come out with few new colors each month.

Best part of your job… I love working with people, and have developed some of my closest relationships thru work. I am one of those lucky people who enjoy’s going to work everyday. Also, having a chance to sneak peak the new fashion trends 6 months before they hit the shelves, and my growing closet are both great perks!

Travel essentials… I love traveling, and visiting other places, so between trade shows, sales meetings and personal trips I manage to probably be on a flight somewhere at least once a month. There are the usual; I never travel without my blackberry, MacBook, iPod, and silver business card holder (a gift from my sisters) and of course my business cards inside. Also, I recently bought a Polaroid camera, so now I can capture my travels in a unique way!

Erica Lam, The Style Spy
erica@thestylespy.com

brunette showroom, miriam alden, vancouver