Photo by Kris Atomic
Name: Marianna
Job Title: Vice President of eCommerce DKNY
What exactly is that?
I am accountable and responsible for the entire DKNY online business
How did you get there?
I always knew I wanted to be in fashion but not a designer, I loved art and history when I was younger but I chose to do Art GCSE instead of History. I was really torn and I couldn’t do both! 🙁 That lead me to do a BTEC National and a BA in Graphic Design.
At the time of graduating the internet was blowing up and my first job was a web designer/developer but as it was a start up I had to wear many hats including project management, online merchandising, retail strategy and photography.
Fast forward 3 years I went to Net-A-Porter.com where I was a web producer and ended up leaving there 9 years after joining as Head of eCommerce for Mr Porter.
Whilst I was there I did a Masters in Internet Retailing, my love of history class helped me with my dissertation in terms of writing skills and how to tell a story that flowed.
Now I am a London girl (well woman but hey I want to stay young) living in New York working for one of the most historic American brands at DKNY. My whole education helped me climb the career ladder and has definitely got me where I am today!
Give us an idea of a typical day in your life
Wake up around 7.30am, depending what time my first meeting is I either have oatmeal or grab a juice on the way to the subway. It usually takes me 15mins door to door to get to work, I really don’t miss London Underground. Sad fact but when I wake up I check my emails so when I get to work I am on top of my day as I am usually in meetings all day.
When I am not in meetings I am with analyzing, signing off on designs and plans or I am having a one to one with a member of my team. It is so important to me that I have lunch outside of the office so I can have a mental break, if I can’t then I have lunch at my desk and at least have 30mins head space. My assistant knows not to book any meetings between 1pm-2pm 🙂
After work I am either having dinner or drinks with friends, I work out at least twice a week again having a mental break from work and concentrating on me. This is so important, I need to switch off every night otherwise I won’t get to sleep.
A good friend told me that I can’t change the world in my sleep so no point thinking about things/problems.
The weekends I tend to discover more of New York, there is so much to see and do in this wonderful city.
What’s the best thing about what you do?
I love my job otherwise I wouldn’t do it. The best thing is when different teams collaborate to create something wonderful that produces great results for the business and our customers.
What’s the one thing you would change if you could?
Have an endless amount of budget so I can really innovate with technology and marketing.
What did you want to do for a living when you were at school?
Be a graphic designer….have my own hotel…..as well as my own bar on the beach somewhere….I am hoping to still do the last two at some point in my lifetime.
Tell us about one thing you were insecure about when you were at school
I am a very social person and will speak to anyone, however I get stage fright. I really hated speaking at assembly in front of the whole school or being a main character at the school play, which is the total opposite of my normal character.
I didn’t do much about it at school but in my professional years I’ve forced myself to be a keynote speaker so I can get over the fear, it has helped. I also got some advice and training how to present and being comfortable in front of an audience.
What advice would you give yourself at 18 years old if you could?
Follow your gut and instinct because it is always right even if it isn’t something that you want to accept/do. Listen to other people first before jumping in and at times coming to the wrong conclusions.
What’s your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
Seeing my new friends and exploring New York, especially the restaurants!
What’s the title of the last book you read?
The Girl and the Sunbird by Rebecca Stonehill
Please share with us one beauty tip you have learned
Have 8 hours sleep minimum as much as you can. Sleep recharges your body and your mind, which also helps with aging 🙂
Share with us one money tip
Never live out of your means, if you can’t afford it you don’t need it or strive to save to buy it.
Please share with us one life lesson you have learned
You will always be surprised by people, good or bad. Don’t let others influence your decisions, you know what to do deep down.
How can people contact you for more information?
LinkedIn.
GDG E-book, Life after Lessons available now!
