Marnie Jane Cooper

Background

About Marnie Jane Cooper

My journey began as a stocker at Nordstrom, which eventually led me to pursue a career in design and manufacturing. While working at Nordstrom, I had the unique opportunity to observe the buyer and gain insights into the fashion industry. Inspired by the salesgirls dreaming of a glamorous fashion life, I convinced my manager to let me work on the sales floor, quickly becoming the top producer. This achievement led to management training and recommendations. However, I wanted to explore outside sales and decided to leave Nordstrom to join my parent's hair care distribution company. Managing 300 accounts across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, I gained valuable experience in prospecting, education, sales, and customer service. Working on commission and a base salary, I developed negotiation skills and built relationships with manufacturers. In 1998, I made a simple bag design for carrying shampoo samples and sparked my interest in designing a line of high-end accessories. The positive feedback and demand encouraged me to collaborate with a sewing shop and establish a supply chain. With meticulous planning and a sales plan, I successfully sold 300 units in just two months. This experience ignited my passion for product development, manufacturing, project management, branding, and merchandising. Throughout the years, I expanded my product range, partnered with leading factories and retailers, and gained recognition for my designs. Meeting notable figures in the industry, such as actresses and renowned designers, further motivated me to push boundaries. My journey eventually led me to open the Marnie Bugs Boutique, where I showcased my inventory and offered custom artisan bags. In 2019, while managing the boutique, I noticed an opportunity to help aspiring entrepreneurs through consulting. Guiding them in branding, product development, and operations became a fulfilling endeavor. Now, as I relocate to the Portland Metropolitan area, I am eager to join a dynamic team focused on developing, marketing, and selling high-quality accessories and footwear. My expertise in product development, project management, and marketing makes me excited about the possibilities ahead.