Ashlee Caldwell
Product Developer · Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co.
Anaheim, CA
In My Own Words
Detail-oriented and proactive Product Developer with 7+ years of experience managing the end-to-end apparel development lifecycle—from sketch to production-ready garments. Proven success in collaborating with global vendors, managing WIP reports, negotiating costs, and ensuring quality standards across categories including denim, outerwear, knits, and licensed apparel. Adept at driving cross-functional communication, resolving development bottlenecks, and aligning with GTM calendar milestones. Skilled in wash and trim development, garment fittings, and production validation.
Work Experience
Product Developer
Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co.2022 – 2025
Owned development categories from concept to pre-production for licensed sports and entertainment apparel. • Reviewed and updated tech packs for accuracy and clarity from design hand-off through production, ensuring alignment with brand and manufacturing standards. • Managed lab dips, strike-offs, embroidery mocks, wash submits, and shade lots, partnering with design to drive timely approvals and maintain production calendar milestones. • Maintained up-to-date data and sourcing records in PLM (WFX); prepared brand launch line lists and ensured accurate merchant and product data for seasonal hand-offs. • Built strong vendor relationships through regular communication, issue resolution, and sourcing innovation exploration; participated in vendor meetings and special project travel. • Utilized Adobe Illustrator, Google Workspace, and WFX PLM to manage tech packs, timelines, and product documentation. • Supported internal culture through planning and execution of employee engagement events and internal sales meetings, fostering team alignment and motivation.
Product Developer
Catalyst2021 – 2022
Communicated effectively with overseas factories to ensure seamless production. (China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, etc.) • Requested, negotiated, and validated costs/TNA for timely project completion. • Prepared for meetings and presentations on new product development. • Developed new styles, fabrications, blanks, washes, and trims in line with market trends. • Tracked product submits to ensure on-time delivery and adherence to deadlines. • Participated in concept development meetings and managed production handovers. • Developed SMS line for outerwear, knits, and woven bottoms, and updated line sheets. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality and timelines. • Running production handovers • Developing SMS Line for Outwear, Knits and woven bottoms. Update line sheets. • Communicate with Multiple teams. • Worked with big box and fast fashion customers
Freelance Assistant Designer
Hot Topic2019 – 2020
• Prep for Meetings • Work in Trade Stone, Illustrator & Photoshop programs • Update line sheets • Sketch, Tech Packs, Construction callouts & BOMS • Communicate with Multiple teams • Color match strike-offs/ Swatch Fabric • Create trend boards
Freelance Assistant Designer
Torrid2019 – 2019
• Prep for Meetings • Work in Trade Stone, Illustrator & Photoshop programs • Update line sheets • Sketch, Tech Packs, Construction callouts & BOMS • Communicate with Multiple teams
Freelance Assistant Designer
Boot Barn2019 – 2019
Assist in sketching for upcoming seasons Callouts for sewing details on sketches Trend Research Work in Illustrator and Photoshop programs Assist in Tech Packs for different seasons
Assistant Designer
Hybrid Apparel2018 – 2019
-Develop strong working relationships with the teams through communication and problem solving -Process portal entry of screens -Assist in coding art and revisions of CADs -Assist in sample execution and follow up -Send and track packages -Learn and understand the basics of the production process -Maintain awareness of design calendar and help supervisor manage deadlines -Assist in day to day projects including filing, organizing, tagging, line preparation, copying and updating development packages, fabric books, color cards, etc. -Maintain the flow of samples leaving and returning into Design room -Create sketches of styles for development and for CADs - I-Dot and Sublimation printing process -Help research trends that are relevant to the classification and our customers
Sample Coordinator
Hybrid Apparel2016 – 2018
Juniors Department -Oversee samples from start to finish -Work with print shop to make sure art is printed on garments correctly -Size Art -Created line sheets and art/dye CADS -Work I-Dot and Sublimation machine -Tag, photograph and send out completed samples to buyers -Handle cut tickets for sample garments -Data entry -Work in illustrator/photoshop - Trend Research
Freelance Sample Coordinator
Levi Strauss & Co.2016 – 2016
Ensure proper receipt of all incoming packages in accordance with established Sample Management and Storage procedures. - Accurate and timely processing of all samples - receiving boxes, recording identification numbers, hanging, sorting, packaging. - Ensure appropriate distribution of samples, supplies, packages and accompanying information.
Freelance Sample Coordinator
Levi's Strauss2015 – 2015
Ensure proper receipt of all incoming packages in accordance with established Sample Management and Storage procedures. - Accurate and timely processing of all samples - receiving boxes, recording identification numbers, hanging, sorting, packaging. - Ensure appropriate distribution of samples, supplies, packages and accompanying information.
Special Event Coordinator
Dress for Success2005 – 2011
-Plan and coordinate all aspects of events from concept to execution. -Meet with clients to understand their event goals and requirements. -Develop event proposals, budgets, and timelines. -Source and negotiate with venues, vendors, and suppliers. -Manage event logistics including décor, catering, entertainment, rentals, and staffing. -Oversee event setup, execution, and teardown. -Ensure compliance with insurance, legal, health, and safety obligations. -Handle day-of coordination and troubleshoot issues in real time. -Maintain strong client and vendor relationships. -Track event expenses and process invoices.
