NICOLE RALSTON
Case Worker · AdoptHelp Law Corporation
Agoura Hills, CA
In My Own Words
I believe my unique and diverse background of over 24 combined years in the fashion industry and private infant adoption has prepared me for what I know will be my most challenging and rewarding career yet. As a case worker and legal assistant for the last 7 years, I’ve been able to demonstrate exemplary planning and time management skills in a fast paced and unpredictable profession that often requires working any time and any place while showing professionalism and compassion. I have a natural and genuine ability to connect with clients and co-workers, and value the relationships I’ve created while being a part of what is a joyous and heartbreaking time for all involved. Additionally, my combined 17 years of experience in the fashion industry in project management and product development, store management, visual merchandising, and design has given me the skill set to increase productivity, reduce overtime, track multiple million-dollar accounts, and streamline department operations.
Experience in human relations including hiring and team building. Key contributor in creating a new PLM system to increase productivity, reduce overtime, track multiple million-dollar accounts, and streamline department operations.
Work Experience
Case Worker and Legal Assistant
AdoptHelp Law Corporation2017 – Present
Managed over 170 successful open adoptions to date Consistently exceed new client quota on an annual basis Extensive research regarding the laws for the states in which the client and birth parents reside Constant communication with active clients, birth parents, and adoption professionals for the life of the adoption case Created new tracking systems for all case workers to improve workflow, new inquiry and new case management, and follow up Prescreen potential clients and schedule Zoom meetings for the lead attorney for all serious inquiries and cases
Special Accounts/Private Label Project Manager
Bailey Blue Clothing2016 – 2017
Coordinate with all internal departments (Design, Pre-production, Import Production, Fabric and Trim, Shipping, Costing) to maintain or exceed pre-set margins to ensure maximum profit per style and on-time deliveries ● Oversee and manage technical designers, production pattern makers, sewers, cutters, and QC ● Responsible for prioritizing and scheduling the daily and weekly workload of the above mentioned team ● Fit, Pre-Production, and Top of Production sample management to meet private label and branded customer requirements and shipping deadlines ● Supervise bi-weekly fittings with live fit model and dress form ● Able to foresee potential issues with fit and fabrication to avoid a delivery delay ● Knowledgeable of all private label customer protocol for proper fit and production samples ● Daily communication with overseas production factories ● Skilled in communication and problem resolution to maintain a positive and productive work environment under stressful situations
Store Manager and Visual Merchandiser
Diane's Beachwear2015 – 2016
• Strong leadership to ensure the continued development and accountability of all sales associates, assistant managers, and key holders • Accountable for beating hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly sales goals on a personal and store level • Responsible for maintaining and improving UPT, ADS, and SPH • Continued brand awareness- including fit, fabrication, care, and target customers • Execution of the company’s vision, sales techniques, LP awareness, and policies & procedures • Ensure payroll percentages are maintained through proper scheduling, anticipating foot traffic flow, and daily sales • Recognizing employee and store successes • Tracking and implementing short term and long term goals for all associates and the store • Weekly Banking • Daily communication with Area Manager, Director of Stores, and Owner • Weekly and Monthly communication with buyers • Visual merchandising of mannequins, windows, walls, tables, and T-stands
Senior Project Manager and Design Assistant
XCVI, LLC2010 – 2014
• Responsible for all communication, organization, and follow-up with CHICO’s FAS Departments- Including Zenergy Activewear and Golf, Black Label, Woven Bottoms, Woven Tops, Skirts, Swim, Accessories and Coverings. • Creative development with XCVI and Trend Chasers sales representatives and design team • Weekly WIP and TNA reports • Domestic and Import Costing • Fabric and Trim purchasing and Testing • Daily communication with overseas garment factories and mills • Weekly production meeting with technical design, production, fabric, shipping and sewing department heads • Color management for lab dips and production fabric and trims • Technical Design management and communication • Sample management from concept through pre-production • Communication with Graphic Artists in order to execute CADs, strike offs, and sample management • Domestic and international travel
Store Manager and Visual Merchandiser
Planet Funk2010 – 2010
Responsibilities included: • Daily communication with District Manager as well as Men’s, Women’s, and Accessory Buyers. • Encouraging staff to establish relationships with customers in addition to being knowledgeable about the merchandise to produce higher ADS and UPT. • Store schedule, banking, new employee training, recruiting, sales goal projections for individual employees and the store based on previous years actual sales and week to date sales. • Bi-weekly shipment and daily visual merchandising for walls, tables, racks, and 25 Mannequins. • Superior customer service to new and existing clientele. Occasional sewing of seams, buttons, and holes to guarantee sales and repeat business.
Store Manager and Visual Merchandiser
M. Fredric, ACTIVE2008 – 2009
*Accountable for reaching daily and monthly sales goals. *Responsible for motivating and leading employees to achieve outstanding customer relationships and knowledge of store merchandise. *Visual merchandising of windows, mannequins, tables, racks, and wall sectionals. *Daily communication with Divisional Manager and Owners/Buyers.
Assistant Designer and Product Development
NOTICE, Inc.2003 – 2008
* Design assistant to the owner for as many as five women’s contemporary divisions at one time. * Responsible for product development for private label and major department store business. * Accountable for tracking fashion and color trends as well as flat sketching, costing of the sample and production lines. Purchased sample and production fabrics and trims. * Mandatory attendance at all fittings from first to production. * Daily communication with Sales Representatives across the country. * Sales representative during Los Angeles and New York fashion week.
