Name: Shefali Khanna
Age: 40
Job Title and Description: Co-Owner & Chief Merchandising Offer, DAILYLOOK
College Name: Fashion Institute of Technology
Website: www.dailylook.com
Twitter Handle: @shefali_khanna
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Shefali Khanna: As the Head of Merchandising and Creative, I am involved in studio styling, product, buying, planning and branding. I am also a co-founder, a position that entails wearing a number of hats. The majority of my day is spent problem solving/brainstorming with every department of the company and overseeing the team to make sure the brand message is cohesive throughout. I usually start my day by creating my agenda, tend to emails and then check in with my team to align on the priorities of the day. This allows me to make myself available for appointments and work on projects rest of the day. There is never a “typical” day at DAILYLOOK – it is always stimulating with all the new and exciting upcoming plans!
What is the best part of your job?
SK: The best part of my job is being able to create and strategize everyday, figuring out ways to be one step closer to the customer and our company vision.
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
SK: Upon graduating from fashion design school, I was in exploration mode and landed a job as an Assistant Product Development Manager in India, [at a] small company that specialized in bridal, bridemaid and mother of bride wear. With a desire to travel the world, I found a home in this job that allowed me to travel a great deal to Hong Kong and throughout the U.S. My job entailed assisting the product development team in Hong Kong, the production team in Delhi and supporting selling team in New York. [It was] a very unique opportunity that taught me a ton about the retail business and that allowed me to develop relationships with people of all different backgrounds. [It was like] three years of boot camp shaped me into the person I am today.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
SK: The fashion industry is not all about clothes. While in school, I didn’t know how much the industry was about running a business than it was about just having an eye for good quality product. You need personal skills to build relationships with your vendors and co-workers and [skills for] planning and strategizing what is best for the brand.
Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
SK: One person who changed my professional life for the better is Lisa Chi, currently the SVP at Talbots. Lisa was an instrumental figure in my life starting as my manager at Old Navy and later at Lucky Brand. She was a consistent mentor and someone who believed in my potential. I will be forever grateful to her for taking a chance on me.
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
SK: My friend and one of the most influential women in retail, Stormy Simon, the President of Overstock.com, Inc., said, “If you forfeit your femininity, you’ve already lost.” As a female entrepreneur and leader in retail, this is a constant reminder to embrace yourself and be authentic always. You don’t have to follow in anyone else’s footsteps to prove something. Whatever it means to be a strong, confident, independent woman, take advantage of these traits and own it!
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
SK: While studying at FIT in New York, I had an opportunity to study abroad in Manchester School of Art in the UK for a semester and I did not take the plunge. I was so set on my graduation timeline and finishing my degree at a fast rate. I wish I had taken this opportunity to explore and broaden my skillset. What I learned from this is to challenge your limits and never miss an opportunity. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, so take chances. Live every moment.
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
SK: Attitude, hands down.
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
SK: Some lessons I have learned from my mentors:
- Follow your passion, don’t compromise!
- Be you and everything else will work out.
- Set goals and take chances – Make it happen!