Aarika Shea Michel
North America Manager, Visual Merchandising & Styling // Nike Live at Nike
Visual Merchandising & Styling Concept Manager
With over 15 years of experience in-store and corporate headquarters, I’m an innovative and creative thinker with a proven track record of concepting, developing and executing strategies to launch and scale storytelling in retail. 

My desire for creating inspiring spaces and retail experiences comes from my passion for merging style, interiors and architecture. With a strong arts and design point of view, I'm focused on pushing boundaries within Visual Merchandising, Styling, Interior Decorating and Creative Direction.
Nike
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nike
Portland, Oregon, United States
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North America Manager, Visual Merchandising & Styling // Nike Live
Nike
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nike
// Supported Global Retail Concepts team in stretch role to develop Global Visual Merchandising & Styling strategies for retail portfolio iteration
// Collaborated with Merchandising Director to identify end in mind assortments and capacities to drive a business right approach 
// Defined and created 365 frameworks to direct Geo functional teams towards a consistent approach to storytelling through product, fixtures and retail brand elements.
// Partnered with Retail Brand, Stores Marketing, Service & Experience to create concept right consumer journeys, tailored to the muse mindset
// Supported fixture & mannequin development alongside Store Design, prototyping future forward retail fixtures considerate of concept filters and business needs
// Inspired and served Geographies with tools and guidance focused on enabling flawless execution for Nike Direct priorities
Portland, Oregon, United States
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Global Manager [ Stretch ] Visual Merchandising & Styling  // Nike Live
Nike
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nike
// Partnered with Stores, Digital and Brand Experience teams across Global, Geos and Cities to develop daily, seasonal and concept development strategies for an O2O journey against the vision of Stores Marketing
// Collaborated to maximize insights to develop pinnacle services and experiences for the Global flagship
// Empowered geographies with strategy tools and guidance to drive traffic through test and learn initiatives, seasonal and 365 plans
// Developed cross functional Retail Programming toolkit to drive foundation of seasonal storytelling for retail concept portfolio
Portland, Oregon, United States
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Global Manager, Stores Marketing // House of Innovation
Nike
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nike
// Powered the concept offense by developing and evolving end in mind Global Visual Merchandising & Styling concept strategies for Nike LIVE; small format retail concept for the neighborhood
// Ran 'pilot, perfect and scale' strategies for stores; evaluating, learning and celebrating the translation through partnerships with Geo, City and Store partners
// Collaborated with cross functional partners in Retail Brand, Stores Marketing, Service & Experience and Merchandising to create concept right consumer journeys, tailored to the athlete mindset
// Briefed opportunities to Brand Creative Retail to partner in developing and prototyping future forward retail fixtures considerate of concept filters and business needs
// Probed and mined capabilities to foster a test and learn mindset that informs future strategies through proactively partnering to capture & apply consumer first, data driven retail insights
// Inspired and served Geographies with tools and guidance focused on enabling flawless execution for Nike Direct priorities
// Defined and created 365 frameworks to direct functional teams towards a consistent approach to storytelling through product, fixtures and retail brand elements.
// Drove brand distinction through breakthrough seasonal strategies that amplify key moments and connect across innovation, sport and culture.
// Actively participated in advancing Global mannequin and hanger programs across concept portfolios inclusive of sustainability and diversity initiatives
// Led a project team, driving intent, workback and relationships with internal and external design agencies to create an online hub to connect, inspire and inform Visual Merchandising & Styling teams across the globe
Portland, Oregon Area
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Global Sr. Manager, Visual Merchandising & Styling  // Nike Live
Target
https://www.linkedin.com/company/target
// Was responsible for process and execution of Next Gen Visual Merchandising strategies that translate into a presentation unified with other areas of the store, brand right and guest focused that drives sales
// Partnered with Cross Functional Teams (i.e. In Store Marketing, Store Operations, Merchants and Vendors) to create and execute rotating presentations that ladder back to brand strategies for Next Gen spaces highlighting LTO’s, storytelling and seasonal plays [ i.e. Hunter for Target, Umbro, Summer Blockbusters, Thanksgiving Prep ] 
// Worked with Space & Presentation partner on building and curation of assortment for versions and prototypes of Next Gen spaces to deliver financial goals for a specified business within each set
//  Led VM Director and VM VP milestone meetings and leadership walks in Mock Store while partnering on preparation of SVP and other senior leadership touchpoints
//  Developed store communication content [ i.e. Visual Merchandising Guidelines ] in partnership with CFT & Production, sent to Store Operation teams for in-store execution
// Managed fixture and accessory details, flex options and capacity requirements for each set across Next Gen spaces
// Attended development and committee meetings to represent Visual Merchandising point-of-view
// Provided guidance to Specialists for program installation work in Mock Store 
// Visited Target locations to launch and execute current sets while training in-store team members
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
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Visual Merchandise Business Partner // Next Gen Concept Space
Nordstrom
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nordstrom
// Executed business processes and procedures to support BP | Savvy | Topshop | Topman | Kidswear and ensure visual merchandising alignment
// Partnered with specific merchant leaders, Divisional Merchandise Managers and Retail Director, to develop visual concepts and communicated these ideas to appropriate departments [ i.e. Store Design, Marketing, Signing, etc. ]
// Established new visual strategies to present to Nordstrom merchant teams and vendors such as Brandy Melville and Lego, to drive business in the Young Customer market based on seasonal product and sales / inventory data 
// Built, executed and updated visual communication tools for store executions using Photoshop and InDesign; [ i.e. Quarterly Trend Guide, Monthly Photo Pack, Annual Department Guidelines, Product Launch Guidelines ]
// Trained and lead in-store and regional teams through strategy and execution of Young Customer departments at over 15 new store openings and remodels, fixture and product rollouts as well as day to day in store merchandising as it related to departments
// Played an integral part in establishing and rolling out the visual strategy for the merge of the BP and Savvy departments in 2015, creating an occasion based merchandise set 
// Managed all brand assets provided and communicated appropriately to the business, including multiple stakeholders
// Supported TSTM merchandising and product trainings, sharing knowledge and providing guidance to support the Divisional Visual Merchandiser team
// Supported TSTM trainings, sharing knowledge and providing guidance to support the DVM teamCoached and trained regional and in-store teams on sales and inventory reporting to utilize when merchandising
// Ensured store and departments alignment on marketing editorial calendar while driving appropriate marketing messages to the customer
// Reviewed operating practices and procedures, determining whether improvements can be made and work to implement changes as appropriate
Seattle, Washington
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Visual Merchandising Department Strategist // BP | Savvy | Topshop | Topman | Kidswear
TOPSHOP TOPMAN
https://www.linkedin.com/company/topshop-topman
// Installed and opened over 25 Topshop & Topman shops within Nordstrom locations 
// Effectively coached and trained Nordstrom Regional and In-Store (17) Teams on brand strategy expectations and styling direction 
// Built strong relationships with Nordstrom and Topshop/Topman corporate office teams to communicate feedback regarding all aspects of in-store visual elements and product opportunities 
// Adjusted visual and creative proposition to increase sales and drive volume within the store 
// Collaborated with counterparts to discuss new opportunities for both companies to translate brand strategies and visual implementations consistently
Midwest and Southeast
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Field Visual Merchandiser - Nordstrom
TOPSHOP TOPMAN
https://www.linkedin.com/company/topshop-topman
// Used my passion and brand knowledge to plan, create and evolve an exciting shopping experience whilst keeping brand integrity and commerciality to drive sales.
// Managed Top Level and Advanced Level Visual and Creative Merchandisers (Up to 12) Product Assistants and Shop-fitter to deliver and implement brand strategies
// Worked one on one with the UK Head Office departments to plan out season opportunities and risks.
// Utilized daily and weekly tools/reports to make visual and commercial decisions. 
// Participated in seasonal Model Store setups in London, Manchester and Los Angeles to communicate seasonal updates and trends to the Chicago team.
// Supported in two-week install for opening of Los Angeles (2013) location at The Grove
// Motivated and drove team members to develop their skills by completing competency books, understanding reports and taking on further responsibilities while in their current role
Chicago, IL
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Visual & Creative Manager
TOPSHOP TOPMAN
https://www.linkedin.com/company/topshop-topman
// Followed corporate inspiration for visual merchandising layouts and implementations while retaining creative freedom.
// Analyzed weekly Best Sellers to make effective merchandising decisions and drive further sales
// Trained and oversaw Advanced Level Visual Team members and Sales Advisors on proper merchandising standards and strategies.
// Ensured brand integrity was maintained with the use of graphics and equipment
// Designed, planned and implemented market research ideas to maintain the TopShop brand image
// Demonstrated first class ‘high street’ product knowledge that targets the customers’ needs at every opportunity
// Supported in opening New York at Soho (2009) and Chicago at Michigan Avenue (2011) locations
New York City, NY & Chicago, IL
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Visual Merchandiser
City Lights Television
https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-lights-television
// Worked closely with host Lloyd Boston under the direction of stylist, Sharon Pendana for 13-episode fashion makeover show
// Executed organization of owner's wardrobe while assisting designer Carey Evans with closet makeover
// Prepped wardrobe and props for premier party as well as The Today Show and The View promotional segments
// Assisted production team with scouting, sourcing boutiques, prep work, shooting as well as set breakdown
// Compiled ideas and coordinated outfits during and after photo shoots for each episodes' look book
New York, NY
Wardrobe Assistant
Classic Entertinment Group - MTV
New York, NY
Casting Intern // Room Raiders
Frostfire Media Group
Fargo, ND
Fashion & Lifestyle Editorial Assistant
Conde Nast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/conde-nast
New York, NY
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SELF Magazine
BS
Accepted into F.I.T's Internship Program, as affiliated with NDSU. Internship hosted by SELF Magazine at Conde` Nast
Apparel Studies & PR/Advertising
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North Dakota State University
https://www.linkedin.com/school/north-dakota-state-university/
Enrolled in the Senior Internship Program in which 120 hours were successfully completed at sponsored company
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Fashion Institute of Technology
https://www.linkedin.com/school/fashion-institute-of-technology/
Liberal Arts
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North Dakota State College of Science
https://www.linkedin.com/school/north-dakota-state-college-of-science/
Alumna Starts Own Interior Styling Business for Home and Retail
North Dakota State University
https://www.ndsu.edu/adhm/apparel-retail/Newsletter/Winter%202017%20Newsletter%20Final.pdf
Small Town ND Girl Pursues Big-City Fashion Dreams
The Forum
http://mobile.inforum.com/page/article/id/401490
Style Profile
The Forum
https://secure.forumcomm.com/?publisher_ID=1&article_id=384673&CFID=747486386&CFTOKEN=11403456
YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ywca-seattle-king-snohomish
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Donation Merchandiser
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicknemish
Portland, OR
Nick Nemish
Leader | Visual Merchandiser | Brand Manager | Retail Marketer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-solomon-08882438
Portland, OR
Oliver Solomon
Senior Manager, Global Visual Merchandising & Styling // Nike Jordan Brand
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissa-decker-cscp-900a575
Greater Chicago Area
Elissa Decker, CSCP
Director, Global Textile Development & Procurement
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernon-bowser-18277b99
Winston-Salem, NC
Vernon Bowser
Laser, Digital & Wide Format Lead Operator
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarada-ryan-91675131
Fort Mill, SC
Sarada Ryan
Director Of Store Operations North America at Fossil Group, Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinpeters2
Pittsburgh, PA
Kevin Peters
President
https://www.linkedin.com/in/camila-rosevear-8a6033160
Portland, OR
Camila Rosevear
EMEA Visual Merchandising & Styling Manager Rise & Live Concept at Nike
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanna-rodriguez-80ba365
Portland, OR
Susanna Rodriguez
Director, Global Retail Brand Concepts at Nike
https://qa.linkedin.com/in/ed-burke-871a0814
Doha, Qatar
Ed Burke
Chairman & Founder
The Look Company

... Leading the change for Global Sustainability and Carbon Management
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-casitas-a742a755
Los Angeles, CA
Alan Casitas
Area Visual Merchandising Manager - LA/Santa Monica at UNIQLO
https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-rock-827a7a38
Portland, OR
Neal Rock
North America Director of Visual Merchandising & Styling for Unite/Value at Nike
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiana-cosbodillo-a9530b96
Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area
Kiana Cosbodillo
Merchandising Manager- Men’s Lifestyle Apparel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-spencer-b772425
Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area
Jessica Spencer
Global Merchandising Director Women’s Sport Lifestyle Apparel at Nike
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jendavila
New York City Metropolitan Area
Jennifer Davila
Global Visual Merchandising Manager at Coach
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrilclark
New York, NY
Kerri Clark
Brand Development + Marketing Consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-ah-sue-8557b030
New York City Metropolitan Area
Donald Ah Sue
Senior Director - Store Experience
https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoyashambo
New York, NY
LaToya Shambo
CEO @ Black Girl Digital | Talk to me about Diversity & Leadership, Corporate Entrepreneurship, Diversity in Influencer Marketing, The Black Female Consumer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwolfe68
Greater St. Louis
Christopher Wolfe
District Controller, Lower Midwest at H&M
Lauren Price
      
          



            
              
        
              
  

    
        Over the past 5 years I've had the privilege of working with Aarika in many capacities at both Topshop/Topman and Nordstrom. She has been my peer, my manager and my mentor. 

Aarika is a confident self-starter with a strong ability to recognize strengths in a team and delegate effectively. She excels in coaching and developing and has contributed to the promotion and growth of several team members - myself included. 

She is an extremely creative individual with a great sense of design and style. I've always been impressed with her ability to consider and balance strategic issues, creative concepts and practical considerations.  

Aarika is professional and efficient in her approach to work and is highly self-motivated, independent and well capable of achieving any goal she sets her mind to. Jordin Buccelli
      
          



            
              
        
              
  

    
        When it comes to her professional career, Aarika's talents are endless and she always leaves an everlasting impression on many. Aarika is one of those natural leaders that all teams gravitate towards..Her ability to coach, teach and inspire is amazing to watch and learn as she has been a huge mentor to me these past few years. She can manage heavy workload and most importantly she is an expert at navigating through change. She has earned  strong credibility within our company and Nordstrom is very fortunate to have her on their team!
Liked by Aarika Shea Michel
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A park meeting, a makers workshop, a shared lunch, a cheeky glass of rosé, a new soundtrack, from new people, a little bit messy, a lot of…
Liked by Aarika Shea Michel
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Coming Soon !!! 🧡🧡🧡
Liked by Aarika Shea Michel
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Announced today, the Nike Athlete Think Tank brings together a roster of elite women’s athletes and global catalysts, across different geographies…
VMSD magazine
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Display Artists
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The Business of Fashion
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Interior Design
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Visual Merchandising Design
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Retail Planning and Visual Merchandising Forum
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Fashion Marketing & Digital Media Group (FMG): A Meeting Place for Fashion & Marketing Professionals
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Visual Merchandising Forum
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StyleCareers
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design:retail
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Mudpie - Fashion, Trends & Culture - Graphics, Textiles & Colour for Apparel, Active Sports & Denim
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Visual Merchandising Across the Globe
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VISUAL MERCHANDISERS
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Shop! Enhancing Retail Environments & Experiences
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