RJM Group is a sales marketing and brand development company with a showroom for new and upcoming designers. RJM is named after its three original founders: Rita, Jeffery, and May; we were lucky enough to have Rita, one of the founders and president of RJM, speak to us about RJM as well as give us her insight and advice on the industry.
Rita explained to us that RJM Group finds new designers who have not just a good product, but an idea of what they are doing and where they are going. Prototypes are a must when Rita is looking at new designers. Rita said she must be careful and strategic in who she takes on as clients. Once Rita has partnered with an emerging brand, she works with them start to finish on developing their product and getting it into stores. As for retail connections, she works with some big names including Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York and more. She also uses trade shows and a new program called Constant Contact, which is an easy online way contact and connect with potential buyers. Some of the brands we got to see in the RJM Group showroom include an accessories collection Rita launched in collaboration with her daughter's, the Beirn Collection, as well as other brands such as ggMAUL and Beatriz Accessories.
As for Rita herself, she began with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing - probably not what you would expect huh? She found her way to the fashion industry by working for Saks Fifth Avenue in various roles, then moving to Badgley Mischka, and finally opening up her own business. She gave us some useful advice based on her experiences and knowledge of the industry. "Take advantage of every opportunity ... read a lot ... work in retail ... ask questions," ... these are some of her main points which really hit home with me. Overall, I think all of us not only enjoyed ourselves while listening to Rita, but also learned a whole lot! Thanks RJM!
Rita explained to us that RJM Group finds new designers who have not just a good product, but an idea of what they are doing and where they are going. Prototypes are a must when Rita is looking at new designers. Rita said she must be careful and strategic in who she takes on as clients. Once Rita has partnered with an emerging brand, she works with them start to finish on developing their product and getting it into stores. As for retail connections, she works with some big names including Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York and more. She also uses trade shows and a new program called Constant Contact, which is an easy online way contact and connect with potential buyers. Some of the brands we got to see in the RJM Group showroom include an accessories collection Rita launched in collaboration with her daughter's, the Beirn Collection, as well as other brands such as ggMAUL and Beatriz Accessories.
As for Rita herself, she began with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing - probably not what you would expect huh? She found her way to the fashion industry by working for Saks Fifth Avenue in various roles, then moving to Badgley Mischka, and finally opening up her own business. She gave us some useful advice based on her experiences and knowledge of the industry. "Take advantage of every opportunity ... read a lot ... work in retail ... ask questions," ... these are some of her main points which really hit home with me. Overall, I think all of us not only enjoyed ourselves while listening to Rita, but also learned a whole lot! Thanks RJM!
-Ali
No comments :
Post a Comment