Barbara Clarke-Ruiz

An experienced Activewear Design with Brand Marketing experience My resume and credentials, showcase years of demonstrated accomplishments in planning and leading comprehensive design/marketing strategies in support of business goals and objectives. In addition, to developing and executing international design programs while working in Europe, my work resulted in proven gains in both revenue and brand recognition. These experiences have enabled me to design and develop international activewear apparel collections for some of the largest firms in the world, including Adidas, Nike, Asics, New Balance, Colosseum Sport, Fila, Disney, Wal-Mart, Speedo Int’l and Eleven by Venus Williams. As Design Director for Wal-Mart, I provided direction for the company’s six activewear divisions maintaining the seasonal $750M sales volume.

For the past 4-½ years, I acted as Design Director for Eleven By Venus apparel collection created by tennis icon, Venus Williams. I designed along side Venus and played a key roll in the growth of this brand from a tiny seed to a multi-million dollar company. My Eleven designs have been featured in various publications such as CBS Sunday Morning, In Style, Sports Illustrated, Dr.Oz, Katie Couric, Shape, Elle, Jet, Town and Country, Good Morning America and Town and Country. Venus wears only her Eleven brand on court and most recently won the Wimbledon doubles championship with Serena wearing one of my designs.

Other highlights of my career that succeed expectations would be:

• Acted as Design Director for Wal-Mart’s-Athletic Works (AW) providing overall design direction and seasonal trend and color palettes for all six activewear divisions including Men’s, Women’s, Girls, Boys, IT Boys and IT Girls. The annual sales were over $750M per season.

• Collaborated with Wal-Mart vendors and national brands on design direction, and coordinated color palettes to provide continuity to the floor for all brands.

• As a sales rep for an Activewear Brand, opened doors with Wal-Mart and generated $40M+ four months as well a private label program for Dicks Sporting Goods.

• Expanded clientele by designing categories for all genders extending from active lifestyle to performance activewear and intimate apparel.

• Conceptualized many seasonally collections for clients that ranged from trend/line direction, graphics, color palettes, silhouettes, fabric selection, merchandising and fit, from product development to production, in coordination with corporate offices.

• Attended major trade shows and photo shoots, and worked with the marketing department on POS and product placement to drive the brand.

• Selected from thousands for “THE LIMITED STORES NEW LOOK OF LEADERSHIP” Campaign. This brand campaign embraces female empowerment and is the Limited’s new brand platform, inspiring women to Lead an Unlimited Life and fearlessly follow their dreams. The campaign defines what it means to be a leader today and honors women who stand out, speak up and push boundaries in their everyday lives.

• Engage with tech start-ups such as Gagittronix/Gest’r, a device, which utilizes hand gestures to operate your mobile device while engaging in sports.

In particular, the strong relationships cultivated with clients, team members, upper management, and the community has resulted in significant increases in the success of numerous projects and a stellar reputation in the industry.