Kim Matthews

Leveraged market knowledge, consumer research and product creation experience to develop a model line, design product, manage manufacturing, maintain website, market and sell a collection of wine-related gift and party accessories. Successfully licensed the collection to a national gift manufacturer in 2014.

• Results oriented creative leadership and direction for programs averaging 3,000 SKU’s per year. Managed creative teams of 5-30 individuals and product launches worth $1million - $5million. Expertise in Christmas, Halloween,
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter and Life Occasions.

• Category expertise includes gifts, jewelry, personal accessories, plush (stuffed animals) home décor, greetings, stationary, gift wrap, party ware. Manufacturing expertise includes digital and web printing, plastics, resin, sewn goods, metals and ceramics.

• Led creative teams to deliver exciting, out of the box ideas while working within expedited strategy-to-market timelines. Mentored to inspire and direct teams of designers from concept to implementation.

• Oversight and accountability for daily decisions on market strategies, design and editorial pairings, product line balance, packaging, merchandising, budgets and quality standards. Insured that product solutions were manufactured to high standards and within budget.

• As part of a 3-year expat assignment, established and led a Hallmark creative studio based in Hong Kong, to design and produce Hallmark products for the China market. Provided a key leadership role to studio staff on social expression consumer needs, product development methods and available resources.

• Global sourcing knowledge and first-hand experience collaborating with production vendors in USA, China, Thailand and the Philippines. Responsible for product sample and cost review and final production approvals to insure high quality results.