Nina V. Pate

* Designed and developed original illustrations and specifications for fashion bedding collections of comforter sets, quilts and decorative pillows for company's internal and licensed brands (Laundry by Shelly Segal, Dena Home by Dena Fishbein, Dransfield & Ross by John Dransfield). * Led pattern choice for licensed brands to expand development from bedding textiles to kitchen, bath and tabletop categories for major US retailers (Bed Bath and Beyond, Macy's, Nordstrom) and catalogues (Linen Source, Sirena and Lily, Orvis). * Ensured that brand and design collaborations reflected market trends and incorporated innovation. * Travelled to company's private factories in Jinan, China, to oversee sample development and production.

Ashton-Drake collectibles * Successfully partnered with licensors, such as Disney, by increasing the profit by 20% over a previous year. * Expending the brand on collectible figurines by proposing and designing a new Christmas ornamentation collectible doll category. * Managing in-house photography to create successful print ads and online catalogue viewer experience. * Direct report: managing work flow, reports and supervising vendor communication.

- Holiday home & décor * Managed the product development process from initial concept creation to pre-production samples. * Researched global markets for upcoming trends and created a seasonal Style Guide for the company's vision of Holiday merchandise: materials, finishes, icons etc. * Assembled inspirational and mood boards and presented new design themes to senior management, merchant, sourcing and cross-functional design teams. * Created production-ready artwork, pattern repeats and technical specifications. * Traveled to world-wide trade shows and directly communicated to vendor factories in China, Guatemala.

Ashton-Drake collectible dolls * Successfully developed new product ideas by partnering with sculpting artists. * Negotiated cost and materials with domestic and overseas vendors. * Designed some of the best-selling products in the Collectible Dolls category (Pearls, Lace and Grace, Pocket full of Sunshine on ashtondrake.com).

* Developed strategic marketing plans and designs that increased category sales. * Successfully negotiated cost for profit margins. * Managed compliance with licensing contracts (Precious Moments, Downton Abbey). * Traveled to vendor factories in Shenzhen and Dongguan China to problem-solve development and production issues. NINA V. PATE PAGE 2