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Emma Olson
I love independent businesses & artists and I love community & sustainability. My work fosters these connections.
Professional Background
Emma Olson is a passionate advocate for independent designers, brands, artists, and shop owners. With nearly a decade of valuable experience in the corporate retail landscape, Emma has dedicated her career to empowering creative entrepreneurs as they navigate the complexities of building and sustaining their work. Coming from a rich background in retail, she not only offers consulting services but also provides education and support tailored to the individual needs of her clients. Emma strongly believes that a focus on community fosters creativity and innovation, and her commitment to accessibility, equity, diversity, and sustainability makes her approach both ethical and transformative.
As a founder of Dancing Arms, Emma has created a platform that emphasizes inclusion and support for independent creatives. She uses her expertise to help individuals and businesses achieve their goals in a way that resonates with their authenticity and values. Prior to founding Dancing Arms, Emma successfully held several prominent roles in the corporate sector, including her tenure as Associate Director of Curation at Dermstore, and as Senior Buyer for Women's Plus Size Ready-to-Wear at Target. Through these key positions, she honed her skills in merchandise planning and business analysis, which she now leverages to uplift other entrepreneurs.
Emma's journey into the world of retail also includes significant roles in merchandise planning operations at Target, demonstrating her profound understanding of the retail ecosystem. With positions like Merchandise Planning Operations Project Lead for Apparel & Accessories, she was instrumental in strategically guiding product assortments and enhancing customer experiences.
In addition to her corporate experience, Emma is proud to have co-founded and operated Hazel & Rose, a brick-and-mortar retail store that focused on curating ethically made fashion. This venture allowed her to connect more deeply with her customers and understand their unique needs, all while championing sustainable fashion.
Education and Achievements
Emma’s educational foundation comes from Northwest University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with a focus on Business. Her education equipped her with the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to navigate professional landscapes and advocate for positive change in the retail industry. Emma’s academic background helps her craft her consulting approach, ensuring that she effectively articulates strategies that foster business growth while being conscious of social impact.
Throughout her career, Emma has achieved significant milestones that reflect her commitment to the principles she values. Her work at Dermstore paved the way for more inclusive brand curation within the beauty industry, while her purchasing decisions at Target helped bring visibility to Women's Plus Size RTW, thus advocating for diversity in fashion. The knowledge and insights gained from her years in large retail operations enrich her consulting practice, enabling her to motivate clients and empower them to create sustainable and community-focused businesses.
Commitment to Community and Sustainability
Emma Olson is more than just a consultant; she is a changemaker in the retail sector, focusing on fostering community as the heart of business practices. Her dedication to anti-capitalist principles reflects a desire to rethink traditional business models, encouraging brands and shop owners to strive for sustainability and ethical practices in all aspects of their work. Emma embodies the belief that businesses should not only serve the bottom line but also the communities they impact, resulting in a holistic approach to entrepreneurship.
By offering consulting focused on the various stages of business development, she walks alongside her clients to provide the necessary resources and knowledge to thrive. Emma is committed to ensuring that all designers and artists—from emerging to established—have access to the tools and support they need to succeed in their creative endeavors.
Emma's multifaceted experience and values-driven approach make her a sought-after consultant in independent retail spaces, particularly as brands pivot towards more socially responsible and community-oriented practices. Through her work with Dancing Arms and her past ventures, she continually sets out to make retail a more equitable and diverse field.
Achievements
Emma Olson has made significant contributions to the retail and creative industries throughout her career. Some key achievements include:
- Founding Dancing Arms: A platform dedicated to empowering independent designers and brands, fostering community and collaboration.
- Leadership at Dermstore: Serving as the Associate Director of Curation, Emma played a crucial role in promoting diverse brands and ensuring a more inclusive product assortment, helping to shape the brand's positioning in a competitive market.
- Impact at Target: In her various roles, including Senior Buyer for Women's Plus Size RTW and various merchandise planning positions, Emma advanced diversity initiatives by developing product lines that catered to a broader audience, thus contributing significantly to the brand's inclusive retail strategy.
- Sustainable Fashion with Hazel & Rose: Co-founding a retail store focused on ethically made fashion, creating a community hub for shoppers seeking sustainable and responsible options.
- Consulting for Independent Designers: Providing consulting services that emphasize accessibility, equity, and sustainability, ensuring that independent creatives not only survive but thrive in their endeavors.
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