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Sheryl Sapriel
Director of Marketing at Shannon Fabrics
Professional Background
Sheryl Sapriel is a highly accomplished professional in the textile industry, bringing over three decades of rich experience to her current role as the Sales Manager at Shannon Fabrics. In this strategic position, Sheryl expertly oversees sales operations to guarantee sustainable and profitable growth. Her focus on effective planning, comprehensive training, management, and proactive deployment of the sales team reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence within the fabric sector.
In addition to her role at Shannon Fabrics, Sheryl is the proud owner and President of The Fabric Stock Exchange, a specialized textile brokering service that connects small manufacturers, retail fabric stores, and jobbers with high-quality, ready-to-use fabrics at competitive prices. Sheryl's experience in fabric brokering is complemented by her leadership in the industry, making her a prominent figure among peers.
Sheryl’s career journey is characterized by her entrepreneurial spirit and her numerous successful roles within well-established companies. One of her notable recent positions was as a founding team member and Senior Brand Partnership Manager at MYHABIT.com, a subsidiary of Amazon.com, where she contributed significantly to brand partnerships and marketing during its formative years.
Sheryl has also excelled as the Director of Fabric for Nygard Fashions, acquiring a wealth of knowledge about fabric selection, design, and sourcing, which continues to inform her current ventures. Her leadership skills and industry insights have solidified her reputation as a key influencer in the textile market.
Education and Achievements
Sheryl’s strong educational foundation stems from her studies in Fashion Merchandising and Buying at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology. Her academic background has equipped her with essential skills that have propelled her into a successful career in the textile industry.
Her first professional position was that of Merchandise Manager for the Halston V and VI companies, where she honed her ability to lead teams and manage inventory effectively. Sheryl also served as the Fabric Buyer at Calvin Klein LTD, a role that further cemented her expertise in high-end fabrics and provided her with invaluable industry connections.
As a pioneer, Sheryl started her first venture named “SWATCHES,” which was the first women-owned fabric jobbing company in the United States. This innovative business model allowed her to design, convert, and import high-quality printed fabrics from Japan, showcasing her ability to navigate the complex fabric market successfully.
After the successful closure of SWATCHES, Sheryl launched “The Fabric Stock Exchange” in 1987, creating a platform that would cater to the textile needs of manufacturers, retail stores, and designers globally. Her foresight led her to establish “Fabrics On-Line” in 1993, which was the first electronic marketplace dedicated to the buying and selling of fabrics. Additionally, she created “Fabrics.com” in 1998, making it the first exclusive portal site for textiles and textile-related products.
Sheryl's experience encompasses a variety of essential skills, including purchasing and negotiation, marketing and sales, business development, import and export expertise, and competitive analysis. Her ability to adapt to market changes and pursue innovative solutions makes her a key player in the textile industry.
Achievements
Over the years, Sheryl has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the textile industry. Her notable achievements include not only launching successful brands but also establishing impactful programs that enhance the industry's evolution.
Her leadership roles, particularly at established firms like Shannon Fabrics and Nygard Fashions, illustrate her capability to influence and train sales staff effectively while maintaining a forward-thinking approach that ensures profitability. Sheryl's unique approach proves beneficial for both her employers and the broader fabric community, as she regularly shares her insights and expertise through workshops and networking events.
Sheryl Sapriel continues to inspire others through her impressive journey. Her commitment to excellence in sales management, innovation in fabric brokering, and dedication to empowering others in the textile field highlight her significant role in shaping the industry's future.