In addition to her keen sense of style, Natalie-Andrée oversees the visual presentation department. As a marketing specialist by trade, she successfully made a career switch early on, and eventually landed at Laura Canada. We recently took the time to sit down with her, here’s what she had to say.
Hi Natalie-Andrée, can you tell us about your career path?
After receiving a degree in business administration with a specialization in marketing, The Bay recruited me to work as an intern. It was the beginning of my career in the fashion and retail industries. I then worked as a marketing director for Rockland Centre, Browns, and Mexx. I then did a short stint in visual presentation for Addition Elle before joining the Laura Canada team.
What is your role within the company?
As the visual presentation department’s creative director, my role is similar to the one of an orchestra’s conductor: my job is to manage elements that work together and represent our brand—Laura and Melanie Lyne—and ensure that it is well reflected in-store. I’m also a mentor to the talented team that surrounds and supports me, and manages to turn our ideas into real projects.
What are your biggest challenges?
My biggest challenge is having a clear vision of what the finished product should look like and allowing it to evolve as we progress, while staying aligned with all other responsibilities implicated in the process. Ultimately, our goal is to surpass ourselves by answering our clientele’s needs and always exceeding their expectations.
What are you most proud of since you started working at Laura Canada?
What fills me with pride? Definitely the fact that I have contributed in only one year, to improving our client’s in-store shopping experience considerably. I would have never been able to do it without the help of the amazing in-store team, the artistic vision of the graphic designers, the crucial role the construction department plays, the marketing team, and my very own talented squad.
If you could give someone who wants to work in visual presentation a word of advice, what would it be?
Let your creativity flow and always find new ways to distinguish yourself. The worlds of fashion and retail are easy to fall in love with and extremely fascinating, and you have everything to gain by exploring them to the fullest!
Quick Six
1. What’s your favourite colour?
Green Apple
2. What’s your favourite spot in Montreal?
Caféden, a restaurant on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. It’s laid-back, innovative, simple… I just love it!
3. Do you have hobbies? What are they?
I dedicate all my free time to my family; my three girls and my granddaughter, who will soon turn one.
4. What is your favourite piece from the new collection?
I have too many! Blazer, tunic, prom dress (if only I could go back in time to be someone’s prom date…).
5. Who are your style icons?
The Italian brand Missoni
6. Where are your travelling to next?
My husband and I have started planning a trip to Portugal.
