[19] - Laure MESSIAH - My journey to become a buyer at KITH Paris | Fashion Career Stories with Lucas SILVA EDWARDS

Fashion Career Lab

Today, I have the great pleasure to receive Laure MESSIAH - Former buyer at KITH Paris

What would you do if you had to start your dream job as a buyer, in charge of opening a new store in the fashion capital of the world, few weeks before Covid and the months long Lock down ?

How would handle that pressure ?

Well, that is exactly why I wanted to talk with Laure.

At that time, Laure was the buyer for footwear and lifestyle products for Kith Paris.

The iconic concept store created by Ronnie Fieg, with the pristine reputation of mixing streetwear brands, sneakers and luxury product, with a unique retail experience.

For their first store in the EU, Kith chose to open in Paris, few blocks from Avenue des Champs Elysées and Avenue Montaigne. It goes without saying that the project what a huge milestone for Kith, and that a lot of responsibilities were on Laure’s shoulders.

Which by the way, was only the second employee in France at that time and has never been a buyer before.

As you see, Laure is full of energy and grit and she doesn't give up easily. And with more than 10 years in the industry, between France and the USA, she has acquired a real expertise in wholesale, helping brands developed their businesses.

In this episode, you will learn about :

• Laure’s journey in the fashion industry and how she has build her expertise
• What are the missions of a buyer for a concept store and how to manage the performance of your products
• The best practices to become a great sales person in wholesale
• How to leverage your passion to never give up in moments of crisis
• How to shift careers without letting fear stand in your way

What you will also learn with experience in this industry, is to always expect the unexpected.

There is always something that goes wrong.

No matter how well you prepare.

However, what really matters, it’s how you react to it and make the best of the new situation.

And you will see Laure’s journey is full of those moments and each time, she came through stronger than before.

And with no further ado, please enjoy this wide ranging conversation with Laure MESSIAH