As my first professional role upon graduating from Parsons, Gentle Souls provided me with ample experience in the workplace and the industry. It was here that I learned both the challenge and the importance of building comfortable footwear, something that would stay with me for the rest of my career.

I assisted in every step of the development process from sketching to prototype corrections to PLM data entry and sample tracking. I developed a keen eye for color-matching and material development which soon led me to oversee the confirmation sample and master swatch approval processes.

I became the main point of communication between Design and other departments, learning to work with other teams and streamline operations where possible to ensure deadlines were met in a timely manner.

I traveled to Dongguan to work in our overseas office and visited multiple factories during my trips, further enriching my understanding of the lifecycle of a shoe.