We’re so excited to introduce the Nordstrom Sleepwear Buying Team! This team has not only helped to shape our business but has also shown us the most incredible support. We’re extremely thankful to these ladies for believing in Brunette the Label from the beginning and encouraging our growth.
We started selling to Nordstrom in March 2016, and since then have expanded from an initial small test run in a few Canadian stores to 40 Nordstrom locations, including flagship stores across the United States and online. The team has changed over time, but has always remained positive, kind, supportive and absolutely amazing to work with. Meet Buy Planner Alexis Hoveter, Buyer Laura Schwitters, Assistant Buyer Aya Shimizu, Assistant Buy Planner Elizabeth Largent, Replenishment Buyer Jennifer Roller and Merchant Analyst Ashley Graham!
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
Alexis: Babes supporting babes means an unspoken and unconditional level of support for the women in my personal and professional life. It means being honest about our imperfections and knowing that we’re not alone. As a working mother, it’s validation that all the insanity is totally normal. It means knowing I can always show up as myself, that I won’t be judged, that I’m wholly and completely accepted just the way I am.
If you could choose your nickname, what would it be?
Alexis: Lainie. It’s what my mom used to call me when I was little, and it reminds me of what it was like to be little and totally untethered and carefree.
What’s your spirit animal?
Laura: A lion.
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
Laura: I feel most like a babe when I’m supporting other women. As the Manager and Retail Director supporting Nordstrom’s Lingerie Department I was able to help women feel more confident by fitting them for breast prosthesis. Being there to help women feel like a babe makes me feel like one!
What’s the most unexpected thing you have in your purse or wallet?
Megan: I’m obsessed with good luck charms so I carry a small evil eye, a bell charm (from Capri), and several small crystals.
Tell us about a time where you were faced with a situation that you could have been unkind, but chose to be a babe instead?
Megan: I wish I had a great story to tell for this one, but all I can really say is I feel like I’m faced with situations (big and small) every day where I want to be a babe instead of being unkind. I’m not successful 100% of the time, but I’m working on it!
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling anymore?
Aya: My perfume. I’ve been wearing the same one since high school and haven’t found another one I’ve liked enough to switch!
If you had a yacht, what would be the name of it?
Aya: DUBS UP!
What was the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
Ashley: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. When you’re new to a team sometimes it can be hard to feel confident enough to express your opinions and ask questions. But most of the time, people will respect someone who wants to come to a team with ideas for improvement and also ask questions about the process. It shows that you’re there to help and want to make a difference!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received now that you’re in your career?
Elizabeth: This is a tough one! I’ve received a few that have really stuck with me. Never stop learning. Always remain curious about the business and never be scared to ask questions. Network, network, network. You never know where you may end up next! And last but not least, be kind and make people feel good. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone, but you can treat everyone with respect. Your job may change, but how you made someone feel will be what they remember.
Red, white, or rose?
Elizabeth: Red, always! Followed by rose in the summer.
When I dance I look like….
Ashley: I have no rhythm… haha. I absolutely LOVE to dance especially if it’s with friends and family at a party or wedding. I know I have no rhythm and fully embrace it.
Who do you channel when you’re about to do something that scares you?
Jennifer: I find myself channeling my son a lot of the time because he’s so open to new challenges. I always told him, “If I can do it, you can do it” when he was little. Now that he’s older, he tells me that If he can do it, so can I. I am his biggest fan, and I’m fortunate to have him as mine.
What’s your favourite destination to visit?
Jennifer: Okinawa, Japan.
What’s your favourite meal to eat?
Alexis: I love a long, leisurely meal with lots of friends, tons of wine, many courses and cheese! Lots of cheese! I can’t get enough French or Italian food. Again. It’s all about the cheese. And bread.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
Laura: The most fulfilling part of my career is mentoring women that are driven to make their mark in business.
Where’s your favourite place to draw inspiration from?
Megan: Traveling, my friends, co-workers, and social media!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Aya: Ice cream and binge watching reality TV!
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
Elizabeth: I’m working on living in the moment and caring less about what other people think. I used to constantly compare myself to other people on social media or would feel like I was missing out if I chose to stay in on a Saturday night. Social media and technology can be great, but sometimes I just need to put the phone down and enjoy a hike with my dog, a concert with friends or a good book without constantly checking my phone.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Jennifer: Failing forward. Knowing that you have to fail to grow and learning how to manage through those situations as gracefully and as confidently as possible.
Coffee meeting or drinks meeting?
Ashley: Coffee! Living in Seattle has definitely heightened my coffee habits. But I’ve always loved finding a cozy coffee shop, sitting with a dirty chai latte and catching up with friends!
If you’re going out for a cocktail you’d order…
Alexis: The classics. Martini with an extra olive or champagne.
If you had unlimited budget for 2 hours of shopping where would you go?
Laura: The Marais district in Paris!
What’s your favourite movie?
Megan: Drop Dead Gorgeous.
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Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.