Women in Tech: Insights from Samantha Greenes - Director of Women's Buying and Merchandising at Blue & Cream

The world of technology has seen significant progress in terms of gender diversity and inclusivity. To shed light on the experiences and perspectives of women in tech, we had the pleasure of talking to Samantha - Director of Women's Buying and Merchandising, at Blue & Cream. Samantha shares her insights on various aspects of her career, and challenges faced in the retail industry, and offers valuable advice to aspiring women professionals. Let's delve into her perspective and learn more about her journey.

Q1: Tell us a little something about you. What is your role at B&C, and what do you do on a day-in, day-out basis?

Samantha: My role is Director of Women's Buying and Merchandising. Day to day I work with our designers to find the best styles in the market for our customers. In addition to online merchandising, I also stop by all of our physical retail locations every week and make sure the women's product is optimally merchandised.

Q2: How do you balance work and personal life, and what strategies have you found to be most effective?

Samantha: In addition to Blue & Cream, I am a mother to two amazing boys (9 and 6 years old). When they were younger, my work-life balance was more of a challenge. But now that they are both in school all day, I am able to create a flexible schedule for myself during those school hours and also get more work done from home when they go to bed!

Q3: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Samantha: The pandemic was definitely one of the biggest challenges for Blue & Cream. By focusing on building out our online store, blueandcream.com, and taking that time to grow our private label collection, we were able to get through the pandemic and emerge stronger than before. We were also able to identify three new locations where previous tenants had vacated due to COVID-19 and open three new doors post-pandemic.

Q4: How have you seen the retail/e-commerce industry change during your time in it, and what changes are you most excited about?

Samantha: Blue & Cream has been in business for 20 years, and in that time so much has changed, especially with the e-commerce industry. A lot of brands that we worked with have built and grown their own "DTC" businesses, so that has definitely been a challenge for multi-label retailers like Blue & Cream. We have had to adapt and find a niche where we can differentiate our brand in the industry.

Q5: What advice would you give to other women who are interested in pursuing a career in your industry?

Samantha: You must love what you do and also be willing to do the thankless work. I think a lot of young women think the retail industry is all about fashion and very glamorous, but on the contrary, behind the scenes, there is a lot of actual "getting your hands dirty,"  so to speak.

Q6: What is the one book that inspired you the most in your career and that you would recommend to others?

Samantha: Although I don't have a specific book that inspired me any specific book inspired me. I was most inspired by NYC, where I was born and raised, and all of the street styles and stores here. I actually did not study retail or fashion. I come from an economics and finance background. So I think we operate a bit differently than most retailers, using our passion, experience, and instincts in real-time.

Q7: If you could be any female superhero, who would you be and why?

Samantha: I love this question! If I could be any female superhero, it would definitely be Wonder Woman. Besides her awesome superhero costume and style, I love Greek mythology and the origin story of Wonder Woman.

Q8: How has your experience been working with Carnera’s team, and how would you describe their level of expertise and professionalism?

Samantha: I have had a really great experience working with Carnera. Their level of professionalism is top-notch, and they have a deep level of expertise in so many different areas.

Samantha’s insights as the Director of Women's Buying and Merchandising at Blue & Cream provide valuable perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of a career in the retail industry. Her ability to balance work and personal life, adapt to industry changes, and find inspiration outside traditional sources is commendable. For women aspiring to enter the retail industry, Samantha’s advice to embrace passion, willingness to work hard, and the realities of the behind-the-scenes effort resonates strongly. Her story serves as a reminder that success is attainable with dedication and a unique approach.

At Carnera Technologies, we understand the importance of expertise and professionalism in helping businesses navigate the digital landscape. We pride ourselves on delivering top-notch services to empower companies like Blue & Cream to thrive in the ever-changing retail and eCommerce industry.

With our extensive expertise in eCommerce, Carnera Technologies is here to help you unlock the full potential of your online presence.

Contact us today and discover how our specialized knowledge can enhance your brand visibility, increase website traffic, and maximize conversions. 

Let's embark on a journey together, embracing the future of retail while empowering women in the tech industry.