We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Coral McClellan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Coral below.

Hi Coral, thanks for joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

Throughout my career in the fashion industry, I have cultivated a diverse portfolio of experience across product categories, including contemporary footwear, women’s accessories, apparel, and sleepwear. While I am passionate about all facets of this field, I have come to recognize that true success often lies in engaging with a category that you feel a genuine connection and aligns with your own interests and values. I’ve approached each role with a strong commitment to excellence; however, I found that my drive and passion truly flourished when I was excited about the products I represented. This authenticity resonates with clients, enhancing their experience as I present new collections. When I connect with a product on a personal level, I can truly infuse it with energy and vibrancy, painting a picture for the customer on how I would style it, the occasions I would wear it for, and the unique flair it brings to life. This has also strengthened my relationships with my clients, where we are able to envision and collaborate together on how the pieces would work for their boutique. My experiences with varying levels of connection to products has illuminated the profound impact this element has on my performance, and I now know this is crucial in my professional pursuits.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in Ohio, where my interest in fashion began at an early age. I always knew I wanted to explore this industry further. During college, while earning my degrees in marketing and professional sales, I had the opportunity to intern in runway fashion, which solidified my desire to pursue a career in this field. In 2018, I moved to Los Angeles to seek out more opportunities since so many of my favorite brands were LA based. Over the years, I’ve gained experience in various roles, including marketing, operations, social media, and sales. Currently, I work as a wholesale account executive for a women’s contemporary fashion brand, focusing on accounts across the West Coast. My role involves collaborating with boutique owners to help them select the best pieces from our collection to complement their stores. I take great pride in collaborating with these local businesses and introducing them to unique and exciting designs. I truly believe that discovering clothing that makes you feel both comfortable and confident can be empowering, and I’m dedicated to helping my clients offer that experience to their customers.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Building brand loyalty goes beyond just offering great products. My goal is to show clients that I’m not here just to sell clothes, but to be a true partner in their business’s success. Whether it’s at a trade show, a showroom appointment, or even a quick check-in call, I make sure every interaction is meaningful. I take the time to really understand each client’s unique needs, as no two stores are the same. By offering insights on relevant trends, providing styling advice, and staying attentive to their questions, I aim to create a more personalized experience. This approach helps turn our interactions into something more than just a transaction, ultimately strengthening our relationship and encouraging clients to continue working with the brand.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

It’s hard to choose one source, as there are so many great avenues in this industry. Tradeshows and fashion events continue to be great opportunities to connect with potential clients, as they allow me to showcase our collection in person and have direct conversations with people who are genuinely interested in fresh, on-trend styles. Additionally, staying active on social media and industry-specific platforms has helped me reach new customers and stay top-of-mind within the fashion community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misscorallynn/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corallynnmcclellan
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@misscorallynn

Image Credits

N/A