About Monica
Growing up in New York's Hudson Valley with the vibrant cityscape of New York City as a backdrop, I dreamed of a career in fashion and living a glamorous life in the city. I pursued these dreams by attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I earned three degrees: an Associate’s degree in Patternmaking, a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade and Marketing, and a Master’s degree in Global Fashion Management.
My education equipped me with a comprehensive skill set that allowed me to embark on a versatile career of creation across various industries. I acquired knowledge and expertise in making, marketing, trading, and managing, enabling me to navigate all levels within a company—from entry-level positions to executive roles such as CEO. This well-rounded foundation empowered me to contribute meaningfully and innovatively in any professional environment.
Throughout my career spanning over 20 years, I have been fortunate to work with some of the world’s most iconic brands, such as Coach, Tiffany & Co., L’Oreal, and Johnson & Johnson, specializing in innovation, new product development, and project management. During this time, I gained valuable experience across various industries, learning both the differences and, more crucially, the commonalities needed to successfully develop and sell products within budget and short timeframes. By remaining observant and attentive in my roles, I discovered key insights into optimal and suboptimal practices, differentiating between what is merely desirable and what is essential for effective management of development, production, marketing, and customer service.
In addition to my experience with established companies, I had the exciting opportunity to collaborate with a former colleague on her startup in the nutritional supplement industry during the pandemic. This venture presented unique challenges. We entered a crowded market niche amidst a global health crisis, which required us to rethink traditional sales models. Moreover, we had to navigate a host of supply chain disruptions, further testing our adaptability.
My responsibilities were diverse and far-reaching. I was involved in every aspect of the business, from procuring third-party logistics providers to managing suppliers and inventory. I worked on packaging engineering and procurement, ensuring compliance through regulatory and design oversight in labeling, and provided support for customer service.
Later, as the company merged with another nutrition supplement startup, I took on the responsibility of overseeing all merger activities, which was a formidable and rewarding experience, guiding the integration to ensure a seamless transition and pursuit of shared goals. This experience honed my skills in strategic planning, adaptability, and leadership in a dynamic, high-stakes environment.
My entire career has been a journey centered around bringing people together to collaborate, create, and produce new products. It's a journey fueled by passion and a deep commitment to innovation and teamwork. Moving forward, my goal is to channel all that I have learned into guiding, coaching, and supporting entrepreneurs as they establish and grow their own companies from the ground up. I am eager to share my experiences and insights to help them navigate challenges and achieve success, creating a new generation of innovative products and businesses.
Let me help you.