Today we’d like to introduce you to MARINA STRIGARI.
Hi MARINA, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Marina Strigari. French- Italian mom of two. I started my career in fashion luxury in Paris and Italy before moving to Los Angeles nine years ago with my husband. We live in Highland park, east Los Angeles. Today, I’m a product merchandising director and I freelance for multiple brands from fashion to home goods. I am also an illustrator and writer during my free time. I launched the Geewees a year ago, it’s a newsletter around mom life, where I share illustrated parenting reflections and what inspires me creatively. I also design a line of playful kids’ graphics tees and prints.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been always a smooth road. I moved from Paris to LA nine years ago with my husband, and even though it was exciting, we both left our careers and the comfort of home. We had to rebuild our professional identity and friendships from scratch in a new country.
Six years later I was a mom of two under two and it was everything I dreamed for but also a lot when you do not have family around.
Some of those struggles became the reason I started writing the Geewees newsletter as writing and drawing has helped me process this journey.
I recently transitioned into freelancing to allow more flexibility and a better work life balance.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a product merchandising consultant for a variety of brands and have been working in the fashion industry for over 15 years. Most recently, I was Director of New Business Categories at Jacques Marie Mage and helped launch their new line of Leathergoods and Jewelry.
I help brands position their products in the market by conducting deep-dive competitor and pricing analysis. I follow trends and consumer insights very closely, analyze sales to guide product assortments and collection editing. I can also conduct vintage shopping for a specific collection research.
Everything I do is tailored to my clients’ needs, and I am very flexible, having worked across high luxury, contemporary, and streetwear brands, with many different product categories.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Favorite fashion podcast is Fashion Neurosis from Bella Freud and I also listen to a lot of french parenting podcast at the moment!
My favorite magazines are l’Etiquette (French) for Fashion, Apartamento for interior/ lifestyle and The New Yorker for all the rest.
One of my favorite book is “killing Commendatore” from Haruki Murakami.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marinastrigari.com/
- Other: https://marinastrigari.substack.com/
