In Conversation with Lindsey Love
Tell us about your background:
From a young age, I always knew I wanted to be in fashion, though at seven years old, my dress sketches were far from how my career took shape. I studied Fashion Design & Merchandising at Drexel University and landed my dream job as a housewares buyer for Urban Outfitters. From buyer to stylist, to brand lead, I amassed a diverse yet integrated skillset, the foundation for my consulting practice. I love helping businesses large and small and live for those connect-the-dot moments where creative instinct and strategy converge.
At Urban Outfitters, I managed a multimillion-dollar open-to-buy across decor, lighting, tabletop, and bar, developing product collaborations and private label programs with artisans across the world. It was there I built what I still consider my greatest professional asset, a merchant's brain; the instinct for selling a lifestyle and experience at what price, to whom, and why.
From there, I spent six years with Anthropologie Weddings and BHLDN as a Senior Brand Stylist, helping brides 1:1 across the country build their wedding vision. I helped inform buys by sharing direct customer insights with the buying teams, wrote company-wide training materials, and represented the brand at trunk shows as an ambassador. Styling taught me the other half of the equation: how a brand makes people feel, and how to translate that feeling into every visual detail.
Most recently, I served as Head of Brand & Merchandising for Clara & Fritz Skincare, where I refined the brand voice and positioning and directed creative across campaigns, PDP, and social. I owned assortment planning and wholesale strategy to full product launches — sourcing, packaging, pricing, photography, and go-to-market.
Today, as a Brand and Merchandising Consultant, I partner with founder-led brands and independent retailers and my clients span fine jewelry, skincare, housewares, and interior design.
Outside of work, my creative engine keeps running. I'm known among friends for my whimsical home interiors and my love of color and pattern. Our home is truly the fifth member of the family.
I joined The co-lab to connect with other founders and creatives who love talking shop and helping others. I'm intensely curious, always learning, and look forward to learning from this community.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
I don't actually wish that anything was different about my career or life path. I believe things happen for a reason when they're meant to. If anything, I'd go with the flow, enjoy the ride, and worry less about the destination.
Best career advice you've ever received?
Since becoming a consultant, I received great advice to adopt an abundance mindset. I remind myself of this every day!
What leadership qualities are important to you?
I think trust is so important. If you've hired a great team, trust them to come up with ideas and to execute them. Beyond trust, empathy, calculated risk-taking, and clear communication.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Corporate burnout and surviving the pandemic's unpredictable shifts were seasons where I felt depleted, but also learned about my character. These moments were also where I experienced the most growth, too.
How do you define success in your career, and how has that definition evolved over time?
I feel so fortunate to be able to do what I love and support my family. We have an unconventional lifestyle and I'm blessed to be able to spend a lot of time with them. This is success. In the past I would've answered in a financial sense, but success has nothing to do with money.
How has networking contributed to your professional growth and success?
Networking is everything! I was laid off a few months ago and that same day, I found myself on the phone with the founder of a consulting group all thanks to my network. I'm fortunate to have worked with and for so many wonderful, talented people.
What are your top networking tips for building strong connections in your industry?
Stay curious! I've found that by being genuinely curious about others, I'm able to form strong connections, personally and professionally. You never know where your next opportunity will come from but it doesn't feel like networking when you're just learning what you can about the people you meet. I also love making connections. I will introduce anyone to anyone else if I think there's value in that connection.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-love-06a6952a/
Website: https://lindseyloveconsulting.my.canva.site/
Instagram: @lindseycocolove
