In Conversation with Marion Chereau
Tell us about your background:
I’m French-American and moved to the U.S. 16 years ago, where I quickly fell in love with the country. I married an American and built a happy life between California and Seattle.
My creative path has led me through inspiring roles at Nordstrom, Banana Republic, and for the past six years at Amazon, focusing on trends, concepts, textiles, and product development for fashion and home—including fun influencer collaborations.
I’m passionate about the intersection of craft and AI, finding the sweet spot where I can help brands tell authentic stories through products and experiences. I’m currently exploring what’s next and would love to connect with others who share my love for art, design, and innovation.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: be patient. Failure isn’t a setback — it’s one of the best ways to learn and move closer to the designer and leader you want to become. I wish I had known not to run away from risk, from moments that feel uncomfortable, or from honest feedback. Embracing them has shaped my journey far more than any smooth success ever could.
Best career advice you've ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I ever received is to make space for yourself. Taking time for self-care isn’t a luxury — it actually makes you better at your job. When you protect your energy and well-being, you show up more creatively, thoughtfully, and sustainably.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
I believe in leading with kindness and high standards — listening deeply, giving honest feedback, and building teams where people feel both supported and challenged. Great leaders protect their team’s energy while encouraging creativity and growth. That balance of care and ambition is what I strive for every day.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing a demanding, ambitious career at Amazon with making real time for my marriage and personal life. The role brings new challenges every day, constant ambiguity, and the need to operate outside my comfort zone — which is both exhausting and incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned that many leaders face similar struggles: how to stay driven and deliver results while protecting what matters most outside of work. Finding that balance is an ongoing journey, but one that keeps me grounded and purposeful.
How do you define success in your career, and how has that definition evolved over time?
I used to define success by titles, compensation, and team size. Today, I see it very differently. For me, true success means doing work that feels purposeful and aligns with my core values and priorities — creativity, balance, meaningful impact, and time for the people I love.
How has networking contributed to your professional growth and success?
Networking has been one of great parts of my journey. It feels like having a supportive community — a group of people who truly understand the challenges and celebrate the wins. I’ve relied on these connections to help me navigate tough decisions, gain new perspectives, and move forward with more confidence.
What are your top networking tips for building strong connections in your industry?
Be genuinely curious, authentic and give before you ask — offer help, feedback, or connections whenever you can.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-chereau
Website: https://www.chereau-olson.com/
Instagram: @trendyionion
