Rebecca Chin

Connect

http://www.yvettefry.com

Education

New York University - English Literature

Have you ever looked at the cover of Marie Claire or People StyleWatch and wondered, “Who gets to choose the necklace that Taylor Swift wears on the cover?” Well, although she isn’t the one making the final call, Rebecca Chin, a PR manager and sales executive at Yvette Fry, definitely has some, shall we say, sway. Rebecca works for a multi-line accessories showroom at Yvette Fry. In her job she works with editors at Lucky, InStyle, Vogue and Elle magazines. She also works with accounts like Vionnet Boutique (who gets frequent heel traffic from the likes of Kim Kardashian and Nicole Richie), as well as Four Seasons Boutiques and Loews Hotels. And she also gets to attend trade shows like PROJECT on behalf of various clients Yvette Fry represents. Sounds pretty dreamy, huh? If you think her job is great, you should see her closet …

Internships and contacts are key! You never know who will help you out.

How did you discover your current job?

I found it on craigslist.com! The company is very small, and I believe it’s the only way they’ve recruited new employees.

What has been your path so far to get you where you are today?

I’ve worked in retail all of my life … the last retail job was at J.Crew. Then I scored an internship at Seventeen magazine in their accessories department. After six months, I found this job.

Was there any one situation that helped you along your way?

My internship at Seventeen magazine was invaluable. I’ve never learned so much about this industry.

What is your typical day like? Does it ever change?

Every day is different! Usually, I have 200 e-mails to go through a day. I pull samples to send to editors for whatever story they are working on at that moment, or I have showroom appointments with them and they can pull the exact pieces they think will work. In terms of sales, I have about 200+ accounts ranging from small boutiques all over the world to websites and high-end stores. I check in with my buyers, to see if they need to place new orders and to get feedback on the designers that they buy from me. Also, five times a year, we have tradeshows, which is where we get most of our business, but the hours are long, and it’s hard work!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love seeing a handbag or a necklace featured in a magazine that I picked out myself. It means I’m doing something right if the editors agree with my vision!

What is the most challenging part?

Sales are tough, especially in this economy. High-end stores are still doing OK, and even if they are not, they still have to fill their stores with product! It’s the smaller boutiques that are having a rough time. They’re very price driven now. They want a huge statement necklace for next to nothing! But most of my designers that I work with hand make their pieces, so they do not have the ability to lower their costs a lot.

What is one lesson you’ve learned in your job that sticks with you?

Less is more.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge for women today, particularly females in your industry?

The fashion industry is tiny, whether you’re referring to the publishing/public relations world or the wholesale industry. College graduates are willing to work for very little money. This industry seems fun and glamorous, but it’s hard work and long hours!

Who are your role models?

I love the female designers that I work with. Some of them changed their profession from Wall Street and finance to start their own company and work hard to make a name for themselves. I admire their courage.

Is there a quote or mantra that you live by?

Everything happens for a reason.

What advice do you have for girls who want a job like yours?

Internships and contacts are key! You never know who will help you out.