Katie Lott
BS Merchandise Marketing & Management '20
Assistant Buyer at Sally Beauty
What does National Native American Heritage Month mean to you?
For me, Native American Heritage Month is just a small way of celebrating that my people are still here today. Even with the attempts to erase us and our culture, we remain.
What do you enjoy most about your job or field?
What I enjoy most is the impact that I have working for a major player in the beauty industry and getting to see the work that I’ve contributed to behind the scenes that customers wouldn’t typically think of.
Tell us more about what you do.
I help my Sr. Buyer with aspects of plan-o-gram resets, communicate with vendors on a consistent basis regarding the state of business, and work heavily with our marketing department to ensure promotional activities/details are accurate prior to launch.
What opportunities, decisions, or events shaped your professional life?
I was fortunate enough to get a chance to work in the merchandising world prior to my start at Wade College. I worked with the buying, creative, and visual merchandising departments. That experience emerged me in all things merchant related. Although my current is more specific to one area, I think that opportunity solidified my interest in becoming a merchant.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
I would say not only graduating but landing my first job in the middle of the COVID pandemic is an accomplishment of itself. Other than that, securing a role in one of the biggest beauty retailers in the industry is something I’m proud of.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
I think for the buying world, it’s easy to get caught up in the more “glamorous” parts of the role like traveling and meeting with vendors for buys (I’ve been lucky enough to experience that part and it is great) but a lot of the job is the hard analytical work. So, just be prepared for that!