Delina Tewolde is an Assistant Buyer for handbags/SLGs (small leather goods) for a major department store in New York City. I have the honor of calling her my best friend (my sister/soulmate really) for more than 15 years and had the great pleasure of picking her beautiful brain. In our conversation, Delina generously shared insights into her professional life, her journey to becoming a couture designer, and the current trends that are captivating her discerning eye. Beyond the realm of fashion, she also shares her incredible taste in music, some must-watch TV series, and the myriad of interests that color her world.
Tell me about what you do and why you do it.
I work with different vendors to curate buys for us to sell at our store with a discounted off-price cost. I own the end-to-end process from placing the buy, transmitting the purchase order to the vendor, ensuring goods are delivered, evaluating sell-through and continuously monitoring/ replenishing top selling silhouettes.
I consistently collaborate with brands and spearhead negotiations to unlock more strategic pricing and exclusive goods for our company. I also attend market meetings to go to vendors showrooms and curate our production buys every season. Each week I evaluate the business in both digital and stores to highlight top performing brands, opportunities, and actions we can take to drive sales and minimize unprofitable inventory.
Separate from work, I’m an aspiring couture designer. 😊
What led you to your career/interest now?
I previously worked in entertainment advertising for 3 years but fashion has always been the end goal for me since I was a kid. Once I graduated with my marketing degree I wanted to find a way to utilize my degree in the fashion industry and I feel that buying allows me to do that. I have an analytical mindset and love finding insights from data, but also really enjoy buying. It allows me to use my creativity in selecting our assortment, problem solving, and pitching new brands/trends that I believe will resonate with our customers.
What are you currently obsessed with?
I’m currently obsessed with slingback heels, moto jackets, and fur bucket hats. I’m also having a moment with flare jeans.
What are you obsessed with that you don’t own yet?
I don’t have the heels and the jacket yet, but they’re on the way. 😊 I also really want a tan slouchy hobo bag, but haven’t found the right one yet.
What is your favorite trend right now?
I’d go back to the moto jacket trend. I really love that it brings something fresh to street fashion. Also just oversized jackets in general have really been catching my eye for spring.
What are some of your favorite places/things to do in NYC?
I love discovering new restaurants, events, and just walking around the city in general (when it’s warm 😊). There’s always so many different things going on and I love coming across something unexpected while just strolling around different neighborhoods. Some of my favorite restaurants/casual food spots are El Born, Ghenet, Tong, Roberta's, Ichiran, 12 Chairs, Nenes Taqueria, Knickerbocker Bagel, and Poke Zest.
What is inspiring you right now?
Just seeing my friends and people around me working towards their dreams. I really love that I’m constantly seeing people around me not limiting themselves and their creativity and working on self-growth.
Can you give us your REPORT? (Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsessing, Recommending, Treating)
Reading: I’m being bad right now and not reading, but the book I finished last month was Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister. I’m a feign for a good thriller and I don’t think I’ve ever read a book by her I don’t like.
Eating: I’ve been back home in Maryland, so I’ve been eating too much injera with tibs and doro wat.
Playing: Nicki Minaj to get ready for her concert next week.
Obsessing: Obsessing with Zendaya and every single thing she wears when she steps out.
Recommending: I’ll take this the TV route --- I’ve been watching a lot of documentaries/docuseries. I most recently watched The Program on Netflix and it blew my mind. It’s about corrupt/abusive schools that exist for “troubled” kids and has clips/interviews detailing what some kids endured.
Treating: Recently treated myself to a spa day at Bathouse in Flatiron. It was so relaxing and I highly recommend it.
I know you love music. What do you currently have on repeat?
I’m still stuck on "Whatever She Wants" by Bryson Tiller. Album wise - We Don’t Trust You (Metro Boomin & Future) and Blue Lips (Schoolboy Q).
Any word of wisdom for the readers?
I saw a quote recently that said “take the risk, you know you sick of the same sh**.” Even though it’s such a simple statement it’s been ringing in my head and really reminds me that I shouldn’t be so afraid of failing, so much so that it cripples me from trying new things.
Where can people find you? (Social media handles)
On Instagram at having_a_fit.
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