There’s a lot of inspiration and hard work that goes into ShoeDazzle, and a lot of that magic comes from the people who work tirelessly to make your shoe dreams come true. ShoeDazzle’s very own #BossLady, Isamar Batista, is taking over the blog today to give some fashion career advice and serve up her amazing #BossLady style!
My favorite part of being the Vice President of Marketing & CRM at ShoeDazzle is the free shoes… just kidding! It is my team! There are financial goals that I am responsible for but the happiness and growth of my team is what I hold myself accountable for the most. A regular day at work requires constant pivoting (in heels) to make strategic decisions for Brand Marketing, CRM, Social Media and the overall business. It is a whirlwind of a job but I could not have it any other way. Without my team’s dedication and support, I would not be able to come in every day and wear so many different hats. I love my job and I cannot imagine being anything other than a leader at work and in life.
Being a boss to me is so much more than a title or a position, it is a commitment to my team and the responsibility of my business’ goals. Admittedly, Every time I have gotten a big promotion at work, I have been scared. Don’t get me wrong it’s definitely exciting to see your hard work being recognized but there’s a lot that comes with a new job and it is normal to also feel a little scared, and even insecure. What if I am not good enough? What if I was only good at being a Director, and a VP title comes with shoes boots I cannot fill? There are many people looking up to me for answers, guidance and mentorship every day. People that go home happy or maybe upset because of how their day went at work or a conversation they had with their boss. That is a huge responsibility and I do not ever take that lightly or for granted.
Being the Vice President at a fashion company that generated $100 Million in revenue last year is no accident. I have worked tirelessly for the last 10 years to learn and do as much as humanly possible. Yes, I went to college and got a bachelor’s degree, but 95% of what I know and do now is self-taught. I taught myself Photoshop, how to code on MySpace, how to setup an email marketing program, how to use Excel and PowerPoint for data storytelling, how to use Google Analytics… and the list goes on.
The most valuable lesson I have learned in my career has been to never get too comfortable with what I know and to always challenge myself to do more. No matter how scared or incompetent you feel, push yourself–especially when it makes you uncomfortable.
Isamar’s 5 tips to boss-ing it in style:
- Do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Integrity never goes out of style!
- How you do anything is how you do everything. Those high heels come with high standards.
- Be your real authentic self even when your handbag isn’t (hello faux leather!).
- Never stop knocking on doors. One will eventually open, and in the meantime hand gloves can protect your knuckles.
- Dress for the part you want. The confidence that comes from being well dressed is immeasurable.
