I am a self-motivated, fast-learning graduate from Makers Academy with an experienced background in Merchandising. After finding my passions in software development, Makers has equipped me with the skills I need to turn curiosity and creativity into a disciplined, deliberate process for building Software, comfortably and efficiently learning and exploring technologies new to me, working in an AGILE way, and growing in my role as a Software Developer.
A 7 year career in Merchandising gave me not only a solid foundation in data analytics and problem-solving, but also key business skills, a client-side working ethic, professional communication and managerial skills, and the ability to cope under pressure. It has also given me the means to feel comfortable with myself and other in a business environment, to bring a certain element of authenticity and a humbled approach to a professional role.
I am extremely excited to progress in my career as a Software Developer, to build on real-life projects and continue to learn and grow within Tech. My interests are in tech for good, problem solving real world challenges, thoughtful design and increasing my breadth of knowledge.
| Project | Description | Time Frame | Technologies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathe | Makers Academy final project. An iOS mobile app which allows a user to select a borough of London and get real time pollution statistics using an API. | 8 days | Swift, Xcode |
| Acebook | Makers project to build a Facebook clone, with the goal of achieving high quality, Agile, processes to work as a team. | 9 days | Swift, Xcode |
| Thermostat | An interactive web app where users can change temperature, my personal goal in this project was to explore front end design with JavaScript and BootStrap. | 3 days | JavaScript, HTML, CSS |
Makers Academy (Mar 2019 - Jun 2019)
Coding Bootcamp
- Ruby, JavaScript, Rails, Swift, SQL/Postgres
- HTML & CSS
- RSpec, Jasmine, Capybara
- Travis CI & Heroku
- OOP, TDD & CICD
- Git workflow
- TDD
- Code reviews
- Problem Solving
- Agile ways of working & pair programming
Bestseller UK (Dec 2017 - Feb 2019)
Junior Merchandiser – Concession Model inc. Womens, Mens & Kidswear
Fully responsible for the planning, trading and business strategy of a £12M business model across 3 divisions and numerous subgroups.
Managed Bestseller’s concession account leading a team of Sales reps as well as the Merchandising function to drive sales & profitability whilst reducing risk and terminal stock.
This included: Building and maintaining healthy business relations with our concession customer, Creating and implementing tools, teams, processes, strategies and training. Increased knowledge and skills, improved efficiency & teamwork, streamlined the business to grow, increased the standard of tools used to plan more accurately and reduce risk & waste, traded heavier meaning both increased sales and sell through.
Topman (August 2016 – December 2017)
Territory Assistant Merchandiser – International Team
Covered Australian/Europe/Nordstrom markets, Assisting the Merchandiser with Sales & Stock management, Markdown management, Trade preparation, Market reviews and research, Management of admin assistant, Intake management, Leading and maintaining partner relationships, Driving growth potential within markets, Editing ranges at market and store level to target international customers, Influencing partner RE: market activity
Coast (May 2016 – August 2016)
Senior Assistant Merchandiser – Separates
Assisting the Merchandiser with Sales & Stock management, Markdown management, Trade preparation, Intake management, Margin management.
F&F Clothing (May 2012 – May 2016)
Global Assistant Merchandiser – Womenswear Tailoring/Womenswear Accessories
Global Trainee Merchandiser – Women’s Accessories/Women’s Footwear
- Environmental good - Something I hold strongly within my personal values and would love to reflect in my career at some point: http://www.coderkiah.com/why-the-switch-from-fashion-to-tech/
- Social good: https://github.com/kiahjade/Breathe
- Running - Keeps the mind clear! I problem solve best after a good run.
- Animals - Happy to be paid in cats.
- Blogging - Something I'd like to continue to pursue throughout my career progression: http://www.coderkiah.com/