Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
OTHER COMPANIES PART TIME - CURRENT
Timeline
LOUISE CHANTRELL AIKEN

LOUISE CHANTRELL AIKEN

Summary

Dynamic and customer‑focused fashion retail professional with extensive experience across shop‑floor, wholesale and behind‑the‑scenes operations within luxury and contemporary brands. Highly skilled in driving sales through exceptional customer service, with a genuine passion for building relationships and consistently going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. Commercially astute, confident in training teams and quick to master new POS and stock control systems, with a proven ability to troubleshoot issues efficiently in fast‑paced environments. Highly organised, detail‑oriented and an excellent communicator, with a deep, end‑to‑end understanding of the fashion industry and a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving and team leadership.

Work History

Wholesale, Customer Care & Sales Supervisor

H. Menzies Trading Ltd (Freelance)
Notting Hill, Sloane Square , London
10.2025 - 04.2026
  • Delivered end‑to‑end customer care during period of exceptional brand growth, including major surge in demand following national media exposure when Hayley Menzies cardigan was worn by Vogue Williams on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.
  • Worked hands‑on shop floor, while also liaising closely with behind‑scenes operations to ensure seamless service across retail, wholesale and VIP channels.
  • Supported Airbox Fulfilment Ltd with wholesale logistics operations, including order processing, stock coordination and shipping, using Mintsoft and Zedonk systems.
  • Assisted with wholesale compliance requirements for key luxury retail partners including John Lewis, Liberty and Brown Thomas, coordinating documentation, product data and logistics information to meet strict retailer standards and deadlines.
  • Researched, implemented and communicated HTS and MID codes for fulfilment centre, ensuring accurate customs documentation and compliant international shipping.
  • Helped organise and support high‑profile in‑store events at Duke of York Square (SW3), including sample sales, press events and HM 15‑year anniversary celebration, contributing to smooth execution and positive customer experiences.
  • Recognised for being highly organised, proactive and solution‑focused, with strong communication skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in fast‑paced luxury retail environment.

Fashion Agency Sales Manager

Egomark Limited (Freelance)
Shoreditch, London
06.2025 - 08.2025
  • Engaged with 100's buyers through phone and email to arrange appointments at their convenience.
  • Provided all necessary information on labels such as Lavi Couture, Inoa, and Liviana Conti for smooth experience.
  • Cultivated client relationships by upholding high service standards.
  • Effectively promoted and sold fashion collections, resulting in increased sales.
  • Updated CRM to maintain accurate client information.

Fashion Agency Sales Manager

Palladio Associates (Freelance)
Elephant & Castle, London, London
12.2024 - 02.2025
  • Communicated with buyers via phone and email to schedule appointments at their convenience, providing all relevant information for seamless experience.
  • Managed client relationships, ensuring high service standards and promoting/selling fashion collections to boost sales.
  • Learned various B2B systems for each label like Rino & Pelle, Hartford & Villagallo; maintained records of sales targets and updated sales tables for accuracy.
  • Exceeded sales projections by £20K, achieving £85K against estimated target of £65K.
  • Represented agency at fashion events Harrogate Fashion Week & Scoop, driving brand engagement and sales.

Co-Owner - Buyer & Sales Manager

Sub Couture Boutique
Notting Hill, London
01.1997 - 09.2024
  • Opened and owned flagship boutique Sub Couture in Notting Hill, with full responsibility for retail, buying, e‑commerce and overall business performance.
  • Directed day‑to‑day store operations including merchandising strategy, stock planning and control, and commercial decision‑making.
  • Built and led dedicated team delivering exceptional front‑of‑house service, catering to high‑net‑worth clientele with strong attention to detail.
  • Oversaw all logistics, including stockroom operations, bespoke shipping and international customs procedures.
  • Implemented and maintained all retail and digital systems, including EPOS, PDQ, Shopify e‑commerce and social media platforms.
  • Sourced and purchased designer fashion labels, negotiating supplier terms, managing margins and coordinating stock deliveries.
  • Organised UK and international exhibition logistics including London Fashion Week and Tranoï Paris, managing freight, travel arrangements and staff coverage.
  • Achieved annual turnover of approximately £500k through effective retail and operational management.
  • Created fully integrated omnichannel operation using Visual Soft POS and Shopify, generating approximately £150k in online sales.

Co-Owner - Buyer & Sales Manager

Sub Couture Store
Stroud, Gloucestershire
12.2019 - 08.2023
  • Collaborated with Dransfield Properties Ltd to launch 1,000 sq ft retail store at Five Valleys Shopping Centre
  • Led end‑to‑end store fit‑out, overseeing all interior works to reflect brand’s eclectic, lifestyle‑led aesthetic
  • Curated a mixed retail offering of clothing, up‑cycled furniture and lifestyle products, positioning store as a destination concept
  • Sourced sustainable fixtures and fittings, embedding environmental responsibility into store design and operations
  • Implemented a new stock control system (Swan Retail) integrated with Shopify, significantly improving inventory accuracy and online trading efficiency
  • Created a warm, community‑focused retail environment, encouraging repeat footfall and conscious consumption
  • Awarded “Best Independent Shop” by Drapers Record and nominated for Best Boutique in Gloucestershire, recognising store’s distinctive position in local retail landscape

Director - Sales Manager

Sub Couture Ltd – Fashion Label
Hyper Hyper, Kensington High Street, London
01.1992 - 01.1996
  • Established Sub Couture’s first physical retail presence within iconic multi‑brand store Hyper Hyper, positioning label as leader in premium designer clubwear.
  • Drove rapid commercial growth, increasing annual turnover from £90k to £1 million through strategic wholesale expansion and brand positioning.
  • Expanded brand to 100+ wholesale accounts worldwide, including Harrods, Nordstrom, and Selfridges concession.
  • Successfully launched brand at major international fashion platforms, including Net‑a‑Porter, Tranoï, and London Fashion Week.
  • Planned and managed all UK and European trade show logistics, overseeing travel, accommodation, staffing, and on‑site operations.
  • Led all warehouse and operational functions, including stock control, deliveries, returns, inventory management, and staff supervision.
  • Built and maintained strong client relationships to ensure product availability, resolve issues swiftly, and maximise long‑term partnerships.
  • Worked closely with design and production teams to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance commercial product offerings.

Education

BTEC National Diploma - Business of Fashion

College of Fashion

Skills

  • Organisation: Exceptional ability to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and details simultaneously
  • Technology Proficiency: Proficient in utilising various programs, platforms, and communication tools, with strong aptitude for quickly mastering new technologies
  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with clients, vendors, and team members
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Quick thinking and adaptability to resolve unexpected challenges or changes in plans
  • Time Management: Proficient in prioritising tasks and managing time efficiently to meet various demands and deadlines
  • E-commerce & Digital Marketing: Developed and managed websites and online sales, launched mail-outs, and spearheaded social media marketing campaigns
  • Customer Relationship Management: Built and maintained loyal client base, securing repeat business in competitive environments
  • Attention to Detail: Ensuring all elements of events and client needs are executed flawlessly and accurately
  • Event/Project Management: Extensive experience as club promoter, and event organiser, coordinating in-store events and fashion shows

OTHER COMPANIES PART TIME - CURRENT

  • Freelance PA support for Jackie Castelli, a leading set designer, by assisting with the procurement, hiring, and return of props for adverts and magazine shoots ie Harper's Bazaar.

Timeline

Wholesale, Customer Care & Sales Supervisor - H. Menzies Trading Ltd (Freelance)
10.2025 - 04.2026
Fashion Agency Sales Manager - Egomark Limited (Freelance)
06.2025 - 08.2025
Fashion Agency Sales Manager - Palladio Associates (Freelance)
12.2024 - 02.2025
Co-Owner - Buyer & Sales Manager - Sub Couture Store
12.2019 - 08.2023
Co-Owner - Buyer & Sales Manager - Sub Couture Boutique
01.1997 - 09.2024
Director - Sales Manager - Sub Couture Ltd – Fashion Label
01.1992 - 01.1996
College of Fashion - BTEC National Diploma, Business of Fashion
LOUISE CHANTRELL AIKEN