I am so incredibly proud to announce our March Stylist of the Month! Ericka Martinez has been a stylist for nearly two years. Ericka has hit some bumps, run into some walls, and had to put on the brakes a couple times, but her confidence, tenacity and overall attitude have helped to launch her to the top of her game. Ericka beat her best in March by hosting five trunk shows – landing her in the top 5 in sales on the Haughty Dotties team! I couldn’t be more proud of you, Ericka, and I’m so blessed to be able to call you my friend. 
Name: Ericka Martinez
Q & A:
Q: Your 2-year Stella-versary is coming up on 4/14. CONGRATS! What do you love most about your Stella & Dot business?
A: I love that Stella and Dot is on it’s way to becoming a household name! It’s a brand that I am definitely proud to represent for it’s quality and irresistibility. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m excited to be a part of that!
Q: You had an incredible March with 5 trunk shows and over $5,000 in sales! Who were your 5 hostesses and how did you approach them to have a trunk show?
A: A few were mommy friends from my daughter’s school, a family friend, and a client I had met last year in May. (She is my new stylist I signed up this month-Tracy Taylor:))
Q: You have been pretty consistent in doing about 1-2 trunk shows per month. But now you are doing 4-5 shows per month. Have your goals changed? Why are you shifting gears?
A: I have always believed in Stella and Dot ,but I’ve also been a firm believer in building quality relationships over time. Whether it be personal or business relationships, I like to cotinuously work at it even if it’s at a slow pace. The fruits of my labor have paid off and Hostess’ are now contacting me, so I take every opportunity!
Q: What have you found challenging as a stylist and how have you overcome it?
A: Everytime I approached someone I did not want to come off as this sales girl, so I decided to change my mentality and really think of myself as a stylist! Every experience was a learning opportunity to grow personally and professionally. With experience comes confidence, and I’ve learned not to take things personally.
Q: Any tips for juggling the work/life balance?
A: Still working on that …lol! Being a stay-at-home mom, everyday can be unpredictable. Erin and I always have this conversation. Time management is huge and it’s still a work in progress. 🙂
Q: If you could give a new stylist only 3 tips, what would they be?
A: 1.) Start building relationships and take an appropriate opportunity to mention your excitement about Stella and Dot. 2.) Time Management – Determine what days you want to do Trunk Shows. I usually like to recommend Thursday or Friday evenings, it’s less overwhelming when you are looking at a whole month of planning. It makes it easier to suggest a few dates. A great selling point about Thursday is that people are looking forward to the weekend and are able to make more of a commitment because weekends are usually crazy for most with families. You’d be surprised at how many people are ready to unwind by Thursday and have some cocktails! 😉 and 3.) My favorite place to shop is Nordstrom! My experience as a customer has taught me a lot about how I like to be treated. Be polite, attentive, and geniunely interested/concerned about their needs. Go the extra mile whether it be a sale, exchange, or return.
A: To not take “no” personally! It never hurts to ask.
Q: If a Stylist wanted to duplicate your sales success, what would you tell her (or him)?
A: Figure out your style and play with it. Find a few key pieces that you are really comfortable with and show ther versatility, layering, etc. Check out magazines and read up on the latest trends. From trendsetters to conservatives- be prepared to have something in mind, it will help build your professionalism and expertise. There are always a few pieces that sell really well or complement each other. Layering is the ultimate fashion statement, so model different ways and they will sell on their own. Focus on a few affordabe price points. ( Everyday pieces people will enjoy…. revival bracelet, soiree studs, sun disc earrings, vintage twists).
Q: What’s your next goal with Stella & Dot? What’s your one-year goal?
A. Star Stylist! One-year…let me think about??? lol I know what Erin wants me to say:) I will say this, I don’t ever give up and whatever I commit to I give it 150%.
Q: You have attended Hoopla in the past – Do you recommend a Stylist go this year? Why?
A: Yes, it’s a testimony of what you can achieve! If you work hard, then you play hard
Q: What is a favorite Hoopla memory?
A: The overwhelming feeling I had being in a room full of such inspiring, classy women, and thinking “This is it!”
Q: Cookie or brownie? Cake or pie?
A: Brownies!
Q: Favorite place you’ve ever visited and why?
A: Vegas! I never get enough of it! lol
Q: Finish this sentence: When I was a little girl, I dreamed of….
A: being a fashion designer.
A: The vintage twist in gold- it complements everyone, and one is never enough! :0)
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