While working at ABC Home, I championed purpose-led business strategies in; wood sourcing, textile certifications, promoting performance fabrics without PFC chemicals, removal of flame retardants from cushions, partnerships with local artisans using alternative materials such as mycelium, recycled materials, and plastics, developed upholstery with latex wool fill, purchased vintage, antiques, and led lighting.

In 2017 I created a road map for each SKU to be internally identified based on their wood certifications (PEFC | FSC | SFI ) and partnered with each vendor to work towards providing a chain of custody. Each item that qualified received a “Goodwood” icon identification on store tags and e-commerce filters. As a result, in 2018 and 2019, ABC was awarded a top score from the Sustainable Furnishings Council’s annual wood scorecard. By 2021, 99% of the wood-based furniture in the assortment qualified as using responsibly sourced wood.

As a dedicated sustainability professional, I understand that creating sustainable solutions is a continuous process of education, innovation, and development. I firmly believe that learning is the single most sustainable and rewarding competitive advantage. In 2022, I took this belief to heart and completed an intensive course in sustainability, earning my certification as an Accredited Professional. The course was developed in conjunction with the Sustainable Furnishings Council and approved by leading experts from organizations such as Rainforest Alliance, World Wildlife Fund, and USGBC/LEED.

In addition, I recently completed a Corporate Sustainability course at New York University, where I acquired a comprehensive understanding of key ESG issues, coupled with SASB and mapping frameworks to guide companies to take a holistic approach in transparent and comparable reporting on materiality. I recognize the significance of embedding sustainability, transparency, and circularity into the core of development, sourcing, and business operations.

I am passionate about impacting the industry by driving responsible retail through conscious sourcing and being accountable to our home and planet. I am eager to continue learning and growing in my field and dedicated to implementing sustainable solutions that make a positive impact.