ABOUT
Selena and Colette met over a decade ago while working in the accessories industry: Selena in corporate retail, and Colette in wholesale design. They instantly connected with their obsession of jewelry and accessories, and the passion they had for their careers. Through the years, with their respective companies, they successfully partnered together on growing and launching several private brands within department stores.
Many statement necklaces and bracelet stacks later, both decided they needed a change, and Whitespace was born. The idea to come together: let’s take all the complaints, the challenges, the “you know what they need”, the white space, and turn them into solutions. “You don’t know what you’re missing, but we do!” became the mantra. Their love of product and fashion design led them to be the best of friends and collaborative business partners.
SELENA EGERT
Selena has 20 years of expertise in both buying and product development. She was selected by the vendor and retailing community to receive the 2015 Merchants Hall of Fame award, presented by Accessories Magazine, based on her business acumen and partnerships in the market.
Selena started career in buying for department and specialty stores, and spent the majority of her retail career in Product Development with Kohl’s and Nordstrom. She moved into product development when she joined Kohl’s, focusing on private label jewelry, and successfully launched the LC Lauren Conrad and Mudd brands. Her previous position managing jewelry and accessories for Nordstrom Product Group challenged her with both a new product category (accessories) and a fresh way approaching the business to truly build unique and exclusive product. At both Kohl’s and Nordstrom, she led the brand strategies and analysis, conceptualized, curated and presented product presentations by brand, collaborated with the buying teams and domestic vendors, and managed and developed her team.
COLETTE PACE KOUTSOUBOS
Colette has been in the jewelry and accessories industry for over 16 years out of NYC in multiple roles from buyer to design and product development. A travel pro – she has been to all corners of the Earth in locations like Morocco, St Tropez, Paris, Thailand and beyond to find innovative and inspiring concepts on a regular yearly basis. She has a genuine passion for accessories, and a sharp design eye when searching the market for unique and innovative elements.
Her obvious love of this industry is contagious. She has worked intimately with sales and production teams, as well as grown a substantial relationship base with factories in China and India for all sourcing needs. Colette has visited both countries well over 40 times, and heavily involved in production methods on the factory side. She has led teams in growing the business through communication, dedication, and creative spirit.
