Sign In

Merri Smith

COO & Co-Founder at Tulerie

Professional Background

Merri Smith is an innovative entrepreneur and marketing professional who transformed her career from accounting into the dynamic world of fashion. With a wealth of experience spanning corporate luxury retail and fashion startup ventures, she has a proven track record of success in operations and client experiences. As the Chief Operations Officer and Co-Founder of Tulerie, a pioneering peer-to-peer luxury clothing and accessories rental platform, Merri is dedicated to redefining how consumers engage with fashion. Inspired by models like Rent The Runway and Airbnb, Tulerie allows individuals to rent high-end apparel, fostering a sense of community and sustainability in fashion consumption.

Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Merri gained significant expertise in client experience and marketing through her roles at Saks Fifth Avenue, a leader in luxury retail. Her career began in accounting, where she excelled as a Senior Accountant at Darton U.S. and as a Senior Auditor at Deloitte, grounding her in financial strategy and analysis. This strong financial background has equipped her with the skills to navigate the complexities of running a startup in the competitive fashion industry.

Education and Achievements

Merri developed her foundational skills in accounting by earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Central Florida. This education not only provided her with the technical skills necessary for financial management but also instilled in her the analytical thinking that is essential for any successful entrepreneur.

Throughout her career, Merri's innovative spirit and entrepreneurial mindset have always shone through. Since the launch of Tulerie on October 16th, 2018, she has been at the forefront of advocating for a sustainable fashion ecosystem, allowing users to share their luxury items and promote a circular economy in fashion. Merri continues to push the boundaries in her mission to make high-end fashion accessible and environmentally sustainable.

Notable Roles and Contributions

  1. Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer at Tulerie
    Merri holds a prominent position in Tulerie, where she has learned to navigate the evolving startup landscape while emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Her unique approach to blending technology and luxury fashion has been well-received, contributing to Tulerie's growth and establishment as a leader in the peer-to-peer rental space.

  2. Director of Client Experiences at Saks Fifth Avenue
    During her tenure at Saks, Merri played a pivotal role in enhancing client experiences, ensuring that every interaction with the luxury brand reflected its commitment to excellence. Her focus on creating memorable customer journeys made her a key player in elevating the Saks brand.

  3. Vendor Marketing Specialist and Marketing Operations Coordinator at Saks Fifth Avenue
    In these roles, Merri demonstrated her ability to drive marketing initiatives that reinforced Saks Fifth Avenue's prestige. Her strategic planning and execution of marketing operations helped to engage customers and foster strong relationships with vendors.

  4. Wholesale Account Manager at Costume National
    At Costume National, Merri developed expertise in managing relationships with wholesale accounts, ensuring that the brand maintained its image and profitability in a competitive market.

  5. Senior Accountant and Auditor
    With her auditing and accounting background, Merri brought essential financial insights to her roles, enhancing her capability to monitor and manage budgets effectively in her subsequent fashion positions.

Achievements

  • Pioneering a Sustainable Fashion Platform: Successfully launching Tulerie, a platform that provides a sustainable alternative to traditional fashion consumption through peer-to-peer rentals.

  • Enhancing Client Experiences: In her capacity at Saks Fifth Avenue, Merri's initiatives led to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty, demonstrating her expertise in client experiences.

  • Strategic Marketing Leadership: By implementing innovative marketing strategies at Saks Fifth Avenue, she played a critical role in establishing and promoting luxury retail offerings effectively.

  • Financial Expertise: Her comprehensive experience in accounting and auditing provides a strong foundation for her current role, allowing her to manage the finances of Tulerie efficiently.

Questions

  • How did Merri Smith transition from a successful career in accounting to becoming a notable figure in the fashion industry?
  • What inspired Merri Smith to create Tulerie, and what challenges did she face in launching a startup in the competitive fashion market?
  • In what ways does Merri Smith envision Tulerie changing the landscape of luxury fashion rentals and sustainability in the industry?
  • How has Merri leveraged her previous experiences at Saks Fifth Avenue in her current role at Tulerie?
  • What are some of the innovative strategies Merri plans to implement at Tulerie to enhance user experience and community engagement?
Merri Smith
Add to my network

Location

New York, New York, United States