Sharon Lessard earned her first dollar sorting mail at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.
“It was a summer job,” says the daughter of a U.S. State Department employee. But it was a precursor for a life spent in design around the world. “I loved looking at all the stamps – the color and language – thinking about where the letters came from and how many places they had stopped. I’m a dreamer that way.”
Growing up overseas, Lessard experienced plenty of art and travel. Her passions led to a degree in art history and painting from the University of South Florida. Her need for the money to sustain those passions, she says, led her to retail.
Lessard joined the Limited organization in the early 1990s, where she developed and directed visual presentation and merchandising strategies and teams for The Limited and Victoria’s Secret.
In 2002, she became director of visual merchandising for Best Buy’s Musicland Group and then senior director of design and store experience for Best Buy stores, leading the design development of the West Hollywood, Calif., new store concept in 2004. Most recently, as senior director of international store design and development, Lessard spearheaded Best Buy’s first expansion outside of North America, in China.
Far from flat screens, the international designer is now back at Limited Brands, as vp of visual merchandising for Bath & Body Works. “I’m looking forward to the energy of the people and the brands,” she says. “I love fashion and I’ve missed it.”
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
From my parents: Be strong, be an individual, but also be inclusive and respectful of others.
In China, “Chinese food” is probably just called “food.” What were your biggest surprises about Chinese cuisine?
How much they eat. Every meal was a “sampling” of food plates that we all shared. I’m not a meat eater, so it was a challenge in the beginning. But I was able to influence the ordering toward more vegetables, seafood and white rice.
The Limited has always seemed to be a breeding ground for people in this industry. What lesson from your early days there do you still carry with you?
The collaborative creation and execution of the end-to-end customer experience. I am a designer inside and out, but I understand that visual is just one ingredient in the recipe.
What’s the Number One issue facing store design in 2007?
Budgets.
Hey, Bath & Body Works lady, what’s in your makeup bag?
All kinds of sample size products… I love to try everything.
What would most people be surprised to learn is on your iPod?
More than 3000 pictures.
Springtime in Columbus. How will it be different than springtime in Minneapolis?
It will come sooner…
If your TiVo were suddenly (and mysteriously) erased, which TV show would you be most upset about losing?
I actually don’t watch TV that much. But in the last year, I have enjoyed TiVo-ing “American Idol.”
It’s March: What is your fondest St. Patrick’s Day memory?
Seeing the Chicago River turn green.
You sat on the board of the Northfield Art Association in Minnesota. Any similar plans in Ohio?
I plan on getting heavily involved in the Columbus art scene, as a supporter and as an active painter – big goals!
Do you have a favorite quote?
This quote by W. Edwards Deming reflects my life and work and gives me focus: “It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do and then do your best.”