Shawna Barooah

Technical Consultation and Product Development. Provide expertise in translating design concepts into technically sound and durable footwear. Advising on material, construction methods, sample prototyping, specification and documentation with construction techniques for correct finishing standards. Quality Assurance strategy, trouble shooting technical challenges and ensuring alignment with design.

As the founder of Taraah Jewellery, I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business. From conceptualizing and designing the jewellery collections to sourcing materials and managing production, every step is guided by my vision and passion for creating unique and beautiful pieces. As a founder, I work closely with a team of skilled artisans and craftsmen to bring my design ideas to life. I ensure that each piece reflects the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Another important aspect of my role as a founder is building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, vendors, and industry partners. This involves negotiating contracts, managing inventory, and ensuring the highest quality materials are used in our jewellery.

Key Achievements

• Successful eCommerce business.
• Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
• Drove product development from concept to launch, ensuring alignment with customer needs.

Independently handled all key aspects of sample making process until production and quality. Product Development of the complete seasonal range.

• Job Responsibility: To ensure all products are engineered to the maximum quality and standards with a high opening margin. Improve the engineering of existing products whilst extending the life cycle of styles, which perform strongly. Price negotiation. Sample management with national and international suppliers for on time product delivery with quality. Provide technical support as needed during initial product launches.

Key Achievements

• Implementation of new Product Development process.
• Implementation of new sample handling process.
• Evaluated prototypes for performance, aesthetics, and durability, refining designs as necessary prior to mass production.
• Implemented quality control processes throughout the entire product development lifecycle, resulting in a reduction of defects and returns.
• Improve and engineer all shoe fittings with fit tests (I am a sample size -37, 6.5).
• Trained users on how to use newly developed products.
• Created detailed technical documentation for product development processes and procedures.
• Developed innovative products for increased customer satisfaction and market share growth.

Product development, commercialization, production and QC of complete seasonal range.

Job Responsibility: Responsible for the end-to-end delivery of product line Development of seasonal product range- from prototyping to the final Sales sample production. Responsible for Production and Quality with on time delivery KPIs. Defining and developing internal & external documentation on: production SOP's, quality and development, packaging and special operations procedures. Building the brand and networking with suppliers and manufacturer through regular participation in footwear trade fairs. Lead offshore development teams across varying levels of technical expertise.

Key Achievements

• Developed and managed a very large key alliance factory (manufacturing for BBC, Rockport Tom's etc).
• Managed implementation of new technological improvements resulting in increased efficiency.
• Mentored junior engineers, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
• Optimized team performance by establishing clear communication channels and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Established quality control standards, leading to a significant reduction in product defects.

Dual portfolio for product development and quality control

Job Responsibility: Responsible for coordinating development stages for all product line with factories and development agencies. Sourcing for materials, managing production and control lab testing with factories and lab companies. Coordinating, coaching the internal Quality Team on implementing QA procedures and owning associated reporting. Conducting factory audits, implementing and monitoring international footwear regulations on quality and technical issues. Managing supplier / vendor database and internal samples / material / lasts stock

Key Achievements

• Developed and managed guidelines and process flows for Product Development and Quality.
• Sourced and set up two new alternative manufacturing units in China and Indonesia.
• Streamlined production processes by identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborated with suppliers to improve raw material quality, ensuring consistency across all sourced components.
• Reduced time to market for new products by optimizing quality control processes without compromising on standards.
• Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development.

Regional quality control function for all footwear (Men's, Ladies, Kids, Slippers and sports shoes) and Merchandising of Men's Shoes

Job Responsibility: Responsible for supplier coordination, stock purchase and order fulfillment for Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and India. Leading the quality control function for Andre Hong Kong and formulating country specific inspection schedule for the regions

Key Achievements

• Created the SOP for Quality Control for footwear
• Set up the China arm of Andre to oversee the Quality control for footwear for the region
• Improved the turn around time with all suppliers
• Analyzed customer preferences, market trends, and competitor activity to develop merchandising strategies
• Enhanced product quality by implementing rigorous testing procedures and protocols.

Responsible for managing a R&D team of five staff involved in development of Nike's running shoes.

Key Achievements

• Given additional responsibility to manage and co-ordinate three R&D teams (Running, Basketball and Kids shoes) reporting to the General Manager.
• Selected by the management team to attend Nike's University in Beaverton, USA.