RJ Jiao
Chino Hills
Summary
Store operations and product-focused apparel professional with 10+ years of experience across streetwear retail, independent buying, apparel production, and brand ownership. Proven ability to lead teams, manage day-to-day operations, and drive product decisions informed by trend awareness, customer demand, and sell-through. Founder and operator of three apparel brands, including a non-profit organization, with hands-on experience in merchandising, inventory planning, vendor coordination, e-commerce, and managing VIP clients. Seeking Store Manager or Buyer-track roles within streetwear culture-driven retail environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager / Sales & Marketing
Money Merch
01.2019 - Current
- Lead apparel production projects for multiple brands, overseeing timelines, costs, and final product quality
- Advise clients on product selection, silhouettes, colorways, and embellishment methods aligned with current trends
- Manage relationships with vendors and suppliers to balance quality, pricing, and production timelines
- Oversee quoting, approvals, scheduling, and deadline management across concurrent projects
- Manage and support VIP clients with high-touch communication and priority timelines
Streetwear Reseller / Independent Buyer
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Tracked streetwear and sneaker trends to anticipate demand during the peak Fairfax era
- Sourced limited-edition apparel and footwear for VIP and repeat clients
- Built long-term relationships with high-value clients through trust and product knowledge
Retail Associate → Head Cashier
Forever 21
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Promoted through multiple roles based on performance and reliability
- Managed POS operations, cash handling, and front-of-house efficiency
- Supported store leadership and trained new hires
Skills
- Store Operations & Team Leadership
- Apparel Buying & Product Selection
- Trend Analysis & Streetwear Culture
- Visual Merchandising & Floor Sets
- Inventory Planning & Sell-Through
- Vendor & Production Management
- Customer Experience & VIP Client Management
- Project Management & Deadlines
- E-commerce & Omnichannel Retail
- Brand Building & Merchandising
Timeline
Project Manager / Sales & Marketing
Money Merch
01.2019 - Current
Streetwear Reseller / Independent Buyer
01.2013 - 01.2018
Retail Associate → Head Cashier
Forever 21
01.2011 - 01.2013
ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE
Founder / Brand Operator
- HypeHomeStudios — Sneaker-inspired home décor brand
- Developed brand identity, product concepts, and launch strategy
- Oversaw fulfillment, customer service, and customer support
- Built and managed brand website and online store
- Modern Vintage LA — Streetwear brand inspired by sports & music culture
- Designed and developed apparel collections from concept through production
- Planned assortments, managed inventory flow, and monitored sell-through
- Built and managed e-commerce storefront and social media presence
- Coordinated limited preorder drops to build hype, gauge demand, and control inventory risk
- Kalsada MNLA— Non-Profit Apparel Brand
- Founded donation-based clothing brand supporting families and children in the Philippines
- Managed fundraising-focused product drops and limited-run inventory
- Built and operated the brand’s e-commerce website
- Coordinated international giving efforts and brand storytelling
BRAND & PORTFOLIO WEBSITES
- HypeHomeStudios — https://hypehomestudios.com
- ModernVintageLA — https://modernvintagela.com
- Kalsada (Non-Profit) — https://kalsada.us