My mother frequently referred to her job as a window trimmer (presently described as visual merchandiser) as the best job in the store. If longevity at a profession is a good barometer, then this probably was true for she worked for well over thirty-five years and it would have been longer except for me. She was allowed to work while I was being designed and even allowed to wear pants until it was no longer considered appropriate and she had to leave. Ive asked her if maternity leave was offered but she doesnt recall...somehow, we dont think it was. Soon after my arrival she found work with the state but her longing for her favorite job persisted and she returned in 1959, I mention this for among the many friends and co-workers my mother has introduced me to, the window trimmers (display artists) have consistently worked the longest at their professions in the store and seem to be among some of the most well balanced, engaging and cheerful people Ive known. Such a person is Karen Nielson. I first met Karen in the mid-seventies when she was the visual manager of the Country Club Weinstocks Store. I remember the introduction and even which floor we were on (the second); as we were passing by a ready to wear T- wall display, my mother oohing and awing over its execution, Karen suddenly appeared, her beaming smile adding even more light to the floor. Maybe this introduction sticks in my mind because, for reasons mysterious, she would later figure into my life when I entered the profession as well and when, for reasons largely beyond my control, I would be working beside her at the Weinstocks Downtown Plaza Store. The five years I spent working with Karen were among the happiest Ive experienced. Her creativity was intoxicating, seriously... as the day wore on the ideas would really start to flow. So too would her infectious laugh which never left her no matter how many obstacles would challenge her. It was a good thing for the downtown store was the flagship for the Weinstocks division. Not only did it set the tone but it housed the executive wing. I soon found out that there were well worn paths from the elevator to the coffee shop on the first floor and to the restaurant on the third. Karen advised me to pay strict attention to any of the displays that were within viewing distance of these paths or Watch Out! Sure enough, work was to be seen but not seen being done and we were frequently called if any statements were not considered to standard. Karen could always handle these awkward moments gracefully as she has superior diplomatic skills, not always a characteristic of sensitive artists. On one such occasion, we were working on an installation that involved televisions. Our intent was to place the TVs in the Junior department and frame them with black and white foam core. Our CEO saw the old televisions and couldnt grasp the vision and took Karen to task. She handled it beautifully and we proceeded. In the end the result was quite effective and all was well. Well, not really for the company crumbled soon after I arrived and entered into bankruptcy proceedings. Our CEO lost his position and on the day the news broke, ironically, Karen was giving me a ride home and we noticed our Chief in the car next to us! Karen rolled down her window and sincerely intoned: Well miss you! ...He smiled, we smiled and that was the last time we saw him. A few years later we heard he had died, a victim of cancer. Resilient is a word that could also be used to describe Karen. She has been praised but she has also been reprimanded and always she faithfully shows up to work, smiling and ever willing to do her best. Why reprimanded, one might ask? Well, ours like many professions is subject to criticism; its not just fun but, actually work. There was the time Karen went out of the box and put fishbowls on top of the mannequin heads. Her reasoning and inspiration came from designer Norma Kamali, indeed the clothing being featured may have been by this designer. The concept was contemporary and magical and not intended to be taken literally. The CEO (a different one and, I presume, still among the living) was not pleased. Karen was summoned to the office and was offered not a cup of coffee but stern words. The windows were changed, the fanciful concept revisited and made less daring and the CEO eventually left. Karen stayed. Indeed, Karen stayed and today celebrated her fortieth anniversary with the company, her time kindly bridged after Federated bought the Broadway chain. Her work with her new family has been consistently honored and her battle scars subtly camouflaged by her enduring smile and upbeat attitude, something which I think has kept her afloat for all these years. As a role model, I cant offer enough praise. Its difficult to signal out any one of her remarkable qualities, but I especially love the manner in which she pauses before she offers an insight or needed information. I find myself doing the same, clearly an influence, and it has the most calming effect. She is our heroine of Visual and we all love her and wish her many more years at our store.
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 05:00:03 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015