Aja A.
About Aja A.
Aja A. is a Senior Merchandiser specializing in Curation and Product Collaborations at Food52, where she has worked since 2021. She has extensive experience in the fashion industry, having held various design and merchandising roles at notable companies such as Ralph Lauren and Dick's Sporting Goods.
Current Role at Food52
Aja A. serves as the Senior Merchandiser for Curation and Product Collaborations at Food52. In this role, which began in 2021, Aja is responsible for overseeing the selection and collaboration of products that align with the brand's vision. This position highlights Aja's expertise in merchandising and product curation within the culinary and home goods sectors.
Previous Experience at Food52
Prior to her current position, Aja worked at Food52 as a Buyer for Home & Vintage from 2018 to 2021. During this three-year tenure, she focused on sourcing and selecting home and vintage products that complemented the company's offerings, contributing to the brand's growth in the home goods market.
Career at Ralph Lauren
Aja A. has extensive experience at Ralph Lauren, where she held various roles over a span of more than nine years. She began as an Associate Concept Designer for Denim & Supply Women's & Men's from 2009 to 2013, then progressed to Senior Concept Designer from 2009 to 2018, and finally served as Concept Designer for Denim & Supply Men's & Women's from 2013 to 2015. Her work at Ralph Lauren involved developing design concepts that aligned with the brand's aesthetic.
Early Career Experience
Aja's early career includes a brief position as a Design Assistant for NIKE ACG at Dick's Sporting Goods in 2007, where she worked for three months. Additionally, she was an Assistant Designer for Women's BITTEN by Sarah Jessica Parker at Steve and Barry's in 2008 for two months. These roles provided Aja with foundational experience in the design and merchandising fields.
Education and Academic Background
Aja A. earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University. This educational background has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary for her career in merchandising and product design, contributing to her professional development in the fashion and home goods industries.