Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Yurko.
Hi Barbara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I began my retail career at the age of 14 at a local shoe store in Easton, MD. I worked at Express through my college career starting as a Stylist and ending as a Store Manager.
I was lucky enough to work at Saks Fifth Avenue for 17 years in many different roles, including Stylist, Department Manager: Shoes, Handbags, Accessories, Beauty, Home & Gifts, Designer, Fifth Avenue Club, & most recently Client Development Manager supporting the Top Stylists and Clients in the store.
I am now the General Manager for a multi-brand and category luxury boutique called Marissa Collections.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have loved my career in retail and I am grateful to have had experience in several areas of business.
When I was ready for my next promotion at Saks, I was offered a store in a location in the country where the cost of living increase would not match the salary increase I needed to support my family.
I chose to grow differently with a new company. It was difficult to leave Saks after so many years, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone and I’m so much better for it.
We’ve been impressed with Marissa Collections, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Marissa Collections is a family-owned business that began in 1975 in Naples, FL with a storefront boutique of hand-selected merchandise including clothing, jewelry, accessories, and shoes which Marissa personally styled for each client. The instant success among the small community on the Gulf of Mexico has continued over the years, emerging into a 10,000-square-foot location in the Third Street South shopping district of Old Naples.
Marissa is the creative force behind this legendary store and her husband Burt anchors the business end of operations. As a continuation of the legacy, their son Jay as CEO is expanding the business, opening Marissa Collections Palm Beach in December of 2021. In that same year, Marissa Collections won the Gem Award for Retail Excellence and our Palm Beach store won the Best New Business in Palm Beach. We continue to grow this year with the renovation of our second floor to provide a more personalized experience for our clients. Our team of Stylists wardrobes our Palm Beach clients from head-to-toe with our carefully curated merchandise selections in clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags, accessories, and beauty.
We host multiple personal appearances and trunk shows throughout the year from vendors such as David Webb, Brent Neale, Sidney Garber, Melissa Kaye, Monique Lhuillier, and Pamella Roland. We also have an on-site Professional Piercer that will help you with your ear curation. These are just a few of the experiences you will have during your visit to our store. There is so much more to come!
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
My advice is to align yourself with a mentor who will support you as you grow in your career. As I grew, I built teams that had the passion and energy to be successful, supported them, and allowed them to shine.
Contact Info:
- Website: Marissacollections.com
- Instagram: @Shopmarissacollections
Image Credits
Rubi Jackson
