Kala Bennett

Experience

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  Accuvant

  Oct 2011 - Nov 2011

  Intern

  Worked in business office to support information security technology company with event planning, cus-tomer phone calls, data entry. Used Microsoft excel, and word. Interacted with sales and pre-sales, staff.

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  Flowerama of America Inc.

  May 2012 - Jul 2012

  Florist

  Used my skills in design and styling to create floral arrangements for floor display cases, pickup orders, and to go walk-ins. Opened and closed the store, worked front desk/cashier to assist customers with arrangements, took phone and computer orders, and made bridal bouquets. Learned businesses ethics, and customer satisfaction for reoccurring business.

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  Commecci

  Feb 2015 - May 2015

  Pattern-Maker & Sewer

  Worked directly with the lingerie apparel owner/designer, created patterns from the design given, cut the fabric, and sewed the garment to create a sample for market and photo-shoots. Assisted with edits in technical designs and established measurements, sizes, and fit for each garment.

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  University of North Texas

  Apr 2015 - Apr 2017

  Chosen by faculty to work in the Fashion Design Department of College of Visual Arts and Design at UNT as an assistant to professors. Creates blocks for students, assists with tasks needed around the building, uses creative skills to design mood/trend boards for upcoming seasons to inspire student de-signs. Selected to be the University of North Texas College of Visual Arts & Design representative for perspec-tive students. Gives tours throughout the arts department, schedules appointments for the tours, and helps with incoming students questions and concerns.

  • Fashion Design Office Assistant

    Jan 2016 - Apr 2017

  • CVAD Tour Guide

    Apr 2015 - Aug 2016
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  Askari Apparel

  May 2015 - Oct 2015

  Summer Intern

  Direct report to the Creative Director & Fashion Designer, Shirin Askari. Responsible for creation of pat-terns, fabrics and print selection, and executes showroom samples for the each seasonal collection. Assisted with market week, including showroom sales presentations, participated in brand marketing the company, and facilitating all the components that go into running a business.

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  JCPenney

  Jan 2016 - May 2017

  Fit Model

  Collaborated with technical designers and fashion designers to help establish the correct fit for garments in production and pre-production scenarios. Assisted with the design process through analysis of sample garments with regards to fit, functionality, and comfort.

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  Gerber Technology, a Lectra Company

  Apr 2017 - Aug 2017

  Creative Content Builder

  Trained on all aspects of Gerber software (AccuMark & YuniquePLM). Worked as a Creative Content Builder to assist with marketing content for promotional purposes along with social media, enhanced the company’s web presence, and created/maintained customer purchase reporting for sales/marketing review.

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  JCPenney

  Aug 2017 - Dec 2017

  Menswear Technical Designer

  Worked with design and product development teams to determine fit and aesthetic details for each gar-ment. Created and updated tech packs in Flex PLM. Attended, and conducted, fit sessions with design and product development, advised the correct construction of garments within development and produc-tion timelines, then communicated fit comments and corrections to International Buying Offices, and factories.

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  Indigo Agency

  Jan 2018 - now

  Dallas Market Showroom Representative

  Represents the variety of clothing lines in the showroom at the Dallas Market Center and MAGIC. Works directly with the buyers to hand select pieces from each line to sell that would compliment each buyer’s store.

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  Kalaelise

  Jan 2018 - now

  Owner & Creative Director

  KALAELISE brand was established to work directly with fashion companies to provide any and all fashion design work from sewing samples, creating patterns, designing styles for collections, creating technical packs, providing technical design work, along with consulting on design and production needs. Since the establishment of this brand, the clients acquired have provided opportunities such as, 1. Being sent to Cambodia to set up a production team for a made-to-measure brand, 2. Create and consult on all technical packs for a global knit company, and 3. Consult and sew samples for a nation-wide plus size women’s athletic brand. Show less

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  University of North Texas

  Mar 2019 - now

  Adjunct Professor

  Taught within the College of Visual Arts & Design (CVAD) in the Department of Design’s Fashion Design Program. Instructed over freshman to senior level classes including: Intro to Fashion Design (SP19), Fashion Computers: Gerber Technology(SP19), Fashion History 1800 to now (SP19), Computers in Fashion: Ai & PS software (F19), Technical Design (SP20), Professional Practice (SP21), Fashion Computers: Gerber Technology (SP21), Technical Design (F22 & F23).

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  Texas Woman's University

  Oct 2020 - May 2021

  Adjunct Professor

  Taught within the Fashion and Textiles program of TWU to Freshman, Junior, and Senior level classes including: Intro to Sewing (F20), Construction and Collections (F20), Pattern Making: Gerber Technology (SP21), Fashion Show Production & Events (SP21).

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  Dallas College

  Aug 2021 - Dec 2021

  Adjunct Professor

  Taught within the Fashion and Textiles program of Dallas College – El Centro Campus to Junior, and Senior level classes including: Fashion History (SP21).