Joanne Calabrese

Founder & CEO, KWAK

San Francisco, California, United States

About

Experienced General Manager and Strategic Advisor with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel, accessories, beauty and fashion industry. Strong professional skilled in Multi-channel Retail, Wholesale Sales, Merchandising, Marketing, and Nonprofit Organizations.

Experience

  • Founder & CEO at KWAK
    May 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

    Retail store & Franchise

  • Soko (8 yrs)
    • Strategic Advisor
      Jul 2016 - Jun 2024 · 8 yrs

      Soko is a venture backed fashion brand that is redefining the aesthetics of ethical fashion; offering high quality, contemporary design paired with handmade techniques and sustainable materials. It is powered by mobile-first supply chain and payment technology to connect artisan entrepreneurs directly to Soko and their 400+ global customers. Strategic consulting, including business plan and sales strategy development.

    • CEO
      Nov 2017 - Dec 2022 · 5 yrs 2 mos

  • Strategic Advisor at V-dog, Inc
    Jun 2016 - Jun 2018 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    World's leading 100% Plant Based Pet Food Products www.v-dog.com

  • Board Member at Joe's Jeans Inc.
    Mar 2012 - Feb 2016 · 4 yrs

  • Senior Vice President, Americas Region at Fossil
    Jul 2012 - Jun 2015 · 3 yrs

    As SVP of Fossil Group Inc, Americas Region, I managed the $1.8B wholesale and retail businesses for 15 brands both manufactured and distributed by Fossil Group. Brands included Fossil, Skagen, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Diesel, Adidas, Armani, DKNY, Michelle, Karl lagerfeld, Zodiac and Relic