Nina Robinson
Directing an Island

At just 14, Nina Robinson was already pursuing a career in fashion.

Cleaning a small boutique in Palos Verdes, California, was just the first step of a successful journey that would lead her through the many unique and exciting avenues of the Merchandise Marketing field.

In a relatively short time, this FIDM grad has gone from a buyer's clerical assistant to the director of sales and marketing for one of California's premier shopping centers, Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Nina has also achieved numerous accomplishments along the way, including the establishment of a Men's Store in Macy's South Coast Plaza.

Fashion Island is an unparalleled indoor/outdoor fashion destination consisting of over 200 stores and restaurants over-looking the Pacific Ocean. It provides shoppers with an upscale retail mix, a one-of-a-kind selection of specialty stores and an unbeatable atmosphere.

As director of sales and marketing, Nina is responsible for the unique look and feel of Fashion Island. She handles all publications, merchant relations, tourism, customer service and marketing. She also directs ad campaigns and oversees strategies used to make sure Fashion Island is not just another shopping mall. In addition, she handles special events such as the installation, decorating and lighting of Fashion Island's enormous Christmas tree during the winter season.

Nina came to FIDM in 1983 to study Merchandise Marketing. Upon graduating, Nina landed a position as an assistant buyer through the FIDM placement department. Nina says that FIDM was "perfect" for her. FIDM provided the skills, development, and refinement Nina needed to be successful in her career. Although it was hard work, her desire, coupled with her love for the fashion industry, continually motivated her and carried her to where she is today.

While at FIDM one of her greatest inspirations was Visual Communications and Merchandise Marketing instructor, Ron Coury. Nina says Ron was always there to encourage her and to this day, in her words, "remains one of my greatest cheerleaders."

Nina's advice to those coming up in the industry is to truly love what you're doing, and if you don't, go out and find something you have a passion for. You won't be truly successful in something you don't love. Nina's future plans are to help Fashion Island grow and to continue providing consumers with a unique shopping experience.

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication