LESLIE CORREA WAS PROMOTED TO VP OF CORPORATE SALES AT DORFMAN PACIFIC

Photo taken at this years’ 101st Headwear Association Dinner

Leslie Correa has a long and illustrious career in the accessory business – much of it in the ladies headwear market. She worked in the retail end of the business for nine years (in the retail store management hierarchy).

Correa rose in the ranks of retail management at Lerner’s and Abraham & Straus in the following areas: accessories, intimate apparel, coats, swimwear, petites and women’s apparel.

After that she worked for Maryesta Carr International as an account executive in the accessory market for 14 years.

For the past 8 years Correa has been responsible for handling Dorfman Pacific accounts and building the ladies business. In 2001 she joined Dorfman Pacific as a corporate salesperson, working in their NYC showroom in the Empire State Building. In 2005, they combined the ladies and men’s lines and opened a showroom at 393 Fifth Avenue.

“When asked what I do for a living, I say that I sell an accessory item that provides protection (from the weather) and makes people feel good. Most people - when they try on or wear a hat - will smile and feel good. They often reminisce about a family member who always wore hats, or they will talk about their hat collection that they love. It's all about the 'hattitude" and how people feel wearing a hat!”

Correa recently worked at the Kentucky Derby Museum Gift shop at the 135th Kentucky Derby. “It was a great experience! The women looked beautiful and elegant in their hats - which matched their outfits.

“When women passed each other at the Derby, if their hats touched, one would say, ’I hatted you.’ Then the other woman would say, ‘I was hatted.’” (This was the verb of the day). “I’ve been hatted, I love this business,” said Leslie. ”I truly enjoy working with the buyers and helping them build their accessory business. After working on the sales floor for many years (listening to consumers and learning how to identify their needs, wants and wish lists) it was satisfying to take that experience and transfer it to the wholesale accessory market,” said Correa.

“I love what I do. I work for a great company and I truly enjoy and respect all the people I work with at Dorfman Pacific. We work as a team.”

Correa continues to shop retail stores and observe the customer. “Bottom line,” she said, “is that you have to know the customer and how your product will meet their needs.”

"I am very excited about Dorfman Pacific's newly acquired brand, Cappelli Straworld. It will complement Dorfman Pacific's brand divisions - Callanan, Scala™ Collezione, Tropical Trends, Blue Chair Bay™ by Kenny Chesney, Scala Pronto, DPC, Indiana Jones™, Christys' of London Headers, Scala™ Classico - so many hats, so little time.”

Our hats are off to Leslie Correa for her dedication and adoration of hats and hat making. Kudos to you.