Drapers 30 Under 30 2018: Chrisleen Dixon, area manager, Cath Kidston

 What she’s learnt: ”Your team makes you, so look after them and ensure they feel appreciated in their role at work.”

Chrisleen Dixon was first bitten by the retail bug when working as a concession manager at womenswear brand James Lakeland when studying for a career in journalism and, as she puts it, “has never looked back” – by her final year at university, she was balancing her studies with a full-time job. After graduating and aged just 21, she took her first store manager role at Hobbs.

She joined British lifestyle brand Cath Kidston as an outlet store manager in 2016. She increased like-for-like sales by 10%, increased conversion and improved average transaction value rates.

Dixon took on her new role as area manager last year and has already made an impact, lifting sales and reducing payroll spend. The promotion was a career highlight for Dixon, who describes it as her biggest achievement to date: “This is something I’ve striven for throughout my retail career, so be able to achieve it with a brand that I feel so passionate about is an absolute privilege.”

Dixon is known for her exceptional people skills, laser-like focus and ability to get the job done under pressure.

“She is one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” says the brand’s regional manager, Deborah Ormondroyd. “I can see her becoming a head of retail in the future – watch this space.”

Career path:

2017 Area manager, Cath Kidston

2016 Outlet store manager, Cath Kidston

2015 Dual site store manager, Cath Kidston

2013 Store manager, Hobbs