Meet Evelien, a remarkable individual hailing from Kampenhout, just a stone's throw away from our Zaventem office. She's not only making strides in her professional life but is also on the cusp of a significant personal milestone, just back from pregnancy leave of her first child and having built her own house. Evelien embodies the spirit of growth and accomplishment.
Professionally, Evelien's path took an interesting turn. Armed with a Master's degree in Business Administration (Marketing) from KU University in Brussels, she initially ventured into the world of store design and equipment. However, a different calling beckoned her, leading her to Erve in April 2020. Little did she know that her first day at Erve would coincide with the onset of the Belgian lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting a new job and getting to know her team in a digital landscape tested her resilience.
Reflecting on her experience, Evelien humorously recalls a colleague's surprise upon meeting her in person for the first time, exclaiming, "I never realized you are so tall!" The journey from virtual connections to real-life interactions was a memorable one.
Describing Erve as a company, Evelien echoes the sentiment of "work hard, play hard." The culture at Erve strikes a perfect balance between dedication and enjoyment, creating an environment where everyone gives their best while savoring moments of camaraderie.
A day in Evelien's work life is anything but predictable. With her portfolio of customers and ongoing projects, each day presents a unique set of tasks and challenges. As a merchandiser, she's involved in the entire process, from design proposals to the final shipment of goods. Planning ahead serves as her starting point, but the dynamic nature of the job often necessitates flexibility and adaptability.
What Evelien loves most about her job is the journey of witnessing a project unfold step by step and the diverse skill set each step demands. From igniting creativity during design proposals to handling administrative follow-ups, conducting quality checks, and maintaining effective communication with customers, she embraces the multifaceted nature of her role. The ability to work closely to the office and have the flexibility to work from home allows her to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial as she prepares to embark on motherhood.
In Evelien's toolkit, one tool shines brightly: Delogue. This platform serves as a communication hub with suppliers, providing a clear and transparent overview of ongoing projects. It streamlines processes and enhances collaboration, making the merchandising journey smoother and more efficient.
Among the various Dudas at Erve, Evelien finds solace in the Support Duda. Despite individual responsibilities and projects, the Erve team remains a close-knit circle, supporting each other and celebrating one another's successes. This culture of collaboration creates a sense of unity and camaraderie, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued.
As a merchandiser, Evelien emphasizes the paramount importance of effective communication skills. With diverse stakeholders spanning the globe, the ability to adapt communication styles internally, with suppliers, and with customers is crucial. Cultural nuances come into play, and Evelien recognizes the importance of understanding and respecting these differences.
Beyond her professional journey, Evelien delves into her personal growth through a DISC assessment, a personality test that revealed valuable insights into her strengths, weaknesses, and neuroses. The opportunity to engage in one-on-one coaching based on the test results provided a deeper understanding of herself and those around her. Evelien enthusiastically recommends this experience to others, recognizing the power of self-awareness in personal and professional development.
Evelien's dedication, adaptability, and passion for effective communication make her a valued member of the Erve team. As she embarks on her journey into motherhood, we celebrate her resilience and look forward to witnessing her continued growth and success.
Join Evelien in the Merchandisers’ team!
We’re on the lookout for a project officer (merchandiser) to take pride in turning concepts into fashion collections for Erve. As a European leader in branded apparel, Erve (part of Erve Group) works to design and produce inspired collections for leading department stores and fashion retailers.
Check-out the vacancy and apply now!
About ERVE:
Erve is a European leader in character licences and brands. We produce branded fashion and apparel featuring TV, film, cartoon and video game heroes. As part of Erve Group, we have eight offices across three continents and we control the supply chain between raw materials and stores. Starting with our in-house design team and portfolio of licences – we source, produce, pack and transport collections at the request of major fashion retailers. With 38 years in the industry, our dynamic team values growth, transparency and customer focus. Our exceptional quality and sustainable practices have earned us a reputation for excellence.
Follow us on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Erve company page
Media Enquiries Erve:info@erve.com