Stephanie Lawrence

Product Licensing

At present, I have the pleasure of working for Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. based in Roanoke, Indiana, leading its Brand extension initiative through licensing, collaborations, strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of developing product portfolios for several world–class companies & Brands: The Walt Disney Company, The Timberland Company, Spalding Sports Worldwide, The LEGO Group and Sperry Top Sider, a division of Wolverine Worldwide. Each Brand has brought a unique challenge to the fore and I have learned equally as much from my successes as from my failures. I attribute some of what makes me unique in my role for the Brands that I have shaped is my aptitude for both art & science. I grew up in West Boylston, Massachusetts in a family of artists and craftsmen –learning how to create, build & fix things. I was also an anomaly in that I was the only competitive athlete –earning the title of AAU Junior Olympic Champion in Synchronized Swimming. The “science” side of me brought me to the University of Rhode Island where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education –certified to teach Secondary Biology, Chemistry and General Science –and where I met my husband of 33 years, Matt. Together, we have raised two sons, lived in 3 states (New Hampshire is our favorite) and now enjoy spoiling our 2 grandsons, ages 7 and 2. In my role at Vera Bradley, I was afforded the opportunity to virtually teach a class segment at The Ohio State University on “Licensing: The Relationship Dynamic between Licensee & Licensor” and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. So much so, that I have I have made it a personal goal of mine to expose students to the art & discipline of licensing as an approach for Business & Brand Development, as well as rewarding career path.

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