About Carolyn

Carolyn brings 23+ years of expertise in merchandise planning, pricing, and inventory management for powerhouse brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, J.Crew, Gap Inc., and Jonathan Adler. With a brain wired for forecasting, financial modeling, and inventory strategy, she’s the go-to for turning complexity into clarity. A natural team builder and operations optimizer, Carolyn helps brands scale efficiently, protect margins, and make confident decisions backed by data.

Carolyn MacBain-Waldo planner and expert at business strategy and growth

About Julie

Julie is a seasoned retail executive with 25+ years of experience leading merchandising, product strategy, and P&L management for brands like Bath & Body Works, Restoration Hardware, and Club Monaco. Known for her sharp instincts, creative energy, and leadership with heart, she’s scaled multibillion-dollar categories, launched hundreds of products, and built high-performing teams that deliver. Today, she helps founders and brand leaders bring their vision to life—building smarter businesses, stronger assortments, and customer experiences people love.

women entrepreneur portrait

confident business owner

creative consultant headshot

natural brand photography

Plan + Pivot founder

denim shirt brand shoot

modern leadership headshot

approachable professional photo

Julie McCarter branding

We believe the best brands don’t just sell products. They tell stories, spark connections, and make customers feel something extraordinary.

Great retail is part art, part science — and we’re here for both.

Curved white brushstroke on a black background
business leaders working moms who love retail and growing businesses strategically
Cozy autumn decor on a wooden table with dried flowers, a dried orange slice, a sweater, books, and a metallic leaf.

Our mission

At the heart of everything we do is a sharp focus on what connects product, story, and customer experience.

When those elements align, brands grow with purpose, and we’re here to help teams make that happen.

“Carolyn has a remarkable ability to interpret data and trend insights, translating them into accurate seasonal forecasts. Her foresight ensures that assortments are aligned with the customer demand and business objectives, helping deliver consistent, measurable success. Plus, she’s just so much fun to work with!”

— former colleague, j. crew

"Julie listens, learns, and leads her team to meet business goals—she inspires those around her to do more than they thought possible. She has a remarkable ability to adapt to changing business needs and turn complexity into clarity. Julie consistently demonstrates strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and a dedication that challenges and uplifts those around her. She even knows how to find levity in any situation, which made working with her both productive and genuinely enjoyable."

— FORMER COLLEAGUE, RH

Smarter Strategy Starts Here

Abstract white brushstroke on black background