I’m Ajda Mesic,
Senior Design Leader and DE&I advocate with extensive experience
With over 17 years of experience as a visionary and strategic leader, I specialize in human-centric design and creative innovation. My expertise lies in translating strategic initiatives into actionable plans that drive brand management, marketing, and design excellence. I excel at distilling complex concepts and developing roadmaps that turn visionary ideas into tangible realities.
My dedication extends to mentorship, where I guide and train staff, as well as high school and college students aspiring to careers in design. I am passionate about fostering a diverse and thought-provoking environment and supporting others in navigating their educational and professional paths.
Professional Experience
Design Manager | Target | Goodfellow & Co. | Knits and Sweaters | Original Use | 2023 - Present
• Oversees apparel design for Goodfellow & Co. and Original Use brands, fostering innovation and inclusive culture.
• Develops tactical plans using change management to drive transitions and boost efficiency.
• Applies cost-effective design solutions to enhance fit, quality, and guest experience while ensuring brand relevance.
• Coaches teams to improve skills, foster growth, and achieve high-performance goals.
Sr. Designer | Target | Goodfellow & Co. | Woven Tops | Sweaters | Suiting | 2016 - 2023
• Contributed to the launch of Goodfellow & Co. and Original Use by leveraging trend research and consumer insights.
• Created a yarn platform for seasonal flannels, saving $500K in materials, cutting 300 CFT hours, and reducing development timelines by 10 weeks, driving double-digit YoY sales growth.
•Formulated an 8-week, multi-pronged reinvention of the tops category, integrating simultaneous fabric development with mills and vendor evaluations for patternmaking, cost optimization, and 3D fit expertise.
• Collaborated with overseas partners to drive brand impact and product delivery, utilizing international travel for factory oversight and knowledge sharing to inform strategic decisions.
• Launched the inaugural virtual internship program for Twin Cities students, creating a transformative experience that empowered students as change agents. Collaborated with leaders from The BrandLab, Target, and 3M to provide a platform for students to co-develop capstone projects and drive systemic change.
• Led the Advancing Design Diversity high school mentorship program, overseeing the recruitment and training of 200 design mentors. Developed training materials, facilitated 1:1 sessions, and curated monthly virtual workshops with guest speakers and college representatives.
• As a pioneer in community engagement, contributed to the LGBTQ+ Business Council and played a key role in creating the PRIDE assortment. Designed and project-managed this initiative, incorporating cultural moments into the men's floor pad. This work laid the groundwork for establishing the Heritage Moments and Multicultural Design Team and enhanced visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ communities.
Lead Designer | Target | Men's | Merona | Woven Tops | Woven Bottoms | 2015 - 2016
• Managed woven tops and bottoms categories through brand restructuring, ensuring smooth market transitions.
• Served on the Target Volunteer Council, securing and managing partnerships and sponsorships to support volunteer events, and coordinating logistics and outreach to align with organizational goals.
Lead Designer | Target | Men's | Merona & Mossimo Supply | Sleepwear & Basics | 2012 - 2015
• Oversaw concept and execution of two men’s brands across sleepwear, loungewear, underwear, and socks, driving brand consistency and market presence through in-house fabric, artwork, and garment design development.
• Consolidated vendor partnerships, reducing from 11 to 5, improving margins and brand consistency.
• Designed and executed product placement strategies, contributing 43% of total men’s apparel sales YoY.
Sr. Textile Designer | Target | MEN'S 2011 - 2012 | KID'S 2008 - 2011 | RTW 2007 - 2008
• Led creative direction for prints and patterns across multiple categories, ensuring cohesive visual themes.
• Managed artwork development for prints, yarn dyes, jacquards, and embroideries, overseeing production to meet quality and timing standards.
• Balanced budgets for artwork and freelance work, optimizing project efficiency.
Product Developer | Aquarius Ltd | Head and Hand, Wholesale | 2005 - 2007
• Managed a diverse partner portfolio, leading retail pitches, design vision, licensing, and product execution.
• Sourced yarns, fabrics, and trims; conducted overseas factory meetings to negotiate production, monitor design quality, and ensure client criteria were met.
Education and Personal Development
BFA
Surface Pattern Design
Minor: Textile Design
MASD
Sustainable Design
CERTIFICATE
The Sustainable Product Design and Supply Chain Certificate
CERTIFICATE
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion