Michelle skiing up Mount Hemlock.

New to the team, Michelle will be ‘liaising’ between the Store Support Centre here in Vancouver and our merchandise planners Down Under! When our winter product hits the floor in the stores in Vancouver, Australia is just rolling into summer. It’s essential to plan the merchandise so the right product hits the floor at the right time, since nobody wants to rock around in a Da’Bomber jacket in 40 degree heat! Find out some more about Michelle and what it takes to be an Australian Liaison at lululemon athletica.

a goal you've achieved that you're proud of?

I completed the Victoria Marathon! Prior to finishing the race - I had my doubts it was possible for me to run 42km. My goal was to just make it across the finish line. Throughout the entire run it was a roller coaster of emotions. I met a woman who compared her first marathon to giving birth (something I have not experienced). I was truly inspired to be sharing the road with elite athletes and a wide range of runners - I pushed myself harder than I ever had before and that last km of the run was completely exhilarating. Crossing the finish line with my cousin was a very proud moment. Chris was beside me every mile of the race and I couldn't have done it without him.

what is one of your biggest passions?

Michelle and her boyfriend Mark at a wedding in Mexico.

Spending time with my boyfriend, Mark - we inspire and support each other every day. It makes me happy to be sharing the adventure of life with him and knowing that we will be sharing our lives and growing old (making the most of our Carlsberg years!!) together. I am also passionate about my friends & family. Who better than your loved ones to keep you focused on what is most important in life? - "It doesn't matter where you go; it's who's beside you that counts".

I appreciate every moment and the opportunity to experience life and love through the fresh eyes of my niece and nephew, they are my constant reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.

what is your favourite way to sweat?

Early morning runs along the seawall are my favourite. It is the best way to remind myself of this amazing city (Vancouver) that we are so very lucky to call home! Any chance to enjoy the outdoors - snowshoeing & skiing in the winter, running, going for a ride on my cruiser pedal bike or conquering the Grind are what keep me going in the summer - this year stand up paddling is on my "to do" list!

Michelle and Mark posing post sweat on a tropical hike.

how does your role elevate lululemon?

I am very excited to take ownership of my new role of Australia Liaison. Not only am I a new addition to lululemon but my role is brand new as well! A big part of this position will be to keep the Australian merchant team in the loop on all the exciting development that is happening at the Store Support Centre here in Vancouver. I will be the eyes and ears for the AUS team, enabling them to elevate and expand their business in our growing market of Australia while I learn more about the challenges that they are faced with and working as a team to make the most of their business.

Michelle has been a most welcomed addition to the Store Support Centre. Her love for sweating combined with her passion for athletics and goal setting has made her a perfect fit (similar to our Groove Pants). If you think you would be a great fit find out if your career goals and professional background match up with any of our current possibilities on the lululemon careers page!

Meet Jen, from Merchandise Planning!

what are you most passionate about?

Absolutely without a doubt I am most passionate about my husband. He is my favourite person! We have a blast playing and travelling together. We are also very real; we talk it out when we have to. I have so much passion in making our relationship the best that it can be. I am also very passionate about reminding the people in my life just how awesome they are.

Jen and her husband in Egypt, touring the pyramids of Giza.

what is the scariest thing you've ever done? Are you glad you did it?

Jumping out of an airplane was the scariest thing I have ever done. I was absolutely terrified during our ascent in the plane. I couldn't speak. And I’m fairly certain that I screamed for the entire freefall. Oh yes, I am glad I did it. Oh no, I will never do it again.

what is your favorite way to sweat?

I am a big fan of sweating. The sweatiest I have ever been is during a hot sweaty Bikram yoga class. I L-O-V-E yoga. Currently I am drawn to the very deep and restorative types of yoga. But I go through phases where I am all about the muscle-y power yoga or the hot-hot-hot yoga. I also love the feeling of a run in the sunshine, and I absolutely dig surfing, scuba diving, backpacking & snowboarding.

Jen finishing the famous Oregon Hood to Coast, 180 mile (290k), 12 person team relay.

what is the best place you've travelled to (or the place you'd love to go to)?

It is so incredibly difficult to choose one place, but I have to say the island of Bonaire. My experience snorkeling and diving around that island was so dreamy, the memories are so vivid. And there is a sea turtle swimming those waters right now that still holds a very special place in my heart. Runners up are Thailand, Sydney, Australia, and my oh-so-dreamy honeymoon in Belize. Next on the list is somewhere in the Pacific Islands.

Jen snorkeling on the Island of Bonaire, 80km of the coast of Venezuela.

coolest thing about being a merchandise planner?

The coolest thing about merchandise planning is that we really dig into the biz. We know how the business did last year. We know what our targets are as a company for the future. And we know how we are tracking to those targets. We are always waist-deep in what is working and what is not. It’s cool to know all that stuff and apply our learnings to the future. Plus, partnering with the merchants we are always close to the product, which of course we are all wild and crazy about.

Attention all passionate, fun, energetic, constantly aspiring embodiments of greatness: you could be the next Jen. If you think you have some greatness to bring to the Merchandise Planning team, check out the lululemon careers page.