Cheryl Kao

Available to hire

I am a Creative Director with over 10 years of experience driving innovation across home textiles, packaging, and brand storytelling.

About

I am a Creative Director with over 10 years of experience driving innovation across home textiles, packaging, and brand storytelling. I specialize in pioneering AI-powered design systems to reduce costs and accelerate speed-to-market. I have a proven track record in creative direction, client partnerships, and sales strategy, delivering market-ready solutions that elevate brands and fuel long-term growth.

Throughout my career, I have led diverse teams and managed multiple key accounts, developing private brands and multi-category product lines, especially in home goods and lifestyle sectors. I am passionate about integrating sustainability into packaging and product development, using my expertise with both design software and AI technology to transform traditional workflows and boost efficiency.

  • Joined September 2025

Industry experience

  • Consumer Goods
  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Professional Services

Projects · 1

“Artistic Intelligence” is an in-house brand created to showcase the use of AI in textile print design, and packaging photography. This project aimed to improve speed to market, while reducing total development time by 50%, and cutting costs close to 80%. Welcome to the world where design meets cutting edge technology, and enjoy the immersive experience of living in the future.

Work experience· 21 roles

AI Driven Design Lead (Home Textiles & Brand Development) · YUNUS TEXTILE MILLSAug 2025 – Sep 2025 · 2 mos

Led a team overseas developing designs from concept to market, expanding off-price programs using advanced textile techniques. Built over 10 in-house private brands focused on affordable, sustainable bedding to the off-price market. Spearheaded customer communications and product development for top-performing QVC TV segments, significantly increasing sales. Designed and launched multiple brands tailored for domestic and e-commerce markets targeting diverse value propositions. Championed AI-driven initiatives to cut costs and accelerate speed-to-market, integrating data-backed sales tools and AI-assisted packaging and photography, reducing expenses by over 80%. Managed full showroom setup for Market Week to deliver cohesive brand storytelling across multiple channels.

AI Driven Design Lead (Home Textiles & Brand Development) · YUNUS TEXTILE MILLSAug 2025 – Sep 2025 · 2 mos

Led a team of 7 overseas in Pakistan to develop designs and expand off-price TOB programs using advanced textile techniques. Directed end-to-end design, product development, and packaging strategy for key accounts like Ross, Burlington, and QVC, launching 10+ private brands emphasizing sustainable fibers and high quality. Spearheaded AI-driven initiatives to cut packaging and photography costs by over 80% and improved speed-to-market using tools like Edited, OpenArt, and Imagine.io. Coordinated the setup of a large Market Week showroom, ensuring cohesive brand storytelling across design and merchandising.

AI Driven Design Lead (Home Textiles & Brand Development) · Yunus Textile MillsAug 2025 – Sep 2025 · 2 mos

Led a team of 7 overseas designers to develop home textile designs for major off-price retail accounts. Directed end-to-end design, product development, and packaging strategy for private brands achieving significant sustainable fiber adoption. Drove sales growth for QVC private brands and expanded multi-category product offerings. Implemented AI tools to enhance design efficiency and reduce costs significantly. Managed the setup of a Market Week showroom to unify brand storytelling and merchandising.

Home Product Designer (Private & National Brands) · PEM AMERICAJul 2023 – Sep 2025 · 2 yrs 3 mos
Home Product Designer (Private & National Brands) · PEM AMERICAJul 2023 – Sep 2025 · 2 yrs 3 mos
Home Product Designer (Private & National Brands) · PEM AmericaJul 2023 – Sep 2025 · 2 yrs 3 mos
CAD Designer for Walmart Tabletop · TOWN & COUNTRY LIVING CORPMay 2021 – Sep 2025 · 4 yrs 5 mos
CAD Designer for Walmart Tabletop · TOWN & COUNTRY LIVING CORPMay 2021 – Sep 2025 · 4 yrs 5 mos

Education· 6

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Industrial Fashion Design · Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY, New York, New York & Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy2013 – 2015
Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Design/Women’s Sportswear · Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY, New York, New York2030 – 2013
BFA, Major in Industrial Fashion Design · Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY, New York, New York & Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy2013 – 2015
AAS in Fashion Design/Women’s Sportswear · Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY, New York, New York2030 – 2013

Certifications and awards· 9

Home Textiles Today Publication on AI Innovation2025
Terme Culturale, Vogue Italia Publication2015 – 2025
Council Fashion Designers of America Plus Top 100 Threads Finalist2015 – 2025
Bio Ethical Sustainable Trend Sponsorship Recipient2015 – 2025

Hire Cheryl Kao today

Post a job and invite Cheryl, or contact them directly. No hidden commission.

Post a job