Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly King
Hi Molly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My career journey began in retail at the iconic Dayton’s on Nicollet Mall, a beloved institution in Minneapolis. This experience laid the foundation for my understanding of customer service and retail operations.
From there, I transitioned into the world of marketing and consumer packaged goods, joining General Mills in their promotions marketing department. This is where I spent the majority of my career, honing my skills in strategic marketing and consumer engagement. During my time at General Mills, I had the opportunity to work with amazing people on well-known brands and develop innovative campaigns that resonated with consumers across the country.
My current role at Rosedale Center brings me full circle in a way that allows me to give back to the community that shaped my career. Here, I’m not just combining my retail background with marketing expertise; I’m leveraging these skills to create a positive impact on our local area.
At Rosedale, we’ve transformed the center into more than just a shopping destination – it’s become a true community hub. I’ve spearheaded initiatives that bring people together, from hosting events that support small businesses and entrepreneurs, to organizing family-friendly events that foster community bonds. We’ve partnered with local students and organizations to create programs that benefit our neighbors, whether it’s through educational workshops, charity drives, or providing space for community gatherings. This approach has not only enhanced the shopping experience but has also strengthened Rosedale’s role as a pillar of the community. It’s deeply rewarding to see how our efforts are making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had a very positive career experience and have had incredible luck along the way. However, like everyone, it hasn’t always been a smooth road and I’ve faced the typical challenges of disappointments and layoffs. Each bump has given me character, perspective, empathy and motivation to learn from it. All of my experiences, good and bad, have been valuable in shaping my professional growth and problem-solving skills, making me more adaptable and resilient in my life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Marketing is an art and a science. I really enjoy the data-driven insights that inform the creative strategy. My strength lies in developing creative solutions and forging partnerships and my work centers around making connections with people in meaningful ways. Combining creative intuition with consumer empathy allows me to connect with our target audience.
Part of my job includes producing events, one of which was a fully-integrated fashion show for Eid, which allowed us to connect with our Muslim community. This groundbreaking event went beyond typical marketing initiatives, celebrating cultural diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. We collaborated closely with Muslim fashion designers and models, showcasing their talents and perspectives in a unique and fresh way.
Building on the success of the Eid fashion show, we launched an award-winning educational project: the ’12 Under 12′ back-to-school fashion show. This educational initiative brought together twelve talented students from our community, all under the age of twelve, and paired them with professionals in various aspects of fashion and event production. The young participants were involved in every aspect of the show, from design and styling to photography and event emceeing. What made ’12 Under 12′ truly special was its focus on empowering young minds and fostering creativity. Each student worked alongside a professional mentor in their chosen area of interest, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights into their area of interest. Not everyone aspires to be a model. This event not only resulted in a fresh, youthful perspective for our back-to-school campaign but also provided an incredible learning opportunity for these aspiring young professionals. The show, now an annual event, has been a resounding success and showcases not just the latest in back-to-school fashion, but also the incredible potential of young creators.
Another exciting project is our partnership with the Minnesota Wild professional hockey team to host the inaugural Wild Fest at Rosedale. This initiative brought together our commitment to community engagement and our desire to create unique, memorable experiences for our visitors. Wild Fest transformed Rosedale into a hub of hockey excitement, featuring a weekend-long street hockey tournament that was open to the community. This event went beyond traditional retail promotions, offering our visitors a chance to actively participate in a sport they love while connecting with fellow hockey enthusiasts. The partnership with the Minnesota Wild allowed us to tap into the state’s passionate hockey culture, creating an event that resonated deeply with our local community.
It’s this blend of creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking that I believe brings unique value to my role and the projects I lead. By focusing on the human element, we’re able to create marketing initiatives that are not just successful in terms of metrics, but also meaningful and impactful on a personal level for our diverse consumer base.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson in my journey is simple: have fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rosedalecenter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosedalecenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RosedaleCenter/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingmolly/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCktEj9QTvaUn3Y3InIUIMaw
