Daria Engelke
- Licensing Brand Manager
3 years at RMS
If you could describe your job in three emojis, what would they be?
™️ 🤹♀️ 💡
Walk us through a typical day for you at RMS!
At RMS there is no “typical” day for me, which is part of what keeps the role so interesting. One day, I’ll be helping our sales team determine which products and licenses to put in front of our customers. Another day, I’ll be planning new product lines and presentations with the team. I’m also inspecting new product samples daily and working with our licensed partners to bring them into stores. It’s enough multi-tasking, flexibility, and organization to keep me on my toes!
What’s one thing you’ve learned that every licensing brand manager should know?
I’ve had to learn the balance of expanding my creative side while also working within the constraints of licensing that come with the role. It’s important to remain open minded and imaginative within your position, don’t be afraid to still think outside of the box even when you think you’re stuck in one. “White space” is the space you’ll seek to find in every project, and you’ll want first prize in that spot. Remember that brainstorming and being collaborative in the workplace with those alike and different can offer you great insight and fresh perspectives.
What’s one iconic character or franchise you’d love to see turned into a toy?
I’d love to see more of Pop’s character from Regular Show. He cracks me up with his giant head and hilarious one-liners. I would be happy to find his character in more stores or work on a project with the brand.
If you had to create a toy based on your personality, what would it be and why?
It would probably be something along the lines of a joke-generator. I think the best type of communication comes with a laugh, not every situation has to be serious and it’s good to bring some form of fun to every interaction that you can. I love any moment that I can lighten someone’s mood with a joke or make them crack a smile, so why not package that concept into a box for the world to enjoy.