REBECCA TARAS
****.********@*****.*** ? ** East Oak St., Apt. 1901 Chicago, IL
EXPERIENCE
Chicago Editor Refinery29 Chicago, IL July
? Provide editorial coverage on a daily basis
? Plan ongoing monthly editorial calendar
? Edit the work of freelancers and interns
? Arrange photo shoots and applicable invoices within the R29 budget
? Work with the New York team on all social media efforts
Freelance Journalist Chicago, IL
Aug. 2007- Current
? Provide editorial event and current event coverage for various outlets
such as Forbes Travel Guides, NBC, Chicago Social Brides, Chicago Social,
Men's Book, julib.com, Chicago Collection and Concierge Preferred and
PureWow
? Previous editor for Modernluxury.com, julib Chicago and PopSugar Chicago
? Occasional television spots on Chicago broadcast 24/7 on NBC 5 Chicago
? Copywriter for businesses such as Beauty Ateliers and Terminal Getaway
Mario Tricoci Chicago, IL Aug.
2011- June 2012
Assistant General Manager Chicago, IL
? Supported spa and salon staff of 125
? Drove sales by implementing individual and team retail and service goals
? Conducted monthly reviews
? Attended and participated in weekly and monthly meetings
Cornerstone Restaurant Group Chicago, IL
Jan. 2008- Feb. 2009
PR/Marketing Manager
? Implemented and managed overall public relations and marketing strategies
with the objective of
increasing traffic into restaurants, including business development and
sales growth, restaurant
focused PR activities and events (including advertising and promotional
programs), overall brand
communication and awareness, menu item delivery and menu mix analysis
? Supervised the work of the PR/marketing assistant
? Participated in annual budget development activities for each restaurant
? Assisted in executing branding concepts and structures
? Created copy for press releases, various marketing promotions and ads,
collaborating with the
graphic designer for the final execution
Today's Chicago Woman Magazine Chicago, IL Dec.
2006- Aug. 2007
Event Planner
? Planned and executed "One Hot Night" Fundraiser for the Today's Chicago
Woman Foundation
? Created event flow, to include the introductions and announcements made
by the emcees
? Led a team of 30 volunteers in a series of weekly meetings
? Worked with local media to generate buzz prior to the event that
established two morning news
television segments, two radio slots and local print hype
Event Correspondent
? Served as Woman About Town to include developing and generating monthly
features for the Woman About Town events and dining sections
Sales and Marketing Executive
? Generated monthly advertising sales for the 70,000-circulation
publication
? Increased wine and restaurant sales by 50 percent
WLS 890 AM Chicago, IL April
2007-Aug. 2007
Event Correspondent
? Served as weekly correspondent on the Roe Conn Show discussing weekly
events around town
including: restaurant and nightlife openings, festivals, wine tastings
and fundraisers
? Assisted with development of personal Woman About Town homepage on the
WLS website
Terminal Getaway Chicago, IL/Charlotte, NC May
2005-Jan. 2007
Co-Founder, VP Product Development, Marketing
? Prospected and solidified a lease for airport spa concept within the
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, ranked as the 18th airport in the
US based on foot traffic, seeing 29M+ passengers in 2006
? Launched full-service spa, including retail, service, design and
treatment protocols
? Hired and trained a staff of 25
? Secured partnerships with U.S. Airways and American Express Executive
Skyguide Clubs
? Researched and developed the Terminal Getaway product line, to include
best-seller "Mist Your Flight" hydrating facial mist
? Actively worked on E-commerce and online community website launch
? Worked with local and national media representatives to establish the
Terminal Getaway brand for spa, product and website
Cleansing Queen Corporation Chicago, IL March
2002-January 2007
Business Owner/Creator
? Researched and created home-based bath and body care business that
received local and national press from publications such as Chicago Social,
Chicago Tribune, Fitness Magazine and Red Book.
? Established accounts with local and national and on line retail
establishments
Peninsula Hotel Spa Chicago, IL
July 2001-May 2005
Esthetician
ACTIVITIES
? Honoree, Fashion Group of Chicago's STYLE MAKERS AND RULE BREAKERS AWARD
? Former Chicago Branch Manager for the Worldwide Alliance of Makeup
Artists
? Volunteer, "Look Good Feel Better" Program
EDUCATION
Women's Business Development Center
Chicago, IL
? Seminar series on starting and operating a business
Columbia College
Chicago, IL
? Make-up Artistry Certification Program
Conservatory of Esthetics
Chicago, IL
? 50 Hour Degree Program
Pivot Point Academy
Schaumburg, IL
? Certified Esthetics Program