SUMMARY

I am a talented Retail Visual Stylist/Merchandiser and Display artist who is highly energetic, outgoing and detail-oriented, able to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously while providing exceptional customer service.

CORE STRENGTHS

-Creative thinker and innovative -Skilled at creating impactful visual displays

-Store planning and design -Strong Communication skills

-Passionate for a healthy living lifestyle -Punctual

-Passionate about fashion -Focused when working independently or on a team

-Excellent at multi-tasking -Organized with excellent interpersonal and time

-Meticulous attention to detail management skills

HIGHLIGHTS

-Increased sales with eye catching window/visual displays and mannequin styling

-Coordinated launch parties and events by managing relationships and gaining sponsorships for non-profit organizations

-Managed a small business, including the import of goods, merchandising, inventory control, advertising and accounting

-Logo designing tailored to individual clients needs

EXPERIENCE

Saks Fifth Avenue Toronto, ON January 2015-April 2016

Lead Visual Stylist (men’s wear)

- Daily morning floor checks (making sure mannequins were fully dressed and nothing was out of order)

- Participated in morning meetings

- Took part of our weekly visual team store-wide walk through

- Planned and organized effective and efficient utilization of floor space (rearranging furniture and mannequins when needed)

-Kept on top of the maintenance of mannequins (styling, dressing, cleaning & placement etc.)

-Pulled looks for mannequins when refreshing their look and style when new pieces or collection arrive

-Worked on creating and planning out “WOW’ spots for internal floor installations

-Worked with visual team to execute blitzes for events and promotions (all departments; men’s, women’s, accessories and cosmetics)

-Researched the latest trends and looks from Designer, Contemporary and Suiting

-Styled accessory cases and vitrenes

-Worked closely with Visual Manager and Men’s Sales Managers

-Worked closely with Brand Ambassadors and Representatives

-Attended PK (Product Knowledge) meetings

-Helped train new associates on visual standards

-Using vinyl and gaff tape I created installations

-Assisted in window installations and tear downs

-Have knowledge of operating mechanical and hand held tools safely

-Was part of the Grand Opening of a brand new store coming to Canada for the first time. Experienced entailed preparing from scratch- from building racks, dollies, transporting items to different floors, unpacking boxing, assembly of mannequins, placing/organizing merchandise and fixtures, creating and applying all signage, organizing back of house, keeping the motivation going amongst team

Holt Renfrew Etobicoke, ON November 2014-February 2015

Assistant Visual Merchandiser

-Helped organize the effective and efficient utilization of store space

-Worked closely with the management and visual team to increase sales

-Worked with the VM Manager & sales teams to achieve goals

-Was involved in rearranging, remerchandising & replenishing new stock as it arrived

-Delivering weekly floor moves, window installations and mannequin dressing/styling

-Translating visual directives into real designs/displays on the showroom floor

-Participated in walk-throughs with VM Manager to ensure perfect execution of all visual standards

-Attended weekly conference calls for VM team directives

-Created props for displays, vinyl applications, painting, and executed cosmetic event display as per deadline

The Yoga Sanctuary Toronto, ON July 2009-Present

Visual Merchandiser/Faculty Teacher/Yoga Instructor

-Displayed and presented yoga products/merchandise for retail

-Faculty Teacher of yoga teacher training (250hr YTT)

-Designed each class to match the skill and learning levels of all participants

-Suggested exercise modifications to individual students to avoid strain and injury

-Encouraged members to continue attending group yoga classes

-Explained ways to measure exercise intensity for the best results

-Assisted students with physical movements to help restore function and lessen pain and disability

-Instructed classes at Ripley’s Aquarium

Nina Design Toronto, ON April 2004-March 2014

Founder & Designer

-Designed and constructed yoga mat bags by hand and using sewing machines

-Oversaw the development and launch of yoga mat bags

-Established the design integrity and best strategy for multiple products

-Designed displays to make vending booths experience interactive and be engaging

-Displayed the appropriate signage for products and sales promotions

-Maintained current data on sales and latest accessory trends to plan future product purchases

-Drove the timely delivery of orders in accordance with approved budgets

-Monitored stock to maintain sufficient quantity of featured product

-Shopped all competition products regularly to identify opportunities, brands and trends

-Developed business strategies outlining strengths, weaknesses, new opportunities and risks

-Arranged items in favorable positions and areas of the booth for optimal sales

-Managed the purchasing process for the business

-Authorized payment of invoices and return of merchandise

-Printed various labels and tags for all merchandise

-Created databases and spreadsheets to improve inventory management and reporting accuracy

-Managed incoming and outgoing calls for small business

-Handled all media and public relations inquiries

-Made copies, sent faxes and handled all incoming and outgoing correspondence

-Created PowerPoint presentations used for business development

-Managed the day-to-day calendar

T.E. Financial Consultants Toronto, ON November 2000-August 2003

Full Time Administrative Assistant

-Created and maintained databases and spreadsheets using Data Entry to improve client file management and reporting accuracy

-Updated client accounts and information on a daily basis

-Managed client electronic file systems and maintained electronic and paper files

-Managed quarterly report preparation, which needed to successfully ensure the timely clearance for clients to receive (this was a time sensitive period)

-Quarterly report prep entailed: producing a letter document, mail merging letters, packaging reports, report distribution to consultants for signatures, final execution of mailing out quarterly reports to clients

-Calculated and checked the month's end balance in the first of every month using Data Entry and Excel

-Made copies, sent faxes, sent mail and handled all incoming and outgoing correspondence

-Received and distributed faxes and mail in a timely manner

-Drafted meeting agendas, supplied advance materials and executed follow-up for meetings and team conferences

-Take minutes in the meetings and type the minutes for distribution

-Planned travel arrangements for executives and staff

-Managed the receptionist area, including greeting visitors and responding to telephone and in-person requests for information

Henry Birks & Sons Toronto, ON January 1999-January 2000

Part Time Bookkeeper/Switchboard

-Managed daily register operations and maintenance of cash balances throughout store

-Counted and recorded all cash daily, and made daily deposits

-Managed daily auditing and balancing on each register

-Received a high volume of internal calls and made appropriate call transfers to departments using a Meridian switchboard system providing great customer service

-Assisted with visual displays to promote product launches and promotions

-Maintained the organization of customer orders and meeting repair deadlines corresponding with the repair staff

-Served as central point of contact in the "watch and jewelry repair services" for all customers needing updates on the status of repairs, appraisals, custom designs and pick up

EDUCATION

Diploma of Material Art & Design - Fiber, 2000

Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto, ON

Certificate of Hatha, Vinyasa 250HR Yoga Teacher Training, 2009

The Yoga Sanctuary, Toronto, ON

VOLUNTEER/CHARITY/COMMUNITY WORK

-Credit card auditor/Data Entry of addresses/Taking pledges, Sick Children’s Hospital Telethon

-Vice President, Now4Youth (New Opportunities in Wellness 4 Youth)

-Parent Council member, The Waterfront School

-Head Organizer of Subway healthy lunch, The Waterfront School

-Yoga Demonstrator, Power of Movement

-Senior Kindergarten Yoga Instructor, The Waterfront School

-Yoga Demonstrator, Canada Blooms Show

-Assistant Coach for girls' soccer team, The Waterfront School

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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