Melissa Helzer Lukeris *******.*******@*****.*** . 360-***-**** 1
Melissa Helzer Lukeris
**** ******** ****** . **********, ********** 98225 *******.*******@*****.*** . 360-***-****
OBJECTIVE
To secure a position that allows my passion for art, community and education help me to create lasting working relationships, support my teams and contribute to the enrichment of others. Strengthen ties in business by taking initiative and innovate approachable ideas to engage co- workers, clients and the public from all angles.
EXPERIENCE
Western Washington University Bookstore Bellingham, Washington September 2015 - March 2016
Trade Book Buyer and Marketing Coordinator
. Initiate and direct all purchasing of general reading books, accessories and gifts
. Manage inventory, invoicing, stocking, display and merchandising
. Coordinate and schedule all book events, advertising, marketing, campus and social media outreach
. Curate content for advertising, bookstore participation in events and promotions
. Supervise student employees in both the trade book department and graphic design
. Review financial reports, monitor inventory and monitor receiving and sales of merchandise
. Serve on the “Western Reads” committee, travel to PNBA tradeshow and consult with students, faculty, staff and administrators to develop a diverse product mix
. Analyze the performance background, seek and work with suppliers closely to bring in the best possible selection of products
Private Client Bellingham, Washington
September 2014 – July 2016
Caretaker
. Cared for Alzheimer’s patient
. Personal medical advocate
. Organize and transition new lifestyle behaviors
. Assist with personal errands and home organization
. Arrange long-term living and care plan and implement Whatcom Museum Bellingham, Washington
January 2012 - August 2014
Purchasing Specialist/ Museum Gift Store Co-Manager
. Manage the museum gift shop as a co-manager
. Manage and schedule a staff of three and provide direction on display, merchandising, special needs and events
. Work collaboratively with other museum departments on exhibit openings, museum events and in community outreach
. Curate, install, sell and promote a local artist series shown in the museum store Melissa Helzer Lukeris *******.*******@*****.*** . 360-***-**** 2
. Collaborate closely with executive director, docent educator, lead of security, archives expert, donors, members, volunteers and high profile artists and collectors
. Maintain discretion, manage confidential information, participate in hiring and termination of employees in the museum store
. Perform administrative tasks, data entry, answer phones for a three building campus, filling, receive and route mail, maintain and order supplies
. Operate the POS, use of Microsoft Office, coordinate with accountant and membership office use Excel for financial reports
. Welcome guests, take admission, and act as a general concierge for info on our community and city
. Work closely with suppliers, other museum professionals and local artists to bring in products relevant to our exhibits and museum’s mission
. Coordinate in-person, telephone and online sales of the annual history cruise as well as assist with signage, marketing, volunteer coordination Allied Arts of Whatcom County Bellingham, Washington November 2008 - August 2010
Education Project Assistant
. Children's Art Walk coordinator assistant, helped with all aspects of the children's art walk, coordinated venues along with teachers and local business owners
. Support for the WSAC teacher training, recruiting and collaborating with volunteers for events
. Data entry, create spreadsheets, correspondence, and artistic design for education events as well as hands-on event work in a team environment
. Collaborate with staff and community members to support the overall mission of the non-profit and network with local artists buyers and schools
Greater Whatcom County Bellingham, Washington
2006 - Current
Practicing and Exhibiting Fine Artist
. Exhibiting art locally for over ten years
. Sold many original and custom works
. Experienced and educated in studio arts - concentration on painting, ceramics, screen printing & competitive spoken word poetry
. Independent make-up and face painting business, worked with hundreds of kids - individuals, charity events, festivals, birthday parties (have painted pregnant bellies as well)
. Organize all aspects of art shows, including advertising, tagging, installation, pricing, selling,
& shipping work across the country
. Past member of the Whatcom Museum, Allied Arts Of Whatcom County
. Current make-up expert for the local children's threatre production of the Lion King
. Make up artistry training and experience doing some costuming and make up for WWU's dance department, Halloween community events and other performance art events Melissa Helzer Lukeris *******.*******@*****.*** . 360-***-**** 3 The Body Shop Bellingham, Washington
November 2003 - May 2008
Store Manager
. Sales, manage inventory, daily and monthly audit, keep records
. Recruit, hire and terminate staff. Work as a team member with Seattle district store managers
. Network with surrounding store managers, build management and community relationships
. Train and coach employees, share product knowledge
. Curate visual merchandising, display and implementation
. Organize and schedule team meetings, special company and store events EDUCATION
Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington August 2010
Bachelor of Arts
. Self designed interdisciplinary degree from Fairhaven College
. Awarded a student grant for a independent project related to my focus: Expressive Arts as Therapy for Social Change
SKILLS
. Personable professional with cultural sensitivity and experience with diverse teams
. Results driven with organizational skills, focused on details
. Creative problem solver - can generate comfortable solutions to difficult problems
. Adaptable, flexible and can manage multiple priorities
. Communicator who effectively conveys information
. Strong relationship builder - proven interpersonal skills
. Resourceful, outgoing team player and innovative independent thinker
. Computer literate performer
. Dedicated, honest and reliable
INTERESTS
Long time local artist who has shown locally for over ten years Face painter for children's events
Gardening, aromatherapy and herbal medicine
Hiking with active dogs, running, sailing, paddle boarding and yoga Cooking and wine tasting
Travel
AFFILIATIONS
Children's Activities Coordinator for the Subdued Stringband Jamboree – 8 years Suicide prevention volunteer – 5 years
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – 2 years References are available upon request.