Having run my own floral design business for the past seven years, and worked for various private organisations and government entities, my range of skills and experience are valuable and varied. At this stage of my career, I am looking to harness my academic knowledge and experience by positively contributing to the tertiary sector. I have long held a passion for research and continued learning, as evidenced in having completed three University degrees to a very high standard. I don’t take my education for granted and I am passionate about equality in education, especially for women, with a focus on cross-cultural learning. I would love the opportunity to facilitate learning opportunities for current and future generations, specifically by working in curriculum development at University level.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Owner and Lead Floral Designer
Floriade Ltd
03.2017 - Current
Established strong customer relationships through excellent communication and attentive service.
Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
Increased client satisfaction by implementing innovative business strategies and streamlining processes.
Cultivated strong online presence, managing social media platforms to engage with customers and build community.
Increased customer satisfaction with personalized service offerings, addressing specific needs and preferences.
Developed strategic business plan, guiding company towards sustainable growth and profitability.
Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Established design guidelines to maintain brand consistency across all platforms and touchpoints.
Applied knowledge of production to create high-quality images.
Designed website layouts, templates, and unique branded looks.
Implemented strategies to increase web site traffic.
Took and edited photographs to use in digital publications, websites and social media.
Utilized Google Analytics to monitor websites and other digital content and recommended strategies and updated channels to improve performance.
Streamlined design processes, resulting in increased efficiency and improved project outcomes.
Used Adobe Creative Suite to edit images for use in marketing materials and website content.
Creating bespoke, high quality floral designs for weddings and events.
Running a retail shop and serving customers to the highest quality of service.
Leading a team and training other designers.
Working effectively with clients and other vendors.
Writing client proposals with detailed pricing and design concepts.
Landscape Architect Intern
OPUS International Consultants
11.2015 - 12.2016
Managed project documentation, contributing to organized and streamlined processes throughout the project lifecycle.
Prepared comprehensive presentation materials to effectively communicate design concepts to clients and stakeholders.
Conducted site visits to review designs.
Assisted senior landscape architects with project development, resulting in efficient and innovative designs.
Developed visual aids like sketches or 3D models using computer software programs which helped present complex landscape designs more easily understood by nonprofessionals.
Participated in client meetings, providing valuable input on design elements and practical considerations for each project.
Stayed updated on industry trends, attending workshops and conferences to expand professional knowledge and skills.
Utilized advanced software programs such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite to create visually compelling design renderings.
Assisted with budget planning by estimating costs of materials, labor, and other resources needed for successful project completion.
Successfully collaborated on small, medium and large scale designs in a team that included architects, planners and engineers.
Heritage Adviser
Heritage New Zealand
06.2015 - 12.2015
Developed strong relationships with clients through regular communication and excellent customer service.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Displayed excellent data analysis and report writing skills.
Increased knowledge of the history of land use in Aotearoa.
Demonstrated an eye for detail and a high level of written and oral skills, working on heritage analysis reports and databases for Manatū Taonga (Ministry for Culture and Heritage).
Travelled around the lower North Island to examine land heritage sites with specific research into the cultural significance of land to Iwi intended for government development.
Met deadlines whilst consulting with outside agents and other government departments.
Admissions Officer
Victoria International at Victoria University
01.2001 - 11.2002
Provided exceptional customer service to prospective students, answering inquiries via phone or email promptly and professionally.
Developed an efficient system for tracking application statuses, ensuring accurate information was readily available at all times.
Assisted international applicants with navigating visa requirements, providing essential information regarding immigration regulations.
Processed applications in a timely manner, meeting deadlines while maintaining attention to detail in reviewing applicant materials.
Maintained contact with accepted students throughout enrollment process, offering guidance and support as needed before arrival on campus.
Followed up immediately when prospects reached out to quickly resolve concerns.
Collaborated with admissions team to determine optimal processes for reviewing applications.
Worked with marketing team to develop recruitment strategies in accordance with organizational goals and within budgetary guidelines.
Collaborated with faculty, staff and students to identify and address institutional challenges.
Implemented strategies to increase student recruiting, engagement and retention.
Designed effective and user-friendly processes for both admissions and applicant review.
Evaluated applicant qualifications, ensuring fair consideration of all candidates based on academic merit and potential.
Provided liaison and support for international student admissions.
Worked in a positive, productive and culturally sensitive manner with students and fellow staff at Victoria International
Successfully achieved KPIs and other goals in a highly motivated team environment.
Education
Bachelor of Architectural Studies - Landscape Architecture
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, NZ
12.2014
Master of Education (International Education) - International Education
Monash University
Melbourne
12.2002
Bachelor of Music Education - Music
The University of Sydney
Sydney
12.1994
Skills
Customer Service
Customer Relations
Attention to Detail
Driven and Determined
Relationship Building
Employee Training
Team Collaboration and Leadership
Business Development
Issue Resolution
Social Media Marketing
Quality Assurance
Financial Management
Business marketing
Employee Development
Decision-Making
Teamwork and Collaboration
Customer Retention
Data Analysis and use of databases
Employee Motivation
Oral and written skills
Entrepreneurial personality
Business Planning
Marketing Strategies
Time management
Public Speaking
Problem solving
Creative thinker
Working to a deadline
Interests
Abstract Painting: I am currently putting together my first solo exhibition of a colourful body of mixed media Abstract Expressionist paintings that I have been working on for a number of years.
Bush walking: I love exploring the various trails of Wellington and further afield.
Reading: I am an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction and love my monthly book club meetings.
Travelling: I enjoy travelling to new places and value learning about different cultures around the world.