I owned and operated Magnolia Kitchen for 12 years building the brand and Cafe from operation in my home kitchen as the single “employee” to operating in a 350sqm premises with 11 employees. Magnolia Kitchen has been closed now for approx. 2 years and I am looking to use my skills operating a successful international brand and local cafe to move forward in a hands on management based role.
I am a driven leader who isn't afraid to muck in with my team fostering a "one team, one dream" mentality and a pleasant, supportive work environment.
Previous to my growing and running my business I was working in the Payroll/Finance and HR sector for corporate companies. This experience helped me when I ran my own business with staff rosters, legislation knowledge, budgeting, balancing month/year ends, costing, etc.
I also spent nearly 8 years in the Royal New Zealand Navy where I gained London City and Guilds in Hospitality Food Service. My time in the Navy was invaluable to who I am today and is almost solely responsible for my strong sense of team work, need for processes and systems in a work place. When you live and work with approx 170 people for months on end you learn fast that you are nothing without each other.
During my time in the Navy I was also a single mum trying to make ends meet and worked for a couple of years as a breakfast cook every weekend in a busy North Shore Cafe.
I am obsessed with coffee and food.
I love working as part of a cohesive team and interacting with customers to create a fun environment where both staff and customers feel welcomed and part of the Cafe’s story and journey.
With my extensive experience I will be an asset to this team.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
- Quality marketing strategies through social media and content creating
- Served customers quickly and efficiently to a high standard while making them feel welcome and valued.
- Encourage healthy work environment and provided support with the team to ensure smooth functioning of the cafe and kitchen.
- Maintained accurate inventory counts to meet customer demands and sustain smooth operation in the kitchen and cafe..
- Improved overall product quality through regular training, equipment maintenance, and presentation standards.
- Maintained high standards of food safety by enforcing strict adherence to company policies and local health regulations.
- Resolved customer concerns promptly and professionally.
- Developed coffee beverage menu, recipes, specialty coffee drinks, and appropriate menu pricing to account for budgeting and maintaining market rates.
- Managed payroll, scheduling, ordering and other back-of-house tasks to drive operations and maximize sales and profitability.
- Managed financial operations to ensure financial responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.