Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Hobbies and Interests
Generic

Sacha O'Connell-Johnstone

Dunedin,OTA

Summary

I am Sacha O’Connell-Johnstone, a student in my final-year of studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Otago, majoring in Communication with a minor in Marketing, set to graduate in November 2025. I am seeking opportunities to build professional experience in the communications and marketing sectors, with particular interest in public relations and sales.

My academic background has provided me with a strong foundation in marketing strategy, brand communication, and consumer engagement, while my personal interests in fashion, lifestyle and wellness drive my passion for combining creativity with strategic thinking. I thrive in collaborative environments, enjoy working with people, and am motivated by contributing to the growth of dynamic brands.

I bring a analytical skills and creative insight, enabling me to contribute to the development of effective promotional strategies. With a strong eagerness to learn, I am ready to apply and further develop my skills in areas such as campaign management, content creation, and event coordination, making me well-prepared for a role in communication and marketing.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Marketing & Communications

HolisticHealingNZ
01.2025
  • Working on real projects to designed brand-aligned marketing content using Canva and CapCut, applying visual design skills to produce digital assets that enhanced online engagement.
  • Created and scheduled social media posts across Instagram and TikTok, using writing and branding skills to increase follower interaction.
  • Supported campaign planning by contributing ideas in team meetings and helping align messaging across platforms for consistency.
  • Researched market trends and audience engagement metrics, using insights to recommend small but effective content adjustments.

Hospitality

Fluid Café
01.2023 - 01.2025
  • Provided friendly and efficient customer service, taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring a positive dining experience.
  • Assisted in food and beverage preparation, supporting the team during busy service periods and maintaining high standards of quality.
  • Helped keep operations running smoothly by multitasking between front-of-house and kitchen support roles.
  • Balanced part-time café work alongside university studies, developing strong time management, teamwork, and communication skills.

Back of House

Sumner Social Restaurant
01.2022 - 01.2025
  • Supported food preparation and plating in a fast-paced kitchen, demonstrating strong time management, multitasking, and teamwork under pressure.
  • Maintained strict hygiene and food safety standards, contributing to a safe and efficient work environment.
  • Assisted in inventory restocking and prep tasks during peak periods, helping the team deliver consistent service during high-traffic hours.
  • Worked collaboratively with chefs and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth kitchen-to-table operations and positive customer experiences.

Retail assistant

IVY BLU Boutique
01.2020 - 01.2023
  • Delivered personalised styling and service in a high-end retail environment, demonstrating strong interpersonal and sales skills that encouraged repeat business.
  • Managed point-of-sale (POS) systems, processed transactions, and assisted with inventory tracking, ensuring smooth daily operations.
  • Curated visual merchandising displays to align with seasonal trends and brand identity, applying creativity and attention to detail to enhance in-store experience.
  • Developed trusted relationships with regular customers through attentive service and styling advice, strengthening brand loyalty.
  • Collaborated with team members to meet sales targets, showing initiative, adaptability, and a customer-first mindset.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Marketing

University of Otago

Skills

  • Full NZ Driver’s Licence
  • First Aid Certificate (if applicable)
  • Canva
  • CapCut
  • Instagram Reels & TikTok (content creation editing)
  • Customer service, Communication (verbal & written), Styling & visual merchandising, Content creation
  • Reliable punctual, Collaborative & Constructive, willingness to learn and fast learner, detail focused, ability to use initiative, highly organised and high Standards & follow-through, positive ‘can do’ attitude, strategic thinking

Certification

Full NZ drivers license

First Aid certificate

Digital marketing certificate


Languages

English

Timeline

Marketing & Communications

HolisticHealingNZ
01.2025

Hospitality

Fluid Café
01.2023 - 01.2025

Back of House

Sumner Social Restaurant
01.2022 - 01.2025

Retail assistant

IVY BLU Boutique
01.2020 - 01.2023

Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Marketing

University of Otago

Hobbies and Interests

I have been passionate about fashion from a young age, firstly always wanting to wear my mums clothes which turned into exploring it through school all levels (10-13) in school and continuing to develop my skills and understanding independently. Alongside this, I have a strong interest in wellbeing and self-care, appreciating how they support confidence, strength, and balance in daily life. These interests have shaped the way I approach creativity, problem-solving, and personal expression. I am eager to bring this perspective into my studies, contributing to a community that values innovation, thoughtful engagement, and the intersection of style and wellbeing, while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

Sacha O'Connell-Johnstone