AISLING SWEENEY

As a freelance hairstylist, I have developed a wide range of valuable skills, including:

Customer Service: Building strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and delivering personalized services to ensure satisfaction.

Time Management: Effectively scheduling appointments, managing time to accommodate multiple clients, and consistently meeting deadlines.

Business Management: Overseeing pricing, budgeting, marketing, and financial management as an independent professional.

Marketing and Networking: Promoting services through social media, word-of-mouth, and client referrals to grow and maintain a loyal client base.

Communication Skills: Engaging with clients to discuss styles, offer tailored recommendations, and set clear expectations.

Additionally, I trained as a Platinum Luxury Hair Extensionist through an online program during the COVID pandemic and later attended the academy in person when it was safe.

I also completed the Master Color Program with Wella Professionals, further enhancing my expertise in hair coloring.

As an art department trainee, working on props on set; I typically have the following roles and responsibilities:

Prop Preparation and Maintenance: Assisting the prop master/prop team by preparing, organizing, and maintaining props for each scene. This includes ensuring that props are clean, functional, and ready for use when needed.

Prop Placement and Continuity: Ensuring that props are correctly placed on set according to the script, director’s vision, and continuity requirements. I reset props between takes or scenes to maintain consistency.

Sourcing and Crafting Props: Assisting in sourcing or making props as required by the production. This could involve shopping for items, crafting or modifying existing props, or helping in building custom pieces for the set.

On-set Support: Being available on set to assist with any prop-related needs during filming. This may include handing props to actors, making last-minute adjustments, or solving problems that arise during shooting.

Communication with Other Departments: Liaising with other departments, such as costume or set dressing, to ensure that props complement the overall look and feel of the production. Clear communication is key to making sure that everyone is aligned with the creative vision.

Prop Management and Storage: Keeping track of all props used in production, ensuring they are correctly stored when not in use, and handling any necessary repairs or replacements.

Health and Safety: Following health and safety protocols, especially when handling delicate, heavy, or potentially hazardous props. This includes ensuring that any prop weapons or specialised items are handled safely and in accordance with production guidelines.

Set Dressing Assistance: Occasionally assisting with set dressing tasks, particularly when props are part of the overall environment, helping to ensure the set looks cohesive and realistic.

As this role requires attention to detail, creativity, and a strong work ethic, I often work under tight deadlines and fast-paced conditions which displays resilience and adaptability.

As a product builder in a medical device company, I played a key role in ensuring the production of safe and high-quality medical devices. Here's how I contributed:

I was responsible for assembling medical devices according to detailed instructions, blueprints, and specifications. I operated specialized tools and machinery to bring products to completion and ensured that all components were properly prepared and assembled.

Maintaining quality was one of my top priorities. I conducted thorough inspections and testing during and after the assembly process to ensure every device met strict standards. When I identified defects or deviations, I documented them and worked to address the issues.

I strictly followed Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and adhered to ISO standards, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. I kept accurate production records and contributed to audit readiness by maintaining clear documentation.

I collaborated with engineers, quality assurance teams, and R&D departments to resolve challenges and implement design improvements. My feedback helped enhance both the product and the manufacturing process.

I sought opportunities to optimize efficiency and reduce waste by participating in process improvement initiatives. I suggested and implemented solutions to address bottlenecks and improve production techniques.

I followed all health and safety guidelines to maintain a safe workplace. I also participated in ongoing training to stay updated on new tools and best practices.

I tracked and managed the inventory of parts and materials, ensuring production had everything needed to avoid delays and maintain smooth operations.

In this role, I took great pride in knowing my work contributed to the development of medical devices that improved lives. My focus on precision, safety, and quality assurance helped ensure the delivery of products that met the highest standards.

Also, as part of the charity committee, I helped develop and implement an initiative to raise money for the Galway Simon Community, an organization dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness. Together, we came up with an idea that was adopted indefinitely within the plant, ensuring sustained contributions to this important cause. Knowing that our efforts created a long-term impact for the community was incredibly rewarding.

During my internship with the Galway Film Fleadh, I learned the importance of networking, as building professional relationships can lead to future opportunities and collaborations.

I also gained a deeper understanding of the complexities behind organising a film festival, particularly through my role in assisting with the Film Fair, where I helped coordinate meetings between producers and industry representatives.

Additionally, I discovered the significance of audience engagement, learning how essential it is to tailor events to meet audience expectations and ensure their satisfaction.

From managing complex schedules, travel plans, and communications to supporting production logistics, I thrive on staying organized and adaptable. As a personal assistant to the producer in this company, I played a crucial role in ensuring their professional and personal lives ran smoothly in the fast-paced entertainment industry.

In this role, I liaised with industry professionals, handled sensitive information with discretion, and tackled last-minute challenges with poise. My goal was to streamline daily operations, anticipate needs, and provide reliable support so the producer could focus on creative and strategic priorities.

I participated in SELECTED, a two-week academy designed to provide hands-on insight into how a festival of GIAF’s scale is organized. Through this program, I gained valuable skills and experiences in three core areas: professional networking, practical experience, and artistic development.

As part of SELECTED, I received a blend of theoretical and practical training tailored to the arts, including preparation for a story bank and pitch project. Acting as a Festival Ambassador, I developed a deep understanding of the festival—the key people, events, and locations—allowing me to confidently assist the public with their festival-related needs.

I also contributed to the Festival’s sustainability goals as a green ambassador, promoting eco-friendly practices and supporting the festival’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Additionally, I engaged with visitors on the streets of Galway, enhancing my interpersonal and communication skills in a fun and dynamic environment. Each day offered fresh challenges and opportunities, as I helped spread awareness of events and provided assistance in the Festival’s busiest areas.

This experience not only deepened my knowledge of arts festival management but also strengthened my ability to collaborate, adapt, and connect with diverse audiences.

From June 20th to August 12th, 2022, I lived and worked in Quito and Riobamba, Ecuador, as part of a volunteer program. During this time, I volunteered with children at Club Centro Deportivo Olmedo, an experience that was both highly rewarding and deeply enriching. Immersing myself in Ecuadorian culture, I had the opportunity to share and teach Gaelic football skills to teenagers during their soccer training. These skills were successfully put into practice during a friendly game, fostering a fun and collaborative environment.

The skills gained were:

Cross-Cultural Communication: Learned to effectively engage with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, enhancing my interpersonal and language skills.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Navigated new environments and adjusted to different ways of life, developing flexibility and resilience.

Teamwork and Leadership: Guided and motivated teenagers, demonstrating leadership and collaboration in a sports setting.

Teaching and Coaching: Acquired coaching skills by teaching Gaelic football techniques and adapting them for a new audience.

Cultural Awareness: Gained a deep appreciation for Ecuadorian traditions, values, and community dynamics through immersive experiences.

Personal Development: Built confidence, empathy, and self-awareness by working in a diverse and challenging environment.

This experience not only allowed me to contribute positively to the local community but also fostered significant growth in both my professional and personal skill sets.

• Trained as a Platinum Luxury Hair Extensionist online during Covid and attended the academy once it was safe to do so

• Adapt to all aspects of training to fulfil attention to detail regarding job description
• Attended the prestigious Hob Academy in London for skilled training in cutting and colouring
• Assigned to a marketing role, with duties including managing the social media element of the business within six months of joining the company
• This enabled the company to gain more clientele, thus bringing in more revenue
• Numerous upskilling courses to maintain a high standard of ability
• Responsible for maintaining COVID guidelines, stock ordering and exceeding sales targets daily

• Promoted to Senior Stylist in 2006
• Completed a Master Colour Programme with Wella Professionals, the company the salon was affiliated with in 2012
• Applied and competed for a role with L’Oreal on their id artist programme