BARBARA PUGLIESE
Business Owner
Sarasota
Summary
Accomplished retail leader with over 30 years of expertise in driving revenue growth and operational excellence within luxury markets. Proven success in product development, operations, strategic buying, and retail merchandising, complemented by a strong track record of cultivating high-performing teams and managing upscale clientele. Proficient in designing innovative marketing campaigns and events that enhance brand visibility and foster customer engagement. Committed to leveraging extensive industry knowledge to deliver exceptional results and elevate the customer experience.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Owner/Operator
Just/Because
01.2014 - Current
- Own and operate a boutique retail business for 12+ years, consistently driving revenue growth and brand visibility while managing day-to-day business operations
- Lead multi-unit operations, overseeing teams, daily performance, and execution to ensure consistent standards and profitability
- Analyze sales trends, KPIs, and P&L to make strategic decisions that improve margins and overall business performance
- Built and developed high-performing teams through hands-on training, coaching, and accountability, elevating sales and service standard
- Curate and source distinctive product assortments, with a focus on women-owned brands, aligning with customer trends and brand identity
- Cultivate and retain a high-value client base, driving repeat business and achieving top-tier customer satisfaction and online reviews
- Direct visual merchandising strategies across locations to enhance brand presentation and increase conversion rates
- Execute targeted marketing and promotional initiatives to drive traffic, customer acquisition, and market share
- Establish and maintain strong vendor and partner relationships, optimizing product assortment and inventory performance
- Plan and participate in large scale events fashion shows and community events to strengthen brand presence and drive sales
- Collaborate with designers and industry partners on product development aligning with emerging trends and customer demand
Retail Brand Ambassador
Kovel Collections
01.2003 - 01.2024
- Represented a premier Eco-Design jewelry brand as a Retail Brand Ambassador at major trade shows and events
- Designed and executed visually compelling booths at key markets (Atlanta, Miami, Las Vegas) driving traffic and sales
- Generated new business and expanded wholesale accounts across the U.S. and Caribbean through relationship-building and product education
- Delivered exceptional client service and personalized product recommendations, increasing sales conversion 20% and brand loyalty
- Cultivated strong relationships with existing clients, ensuring repeat business and long-term account growth
- Lead brand presence at community events, increasing visibility and driving positive word-of-mouth marketing
- Trained and onboarded new team members and retail partners on product knowledge, sales techniques, and brand standards
- Educated customers and partners on sustainability and product story to enhance brand differentiation and value perception
-
Chef/Instructor
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium
01.2008 - 08.2023
- Chef/Instructor At the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium, delivering culinary and baking classes in a retail-driven environment
- Develop trend-forward menus and partnered with vendors to introduce new products and ingredients
- Created an implemented curriculum for specialty classes, corporate team building events, and youth summer programs
- Built a loyal customer following through engaging instruction, consistently achieving top instructor ratings for service and experience
- Lead, train, and supervise kitchen and service staff, ensuring seamless operations and exceptional guest experiences
- Thrived in a fast paced, high pressure environment, executing large scale events flawlessly while maintaining composure, organization, and attention to detail
- Maintained strict food safety and sanitation standards while managing live instruction and service simultaneously
- Collaborated cross functionally with kitchen, wait staff, and retail teams to drive sales and elevate overall customer engagement
- Managed food and labor costs for every class and events to maintain profitability while delivering high quality culinary experiences
Manager/Operator/District Manager
People's Pottery
08.2003 - 02.2008
- Managed a high-end boutique while overseeing five additional Florida locations as District Manager, driving consistent operational excellence
- Delivered $1M+ an annual sales per location by building high- performing teams and executing strategic marketing initiatives
- Recruited, trained, and developed staff and management, improving sales performance, operations, and team proficiency
- Led training and visual merchandising, customer service, POS systems, payroll, and operational best practices
- Oversaw multi-unit operations including inventory, payroll, scheduling, budgeting, and wholesale accounts
- Directed merchandising strategy and sourced handcrafted, trend-driven products aligned with brand and customer demand
- Planned and executed special events to drive traffic, sales, and community engagement
- Maintained a hands-on leadership approach, coaching teams daily to ensure accountability, consistency, and high performance
Chef/Instructor
Institute of Culinary Education
08.1996 - 11.2002
- Chef/Instructor at a premier New York City culinary institution, teaching professional and avocational students advance pastry and baking techniques
- Developed an enhanced curriculum, elevating student skill levels and contributing to certification programs
- Prepared students for high-end culinary roles through hands-on instruction and advanced techniques, menu development, and industry standards
- Created and led coursework in menu development, food cost, and restaurant operations
- Designed and executed high profile events, including TV appearances and branded promotional functions
- Developed original recipes and style food for best selling cookbook author, with features and culinary publications,magazines, and media outlets
- Maintain exceptional instructional standards, combining technical expertise with strong student engagement and outcomes
Education
Associate of Science - Food Handler Certificate
Environ Health Associates
Florida 05.2001 -
Teaching Certificate Adult and Continuing Education - Adult Education And Teaching
State of New York
New York, NY11-2000
Blue Ribbon Diploma - Culinary and Pastry Arts/Chef Training
Institute of Culinary Education
New York, NY12-1993
Associates of Education - Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching
Purchase College, SUNY
Purchase, NY01-1992
Skills
- Operations Management
- Customer Service
- POs Systems & KPIs
- Client relationship
- Workforce training & development
- Product development and Vendor collaboration
- Sales strategy development
- Merchandise purchasing
- Visual merchandising
- Retail Procurement
- Marketing and Special Events
Interests
Cooking, Afternoon Tea, Sports Fan, Travel
STRENGTHS
- Adaptable
- Adept at adjusting to evolving situations and requirements quickly and efficiently.
- Innovative
- Creative problem-solver who brings fresh ideas and inventive solutions to challenges.
- Detail-Oriented
- Focused on accuracy and precision in all tasks, ensuring thorough and meticulous results.
- Strong Communicator
- Skilled in conveying information, fostering understanding, and collaboration.
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Just/Because
01.2014 - Current
Chef/Instructor
Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium
01.2008 - 08.2023
Manager/Operator/District Manager
People's Pottery
08.2003 - 02.2008
Retail Brand Ambassador
Kovel Collections
01.2003 - 01.2024
Associate of Science - Food Handler Certificate
Environ Health Associates
05.2001 -
Chef/Instructor
Institute of Culinary Education
08.1996 - 11.2002
Teaching Certificate Adult and Continuing Education - Adult Education And Teaching
State of New York
Blue Ribbon Diploma - Culinary and Pastry Arts/Chef Training
Institute of Culinary Education
Associates of Education - Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching
Purchase College, SUNY