Caroline Muse
Designer/Entrepreneur
Duluth,GA
Summary
Self-motivated, hard-working professional entrepreneur successful in capitalizing on viable opportunities for expansion and innovation in business. Background in increasing profits, reducing costs and transforming customer service standards. Experienced in starting businesses from the ground up, managing and performing day-to-day operations.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Design Lead/Key Holder
West Elm
02.2023 - 07.2023
- Streamlined design processes for increased efficiency by implementing project management tools and techniques.
- Delivered high-quality design solutions under tight deadlines, prioritizing projects based on client needs and expectations.
- Consistently met or exceeded client expectations by delivering aesthetically appealing designs that also effectively addressed business objectives.
- Mentored new designers, fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement within the team.
- Promoted an atmosphere of collaboration and open communication within the design team, fostering a positive environment conducive to creativity and growth.
- Collaborated and shared processes with colleagues and peers.
Designer/Sales Associate
West Elm
10.2022 - 02.2023
- Listened to customer desires, needs, and vision and provided company products to make their vision come to life.
- Communicated proactively with clients to set expectations and make sure West Elm was a good match for them.
- Produced high-quality mockups/mood boards/floor plans for client approval during the design process.
- Closed sales that benefited both the clients and the company and continued to provide personalized customer service throughout the delivery process.
- Worked in and with the design/sales/management team to provide the best customer service and reach store and company goals.
Fabric Designer/Owner/Operator
Muse Textiles
5 2017 - Current
- https://www.etsy.com/shop/MuseTextiles
- Design, print and produce new patterns and products.
- Manage day-to-day business operations.
- Built and manage business website, wholesale website.
- Consult with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Organize and attende trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Evaluate suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
- Reconcile monthly sales, returns and financial reports in accounting software.
- Enhance operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts and costs.
- Implement process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Introduce new methods, practices and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Establish foundational processes for business operations.
- Design and produce new patterns for products.
Showroom Sales Associate
La Femme Fashion
08.2022 - Current
- Worked the Atlanta Apparel Shows in Atlanta 2022, 2023, 2024
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
- Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
- Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
- Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise and promoted key items.
- Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items and arranging according to size or color.
Co-Owner/Operator/Coffee Roaster
Telos Coffee Roasters, LLC
02.2018 - 08.2021
- Managed day-to-day business operations, including roasting, packaging, delivering, sales, events, and website and inventory management.
- Aligned branding initiatives and sales strategies with client goals.
- Founded and managed coffee roasting business, growing revenue to $80,000/year
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
Restaurant Team Member
Chick-fil-A Northlake Festival Location
09.2012 - 04.2014
- Restocked condiment dispensers, napkins, silverware and drink machines to prevent shortages.
- Used proper techniques to prepare food and ingredients.
- Prepared food orders, cooking on grill and operating fry station.
- Prepared and cooked food orders for customers by noting customizations and portion sizes.
- Arrived to work in uniform and presentable in appearance to meet restaurant standards.
- Checked and restocked utensils and condiments in appropriate locations for guests.
- Assisted with in-store operations by disassembling delivery boxes, cleaning floors and dishwashing.
- Greeted customers at drive-thru and took food orders.
- Supported sales efforts by suggestively upselling food items and increasing check averages.
- Verified freshness of ingredients and food by checking for quality, rotating stock and recording old and new items.
- Greeted guests pleasantly and answered menu questions.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays and delivery bags.
- Noted special patron requests and followed up with kitchen to confirm delivery.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Trained new employees by demonstrating tasks and coaching during daily activities.
- Cleared trays and removed trash from tables before sanitizing surfaces.
- Used cash registers and calculators to prepare bills, accept payments and make change.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
Cashier
Farm Fresh Supermarket
05.2010 - 06.2011
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items and join reward programs.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Reconciled cash drawer at start and end of each shift, accounting for errors and resolving discrepancies.
- Maintained secure cash drawers, promptly resolving discrepancies in daily totals.
- Reviewed new promotions and monitored price changes.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Checked personal identifications during alcohol and tobacco sales.
- Provided friendly service and assistance to clients promote customer loyalty, satisfaction and sales.
- Operated cash register for cash, check and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Processed customer refunds and exchanges according to established guidelines.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Small Business Administration And Management
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA 08.2012 - 12.2016
Skills
- Customer Service
Business launch
Relationship building
Accomplishments
- played college soccer for Georgia Perimeter College on full scholarship.
- promoted to team captain sophomore year
- this experience has allowed me to work well with other people, learn conflict resolution, and learn a spirit of leadership.
Timeline
Design Lead/Key Holder
West Elm
02.2023 - 07.2023
Designer/Sales Associate
West Elm
10.2022 - 02.2023
Showroom Sales Associate
La Femme Fashion
08.2022 - Current
Co-Owner/Operator/Coffee Roaster
Telos Coffee Roasters, LLC
02.2018 - 08.2021
Restaurant Team Member
Chick-fil-A Northlake Festival Location
09.2012 - 04.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Small Business Administration And Management
Georgia Southern University
08.2012 - 12.2016
Cashier
Farm Fresh Supermarket
05.2010 - 06.2011
Fabric Designer/Owner/Operator
Muse Textiles
5 2017 - Current
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