Christina Atkinson

Client Relationship Management

• Expert at building trust-based relationships with discerning clients seeking deeply personal, meaningful jewelry
• Skilled in active listening and consultative selling, translating abstract desires into concrete design specifications
• Proven ability to guide anxious or overwhelmed clients through complex custom design decisions with empathy and confidence
• Patient and attentive, considerate of client's desires and willing to work with them until we get it "just right"

Custom Design & Project Coordination

• 10+ years specializing in bespoke engagement rings and emotionally significant heirloom redesigns
• Expertise in collaborative design process: initial consultation, sketching, CAD/hand-carved wax modeling, client feedback integration, and iterative refinement
• Skilled at balancing client vision with design integrity, offering creative direction while honoring personal aesthetic preferences
• Experience managing projects with deep emotional significance (memorial pieces, inherited family jewelry, once-in-a-lifetime proposals)

Jewelry Fabrication & Production Knowledge

• Trained bench jeweler with 15 years of hands-on metalsmithing experience: proficient in hand-carving wax models, metal fabrication, soldering, stone setting, and polishing
• Comprehensive understanding of fine jewelry production with continuous professional development and deep understanding of jewelry construction from concept to finished piece: lost wax casting, stone setting, hand fabrication, finishing, and quality control
• 10+ years cultivating relationships with skilled craftsmen and manufacturing partners in the Los Angeles jewelry district
• Expertise in material sourcing: ethically sourced gemstones, antique stone cuts, precious metals

Business Operations & Marketing

• Built and maintain brand website showcasing portfolio, collections, and custom design services
• Manage inventory systems tracking materials, finished pieces, and client projects through production pipeline
• Develop and execute multi-channel marketing strategy including social media content creation, email campaigns, and brand storytelling
• Plan and host periodic client events and trunk shows to showcase new collections, engage existing clients, and cultivate personal relationships that drive referrals and repeat business
• Maintain consistent brand presence across Instagram, website, and email communications, translating brand values of legacy, intentionality, and craftsmanship into compelling visual and written content
• Leverage client testimonials and word-of-mouth marketing to build reputation as trusted custom engagement ring and heirloom redesign specialist

Quality Assurance & Perfectionism

• Discerning eye for design
• Meticulous attention to detail with hands-on quality control at every production stage
• Commitment to heirloom-quality standards: durability, wearability, and timeless aesthetics
• Proactive problem-solving: willing to restart production if piece doesn’t meet exacting standards
• Reputation for delivering pieces that exceed client expectations

Key Achievements

• Developed proprietary consultation process that transforms emotionally complex projects (memorial jewelry, inherited pieces) into celebrated heirlooms
• Built trusted network of manufacturing partners over 10 years, ensuring consistent quality and on-time delivery
• Recognized for ability to guide clients from “overwhelmed and uninspired” to “blown away” and confident in their choice
• Expertise in navigating high-stakes projects where client’s reputation and emotional investment are on the line

• Founded and operated bridge jewelry line specializing in handcrafted silver and brass pieces featuring turquoise and semi-precious cabochon gemstones
• Built direct-to-consumer sales channels through craft markets, art shows, and online platforms, developing strong client relationships that generated repeat business and custom commission requests
• Honed bench jeweling and metalsmithing skills through hands-on production: metal fabrication, soldering, stone setting, and finishing techniques
• Transitioned from beaded jewelry gifts to professional metalsmithing after completing community college metalsmithing coursework and securing internship with local fine art jeweler
• Served as production assistant for established fine art jeweler for two years while simultaneously growing Duende Creations brand
• Cultivated loyal customer base through personalized service and one-of-a-kind designs, laying foundation for future custom fine jewelry specialization

• Cleaned and finished metal castings, prepared components for assembly
• Assembled finished jewelry pieces and performed soldering tasks
• Managed wholesale account orders and client communications
• Maintained inventory systems and tracked materials and finished goods
• Assisted at markets, trunk shows, and client events
• Supported production workflow to meet order deadlines

• Crafted innovative cocktail recipes, enhancing customer satisfaction and drink selection variety.
• Managed inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock availability for peak service times.
• Trained new bartenders on best practices and menu knowledge, fostering team efficiency.
• Implemented streamlined service procedures, reducing wait times during high-volume shifts.
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
• Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
• Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
• Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
• Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
• Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
• Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
• Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.