Clarissa Isabella Cathcart
Columbia
Summary
Driven and versatile leader with a background in sociology, public engagement, and creative media. As Miss Columbia SC USA 2024, I’ve led community outreach, spoken on confidence and wellness, and represented my city with purpose. I’m currently a senior at the University of South Carolina, majoring in Sociology, with a minor in Medical Anthropology, focused on understanding people and culture. My experience as a Sales Associate at Talbots and head assistant to a leading photographer has strengthened my communication, client service, and coordination skills. I bring poise, empathy, and strong interpersonal instincts to every role I take on.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Photographers Head Assistant
Marika H Photography
Williamsburg
06.2018 - Current
- Client's Photo Journals and Albums were delivered to customer locations by me.
- Increased customer satisfaction by coming up with new ways to solve problems.
- Made up my own photographic techniques and methods.
- Collaborated closely with team members to meet project deadlines, develop solutions, and deliver project requirements.
- Worked with clients to ensure that they were happy with the photos.
- Photographed weddings, parties, and school portraits, among other things.
- Developed a reputation for punctuality and hard work.
- Was in charge of all tasks delegated to me, including setting up the equipment and the background for indoor and outdoor photo sessions.
- Set up photographic measurements and control equipment with precision.
Sales Associate
Talbots on Merchant Square
Williamsburg
11.2024 - 06.2025
- Performed cashier duties such as accepting payments, issuing receipts and counting money back change.
- Restocked shelves as needed to ensure sufficient inventory levels.
- Conducted inventories on a regular basis to track stock levels.
- Assisted customers with product selection, sizing and styling.
- Processed transactions using a point-of-sale system.
- Organized stockroom shelves according to size, color or style.
- Maintained cleanliness of store environment including floors, windows, displays.
- Processed credit card transactions quickly and securely.
- Greeted customers and provided exceptional customer service.
- Processed returns, exchanges, and refunds in accordance with company policies.
- Developed trusting relationships with customers by making personal connections.
Miss Columbia USA 2024
RPM Productions
Columbia
06.2023 - 12.2024
- Served as the official titleholder and public representative for Columbia in the Miss South Carolina USA system, advocating for community wellness, confidence, and empowerment.
- Spearheaded outreach initiatives across the Midlands region, including school visits, charity events, and civic appearances promoting mental health awareness and youth mentorship.
- Delivered speeches and hosted public discussions on topics including self-image, leadership, and resilience, reaching diverse audiences in both formal and informal settings.
- Partnered with local organizations, nonprofits, and media outlets to support campaigns centered on education, wellness, and inclusion.
- Represented the city and its values at the statewide Miss South Carolina USA competition, demonstrating poise, professionalism, and strong public speaking under pressure.
- Managed personal branding, media communications, and social media outreach as a public figure and role model to young women and community members.
Restaurant Hostess
Food For Thought
Williamsburg
05.2021 - 09.2021
- Worked with the kitchen and wait staff to accurately inform groups about table and food wait times.
- Cultivated positive guest relations by managing information and coordinating quick seatings.
- Documented reservations and communicated changes to guests using [Software].
- Kept a loyal clientele by providing exceptional service at every stage of the restaurant dining experience.
- Customers paid with credit cards, cash, and gift certificates, and I made proper change for cash transactions.
- Used Food For Thought's computer system to record available tables after seating each party.
- Kept the tables clean and tidy with tableware, glassware, silverware, and linens.
- Kept an eye on the dining room and the flow of guests in order to maximize table usage and cut wait times by 40%.
- Kept customers happy and increased drink sales by directing them to the bar area while they waited for tables.
- Gathered information about the size of the guests' party, led them to their seats, offered menus, and informed the parties that their satisfaction is my job and desire.
- Assisted servers, food runners, and bussers in making sure the dining area was ready for each and every guest.
- Promoted business loyalty by cultivating positive customer relationships.
- Struck up a friendly conversation with guests in order to establish rapport and encourage repeat business.
- Gathered data from arriving customers in order to seat groups or place them on a waiting list.
- Informed servers of newly seated parties for quick service.
- Kept track of reservations, alerted servers and managers when large groups arrived, and set up seating.
Dance Teacher
Institute for Dance
Williamsburg
09.2017 - 05.2020
- Instructed groups of up to [Number] couples, emphasizing Pointe, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Kick line.
- Performed at Studio Recital events as a professional dancer.
- Worked in a team environment to ensure that all clients received quality and consistent service.
- Was in charge of preparing classrooms for new student groups.
- Choreographed dance numbers for the school's year-end recital.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students by appointment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC05-2025
High School -
Lafayette High School
Williamsburg, VA01.2020
High School -
Walsingham Academy
Williamsburg, VASkills
- Strong Communication Skills
- Group and Individual Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Planning and Coordination
- Public Speaking
- Team Collaboration
- Skilled Motivator
Certification
- Daughters of the American Revolution Award winner
- First Aid/CPR Certified
Accomplishments
- A dancer of 16 years perfecting the art of Pointe (Ballet), Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Modern, Kick line, and Celtic Dance.
- Head Assistant for a multiple award winning photographer in Virginia, Marika H Photography.
Websites
Timeline
Sales Associate
Talbots on Merchant Square
11.2024 - 06.2025
Miss Columbia USA 2024
RPM Productions
06.2023 - 12.2024
Restaurant Hostess
Food For Thought
05.2021 - 09.2021
Photographers Head Assistant
Marika H Photography
06.2018 - Current
Dance Teacher
Institute for Dance
09.2017 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of South Carolina
High School -
Lafayette High School
High School -
Walsingham Academy
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