Donyella Kittrell Jackson
Chicago,IL
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Associate
Harry Potter Shop Chicago
Chicago, IL
03.2025 - 04.2026
- Delivered high quality customer service across front-of-house and back-of-house roles, greeting guests, answering product questions, and resolving issues to create a welcoming, theme consistent experience.
- Processed diverse sales transactions using point-of-sale systems, upsold add-ons and custom items, and ensured accurate cash handling and end-of-day reconciliation.
- Designed and produced custom jewelry and merchandise on request, translating guest ideas into finished products while maintaining quality, consistency, and store brand standards.
- Managed inventory and stockroom operations, performing cycle counts, receiving shipments, restocking sales floor, and minimizing out-of-stock situations through proactive replenishment.
- Maintained store presentation by executing daily visual merchandising tasks, seasonal displays, and upkeep of themed decor to maximize product visibility and guest engagement.
- Coordinated customer flow and safety by managing queue lines during peak periods, implementing crowd control procedures, and maintaining an orderly, safe shopping environment.
- Planned and led personalized in-store experiences and events, including birthday activations and interactive guest activities, increasing guest satisfaction and encouraging social sharing.
- Trained and mentored new team members on store procedures, POS use, product knowledge, and experience delivery to maintain consistent service standards.
- Contributed to cross-functional tasks such as assisting with receiving, merchandising plans, and promotional setups to support store goals and daily operations.
- Enthusiastic retail associate delivering immersive, guest focused experiences in a themed retail environment; combines sales, merchandising, inventory control, and event facilitation to drive customer satisfaction and repeat visits.
- Key skills learned/utilized: Customer service; POS & cash handling; custom product creation; inventory management; visual merchandising; event promotion; crowd management; team training.
Owner & Creative Director
Self-Employed
Chicago, IL
05.2021 - 03.2025
- Produced and hosted weekly live broadcasts combining scripted segments, real-time interaction, and on demand repurposed video to build a consistent, branded content pipeline.
- Planned, shot, and edited promotional clips, thumbnails, overlays, and social graphics to drive discovery and cross-platform engagement.
- Expanded follower base by 30% within six months through targeted content strategies, collaboration streams, and optimized posting cadence.
- Monetized the channel through subscriptions, donations, and sponsored integrations, negotiating and executing branded content that aligned with audience interests.
- Cultivated a positive, moderated community by establishing chat guidelines, training volunteer moderators, and implementing viewer engagement features such as loyalty rewards and themed events.
- Used platform and social analytics to track performance, test creative variations, and iterate content strategy based on viewer retention and engagement signals.
- Coordinated partnerships and cross-promotions with other creators and brands to broaden reach and drive incremental revenue.
- Owner & Creative Director @ Twitch.tv
- Key skills learned/utilized: Live production; video editing; social media marketing; community management; audience growth strategies; creator-brand partnerships; analytics driven content optimization; streaming tech (OBS, scene management, audio/video production).
Intern (HR, Administration, & Credit)
Aetna Plywood
Maywood, IL
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Processed vendor invoices and payments with 100% accuracy, entering data into the accounting system and ensuring timely vendor settlement.
- Prepared bi-weekly payment batches and executed payments in accordance with company policies and vendor terms to maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Performed accounts payable reconciliations, identified and investigated discrepancies, and coordinated corrective actions with vendors and internal teams.
- Supported HR and administrative tasks, including document management, onboarding paperwork, and maintaining confidential personnel records.
- Improved workflow efficiency by organizing filing systems, standardizing payment documentation, and assisting with month-end close procedures.
- Key skills learned/utilized: Accounts payable; payment batching; reconciliations; vendor relations; administrative support; data entry; microsoft excel; microsoft word; microsoft powerpoint.
Professional Tap Dancer
MADD Rhythms
Chicago, IL
01.2012 - 08.2017
- Performed in public concerts, festivals, corporate events, and studio showcases, delivering polished routines that combined technical precision and theatrical presence.
- Choreographed original tap pieces and adapted repertoire for ensembles and solo performances to suit venue, audience, and event objectives.
- Taught and mentored students of varying ages and skill levels through workshops, masterclasses, and private lessons, improving technique and performance confidence.
- Developed audience education segments that introduced the history, rhythm structures, and cultural significance of tap, increasing audience engagement and appreciation.
- Collaborated with musicians, dancers, and production teams to integrate tap into multidisciplinary performances and ensure seamless staging and sound coordination.
- Managed logistics for performances including rehearsal scheduling, costume preparation, music editing, and on-site show-day coordination.
- Key skills learned/utilized: Tap technique; choreography; teaching and workshop development; performance production; rhythm interpretation; ensemble collaboration.
Information Technology Administrative Aid
Loretto Hospital
Chicago, IL
06.2015 - 08.2017
- Cleared a backlog of physical and electronic IT records, reorganizing files and implementing a consistent labeling system to speed retrieval and reduce errors.
- Managed and prioritized service tickets, routing urgent requests to technicians, tracking progress, and following up to ensure timely resolution.
- Served as primary contact between clinical staff and IT technicians, translating issues into actionable information and scheduling on-site support to minimize downtime.
- Key skills learned/utilized: Records management; ticket handling; cross-department communication; inventory control; report preparation.
Timeline
Sales Associate
Harry Potter Shop Chicago
03.2025 - 04.2026
Intern (HR, Administration, & Credit)
Aetna Plywood
06.2021 - 08.2021
Owner & Creative Director
Self-Employed
05.2021 - 03.2025
Information Technology Administrative Aid
Loretto Hospital
06.2015 - 08.2017
Professional Tap Dancer
MADD Rhythms
01.2012 - 08.2017