Ella Marx
Chicago,IL
Summary
Creative hospitality and communications professional with a background in international studies, editorial writing, and experience curation. Passionate about creating thoughtful, immersive experiences that bring people together through culture, beauty, and meaningful connection. Inspired by the power of storytelling and the richness of different cultures, I bring a thoughtful, creative approach to crafting memorable experiences that engage the senses, foster connection, and leave a lasting impression.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Barista
Broken Tart
Oak Park, IL
08.2026 - Current
- Delivered attentive, personalized customer service, enhancing guest satisfaction in a thoughtfully curated café environment.
- Uphold high standards of hospitality to create a welcoming guest experience.
- Contributed to warm, inviting atmosphere by curating music and aesthetics, enhancing overall guest experience.
- Maintained elegant visual displays through pastry presentation and floral arrangements, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Yoga Instructor
Eckerd College
St. Petersburg, FL
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Planned and led weekly classes, adapting each experience to students' needs and the surrounding environment, promoting mindfulness and well-being.
- Curated themed wellness experiences, including full-moon practices and student de-stress events, enhancing community engagement.
- Created playlists and selected garden locations to cultivate intentional, immersive atmospheres, fostering deeper student connections.
Culture Editor
Triton Publications
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Edited culture stories for the digital desk of the publication, enhancing readability and engagement.
- Edited cultural content and collaborated with writers to create engaging editorial coverage that resonated with audiences.
- Pitched innovative coverage ideas for entertainment, arts, and lifestyle to editorial team, fostering creative discourse.
- Balanced creative direction and editorial quality while meeting deadlines and ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
- Assigned freelance writers specific culture reporting tasks, ensuring coverage of diverse topics and perspectives.
Barista
Sumitra Espresso Lounge
09.2025 - 03.2026
- Prepared espresso beverages and specialty drinks for Broken Tart guests
- Provided exceptional customer service in Moroccan- and European-inspired café with a wine and cocktail bar.
- Greeted customers and answered questions about pastries and drinks
- Operated point-of-sale system for orders and payment processing
- Facilitated inviting environment for private parties and local events.
International Travel Counselor
Travel for Teens
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Coordinated accommodations, transportation, meals, and activities for student travel groups, ensuring seamless experiences across multiple destinations.
- Collaborated with hotel, restaurant, and activity staff to tailor experiences, enhancing enjoyment and creating memorable moments for students.
- Organized beachside gatherings, sunset outings, and spontaneous local excursions, fostering meaningful connections and showcasing attention to detail.
- Navigated language barriers, resolved interpersonal challenges, and facilitated cross-cultural communication while prioritizing student safety and well-being.
Barista & Food Runner
Taylor Sam's
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Prepared espresso drinks and specialty beverages for Taylor Sam's guests.
- Prepared customized beverage orders to enhance customer satisfaction and support smooth restaurant operations.
- Coordinated customer orders and partnered with team members to deliver prompt and attentive service.
- Greeted patrons and answered menu questions with friendly service.
- Recorded customer orders at register to ensure accurate processing. and processed payments at Taylor Sam's register.
Independent Jewelry Designer & Business Owner
Entrepreneurship
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Sold products at local markets and community events, engaging with customers to promote brand visibility and increase sales.
- Designed and sold handmade earrings, while developing a cohesive visual brand and product aesthetic.
- Planned and styled product photoshoots to showcase designs and maintain consistent brand presentation.
- Managed customer orders and tracking to ensure timely fulfillment and maintain customer satisfaction.
Education
B.A. - International Studies
Eckerd College
St. Petersburg, FL05-2026
High School Diploma -
Oak Park And River Forest High School
Oak Park, IL05-2022
Skills
- Beverage preparation
- Customer engagement
- Menu presentation
- Event coordination
- Cross cultural communication
- Professional: Organization, adaptability, problem-solving, relationship-building
- Editorial writing
- Content editing
LANGUAGES
English | Spanish, STAMP seal of biliteracy
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Award for Excellence in International Studies, Eckerd College, 2026, Ford Scholar, First Place, Best Arts & Entertainment Story, College Media Awards Voices of the Pier
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- English Language Volunteer, Seville, Spain, 2025, Collaborated with a local elementary school teacher to develop interactive English lessons while studying at the Universidad de Sevilla.
- Saini Preschool, Preschool Substitute Teacher, Chicago, IL, 2024, Planned engaging activities and maintained a safe, supportive environment for young children.
- Nanny & Babysitter, Chicago Area, Managed childcare, transportation, daily routines, and household responsibilities while prioritizing safety and positive communication with families.
- Digital Writer, Rise Healthcare, January 2024, wrote and designed content for Rise Healthcare newsletter
Accomplishments
- Award of Excellence in International Studies, Eckerd College 2026
- Ford Scholar, Eckerd College
- First place, Best Arts & Entertainment Story, College Media Association for "Voices of the Pier" 2024
- Deans List
- Honor Roll
Timeline
Barista
Broken Tart
08.2026 - Current
Barista
Sumitra Espresso Lounge
09.2025 - 03.2026
Barista & Food Runner
Taylor Sam's
05.2025 - 08.2025
Yoga Instructor
Eckerd College
01.2025 - 01.2026
Culture Editor
Triton Publications
01.2024 - 01.2025
International Travel Counselor
Travel for Teens
01.2023 - 01.2024
Independent Jewelry Designer & Business Owner
Entrepreneurship
01.2022 - 01.2024
B.A. - International Studies
Eckerd College
High School Diploma -
Oak Park And River Forest High School