Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Irina Robertson

Lake Oswego

Summary

Experienced Event Coordinator, Sales Professional, and Educator with 22+ years in the sewing industry. Skilled in managing large-scale educational events, delivering expert product training, and driving revenue growth across diverse product lines. Proven ability to enhance customer engagement, build brand loyalty, and generate substantial sales. Passionate about collaborating with leading sewing machine manufacturers to design and execute impactful events and educational programs.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Event/Education Coordinator, Sales Team

Montavilla Sewing Center
01.2012 - Current

Event Coordinator

2015 – Present


  • Planned and executed one-day and multi-day educational events, generating up to $350K in revenue from a single 3-day event.
  • Partnered with manufacturers and retail partners to deliver impactful product launches and customer engagement Events.
  • Oversaw all Event logistics (venue, catering, staffing, budgeting) while consistently meeting financial goals.
  • Conducted live demos and hands-on classes, driving higher conversion rates and repeat business.
  • Leveraged post-event feedback to improve strategies, resulting in increased profitability and client retention.


Sewing Machine Educator (Classes & Lessons)

2017 – Present


  • Taught hands-on classes across multiple brands, focusing on both creative techniques and technical training.
  • Delivered one-on-one lessons to improve customer confidence, contributing to repeat purchases and retention.
  • Personalized machine recommendations, resulting in higher-value sales and increased revenue per customer.
  • Taught "Open Sew" project classes focused on Garment Design and Construction.


Sales Professional

2012 – Present


  • Sold a full range of Sewing, Embroidery and Quilting machines from entry-level ($169) to Top-of-the-Line ($24,000) models.
  • Consistently exceeded monthly and quarterly sales targets, driving store profitability.
  • Enhanced customer loyalty through expert demonstrations and accessory upselling, daily support through lessons.
  • Mentored new sales staff, improving Team performance and Team Spirit.


Assistant Store Manager

2020 – Present


  • Directed daily store operations, ensuring consistent sales growth and operational efficiency.
  • Supervised merchandising and display readiness, increasing foot traffic and product visibility.
  • Supported inventory management, contributing to cost savings and streamlined operations.


Education Coordinator

2020 – Present


  • Managed class calendar, balancing Sewing and Quilting programs to keep customers engaged.
  • Promoted classes through email, social media, and in-store marketing, leading to higher attendance and revenue.
  • Coordinated with instructors to ensure successful courses, boosting post-class product sales.



Store Manager

Meissner Sewing Center
08.2005 - 05.2007
  • Oversaw daily store operations, ensuring efficient workflow and customer satisfaction.
  • Trained and mentored staff, enhancing team performance and promoting a positive work environment.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.

Sales Associate

Sierra Sewing Center
11.2003 - 07.2005
  • Assisted customers with product selection and sewing solutions to enhance user experience.
  • Demonstrated sewing machine features, effectively increasing customer engagement during sales presentations.
  • Maintained inventory accuracy by organizing stock and updating records regularly.
  • Provided training sessions for new owners.

Tailor and Alteration Specialist

Stiches by Clair
06.2003 - 07.2005
  • Altered garments to meet client specifications, ensuring precise fit and finish.
  • Utilized sewing machines to execute complex stitching techniques efficiently.
  • Collaborated with clients to determine design preferences and fabric selections.
  • Implemented quality control measures to maintain high standards of workmanship.

Education

Bachelor - Financial Management of Garment Factory Production

Kyiv National University of Technology And Design
Kyiv, Ukraine

Specialist of Garment Manufacturing Processes - Garment Design And Construction

College of Sewing Technology And Design
Donetzk, Ukraine
06-1997

Tailoring, Garment Construction

Sewing Trade School
Berdiank, Ukraine
06-1995

Skills

    Skills
  • Event Planning & Coordination
  • Sales Strategy & Revenue Growth
  • Product Launch & Promotion
  • Customer Training & Education
  • Budgeting & Vendor Relations
  • Store Operations & Team Leadership
  • Marketing & Social Media Management
  • Time Management & Organization

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Russian
Native or Bilingual
Ukrainian
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Event/Education Coordinator, Sales Team

Montavilla Sewing Center
01.2012 - Current

Store Manager

Meissner Sewing Center
08.2005 - 05.2007

Sales Associate

Sierra Sewing Center
11.2003 - 07.2005

Tailor and Alteration Specialist

Stiches by Clair
06.2003 - 07.2005

Bachelor - Financial Management of Garment Factory Production

Kyiv National University of Technology And Design

Specialist of Garment Manufacturing Processes - Garment Design And Construction

College of Sewing Technology And Design

Tailoring, Garment Construction

Sewing Trade School
Irina Robertson