Kenya Blancas
Chicago,IL
Summary
Proven team leader and adept problem-solver with extensive experience in fast-paced retail environments, including a notable tenure at Starbucks. Excels in customer service and retail management, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving sales growth. Friendly team player dedicated to making delicious specialty coffee and tea beverages and contributing to safe, welcoming cafe environment. Fast learner and adapter to new circumstances and challenges paired with in-depth knowledge of coffee-making equipment operations. Works well under pressure and in fast-paced settings. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry level position. Ready to help team achieve company goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Barista
Starbucks, Barista
3350 N Western Ave
03.2023 - Current
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace for optimal productivity and safety.
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and promptly addressing their needs.
- Pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic periods to promote fun, positive environment.
- Contributed to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration with colleagues.
- Managed time effectively to balance both front-of-house tasks and back-of-house responsibilities during busy periods.
- Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to ensure satisfaction and foster loyalty.
- Maintained regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, blenders, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
- Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
- Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
- Trained new team members with positive reinforcement and respectful, encouraging coaching.
- Assisted in inventory management to maintain adequate stock levels and reduce wastage.
- Created wide variety of hot and cold drinks in average shifts with consistently positive customer satisfaction scores.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently preparing and serving high-quality beverages.
- Supported training efforts for new hires, sharing knowledge of coffee making techniques and customer service standards.
- Promoted additional items with beverages, increasing store sales.
- Restocked display cases with attractive arrangements to promote specialty food items like bagels and muffins.
- Explained beverage preparation and offered samples to help customers choose ideal items.
Bakery Manager
Dip And Sip
2256 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618
02.2022 - 03.2023
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment by enforcing strict adherence to food safety guidelines and regulations.
- Arranged bakery displays to showcase baked goods, cakes, and pies to drive product sales.
- Managed inventory and reduced waste, resulting in cost savings for the bakery.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing concerns promptly and professionally, resulting in repeat business.
- Maintained cleanliness and hygiene in bakery premises.
- Enforced compliance with food safety standards with proper food storage, sanitation and labeling.
- Handled staff scheduling, ensuring adequate coverage during peak times while minimizing labor costs.
- Introduced new display techniques that showcased products effectively, increasing visual appeal and driving sales growth.
- Trained new bakery staff on company policies and POS system use to maximize job satisfaction, expertise, and team performance.
- Assisted in designing new menu items, incorporating seasonal ingredients for optimal freshness and taste.
- Established and maintained relationships with suppliers to procure quality ingredients and equipment.
- Oversaw all aspects of quality control to maintain consistently high standards for baked goods produced at the facility.
- Coordinated catering orders for special events such as weddings or corporate functions while maintaining exceptional levels of customer satisfaction throughout the entire process.
- Set and updated weekly work schedules to meet coverage demands by considering factors like expected customer levels, planned promotions and individual employee strengths.
- Trained newly hired sales team in upselling techniques.
- Maintained focus during busy times and delegated tasks to employees to keep business running smoothly.
- Walked through department multiple times each shift to evaluate and correct issues such as cleaning and stock replenishment needs.
Sales Associate
Dollar Tree
5316 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
03.2020 - 03.2021
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
Stocker
Target
2939 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60618
04.2020 - 02.2021
- Unloaded, sorted and stocked merchandise according to store layout and product placement.
- Placed products in correct storage locations to keep stock areas organized and inventory counts accurate.
- Answered customer questions and provided detailed product information.
- Performed inventory control, such as counting, and stocking merchandise.
- Greeted customers and directed to requested products.
- Consistently lifted materials weighing as much as [Number] pounds.
- Rotated stock correctly to prevent out-of-date products and removed aging items from main shelving to build special promotional displays.
- Maintained effective team member communication.
- Enhanced inventory accuracy by diligently organizing and maintaining stockroom shelves.
- Collaborated with team members to complete stocking tasks during peak business hours, maintaining a well-stocked sales floor.
- Contributed to store cleanliness, ensuring aisles were free from clutter and hazards for shopper safety.
- Improved customer satisfaction by promptly locating items and providing product information.
- Helped customers locate desired items and transfer oversized items to vehicles.
- Reduced out-of-stock situations with regular monitoring of product levels on sales floor.
- Assisted in conducting accurate physical inventory counts, resulting in improved stock management.
- Completed end-of-day tasks such as returning misplaced items to their correct locations, contributing to an organized sales floor for the next day''s business.
Cashier
Shop N Save
229 Golf Mill Centre, Niles, IL 60714
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from shoppers.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to improved customer relations and loyalty.
- Handled multiple payment methods securely, minimizing discrepancies and potential losses.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
National Louis University
Chicago, IL08.2026
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College
Chicago, IL07.2024
High School Diploma -
Northtown Academy
Chicago 05.2020
Skills
- Friendly and outgoing
- Team Player
- Cash Handling
- Opening and closing duties
- Active listener
- Cleanliness
- Exceptional customer service
- Team Leadership
- Adaptive and creative
- Order Taking
- Cash Register Operation
- Safe Food Handling
- POS Systems
- Safe Food Handling Practices
- New Hire Training
- Retail Management
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- Problem-Solving
Certification
ServeSafe Manager
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Barista
Starbucks, Barista
03.2023 - Current
Bakery Manager
Dip And Sip
02.2022 - 03.2023
Stocker
Target
04.2020 - 02.2021
Sales Associate
Dollar Tree
03.2020 - 03.2021
Cashier
Shop N Save
03.2019 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
National Louis University
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College
High School Diploma -
Northtown Academy