Krista Simpson

• Supported front desk operations including booking appointments, greeting guests upon arrival, processing payments accurately while maintaining confidentiality of client information.
• Improved customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and maintaining a clean, organized spa environment.
• Developed positive working relationships with team members through effective communication and collaboration strategies.
• Provided attentive service to clients during their visit, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

At Zero Gravity, I worked the front desk and was in charge of welcoming guests, having them fill out any necessary paperwork/waivers, and guiding them through their entire float experience from beginning to end, being a comforting, relaxing, and informative presence for them. I answered phones, booked appointments, managed time slots, and communicated with massage and reiki therapists. I, myself, was also a contracted reiki therapist, and took care of clients on an on-call basis. The owners eventually leased out the space next door to the spa where they held yoga classes and large spiritual ceremonies, which they frequently asked me to help host.

After 6 months of working at Zero Gravity, I received a raise and took on the responsibility of taking care of their nightly a weekly books on Quickbooks. Overall, working at Zero Gravity was life-affirming and fulfilling. The only reason I left was to move back home for the year of 2020 to live with my mother who had just lost her husband. Otherwise, I'd be happy to stay!

Supervisor: Braden Fleming, 217-820-5311

I worked as a server at Angelo's Pizza in my home town off and on for 12 years. I had a very symbiotic relationship with this employer. Throughout my twenties, I would often move or travel, but when I found myself back in my home town, they would always take me in with open arms. To them, I was a strong server and an uplifting presence, and to me, they were a source of stability and familiarity when I was in transition.

While at Angelo's, my duties were akin to that of any server job. I greeted customers kindly, showed them to their seats, and promptly took their drink order, answering any questions they might have about the menu. I took and placed their order and checked on them often. I served their food and was positive and prompt when dealing with any complaints. I was extremely efficient, and multi-tasked well. I loved being around people and having the opportunity to bring an uplifting and light energy to them during their mealtime. I always made sure that my customers left happy and satisfied with their experience.

Overall, through this job, I learned about the importance of teamwork, reliability, positivity, what customer service really means, and how to take a challenging situation and turn it around to make sure that all parties involved are satisfied with the outcome. I have learned an incredible amount of tolerance and understanding in terms of human nature and respect for others. I have learned to not take things personally and see the good in everyone. I have grown confident in my ability to change a person's disposition simply by using empathy, understanding, and effective communication.

Owner, Manager- Donna Lowe, 217-827-3296

A Piece O' Cake is a business created by my mother that for two years served the small town of Taylorville, IL with creatively decorated cakes, cookies, and other confections for all occasions. It was my mother, Donna's, passion and hobby that turned into a business idea after the local bakery's business space became available for rent. My mother hired me as a baker, cake and confection decorator, and a manager. Given my creative talents, attention to detail, customer service skills, and the trust she had in my character, she knew that I would be a perfect fit to help her build the business.

My duties here were extensive.

I designed the logo for A Piece O' Cake, and designed business cards and the sign out front. I was in charge of creating cupcake/ cake displays within the store as well as decorating the customer's area according to each season or holiday. I also handled photography and managed social media marketing as well as word of mouth.

My time at A Piece O' Cake was an incredible wake-up call as to what it takes to start and run a successful business. A strong passion is necessary to push through all of the hours that are required to get the business running and successful. Luckily, the creative freedom I had as a manager/ co-creator here kept me going.