Larissa Grunow
Santa Cruz,CA
Summary
Retail professional who excels in fast-paced environments. Extensive experience in customer service, merchandising, POS systems and cash handling. Eager to join a dynamic team that rewards initiative and quality service. Experienced Sales Associate professional with strong leadership and relationship-building knowledge. Recognized for creativity and resourcefulness in meeting and exceeding sales, revenue and profit goals. Bringing 5 years of related experience. Agile and adaptable staff leader with stellar work history, motivational approach and upbeat nature. Skilled at training employees and leveraging organized approaches to handle daily planning, scheduling and customer service requirements. Forward-thinking and industrious with diplomatic communication style focused on maximizing engagement and satisfaction.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
Monarch ILS
01.2024 - Current
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive support strategies for each client's unique needs.
- Established strong relationships with local community resources to connect clients with additional supports as needed.
- Promoted physical well-being by supporting clients in engaging in regular exercise routines or therapeutic activities suited to their abilities.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
Student Peer Mentor
Mentor Collective
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Shared resources, opportunities, and activities to support mentee's learning and development.
- Supported younger peers through one-on-one sessions, determining aspirations, setting goals, and working through challenges.
- Established a trusting relationship with mentee by maintaining professionalism and honoring confidentiality.
- Counseled 12 students individually to assist in overcoming obstacles, making proper choices to stay focused, and adjusting to college life.
- Advocated for students to access available resources.
Senior Personal Stylist
Amour Vert
12.2022 - 10.2023
- Consulted with clients to determine style preferences and provide appropriate recommendations for new image.
- Produced partial or complete wardrobe collections to support individual client objectives, spanning, modification to image, altered body style, updated professional appearance or special events.
- Oversaw store operations by counting cash drawers, reviewing equipment management, and supervising staff.
- Trained and supervised new employees to apply best practices in customer service and store operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with customers and vendors to establish rapport and build trust.
Lead Sales Key Holder
Amour Vert
04.2021 - 06.2022
- Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
- Strengthened merchandising and promotional strategies to drive customer engagement and boost sales.
- Improved customer service by projecting friendly and knowledgeable attitude.
- Submitted reports to senior management to aid in business decision-making and planning.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Developed loyal and highly satisfied customer base through proactive management of team customer service strategies.
- Mentored team members to enhance professional development and accountability in workplace.
Sales Associate
Nordstrom
06.2018 - 09.2020
- Implemented up-selling strategies, encompassing recommendations of accessories, and complementary purchases.
- Maintained organized, presentable merchandise to drive continuous sales..
- Engaged with clients to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
- Delivered high level of assistance by locating products and checking store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Answered customer questions regarding sizing and accessories and explained how to properly care for merchandise.
Team Member
Vitality Bowls
06.2017 - 06.2018
- Managed customer relations and customer service through daily communication and interaction.
- Conferred with customers about concerns with products or services to resolve problems and drive sales.
- Processed purchases and handled payment transactions using POS system.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
Hostess/Server
Teleferic Barcelona
07.2017 - 02.2018
- Planned and executed 35-guest parties by organizing menus, spaces, and special requests.
- Collaborated with staff members to enhance customer service experience and exceed team goals through effective client satisfaction rates.
- Cross-trained and provided backup for customer service managers.
- Kept updated knowledge of menu and promotions, recommending specific items according to preferences and food allergies
- Took reservations by phone and walk-in, keeping scheduling demands and kitchen output in time to avoid overbooking
Hostess
Agave Uptown
10.2016 - 05.2017
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about the restaurant's menu and products.
- Routinely supported other areas of the restaurant as requested, including answering telephones and completing financial transactions for other staff members.
- Spoke with patrons to ensure satisfaction with food and service Took food orders and relayed orders to kitchens or serving counters Followed all safety and sanitation policies when handling food and beverage to uphold proper health standards.
- Guided guests through menus while demonstrating thorough knowledge of the food, beverages and ingredients.
- Stocked service stations with items such as ice, napkins, and straws Set dining tables according to type of event and service standards.
- Consistently offered professional, friendly and engaging service.
Retail Associate
Boswells
06.2015 - 05.2016
- Greeted customers promptly.
- Directed customers to store locations.
- Received customer payments.
- Described products and services in detail.
- Monitored areas for security issues and safety hazards.
- Assisted customers in selecting items based on needs.
- Created attractive displays to promote items.
- Processed customer returns.
- Completed purchases using Point of Sale systems.
- Trained new cashiers on procedures, customer service and sales techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Intensive Psychology
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA05.2024
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA05.2022
Skills
- Relationship development
- Conflict resolution
- Sales Analysis
- Tutoring and Student Assistance
- Social Skills Development
- State regulations knowledge
- HIPAA Guidelines
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Social Justice Advocacy
- Cultural Competency
- First Aid/CPR
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Russian
Elementary
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
Monarch ILS
01.2024 - Current
Student Peer Mentor
Mentor Collective
09.2023 - 12.2023
Senior Personal Stylist
Amour Vert
12.2022 - 10.2023
Lead Sales Key Holder
Amour Vert
04.2021 - 06.2022
Sales Associate
Nordstrom
06.2018 - 09.2020
Hostess/Server
Teleferic Barcelona
07.2017 - 02.2018
Team Member
Vitality Bowls
06.2017 - 06.2018
Hostess
Agave Uptown
10.2016 - 05.2017
Retail Associate
Boswells
06.2015 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Intensive Psychology
University of California, Santa Cruz
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Diablo Valley College
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