LAURA EVELYN
Taos,NM
Summary
Dynamic retail manager with extensive experience at AFB LLC dba Twirl, driving annual sales growth through innovative digital marketing and community engagement. Proven expertise in project management and team leadership, successfully implementing a contactless business model during COVID-19, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Recognized for exceptional service and community impact.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Manager & Buyer
AFB LLC dba Twirl
Taos, New Mexico
01.2007 - 01.2024
- With this 501(c)(3) since its date of inception, I worked with our non-profit team to create a supporting retail operation, much like a museum store, which funded community outreach and on-site activities for families with kids in Taos and surrounding counties.
- Successfully launched and managed multiple cross-channel campaigns, including digital marketing, social media, and print advertising, resulting in improved customer acquisition and retention rates, increasing annual sales by 3-5%, excluding 2020.
- Voted Taos News 'Best of Taos' for 15 years by locals and visitors.
- Hired and trained new employees on customer service protocols, store policies, POS, and product lines.
- Oversaw annual physical inventory, inventory management, and maintained optimal stock levels.
- Managed daily store operations and performed all end-of-month and annual financial reports.
- Implemented POS transition from an outdated model to Square.
- Worked with another NM non-profit to create three regional toy-lending libraries for families under the poverty line with kids, resulting in a $70K sale for Twirl.
- Created a hybrid, contactless business model during COVID-19, which allowed customers to shop and pay remotely, and then pick up puzzles, games, art supplies, books, and toys at an outer access point.
Restaurant Manager and Host
Joseph's Table
Taos, New Mexico
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Made all reservations for optimal flow during hours of operation, and responded to all phone inquiries.
- Coordinated a floor staff of 8 to 10 with the kitchen to maintain well-timed course presentation, optimal pace, and exceptional customer service.
- Interacted with guests to build the brand and increase return traffic. Regulars included Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, and Sam Shepard.
Museum Visitor Services and Preparator
The Museum of Contemporary Photography
Chicago, Illinois
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Coordinated with the Membership and Education departments to provide comprehensive support.
- Collaboratively led discussions with visiting groups about pieces in our permanent collection to foster community engagement.
- Worked with a team of up to 12 people to plan and execute special events, and to engage new members and donors.
- Used best practices for the meticulous handling, storage, and shipping of artwork; completing installations and de-installations.
Education
BA - Photography
COLUMBIA COLLEGE
05.2000
Skills
- Project management
- Store operations
- Point of sale system implementation
- Customer relationship management
- Team leadership, training and scheduling
- Time management
- Visual merchandising
- Sales forecasting and budgeting
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking
- Inventory management
- Vendor management
- Data analysis
- Digital marketing
- Staff training and development
- Community engagement
- Process improvements
- Physical inventory
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365
Websites
Affiliations
- Recently took a 1 year solo road trip from Mexico to Canada and amassed photographs for my website, which is launching soon.
- Learning Spanish.
- Have traveled in Mexico, Canada, France, Greece, Morocco, Spain and Egypt.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Retail Manager & Buyer
AFB LLC dba Twirl
01.2007 - 01.2024
Restaurant Manager and Host
Joseph's Table
01.2006 - 01.2008
Museum Visitor Services and Preparator
The Museum of Contemporary Photography
01.1998 - 01.2000
BA - Photography
COLUMBIA COLLEGE
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