Lydia Hessenflow
Elgin,IL
Summary
Design-oriented sales professional with experience in consultative selling, client relationship management, product recommendations, and visual merchandising. Skilled at identifying client needs, communicating product benefits, and developing personalized solutions based on individual preferences, project goals, and budgets. Currently pursuing an Interior Design Certification through the New York Institute of Art & Design, with developing expertise in color theory, space planning, and residential interiors. Combines a client-focused approach with an eye for aesthetics, strong communication skills, and a commitment to creating thoughtful customer experiences.
Overview
1
1
Certification
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Associate
Sherwin-Williams
05.2026 - Current
- Guide customers through paint color, finish, and product selections, applying design principles to help customers visualize outcomes in their spaces.
- Delivered consultative customer service by assessing project requirements, style preferences, and budgets to recommend tailored products and solutions that align with customer needs.
- Built customer relationships through attentive listening and personalized product education, fostering trust and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Supported daily retail operations, managing transactions, orders, and inventory while maintaining an organized, customer-focused showroom environment.
Brand Representative
Empower MGMT
07.2025 - Current
- Guided clients in product selection by leveraging product knowledge to align with individual needs and preferences.
- Built client trust through clear communication and attentive service, fostering long-term relationships.
- Maintained product displays that enhanced brand identity and improved customer experience.
Web Designer
Freelance
06.2024 - 01.2026
- Integrate branding, layout, and visual hierarchy to create intuitive digital experiences aligned with client goals.
- Advised clients on user experience, accessibility, and search engine optimization, resulting in improved website effectiveness and increased client satisfaction.
- Consulted with small business clients to clarify objectives and translated needs into functional, visually cohesive website designs that enhanced user engagement.
Sales Trainer
American Income
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Mentored and coached individuals using adaptive communication styles, developing strong active-listening and relationship-building skills.
- Created supportive learning environments that enhanced trainee confidence and performance outcomes.
Sales Representative
Roman Financial Group
07.2023 - 12.2023
- Educated clients on complex products by translating technical details into clear, accessible recommendations.
- Practiced empathy and needs-based problem-solving to guide clients toward confident decisions.
Education
Interior Design Certification -
New York Institute of Art & Design (NYIAD)
Remote11-2026
High School Diploma -
Hampshire High School
01-2022
Skills
- Consultative Selling & Client Needs Assessment
- Design Principles (Color Theory, Space Planning, Styling)
- SketchUp
- AutoCAD
- Visual Merchandising
- Client Relationship Building & Retention
- Product Knowledge & Recommendation
- Microsoft Office
- POS & Retail Operations
- Inventory Management
- Active Listening & Empathy
- Problem-Solving
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management & Organization
Certification
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate
Timeline
Sales Associate
Sherwin-Williams
05.2026 - Current
Brand Representative
Empower MGMT
07.2025 - Current
Web Designer
Freelance
06.2024 - 01.2026
Sales Trainer
American Income
01.2024 - 06.2024
Sales Representative
Roman Financial Group
07.2023 - 12.2023
Interior Design Certification -
New York Institute of Art & Design (NYIAD)
High School Diploma -
Hampshire High School