MARIA KANAKARIS
St. Charles,IL
Summary
Exceptional leader talented at Managing, customer service. Technically-savvy with outstanding relationship building, training and presentation skills. Hairdresser for 31 years, mother of three children, founded clothing and hair salon boutique - 3 years. Advanced cutting class at The Redken Exchange School in New York. Reliable Manager demonstrating high level of ownership and initiative. Possessing exceptional work ethic and desire to go above and beyond to exceed company expectations. Offering knack for building productive working relationships. Successful in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments to manage goals and team development. History of thriving in team-oriented environments. Personable and dedicated customer service representative with extensive experience in industry. Solid team player with upbeat, positive attitude and proven skill in establishing rapport with clients. Motivated to maintain customer satisfaction and contribute to company success. Articulate, enthusiastic and results-oriented with demonstrated passion for building relationships, cultivating partnerships and growing businesses.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager
Niko's Tavern Neighborhood Grill
St. Charles, IL
08.2017 - 02.2025
- I met with each associate to establish realistic sales goals for the month.
- Supervised a weekly schedule of projects, and anticipated the timelines for specific milestones and completion.
- Solved unresolved customer issues.
- Managed workflow to exceed quality service goals.
- Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.
- Established processes to ensure efficient workflow throughout the organization.
- Evaluated individual and team business performance and identified opportunities for improvement.
Salon Manager
Ulta Beauty Salon
Crystal Lake, IL
04.2017 - 03.2018
- Hired and recruited a full team for the salon and store.
- Responsible for meeting or exceeding salon service and pro hair sales through staff recruiting and productivity development, salon service promotions, and salon service demonstrations.
- Responsible for creating an environment that exceeds standards in guest service.
- Trained and mentored team members to achieve optimal performance and meet challenging business targets.
- Collaborated with other managers and supervisors and kept informed of changes affecting service operations.
- Opened salon to prepare for daily demands by setting up registers, counting totals and organizing all needed supplies.
- Resolved guest complaints.
- Monitored inventory of supplies, managed budget and requisitioned supplies, equipment, and services.
- Supervised operations and planned work schedules for personal attendants, hairdressers and caddies.
Owner
The Ivy Love Boutique
Geneva, IL
01.2015 - 03.2018
- Responsible for creative design for prominent fashion shows and Kane County Magazine.
- Worked directly with specific vendors to achieve the best quality of clothing and hair products for my store.
- Researched potential partners in order to expand services offered.
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
- Reviewed legal documents related to business operations.
- Supervised performance of workers with goals of improving productivity, efficiency and cost savings.
- Hosted special events to boost brand awareness and increase community engagement.
- Employed and managed vendors by negotiating deliverables, cost and expected quality.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
- Provided direction and guidance to employees.
- Improved productivity initiatives, managing budgets and accounts, coordinating itinerary and scheduling appointments.
- Appraised inventory levels on frequent basis, ordering new merchandise to keep quantities well-stocked.
- Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue.
Air Stylist
Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa
Crystal Lake, IL
04.1996 - 05.2016
- Maintained the work area in a clean and neat fashion to stay productive.
- Represented desired product features in shoots to enhance appearance, and improve consumer purchasing numbers.
- Cut, colored, and styled clients' hair with precision and expertise.
- Expanded the client base by 100% through direct referrals.
- Offered color swatches to help clients choose their desired hair color.
- I shampooed, conditioned, and rinsed guests' hair using salon-exclusive products.
- Escorted guests to and from treatment rooms.
- Cleaned, maintained, and sterilized tools.
- Styled hair for large events, such as annual fashion shows and special hair expos.
- Assessed customer needs and provided advice about hairstyle and color options.
- Sold and promoted hair care products and cosmetics.
- Educated clients about products and self-maintenance for healthy hair.
- I cleaned and maintained the entire salon.
- Maintained a regular client list of up to 100 customers.
- Accumulated over 100 clients weekly through one-on-one salon services.
- Distributed business cards outside of the salon to generate new business.
- Used various hair-cutting tools, including scissors, trimmers, clippers, razors, and brushes.
- Educated customers on product uses and benefits.
- Worked collaboratively with colleagues to achieve common goals.
- Supervised front-end of salon, booked appointments, inventoried sales area and coordinated employee schedules to maximize operations.
- Participated in team discussions regarding marketing strategies for the salon.
Hairdresser
Instyle Salon & Spa Suites
Algonquin, IL
02.2009 - 12.2013
- Cut, colored and styled clients' hair with precision and expertise
- Sold and promoted hair care products and cosmetics
Education
Associate of Arts - Advanced Haircutting
Redken Exchange
New York, NY01.2012
Associate of Arts - Cosmetology
Tricoci Beauty School of Cosmetology
Glendale Heights01.1996
High School Diploma -
Harry D Jacobs High School
Algonquin, IL01.1995
Skills
- Data management
- Self-motivated
- Powerful negotiator
- Extremely organized
- Staff development
- Workforce management
- Decision-making
- Team leadership
- Customer service
- Staff management
- Work prioritization
- Coaching and mentoring
Languages
Greek
Professional
Timeline
Manager
Niko's Tavern Neighborhood Grill
08.2017 - 02.2025
Salon Manager
Ulta Beauty Salon
04.2017 - 03.2018
Owner
The Ivy Love Boutique
01.2015 - 03.2018
Hairdresser
Instyle Salon & Spa Suites
02.2009 - 12.2013
Air Stylist
Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa
04.1996 - 05.2016
Associate of Arts - Advanced Haircutting
Redken Exchange
Associate of Arts - Cosmetology
Tricoci Beauty School of Cosmetology
High School Diploma -
Harry D Jacobs High School
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