Martha Richardson
Little Rock,AR
Summary
Dynamic leader and Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher with a proven track record at Unity Martial Arts and self-owned studio. Excelled in building relationships and innovative program development, enhancing operational performance and community engagement. Expertise in social media marketing and client relations, significantly boosting brand visibility and customer satisfaction.
My life experience and work ethic make me a valuable addition to any endeavor. I have spent the last 13 years as an Iyengar yoga teacher and studio owner. I successfully navigated my business and my students through the Covid 19 pandemic, transitioning my teaching to the Zoom platform one week into the lockdown. My ability to adapt quickly is a skill that I have honed consistently in my professional life. I believe that I am an asset to my employer, my team and my students.
Former Professional Ballet Dancer with significant exposure to performing in diverse professional settings. Demonstrated exceptional physical conditioning, flexibility, and agility coupled with an in-depth understanding of ballet techniques and choreography. Proven ability to effectively engage audiences while maintaining strict adherence to rigorous rehearsal schedules.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Yoga Program
Unity Martial Arts
Little Rock , AR
08.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to review progress on strategic initiatives.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
- Served as a public spokesperson at industry events or conferences.
- Teach daily group classes and individual sessions.
Owner - Iyengar Yoga Studio of Little Rock
Self-employeed
Little Rock , AR
01.2010 - 12.2023
- Managed daily operations of business, including hiring staff.
- Hosted special events to boost brand awareness and increase community engagement.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Developed strategic plans to increase profitability and efficiency.
- Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
- Created marketing campaigns to attract new customers.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
- Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service.
- Implemented quality assurance processes to ensure product excellence.
- Provided direction and guidance to employees.
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
- Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue.
- Taught daily classes and individual sessions.
- Maintained certification through the Iyengar Yoga National Association.
- Maintained continuing education and training.
- Created a presence in the small business community.
Hotel Sales/Catering Sales Coordinator
Kimpton Hotel Group
New Orleans , LA
03.2003 - 11.2005
- Organized catering events for up to 500 people, ensuring all details were taken care of from start to finish.
- Prepared client proposals, contracts, menus and invoices in a timely manner.
- Coordinated food tastings for prospective clients.
- Assisted in developing marketing materials such as brochures, flyers and email blasts.
- Created detailed sales reports on weekly basis for management review.
- Provided excellent customer service by responding promptly to inquiries via phone or email.
- Attended industry networking events to gain new contacts and promote services offered by the company.
- Collaborated with chefs and other staff members to develop unique menu items that met client expectations while staying within budget parameters.
- Worked closely with operations team during the planning stages of an event to ensure successful execution onsite.
- Assisted with setup and breakdown of equipment used for catered events.
- Inspected venues prior to an event taking place in order to ensure proper space utilization.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Directed and supervised staff performance.
- Identified appropriate solutions to minimize issues and quickly solve problems.
- Responded to customer inquiries and delivered appropriate information after carefully researching issues.
Professional Ballet Dancer
Carolina Ballet Theatre
Raleigh, NC
04.2000 - 12.2002
- Rehearsed multiple hours per day with other dancers in order to perfect technique, timing and expression of movement.
- Attended classes for strength training, conditioning, strhing and injury prevention.
- Danced solo or as part of a group in various productions such as ballets, operas, musicals and plays.
- Engaged in injury prevention practices, including proper warm-up routines and use of protective equipment as needed.
- Participated in daily rehearsals, focusing on technique, expression, and synchronization with the ensemble.
- Maintained peak physical condition through rigorous training, including strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercises.
Professional Ballet Dancer
New Orleans Ballet Theatre
New Orleans, LA
04.1996 - 12.2000
- Attended classes for strength training, conditioning, strhing and injury prevention.
- Rehearsed multiple hours per day with other dancers in order to perfect technique, timing and expression of movement.
- Studied classical ballet repertoire including pointe work, partnering and variations from famous ballets.
- Participated in promotional activities such as photo shoots or interviews for press releases.
- Instructed aspiring dancers on techniques used for classical ballet steps during master classes or private lessons.
Professional Ballet Dancer
Miami City Ballet
Miami, FL
03.1989 - 12.1995
- Performed complex ballet moves and routines to interpret the choreographer's artistic vision.
- Rehearsed multiple hours per day with other dancers in order to perfect technique, timing and expression of movement.
- Attended classes for strength training, conditioning, strhing and injury prevention.
- Danced solo or as part of a group in various productions.
- Worked closely with directors, producers, choreographers and other dancers to ensure successful execution of performances.
- Studied classical ballet repertoire including pointe work, partnering and variations from famous ballets.
- Mastered challenging combinations of steps that require agility, strength and grace.
Education
Performing Arts in Conjunction With Miami City
New World School of The Arts
Miami, FL01-1988
Skills
- Creativity and Innovation
- Iyengar Yoga Techniques Expertise
- Relationship Building
- Coaching and Motivating
- Individualized Instruction
- Class design
- Pose Modifications
- Rehabilitation techniques
- Customer Relations
- Yoga pose demonstration
- Social Media Marketing
- Payment handling
- Safety understanding
- Anatomical knowledge
- Workshop Facilitation
- Client Relations
Affiliations
- Avid cyclist and a member of the Arkansas chapter of Major Taylor Cycling Club.
- I have a love of houseplants and currently have 123 plants in my home
- Hobbies include cooking, book club and sewing
- President if the south central region of the Iyengar National Association
Certification
- Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher 2010 - Present
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Yoga Program
Unity Martial Arts
08.2022 - Current
Owner - Iyengar Yoga Studio of Little Rock
Self-employeed
01.2010 - 12.2023
Hotel Sales/Catering Sales Coordinator
Kimpton Hotel Group
03.2003 - 11.2005
Professional Ballet Dancer
Carolina Ballet Theatre
04.2000 - 12.2002
Professional Ballet Dancer
New Orleans Ballet Theatre
04.1996 - 12.2000
Professional Ballet Dancer
Miami City Ballet
03.1989 - 12.1995
Performing Arts in Conjunction With Miami City
New World School of The Arts