Mary Lagares
Westminster,SC
Summary
Dynamic author and voice actor with a proven track record at Coastal Talent, excelling in character development and creative writing. Recognized for engaging audiences through original content and effective dialogue creation. Strong editing skills combined with a collaborative spirit fostered successful projects and enhanced narrative depth across various genres.
Publishing professional with background in creating captivating content and managing successful storytelling projects. Proven ability to connect with audiences through well-crafted prose and innovative plotlines. Known for collaboration and adaptability, consistently contributing to team goals and project success. Expertise in creative writing, editing, and narrative development.
Professional author with strong record of producing engaging and impactful content. Adept at team collaboration and driving projects to successful completion. Skilled in narrative development, editing, and research, with keen ability to adapt to changing requirements. Known for reliability and delivering results that exceed expectations.
Experienced with crafting engaging and thought-provoking content that resonates with readers. Utilizes creative writing and editing skills to produce high-quality manuscripts. Track record of managing deadlines and producing work that meets publishing standards.
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Author
Self Employed Writer
Westminster, SC
02.2025 - Current
- Researched and developed original content across various genres to engage target audiences.
- Edited and proofread manuscripts to ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to style guidelines.
- Collaborated with editors and beta readers for constructive feedback and continuous improvement.
- Implemented effective marketing strategies through social media platforms to promote published works.
Airbnb Host
Self-employeed
Westminster, SC
02.2025 - Current
- Managed guest communications, ensuring timely responses and high satisfaction levels.
- Developed comprehensive listings, highlighting unique features and amenities to attract potential guests.
- Coordinated housecleaning services, maintaining cleanliness standards between guest stays.
- Implemented streamlined check-in processes, enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency.
- Monitored occupancy rates and adjusted pricing strategies to maximize revenue potential.
- Analyzed guest feedback to refine service offerings and improve overall property appeal.
- Ensured a clean and welcoming environment by conducting thorough inspections and addressing maintenance issues in a timely manner.
- Resolved conflicts or miscommunications promptly and professionally, maintaining positive relationships with guests even in challenging situations.
- Improved overall guest experience with thoughtful touches such as welcome baskets and personalized notes upon arrival.
- Managed all aspects of the hosting experience, from check-in to check-out, ensuring smooth operations for each guest stay.
- Accommodated last minute requests to address needs of guests, achieving top guest satisfaction and repeat business.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by providing personalized recommendations for local attractions and dining options.
- Developed a comprehensive house manual to provide clear instructions for guests during their stay.
- Customized homes in accordance with luxury and quality standards, continuously surpassing guest expectations.
- Established positive relationships with neighbors and local businesses to promote goodwill within the community.
- Ensured compliance with all local regulations and laws pertaining to short-term rentals, including obtaining necessary permits and paying required taxes promptly.
- Optimized guest experience by inspecting properties prior to guest stays, coordinating repairs, and upgrades.
- Increased repeat bookings by fostering strong relationships with previous guests through excellent customer service and communication efforts.
- Monitored guest reviews closely, addressing any concerns or areas of improvement promptly to maintain high ratings consistently across multiple platforms.
- Streamlined the booking process for guests with efficient communication and prompt responses to inquiries.
Voice Actor
Self-employeed
Westminster, SC
01.2021 - Current
- Developed character voices for diverse projects, enhancing narrative engagement and emotional depth.
- Collaborated with clients to interpret scripts, ensuring alignment with creative vision and project goals.
- Utilized audio editing software to produce high-quality recordings, optimizing sound clarity and overall production quality.
- Conducted voice training sessions, improving vocal techniques and performance skills for aspiring voice actors.
- Delivered timely voiceovers for commercials, animations, and audiobooks, consistently meeting tight deadlines and client expectations.
- Received positive feedback from clients, leading to increased job opportunities and referrals within the industry.
Actor
Self-employeed
Savannah, GA
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Developed character interpretations through extensive script analysis and rehearsal processes.
- Collaborated with directors to enhance storytelling and performance delivery.
- Executed diverse roles across various genres, showcasing versatility and adaptability.
- Participated in promotional events and interviews to build audience engagement.
- Conducted self-assessments to refine acting skills and improve overall performances.
- Networked with industry professionals to foster relationships and explore new opportunities.
- Practiced lines and scenes independently and collaboratively to prepare for performances.
- Developed strong memorization skills for quick mastery of scripts, enabling efficient preparation for auditions and performances.
- Exhibited strong professionalism by maintaining punctuality, preparedness, and open communication throughout all stages of the production process.
- Expanded professional network by attending workshops, conferences, and industry events, leading to increased opportunities for collaboration.
- Performed alongside various well-known actors and actresses.
- Traveled to set locations to complete onsite filming.
- Studied scripts to successfully portray characters in dramas and comedies.
- Mastered various accents and dialects to better embody diverse characters across multiple genres and mediums.
Airbnb Host
Self-employeed
Savannah, GA
06.2021 - 06.2023
- Trained new hosts on best practices for property management and guest relations.
- Led marketing initiatives across social media platforms to increase visibility and bookings.
- Hosted international travelers from various cultures, adapting communication styles accordingly while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout their stay.
- Maintained high occupancy rates through effective marketing strategies on various online platforms.
- Maximized revenue potential by adjusting pricing strategies based on market trends and demand patterns.
- Coordinated with professional cleaning services between bookings, ensuring a pristine environment for incoming guests every time they arrived at the property.
- Implemented an efficient system for managing reservations, payments, and financial records related to Airbnb hosting activities.
- Greeted and assisted guests by gathering information pertaining to reservations or requests.
- Solicited and reviewed guest feedback and promptly resolved complaints.
- Fostered safe lodging environment with reliable and effective security services.
Airbnb Host
Self-employeed
Charleston, SC
07.2017 - 05.2021
- Assisted fellow Airbnb hosts in the community by sharing best practices and advice on how to improve their hosting skills and grow their businesses.
- Completed detailed assessments, effectively implementing comprehensive home consultation process.
- Partnered with local tourism agencies to offer special packages designed specifically for Airbnb guests seeking unique experiences in the area.
- Utilized advanced analytic tools provided by Airbnb platform insights reports to make data-driven decisions optimizing listing performance over time.
- Implemented successful strategies to increase customer satisfaction.
- Managed day-to-day operations of lodging facility, scheduling staff and overseeing budgets.
- Established and upheld high standards, promoting great customer service and assistance to guests.
- Developed and implemented promotional strategies to increase occupancy.
- Participated in financial activities such as setting room rates, establishing budgets and allocating funds to departments.
- Assisted with development and distribution of marketing materials for facility.
Actor
Coastal Talent
Charleston, SC
01.2012 - 01.2020
- Mentored emerging actors, providing guidance on performance techniques and industry insights.
- Contributed innovative ideas during creative meetings, enhancing production quality and audience impact.
- Managed time to arrive on set when required to not delay rehearsals and shows.
- Participated in table reads and rehearsals, ensuring a thorough understanding of scripts and character motivations.
- Utilized effective time-management strategies to balance concurrent acting projects without compromising commitment or quality of work.
- Pursued continuous professional development through participation in acting classes and training programs, honing performance abilities.
- Collaborated with directors and fellow actors to develop engaging character portrayals for stage and screen.
- Worked closely with wardrobe and makeup teams to create visually striking character looks that complemented overall production design.
- Participated in script readings and offered insights to improve dialogue and character development.
ESL Teacher
Aeon
Japan
05.1989 - 05.1990
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance language acquisition for diverse student populations.
- Utilized formative assessments to tailor instructional strategies and improve student outcomes.
- Fostered a supportive classroom environment that encouraged student participation and confidence in speaking English.
- Implemented technology-based resources to facilitate interactive learning experiences and improve engagement.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through student feedback, adapting methodologies to enhance overall teaching efficacy.
- Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
- Provided targeted instruction on pronunciation, intonation, and accent reduction to enhance students'' overall communication skills in English.
- Enhanced students'' speaking skills through regular practice and focused feedback during conversation sessions.
- Increased student proficiency in English by creating engaging and interactive classroom activities.
- Developed a welcoming classroom environment that encouraged cultural exchange between students from diverse backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and respect among classmates.
- Modified curriculum plans with colleagues to meet changing student needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Financial Management
Clemson University
Clemson, SC12-1987
Skills
- World-building
- Grammar expertise
- Creative writing
- Character development
- Originality
- Genre knowledge
- Dialogue creation
- Plot structuring
- Proofreading
- Strong vocabulary
- Short stories
- Reader engagement
- Excellent grammar
- Idea brainstorming
- Content development
- Editing
- Fact-checking
- Effective writing
- Grammar usage
Accomplishments
Written and published psychological thriller "Constructing Lies".
Written numerous short stories
Timeline
Author
Self Employed Writer
02.2025 - Current
Airbnb Host
Self-employeed
02.2025 - Current
Airbnb Host
Self-employeed
06.2021 - 06.2023
Voice Actor
Self-employeed
01.2021 - Current
Actor
Self-employeed
01.2021 - 07.2023
Airbnb Host
Self-employeed
07.2017 - 05.2021
Actor
Coastal Talent
01.2012 - 01.2020
ESL Teacher
Aeon
05.1989 - 05.1990
Bachelor of Science - Financial Management
Clemson University
Published Author
I have written and and had published a psychological thriller "Constructing Lies". Promoted my book by attending numerous book signings and through social media.