Melissa Houseman
Wake Forest,NC
Summary
Entrepreneurial and results-driven small business owner with 11 years of hands-on experience in customer service, marketing, and organizational management. Proven ability to build and grow a business from the ground up, lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Now seeking to transition into a dynamic career role where I can bring a strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and a passion for continuous improvement to a growth-focused organization.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Small Business Owner
Self-Employed
Providence Village, TX
07.2022 - 01.2025
- Successfully relaunched and operated my small business after immigrating to the U.S., adapting the business strategy to a new market and cultural landscape.
- Built operations from the ground up, including securing licenses, building a customer base, and managing end-to-end business functions.
- Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial drive in navigating the challenges of relocation and reestablishing a brand in a competitive market.
Small Business Owner
Self-Employed
Johannesburg, Gauteng
08.2020 - 02.2022
- Created and implemented marketing and advertising strategies to support revenue goals and promote strategic growth.
- Established favorable relationships with vendors and contractors, facilitating contract negotiation and development of marketing and sales strategies.
- Conferred with customers to understand needs and finalize orders.
- Controlled company social media and marketing efforts to expand brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Reconciled daily sales, prepared bank deposits and assessed financial transaction reports.
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
- Resolved issues quickly through meticulous research and quick decision-making.
- Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue.
- Kept records for production, inventory, income and expenses.
- Provided excellent customer service to foster satisfaction and loyalty.
- Listened to guests to understand needs and help each person select optimal products and services.
Event Coordinator
Barmotion
Johannesburg, Gauteng
01.2019 - 07.2020
- Coordinated vendors, timelines and budgets for events.
- Organized event facility, food and beverage selections and client-requested arrangements.
- Helped clients produce brochures, publications and event-specific materials for optimum effect.
- Produced contracts and invoices for events and monitored fee collection.
- Hired, trained and supervised support staff required for events.
- Attended and managed industry events.
- Selected catering services for different types of events, balancing cost, menu and term options against client demands.
- Coordinated and allocated equipment, supplies and staff for events.
- Drove growth in event management business by continuously researching and implementing improved strategies to exceed client expectations.
Office Manager
Applix Distributors
Johannesburg, Gauteng
08.2017 - 12.2018
- Managed office inventory and placed new supply orders.
- Maintained impeccable office organization to support efficiency, professionalism and performance objectives.
- Elevated customer satisfaction ratings by promptly resolving client and case issues.
- Handled scheduling and managed timely and effective allocation of resources and calendars.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Supervised setup of conference rooms for meetings and office events in common areas.
- Handled conference room scheduling, collaborating with meeting organizers on logistics and catering.
- Served visitors by greeting, welcoming and directing to appropriate personnel
Receptionist
Ivy Road Veterinary Clinic
Johannesburg, Gauteng
04.2014 - 07.2018
- Assisted with new staff training, sharing key information about veterinary practice and protocols.
- Worked with clients to processes all financial transactions.
- Took messages from patients and promptly relayed to appropriate staff.
- Carried out daily tasks by professionally communicating with physicians, nursing staff, technicians and medical assistants.
- Delivered high-quality administrative and customer service to sustain patient and work flows.
- Scheduled and followed up on patient appointments, collected and processed patient payments and maintained patient files.
- Sold various products by explaining unique features and educating customers on proper application or usage.
- Developed trusting relationships with customers by making personal connections.
Education
Bachelor of Consumer Science - Hospitality Management
University of South Africa (UNISA)
South Africa12.2018
Diploma - Wedding Planning
INTEC College
South Africa12.2013
High School Diploma -
Edenvale High School
South Africa12.2012
Skills
- Relationship Building
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Sales Strategies
- Originality and Creativity
- Customer Service Management
- Problem Anticipation and Resolution
Timeline
Small Business Owner
Self-Employed
07.2022 - 01.2025
Small Business Owner
Self-Employed
08.2020 - 02.2022
Event Coordinator
Barmotion
01.2019 - 07.2020
Office Manager
Applix Distributors
08.2017 - 12.2018
Receptionist
Ivy Road Veterinary Clinic
04.2014 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Consumer Science - Hospitality Management
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Diploma - Wedding Planning
INTEC College
High School Diploma -
Edenvale High School
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