Michelle Colvin
Mio
Summary
Dynamic professional with proven expertise in retail operations and customer relationship management at Gray Barn Wax Co. Demonstrated skills in merchandising and sales, with a focus on identifying growth opportunities. Enthusiastic approach enhances customer connections and drives business success.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
Gray Barn Wax Co.
Mio
11.2017 - 03.2025
- Managed daily operations to produce high-quality candle line from retail storefront.
- Established long-term customer relationships through exceptional service and through the use of interpersonal, active listening, and inquiry response skills.
- Developed business plan and budget to maximize profitability.
- Oversaw inventory management and maintained optimal stock levels.
- Managed daily functions of the business, including staff, sales, inventory, and accounting.
Elementary Paraprofessional
Fairview Area Schools
Fairview
01.2014 - 06.2014
- Facilitated small group activities to reinforce learning objectives and concepts.
- Maintained a safe and organized classroom environment for effective learning.
- Intervened in difficult situations between students to deescalate conflicts.
- Integrated technology into lesson plans when appropriate.
- Supervised students during recess, lunch, and testing sessions.
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
Part time Asst. Manager
The Family Bookshelf
Fairview
04.2013 - 11.2013
- Assisted in developing staff schedules and managing daily operations.
- Coordinated inventory management and restocking of books and supplies.
- Trained new employees on customer service and operational procedures.
- Implemented effective merchandising strategies to improve product visibility.
- Managed customer inquiries and resolved issues to ensure satisfaction.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a welcoming store environment.
- Managed customer service inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
Interior Designer/Sales Associate
The Home Zone
Mio
05.1991 - 11.1996
- Developed project timelines and coordinated with contractors for timely execution.
- Conducted site visits to assess progress and ensure adherence to design specifications.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines set by clients.
- Collaborated closely with customers, adjusting plans to satisfy client needs and requirements.
- Assisted with selecting appropriate materials such as paint colors, wall coverings, flooring options, lighting fixtures and window treatments.
- Worked closely with vendors to source products at competitive prices while maintaining quality standards.
- Provided detailed estimates of material costs and time frames for each project.
- Maintained store appearance by organizing merchandise and ensuring cleanliness.
- Operated point-of-sale systems for processing transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Handled inventory management by restocking shelves and tracking stock levels.
Merchandiser
American Greetings
Grayling
06.1990 - 09.1992
- Organized product displays to enhance visual appeal and drive customer interest.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure product availability and timely restocking.
- Regularly monitored store shelves to ensure product availability, restocking and rotating merchandise as needed.
- Organized displays according to company standards and specifications.
- Assisted in gathering and moving materials and equipment for assigned displays.
- Communicated and coordinated planogram execution with store management.
- Followed prepared sketches and planograms to arrange consistent shelves, racks and bins across various locations.
- Maintained accurate records of all merchandise transactions including receipts, invoices, orders, discounts.
Customer Service Representative
Northland Area Federal Credit Union
Mio
12.1986 - 06.1990
- Assisted members with account inquiries and transaction processing.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI01-2022
Associate of Arts - Interior Design
Delta College
Bay City, MI04-1991
Skills
- Inventory management and retail operations
- Sales strategy and business planning
- Customer relationship management
- Product display optimization
- Effective communication and active listening
- Problem solving and customer service
Affiliations
- avid runner, gardener, volunteer for community organizations that seek to support families. I enjoy camping and spending time with family and my two dogs.
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Gray Barn Wax Co.
11.2017 - 03.2025
Elementary Paraprofessional
Fairview Area Schools
01.2014 - 06.2014
Part time Asst. Manager
The Family Bookshelf
04.2013 - 11.2013
Interior Designer/Sales Associate
The Home Zone
05.1991 - 11.1996
Merchandiser
American Greetings
06.1990 - 09.1992
Customer Service Representative
Northland Area Federal Credit Union
12.1986 - 06.1990
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Spring Arbor University
Associate of Arts - Interior Design
Delta College