Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Monika Crossin

Arlington Heights,IL

Summary

Seasoned Personal Stylist and former Nika Boutique owner with a proven ability to cultivate lasting client relationships. Expert in organization, operational efficiency, and trend forecasting, with a demonstrated talent for critical thinking, problem-solving, and exceptional customer communication. Skilled in managing high-stakes projects, driving marketing strategies, maintaining confidentiality, and delivering results in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Bantam Major Hockey Manager

Northwest Chargers Hockey Association
Mount Prospect, IL
08.2020 - Current
  • Facilitate collaboration between 3 coaches, 17 players, and 34 parents by driving clear communication, managing expectations, and resolving conflicts to maintain team cohesion.
  • Orchestrate logistics for 16+ games and 3–4 annual tournaments, overseeing scheduling, registration, travel, accommodations, and on-site operations.
  • Administer the team’s confidential annual budget, overseeing fee collection, expense tracking, and financial reporting while upholding discretion and transparency.
  • Navigate last-minute changes, travel disruptions, and scheduling challenges with composure and critical thinking, ensuring seamless execution of team activities within a 10–20 hour weekly commitment.

Stay-at-home Parent

Self-employed
Arlington Heights, IL
10.2011 - Current
  • Direct household operations exceeding 80 hours weekly, including meal planning, grocery shopping, cleaning, and transportation to activities.
  • Reduce family expenses by 20-25% and increase annual savings by 20-25% through strategic financial adjustments.
  • Coordinate live auction efforts for the annual 300-500+ person school gala, successfully raising $30k annually.
  • Lead the planning and execution of graduation events for 100-200 eighth graders and their families, overseeing catering, floral arrangements, and event logistics.
  • Strengthen the school community as a volunteer, fulfilling roles such as room mom, lunch assistant, and religious activities coordinator.

Personal Stylist

Self-employed
Arlington Heights, IL
01.2011 - Current
  • Secure a 100% repeat client rate and expanded clientele exclusively through word-of-mouth referrals, reflecting exceptional service and client satisfaction.
  • Oversee high-end styling budgets averaging $8k per client, with peak projects reaching $20k, while consistently delivering full wardrobe transformations within 1–2 weeks.
  • Manage all transactions, including purchases and returns, and streamlined client billing by invoicing only for final selections plus a comprehensive styling and closet revamp fee.
  • Monitor emerging trends through trade shows, fashion media, and blogs to deliver current, relevant, and trend-forward wardrobe recommendations.
  • Execute multiple client projects simultaneously, navigating tight timelines and fast-paced demands with strong organization and adaptability.

Owner

Self-employed
Park Ridge, IL
08.2006 - 10.2011
  • Curated and fostered strong, lasting relationships with 40+ vendors, utilizing strategic negotiation and interpersonal skills to secure favorable pricing and exclusive product access.
  • Engineered and executed innovative marketing campaigns that propelled Nika Boutique into the spotlight, securing features in top-tier publications such as Us Weekly, InStyle, Lucky, CS Magazine, and Oprah’s Favorite Things.
  • Directed and mentored a team of 8–10 employees, encouraging a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence, to ensure all operational goals were met on time and within budget.
  • Crafted a comprehensive 20+ page business plan, outlining key objectives to establish a brand identity and drive customer retention through high-quality, customized women’s fashion.
  • Designed detailed product specifications, applying deep market insight to deliver fashion-forward collections that consistently exceeded expectations.

Store Buyer/Manager

The Wild Rose
Arlington Heights, IL
10.2004 - 05.2006
  • Mentored and coached junior staff on purchasing procedures, ensuring adherence to best practices and efficiency in operations.
  • Managed and tracked purchase records, including quantities ordered, delivery dates, and pricing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company standards.
  • Assessed spending patterns to project future needs and proactively adjusted the budget to optimize financial planning.
  • Designed a distinctive store atmosphere through strategic visual merchandising, including floor sets and window displays.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Corporate Health Science And Communications

University of St Thomas
St Paul, MN
05-1998

Skills

  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Budget planning
  • Critical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Market research

Timeline

Bantam Major Hockey Manager

Northwest Chargers Hockey Association
08.2020 - Current

Stay-at-home Parent

Self-employed
10.2011 - Current

Personal Stylist

Self-employed
01.2011 - Current

Owner

Self-employed
08.2006 - 10.2011

Store Buyer/Manager

The Wild Rose
10.2004 - 05.2006

Bachelor of Arts - Corporate Health Science And Communications

University of St Thomas