Natalie G. Van Schaik

• Edited photos to enhance visual appeal and meet client specifications.
• Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
• Determined and adjusted subject position, props and lighting equipment while selecting camera angles to optimize final product.
• Selected and set up appropriate props, backdrops and lighting.
• Scheduled and booked locations for photo shoots, working collaboratively with clients and contacts.
• Organized and stored photographs on digital systems for easy retrieval.
• Edited, toned, captioned and uploaded photographs for publication.
• Defined and recommended detailed solutions to capture images.
• Consulted with clients to discuss ideas and style preferences to create mutually agreeable project parameters.
• Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
• Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
• Documented income and expenses in database to facilitate financial analysis.
• Capitalized on social media platforms to increase market awareness
• Employed prompt decision-making and in-depth research to resolve issues.

• Followed sewing instructions and inspected quality of finished pieces to exceed customer expectations.
• Operated sewing machines to join, reinforce or decorate products and performed hand stitching for smaller projects.
• Drew patterns and cut fabric pieces, assembled and sewed to create wearable garment.
• Determined appropriate repair solution based on garment damage to employ proper tools or equipment.
• Altered and hemmed dresses and evening wear garments to create custom-fitted styles.
• Generated seaming, hemming and alterations revenue by scheduling consultations and appointment to meet sales goals.
• Performed custom bridal gown fittings and completed alterations with eye toward quality and sense of urgency.
• Conferred with designer to determine types of material and garment styles desired.
• Estimated costs of alterations for customers to make decisions before sewing work began.
• Read pins from previous fittings and other professionals to complete changes.
• Completed fittings with models and customers and pinned garments for planned alterations.
• Managed customer expectations with open consultations and frequent communication.
• Provided high-quality alteration and repairs for clothing and drapery.

• Created product designs and developed patterns.
• Client liaison and meeting up to clients expectations.
• Sourcing and costing of materials and products.
• Completing projects efficiently and on time.
• Quality control of products.
• Customized fit of product according to client’s specifications.
• Attention to detail.
• Working under pressure and problem solving.
• Positioned hoops, hooks, lace-ups, trimmed unnecessary threads and folded and bagged items to prepare for delivery to customers.
• Maintained sewing machine by threading needles with appropriate thread colors and replacing needles when necessary.
• Altered and hemmed evening wear apparel to create custom-fitted styles.
• Generated seaming, hemming and alterations revenue by scheduling consultations and appointment to meet goals.
• Operated sewing machines to join, reinforce or decorate products and performed hand stitching for smaller projects.
• Drew customized patterns and cut fabric pieces, assembled and sewed to create wearable garments.
• Sketched artistic and fresh designs for consideration.
• Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.

• Assisting with designs of product.
• Drawing up and grading of patterns.
• Cutting and making up of products.
• Client liaison.
• Sourcing of materials.
• Ensuring that all products are delivered within contract deadlines.
• Assisting and ensuring that the products are fitted correctly according to size and style.
• Working under pressure and problem solving.
• Developed seasonal merchandise assortment to improve category depth and breadth.
• Studied and anticipated design trend changes and shifts to plan new designs for maternity wear products.
• Teamed on development of inspiration boards, sample material collections and color selection for upcoming product design.
• Sketched artistic and fresh designs for consideration.
• Drew patterns and cut fabric pieces, assembled and sewed to create wearable garment.
• Operated sewing machines to join, reinforce or decorate products and performed hand stitching for smaller projects.
• Liaised and followed-up regularly with management on completion of alterations to communicate, model and enforce company policies, core values and goals.
• Generated seaming, hemming and alterations revenue by scheduling consultations and appointment to meet goals.
• Performed custom bridal gown fittings and completed alterations with eye toward quality and sense of urgency.

• Bridal and Evening Wear.
• Designed dresses and drew up patterns.
• Communicating with the seamstress and ensuring that all her duties were performed correctly, on time and in good quality.
• Ensuring that the products that left were met to the right standards and returned in the same manner.
• Customized fitting of products.
• Ensuring that goods were delivered within contract deadlines.
• Working under pressure and problem solving.
• Designed and drew up patterns for the new and upcoming designs for Dolle Uppe which was featured in the designer bridal magazine - Bruidsgids 2005.
• Worked on set of the photo shoot of Bruidsgids and worked one on one with the model ensuring that the product was fitted correctly.
• Worked behind the scenes at a fashion show for Dolle Uppe: Dressing the models, organizing and ensuring that all were ready and on time before walking on the catwalk.
• Identified and communicated customer needs
• Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
• Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
• Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
• Met with potentials clients and gave quotes on services and general wedding costs.
• Sold and fitted wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses, prom dresses for clients.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
• Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
• Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise and promoted key items.
• Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.

• Maintained effective schedule balance between rest periods, active play and instruction.
• Prepared healthy foods and beverages for children
• Planned and guided age-appropriate tasks like reading, crafts, homework
• Transported children to and from school, medical appointments and extra-curricular activities.
• Monitored children's play activities to verify safety.
• Helped children complete homework assignments and school projects.
• Made healthy snacks and meals for two children.
• Kept children's areas neat and clean.
• Met with parents about daily activities, positive developments and issues.
• Supervised children on playground and recreational actives

• Designed and manufactured high fashion clothing for Project UK
• Developed seasonal and brand style guides to promote
• Sketched artistic and fresh designs for consideration.
• Drew patterns and cut fabric pieces, assembled and sewed to create wearable garment.
• Operated sewing machines to join, reinforce or decorate products and performed hand stitching for smaller projects.
• Followed sewing instructions and inspected quality of finished pieces to exceed customer expectations.

• Opening and closing up of the shop and sales.
• Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
• Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise and promoted key items.
• Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
• Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
• Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
• Used product knowledge, sales abilities and customer relations skills to drive substantial sales increases in music albums and albums, t-shirts, stationary products.
• Processed accurate credit, debit, check and cash sales transactions

• Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
• Discussed kid and adults casual clothing apparel with customers, outlined restrictions and educated on policies.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
• Provided exceptional services and pleasant shopping experiences to retail customers.
• Monitored customers for signs of security concerns and escalated issues to management.
• Worked to meet or exceed special targets for credit card applications, special donations and specific product promotions.
• Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise and promoted key items.
• Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
• Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
• Processed accurate credit, debit, check and cash sales transactions
• Wrapped & boxed items and unboxed to restock shelves with new inventory
• Managed efficient cash register operations.
• Discussed clothing apparel & accessories with customers, outlined restrictions and educated on policies.
• Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
• Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.

Best First Year Student - Creative Design Practical training with Gavin Rajah (GR Concepts)

• Awarded Best First Year Student in Creative Design in 1999

Subjects passed: English HG, Afrikaans HG, Typing HG, Biology SG, Business Economics SG and History SG. Junior Achievement - Developing Tomorrow's Business (Oct 1997