Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Designed and maintained a photography website and a Shopify website
Interests
Software
Work Availability
Affiliations
Websites
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Paula Kurzawa

LAKE ORION,MI

Summary

Dynamic leader and Photography Studio Owner at Paula Kurzawa, adept in business and studio management with a proven track record in enhancing customer relations and driving revenue growth. Leveraged expertise in social media marketing and strategic planning to expand market reach. Excelled in building meaningful client relationships and employing effective sales strategies.

Overview

33
years of professional experience

Work History

Paula Kurzawa

Photography Studio Owner
05.2000 - Current

Job overview

Skills

  • Social Media Marketing: Expertise in managing and marketing on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, including content creation, scheduling, and audience engagement.
  • Email Marketing: Skilled in developing and executing effective email marketing campaigns through platforms like LiveIntent to drive customer engagement and retention.
  • Ad Design: Proficient in using Photoshop, Canva, Kittle, and Gifster to create compelling and visually appealing ad designs tailored to various platforms and audiences.
  • Advertising Campaigns: Extensive experience in testing, optimizing, and running ad campaigns on Meta (Facebook/Instagram Ads Manager) and LiveIntent, ensuring high ROI and audience reach.
  • Analytics & Performance Tracking: Strong ability to analyze campaign performance metrics and implement data-driven strategies to enhance results.
  • Creative Content Development: Adept at creating engaging multimedia content, including videos, GIFs, and imagery, to support marketing and advertising initiatives.
  • Branding & Strategy: Experienced in aligning marketing efforts with brand identity to achieve business goals and resonate with target audiences.
  • Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
  • Sought out opportunities for professional development by attending industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in the field.
  • Invested in state-of-the-art equipment to enhance client experiences while providing them access to cutting-edge technology within their chosen disciplines or artistic pursuits.
  • Cultivated partnerships with other businesses in the area for cross-promotional opportunities that benefited both parties involved.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns promptly and maintaining open lines of communication.
  • Utilized social media platforms effectively for increased brand awareness and visibility among potential clients online communities.
  • Stayed current on industry trends to continually evolve the studio''s offerings and maintain its competitive edge in the market.
  • Developed unique programs tailored for specific demographics such as children or seniors, catering to various interests within the community.
  • Managed daily operations for a seamless client experience, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.
  • Increased studio revenue by implementing effective marketing strategies and attracting new clients.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.

Jim Cummins

Architectural Designer
05.1992 - 08.1998

Job overview

  • Worked closely with multi-disciplinary team to design residential and commercial projects in [Location].
  • Developed comprehensive construction documents to ensure accurate execution of architectural concepts during the building process.
  • Improved overall project outcomes by utilizing advanced software tools for 3D modeling, rendering, and virtual reality presentations.
  • Researched building codes and requirements and applied to design planning.
  • Coordinated all architectural construction documentation and drawings for each phase of fast-track projects.
  • Optimized space planning solutions for various projects types including residential, commercial, and institutional facilities.
  • Developed close relationships with clients.

Education

Lawrence Technological University
Southfield, MI

Bachelor of Science from Architecture
08.1984 - 05.1990

University Overview

Architectural Design and Interior Aesthetics

  • Specialized in designing intricate architectural elements, including complex rooflines, custom fireplaces, bespoke furniture, and detailed moldings.
  • Emphasized the integration of natural and artificial lighting to create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Focused on blending structures with their natural surroundings by designing floor plans that maximize views and connect to the environment, ensuring visibility in multiple directions from public spaces within the home.
  • Gained expertise in creating functional, aesthetic designs that harmonize architecture and the environment.

Lawrence Technological University
Southfield, MI

Bachelor of Science from Interior Architecture
04-1990

University Overview

Designed and built my own custom home in 1994

Professional Photography Association, Detroit
Detroit, MI

from Photography
08-2001

University Overview

  • Awarded Blue Ribbons by Detroit Professional Photography
  • Published in Shutterbug Magazine and local newspapers
  • Gallery Showing
  • Photographer of the Year
  • Raised money for Leader Dogs for the Blind through one of my photography promotions
  • Photographed a local charity event for Kid's Gala
  • Photographed chamber events including blue ribbon cuttings and their annual golf charity event

Skills

  • Business management
  • Studio management
  • Small business operations
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Relationship building
  • Customer relations
  • Project estimating
  • Client service
  • Strategic planning
  • Sales leadership
  • Sales strategy development
  • Marketing
  • Consulting
  • Market Research

Accomplishments

  • Graduated from Lawrence Technological University with a bachelors of science in Architecture and a bachelors of science in Interior Architecture.
  • designed kitchens, bathrooms, furniture layouts, moldings, furniture, fireplace surrounds, gardens and inground pools
  • Studied photography and owned my own studio in which I used my compositions, spatial, color and lighting skills from my background in architectural design.
  • Opened an ecommerce store to sell my custom designed artwork including wall art, throws, pillows, towels, drinkware, and clothing.

Designed and maintained a photography website and a Shopify website

Photography Website Design and Management

  • Designed and maintained a professional photography website using Squarespace, creating an engaging online presence that effectively showcased services and promotions.
  • Developed and optimized landing pages for various promotions throughout the year, tailored to attract and convert potential clients.
  • Focused on user-friendly layouts, compelling calls-to-action, and visually appealing designs to drive sign-ups and inquiries.
  • Ensured the website remained up-to-date, responsive, and aligned with branding to enhance client experience and business visibility.


E-Commerce Store Management

  • Designed and maintained a user-friendly Shopify e-commerce store with an intuitive menu and optimized navigation to enhance the customer experience.
  • Implemented a strategic sales funnel featuring add-ons, cart reminders, and diverse promotional campaigns to drive conversions and increase sales.
  • Created high-quality product and promotional designs using Kittle and Photoshop, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing brand aesthetic.
  • Managed order fulfillment efficiently by coordinating with a variety of reliable suppliers, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Regularly analyzed store performance and customer behavior to refine marketing strategies and improve sales outcomes.


Digital Marketing and Advertising

  • Crafted compelling headlines and designed engaging ads for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and email marketing to effectively promote both a photography business and an e-commerce store.
  • Conducted in-depth SEO research and performed A/B testing to identify high-performing keywords, headlines, and ad formats, optimizing reach and engagement.
  • Strategically tailored ad content to resonate with target audiences, driving traffic, increasing conversions, and boosting overall brand visibility.
  • Leveraged data analytics to refine campaigns, ensuring consistent improvement in performance metrics and ROI.


Interests

  • Interior Design
  • Photography
  • Design and Build Websites
  • Gardening
  • DIY and Home Improvement
  • Graphic Design
  • Experimenting with different creative mediums, like ai, computer painting, and creating composites in photoshop, to expand skills and techniques.
  • Exploring various forms of art, such as fashion design, plaster painting, and furniture design, to nurture creativity and personal growth.
  • Fashion and Style
  • I participate in pickleball for physical activity, camaraderie, and personal growth.
  • Gardening
  • Personal Development and Self-Improvement
  • Reading
  • Strategy Games

Software

Photoshop

Canva

Gifster

Kittle

Ai

Square Space

Shopify

Etsy

Capcut

Adobe Illustrator

Autocad

Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations

  • Cherrington Media
  • Detroit Professional Photographers Association
  • Jade Beason

Timeline

Photography Studio Owner

Paula Kurzawa
05.2000 - Current

Architectural Designer

Jim Cummins
05.1992 - 08.1998

Lawrence Technological University

Bachelor of Science from Architecture
08.1984 - 05.1990

Lawrence Technological University

Bachelor of Science from Interior Architecture

Professional Photography Association, Detroit

from Photography
Paula Kurzawa