Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Rachel Kurtz

Dothan,AL

Summary

Dynamic entrepreneur with a proven track record excelling in customer relations and project management. Successfully expanded business into new markets while enhancing brand awareness through innovative marketing strategies. Adept at building strong relationships and leading teams to achieve exceptional results in diverse artistic environments.

Self-motivated professional successful in seizing viable opportunities for expansion and innovation in business. Background in increasing profits, reducing costs, and transforming customer service standards. Experienced in leading and supervising operations and curating an artistic and fun environment for the Wiregrass area.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner/Curator/Artist

The Velvet Art Gallery
10.2024 - Current
  • Organized and attended shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
  • Expanded business into new markets.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Worked closely with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects that combined art, history, science, or social studies themes into cohesive exhibitions.
  • Collaborated with artists and other institutions for diverse and enriching exhibitions, attracting a wider audience.

Owner/Art Teacher

Tipsy Easel
02.2021 - Current
  • Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
  • Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
  • Expanded business into new markets.
  • Elevated brand awareness with targeted marketing campaigns, leveraging social media and digital platforms.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Created classes for groups of all ages as well as rebuilt Tipsy Easel's audience and customer attendance to classes.
  • Rebranded the business and combined it with Southern Strokes Art.

Owner

The Velvet Peach Boutique
11.2020 - Current
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
  • Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.

Owner/Artist

Southern Strokes Art
05.2011 - Current
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Teach classes and organize camps, classes, and events
  • Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
  • Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business''s financial stability.

Teacher

Houston Academy
08.2018 - 05.2021
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
  • Managed art room supplies, equipment and resources to maintain consistent supply for projects.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Art

Auburn University
Auburn, AL
12.2010

Skills

  • Small business operations
  • Client service
  • Project management
  • Operations management
  • Marketing
  • Business launch
  • Sales leadership
  • Product branding
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Team leadership
  • Scheduling
  • Purchasing and planning
  • Event Planning
  • Artist Discovery

Timeline

Owner/Curator/Artist

The Velvet Art Gallery
10.2024 - Current

Owner/Art Teacher

Tipsy Easel
02.2021 - Current

Owner

The Velvet Peach Boutique
11.2020 - Current

Teacher

Houston Academy
08.2018 - 05.2021

Owner/Artist

Southern Strokes Art
05.2011 - Current

Bachelor of Arts - Art

Auburn University