Richard Espinoza
Santa Barbara,CA
Summary
Small business owner with experience in creating and selling hand-crafted candles and pottery. Skilled in managing day-to-day operations, product design, customer service, and online sales. Strong in social media marketing and building customer relationships. Previous experience in food service has helped develop great communication and organizational skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Small Business Owner
El Pueblito imports
Santa Barbara
02.2022 - Current
- Created and curated unique, hand-crafted candles and pottery items for retail and online sales
- Managed all aspects of business operations, including product design, inventory management, and customer service
- Handled financial aspects, including pricing, budgeting, and bookkeeping
- Provided excellent customer service, leading to repeat business and positive reviews
- Managed day-to-day operations such as ordering supplies, maintaining the workspace, and ensuring the quality of all products
- Built and maintained an online store, overseeing logistics and packaging for fulfillment
- Developed and implemented social media marketing strategies across platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, etc.) to build a loyal customer base and drive online engagement.
Rideshare Driver
Lyft & Uber
Santa Barbara, CA
03.2019 - Current
- Drove clients to requested destinations throughout the Santa Barbara area or long-distance rides if requested
- Ensured clients reached their destination both promptly and safely
- Maximized passenger satisfaction by maintaining vehicle in safe and clean operating conditions
- Offered assistance to disabled passengers and stored wheelchairs along with other equipment correctly
- Awarded for top driver in Santa Barbara
Prep Cook / Salad maker
Vista de la Monte Retirement Community
Santa Barbara, CA
11.2017 - 02.2020
- Chopped, diced, and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of busy periods, including dinner rush
- Operated ovens, fryers and mixers safely to prevent kitchen accidents and machinery malfunction
- Interacted professionally and effectively with wait staff regarding special orders for customers, including those with food allergies and gluten intolerance
- Worked closely with Sous chef/chef to ensure food quality
- Cooked all side dishes (starches and vegetables)
- Prepared salads from scratch according to the recipe in a regular and consistent manner
- Adhered to all regulatory standards regarding safe and sanitary food prep
- Knowledgeable with FIFO (First in First out)
- Worked in all kitchen positions as needed
Dietary Aide
The Samarkand Retirement Community
Santa Barbara, CA
05.2016 - 09.2017
- Prepared nutritious meals for patients, taking into account any dietary restrictions
- Followed diagrams that showed how to properly fill food trays based on the type of meal plan that was selected by a resident
- Load and distribute food trays and carts to residents room and/or dinning room areas; collect and return food carts to dish area
- Interacted with residents on a daily basis, typically seeking feedback on the quality of the food and incorporating suggestions to improve overall meal quality
- Assisted with food preparation
- Assisted in receiving and storing food and supplies; Stored items properly labeled
- Served meals in residents room, dining rooms and other designated areas
Busboy
High Sierra Grill
Goleta, CA
10.2015 - 05.2016
- Consistently provide professional, friendly and engaging service
- Clear tables once patrons have left and carry dishes, flatware and glasses to the kitchen to be cleaned
- Routinely cleaned work areas, polished glassware and silverware throughout each shift
- Fill ice and beverage dispensers before they run low
- Top up customers' glasses with water or requested beverage
- Assist waiters in serving food to patrons
- Routinely supported other areas of the restaurant as requested
- Knowledge of handling 'side work' at the end of each shift
Wait Staff
Valle Verde
Santa Barbara, CA
04.2015 - 10.2015
- Delivered exceptional service by greeting and serving customers in a timely, friendly manner
- Regularly checked on guests to ensure satisfaction with each food course and beverages
- Refilled water and beverages in patrons' and inquire if they would like to order anything more
- Deliver checks and accept payment
- Prepared restaurant for next shift (filled condiments, rolled silverware, etc.)
- Cleaned and reset tables as soon as patrons leave
Skills
- Customer service
- Order fulfillment
- Social media marketing
- Product design
- Product listing
- Online marketing
- Online Sales
- Driving
- Food Service
- Food Preparation
- Kitchen Experience
- Food Safety
- Cooking
Certification
- Driver's License
- Food Handler Certification
Timeline
Small Business Owner
El Pueblito imports
02.2022 - Current
Rideshare Driver
Lyft & Uber
03.2019 - Current
Prep Cook / Salad maker
Vista de la Monte Retirement Community
11.2017 - 02.2020
Dietary Aide
The Samarkand Retirement Community
05.2016 - 09.2017
Busboy
High Sierra Grill
10.2015 - 05.2016
Wait Staff
Valle Verde
04.2015 - 10.2015