Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Svetlana Dakovic

Walla Walla,WA

Summary

Talented Owner with excellent marketing, customer service and facility oversight skills and more than 20 years of experience. Highly effective and comfortable working with people at all levels in organization.

Experienced with managing retail operations and ensuring customer satisfaction. Utilizes strategic planning and effective team leadership to drive business growth. Track record of maintaining high standards in store presentation and inventory management.

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 operational and sales teams.

Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Retail Store Owner

Meli LLC
01.2019 - 12.2024
  • Founded and launched the first organic children’s clothing store in my country-Serbia; scaled operations from the ground up to reach several hundred thousand dollars in annual revenue within the first year.
  • Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns, and transaction reports.
  • Boosted sales revenue with targeted promotions that capitalized on seasonal trends and consumer preferences.
  • Maximized profitability by periodically re-evaluating product pricing based on supplier costs, competitor prices, and customer demand.
  • Managed daily operations efficiently, overseeing staff schedules, inventory control, and financial transactions. Managed approximately 20 incoming emails, calls per day from customers and suppliers.
  • Studied market to determine optimal pricing of goods and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
  • Cultivated loyal customer base by providing exceptional service, personalized recommendations, and timely resolution of issues or complaints. Built and managed a customer database of 3,000+ contacts, including potential leads, and coordinated targeted email marketing campaigns. Developed comprehensive marketing strategies to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
  • Drove foot traffic into the store with eye-catching window displays showcasing popular products and promotional offers.
  • Strengthened relationships with suppliers to negotiate better pricing, improving overall profit margins.
  • Established a strong brand identity through consistent visual merchandising guidelines across all store locations.
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations related to taxes reporting health safety standards, and licensing requirements.
  • Expanded product offerings for enhanced customer experience by conducting thorough market research and trend analysis.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Engaged in store-based direct selling
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.

Sales Manager

Toner Trade Company LLC
12.2009 - 01.2019
  • Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
  • Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
  • Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
  • Led a successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives.
  • Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services. In 5 years my team expand sale in 5 markets in nearby countries in Europe.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, ensuring the best pricing and terms for company profitability.
  • Overcame objections from potential clients by addressing concerns effectively and offering customized solutions based on their unique needs.
  • Provided ongoing training and mentorship for junior sales staff, fostering professional development and career growth.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities, leading to expansion into profitable territories.
  • Evaluated competitor offerings to adapt sales strategies and maintain competitive advantage.
  • Established metrics-driven sales culture, setting clear performance indicators and regularly reviewing progress.
  • Developed competitive analysis framework, enabling proactive adjustments to sales tactics and strategies.
  • Elevated brand visibility, coordinating with marketing to launch successful promotional campaigns.
  • Negotiated partnerships with complementary businesses, creating synergies and expanding customer base.
  • Expanded market share by identifying and penetrating untapped markets.
  • Optimized sales funnel management, enhancing lead generation and conversion rates.
  • Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
  • Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
  • Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
  • Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
  • Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
  • Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
  • Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.

Education

Associate of Arts - Foreign Languages And Literatures

University of Philology
Belgrade, Serbia
06-1993

Skills

  • Store operations
  • Budget planning
  • Merchandise planning
  • Performance analysis
  • Promotional planning
  • Local marketing
  • Store layout design
  • Small business operations
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Extensive sales experience
  • Customer relations
  • Client service

Accomplishments

  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Supervised team of 5 staff members.

Languages

English
Full Professional
Serbian
Native or Bilingual
Russian
Professional Working
Italian
Elementary

Timeline

Retail Store Owner

Meli LLC
01.2019 - 12.2024

Sales Manager

Toner Trade Company LLC
12.2009 - 01.2019

Associate of Arts - Foreign Languages And Literatures

University of Philology

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE