Tami VanMeter
Business Owner
St Peters,MO
Summary
Highly motivated professional with several years of entrepreneurial and management experience. Skillfully creates and maintains professional and loyal relationships with co-workers, staff and clients while managing administrative and sales employees. Comfortable working independently as manager and leader and as collaborative team member. Applies business acumen and experience and exercises decisive judgment to meet and exceed organizational goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
NELLIES CLOSET
Ellisville
01.2014 - Current
- Devised and executed an exceptional idea for a traveling boutique that exclusively catered to retirement communities, addressing their specific requirements.
- Delivered convenient in-home shopping services to residents across the country, curating fashionable items and accessories that perfectly matched their individual lifestyles.
- Ensured exemplary customer service was central to overall business success
- Succeeded in cultivating strong connections with retirement communities while effectively multitasking in key areas like staffing decisions, employee development programs, maintenance of inventory levels, routinely promoting the brand's offerings, and ensuring smooth running of all operational activities
- Successfully extended business operations beyond Missouri boundaries to serve multiple states including Illinois, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Kentucky, Tennessee,
and Florida
- Expanded business operations by establishing a physical retail location in Ellisville in 2019, targeting a more fashion-conscious customer base.
Owner
TAMI'S ONLINE
Chesterfield
12.2007 - 01.2014
- Launched a thriving online enterprise specializing in jewelry and accessories. Products were prominently displayed at acclaimed spas and salons throughout St Louis area including Lake of the Ozarks.
- In addition to handling the functions of developing an online business, this business required special negotiating skills to acquire display space from business owners of spas, salons and specialty stores for consignment jewelry and accessories.
Owner
TAMI'S TROUSSEAU
Clayton
01.2001 - 12.2007
- Created a unique shopping destination for fashion-forward individuals by conceptualizing and implementing an exclusive women's boutique offering special-event outfits, accessories, and casual apparel
- Transformed the space to enhance its appeal and create an inviting environment
- Successfully managed business operations to drive sales growth by prioritizing client development, delivering personalized fashion consulting services, offering attentive customer service, and showcasing one-of-a-kind merchandise.
- Sourced vendors in multiple markets including Los Angeles, Dallas, Las Vegas, and New York
- Conducted seasonal planning, negotiating pricing and terms; executing buying plans; managing vendor relationships.
- Cultivated co-op marketing and public relations to enhance name recognition
- Led a staff of 20 employees
- Achieved a 100% growth in second-year volume by orchestrating impactful gala in-store events, executing proactive word-of-mouth advertising campaigns, and capitalizing on customer referrals.
- Implemented effective strategies that resulted in significant expansion of the mother-of-the-bride market share, making up approximately 50% of total business.
- Maximized profitability through the strategic utilization of sportswear and accessories
- Increased client base from outside the city by fostering connections with hotel concierges and utilizing targeted advertisements in regional magazines.
Store Manager
LILLIE RUBIN
St. Louis
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Accountable for the P&L of a women's specialty retailer specializing in special-event dressing and accessories
- Successfully handled a wide range of responsibilities spanning marketing, merchandising, inventory control,
shipping and receiving activities in addition to overseeing human resources tasks. - Recruited, hired, trained and evaluated staff; responsibly managed a team of 25 employees
- Achieved a remarkable 180% increase in sales within the first year by implementing impactful marketing strategies.
- Successfully organized and led high-profile fashion shows prior to notable occasions, including Fleur-de-Lis and Veiled Prophet Balls, in addition to coordinating fundraising galas like Zoofari.
- Collaborated with various businesses (wedding photographers, florists, bakers, etc.) to organize joint marketing events and implemented visually appealing mall displays to enhance customer engagement.
- Developed assistant manager into co-manager promotion.
Co-Manager
THE LIMITED
St. Louis
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Directed and monitored operations of a $5 million annual revenue-generating location
- Delivered exceptional customer service while demonstrating strong sales leadership capabilities
- Managed all aspects of recruitment by conducting interviews, making hiring decisions, providing training, and evaluating sales associates. Also responsible for scheduling and supervising a team of up to 50 individuals.
Manager/Buyer
MICHAEL'S FINE WOMEN'S CLOTHING
Quincy, IL
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Managed marketing activities for a women's specialty retailer, including clothing and accessories.
- Attended seasonal markets in New York, Dallas, and Chicago to analyze trends and procure vendors
- Negotiated pricing, executed seasonal purchases and managed vendor relationships.
- Managed inventory effectively
- Handled cash management and banking activities
- Managed a team of 25 employees
- Developed excellent rapport with customers, leading to a substantial increase in both repeat business and referral rates.
- Earned reputation as a skilled fashion merchandiser and wardrobe consultant.
Credit Representative
NEIMAN-MARCUS
Scottsdale, AZ
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Resolved customer billing issues and collected past-due accounts.
- Collaborated with corporate headquarters to address credit control and customer relations concerns.
Assistant Buyer/Sales Associate
RODERICK P. MILLER
Quincy, IL
12.1982 - 01.1996
- Acquired upscale business attire and fashionable accessories.
- Developed and maintained effective partnerships with vendors
- Contributed to the successful execution of fashion shows and other store events.
- Achieved consistent improvement in total transportation costs through effective negotiation and supplier management.
- Exceeded daily sales goals as a straight commission sales associate
Education
Business Administration, Marketing -
Quincy University
Quincy, ILA. S. Business -
John Woods Community College
Quincy, ILSkills
- Organizer
- Planner
- Trainer
- Team builder
- Marketing
- Merchandising
- Volume building
- Selling
- Clientele building
- Business relationship development
- Online business developer
- Staff management
- P&L accountability
- Inventory control
- Credit control
Timeline
Owner
NELLIES CLOSET
01.2014 - Current
Owner
TAMI'S ONLINE
12.2007 - 01.2014
Owner
TAMI'S TROUSSEAU
01.2001 - 12.2007
Store Manager
LILLIE RUBIN
01.2000 - 01.2001
Co-Manager
THE LIMITED
01.1999 - 01.2000
Manager/Buyer
MICHAEL'S FINE WOMEN'S CLOTHING
01.1998 - 01.1999
Credit Representative
NEIMAN-MARCUS
01.1996 - 01.1998
Assistant Buyer/Sales Associate
RODERICK P. MILLER
12.1982 - 01.1996
Business Administration, Marketing -
Quincy University
A. S. Business -
John Woods Community College
Similar Profiles
J'Veus JohnsonJ'Veus Johnson
Shift Manager at Nellies Chicken and DaiquirisShift Manager at Nellies Chicken and Daiquiris
Alannah TynanAlannah Tynan
Bar Waiter at Dirty Nellies Ipsos CorfuBar Waiter at Dirty Nellies Ipsos Corfu
Doreen BechardDoreen Bechard
Server/Bartender/Hostess at Due, Bella Campania, Nellies, The Village GrilleServer/Bartender/Hostess at Due, Bella Campania, Nellies, The Village Grille