Taya S Drinkwater
Irvine,CA
Summary
Born in the U.S. and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, with a strong international background including travel across Asia and South America. Studied abroad in Bali, Indonesia, and relocated independently to the United States in 2019. Known for strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills developed through diverse cultural and professional experiences.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Front Desk Agent
Sonder
05.2024 - Current
- Managed front desk operations, ensuring efficient check-in and check-out processes for guests.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing guest inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Coordinated room assignments and maintained accurate reservations using property management software.
- Trained new staff on front desk procedures, enhancing team performance and service quality.
- Developed strong relationships with guests through personalized service, fostering repeat business.
- Collected room deposits, fees, and payments.
- Maintained accurate records of guest information, payments, and reservations using hotel management software systems.
- Provided exceptional service during high-volume periods or challenging situations, ensuring a seamless experience for all guests.
Lead Sales Associate
BYLT Premium Basics
05.2023 - 05.2024
- Resolved customer issues promptly, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and maintaining strong relationships with customers.
- Trained new sales associates to ensure consistent performance across the team.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies to improve product presentation and increase sales conversions.
- Analysed sales data to identify trends and opportunities for growth within the Retail Store
- Contributed towards improving overall store ambience by maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
- Handled cash register operations and customer transactions to process payments.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Monitored sales team performance and provided constructive feedback.
- Assisted customers in making informed purchasing decisions by providing expert advice on product features.
Chandeliers & Tulips - By Shanesa & Nancy Fath
Interior Design Sales Associate
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Contributed to visual merchandising efforts by creating eye-catching displays that showcased products effectively and enticed shoppers to make purchases.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
Head Sales Associate
The Flower Factory
08.2020 - 07.2022
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually-appealing floral arrangements tailored to individual preferences.
- Supported head florist with daily tasks, improving overall efficiency and workflow within the store.
- Assisted in designing floral displays for weddings, funerals, and special events, resulting in positive client feedback.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment for all staff members.
- Collaborated with team members on large projects, contributing to successful completion of orders on time and within budget constraints.
- Processed customer orders accurately and efficiently, contributing to increased sales revenue.
Administrative Assistant /Temporary Waitress
Rafis Lounge
11.2021 - 02.2022
- Assisted in training new waitstaff members, contributing to a cohesive team environment.
- Reduced administrative workload for supervisors, managing calendar appointments and coordinating meeting logistics.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing timely and professional responses to inquiries via phone, email, or in-person visits.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive service and anticipating guest needs.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas for optimal guest experience.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in positive feedback from guests.
Barista
Something On Main - Cafe
04.2017 - 11.2017
Ice Cream Server
The Ice Cafe
07.2016 - 02.2017
Education
High School Diploma -
Constantia Waldorf
Cape Town, SACompleted Credits For US High School Diploma -
West Valley Occupational Center
Woodland Hills, CAThe International Baccalaureate - HS Diploma -
Canggu International Community School
Bali, Indonesia2018
Skills
- Research and report writing abilities
- The capacity to analyse and present data
- Ability to think creatively and solve problems
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
- Works well in a team setting, providing support and guidance
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines
- Communication and teamwork skills
- Order Processing
- Cash Handling
- Sales Expertise
- Proficient on Shopify (the platform on which my own website was built)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Excel
Certification
- HarvardX - The Architectural Imagination course
VALID CERTIFICATE ID
5c14b9f987154e7386aa53501eecc4b5
Timeline
Front Desk Agent
Sonder
05.2024 - Current
Lead Sales Associate
BYLT Premium Basics
05.2023 - 05.2024
Chandeliers & Tulips - By Shanesa & Nancy Fath
Interior Design Sales Associate
08.2022 - 04.2023
Administrative Assistant /Temporary Waitress
Rafis Lounge
11.2021 - 02.2022
Head Sales Associate
The Flower Factory
08.2020 - 07.2022
Barista
Something On Main - Cafe
04.2017 - 11.2017
Ice Cream Server
The Ice Cafe
07.2016 - 02.2017
High School Diploma -
Constantia Waldorf
Completed Credits For US High School Diploma -
West Valley Occupational Center
The International Baccalaureate - HS Diploma -
Canggu International Community School
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