Wanda Micheal
Garner,NC
Summary
Client-oriented Event Planner and Designer committed to making clients' dreams come true. Skilled in working with clients to plan unique events from start to finish while proactively managing risks and potential problems. Proven leader with success creating cohesive, goal-oriented teams.
Seasoned Music Educator familiar with using a wide range of methods to deliver effective learning experiences to students. Focused on developing individual potential and cultivating a learning-focused atmosphere for student success.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Planner/Designer
Events and Designs by Wanda, LLC
GARNER, NC
07.2019 - Current
- Communicated with clients across event planning and execution to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Led site walk-through and meetings prior to event to go over checklists and delegate assignments to staff.
- Organized and coordinated all aspects of successful private parties, including venue selection, catering, decorations, music, entertainment and activities.
- Assisted in developing creative themes for each party based on client's preferences.
- Resolved day-of issues with creative problem-solving to seamlessly execute events.
- Partnered with bride and groom to plan weddings and receptions with up to 1,000 attendees.
- Arranged pre-wedding consultations.
- Planned event details such as decor, timelines, catering, floral design, music and more.
- Created functional floor plans.
- Liaised with vendors, negotiated contracts, coordinated payments and supervised event activities.
- Managed budgeting process to ensure cost-effective use of resources while delivering high quality service.
- Organized guest support services for guests to meet accommodation, transportation and service needs.
- Created program activities, agendas and budgets based on client requirements.
- Coordinated and allocated equipment, supplies and staff for events.
- Drove growth in event management business by continuously researching and implementing improved strategies to exceed client expectations.
- Served as the point of contact for all vendors.
- Supported accurate financial recordkeeping by closely checking bills and approving payments.
- Oversaw work of up to twenty staff seamlessly executing professional events.
- Followed local regulations for events and obtained necessary permits
- Chose facilities, inspected spaces and planned set up and execution to exceed client expectation.
- Designed contracts, collected fees and booked venues for events.
- Developed marketing strategies for specific events in order to attract target audiences.
- Arranged transportation for staff and guests when required.
- Ensured that all necessary permits were obtained prior to the event date.
- Documented events with details in customer preferences, financial considerations and successes and failures.
- Executed the clean-up and final walk-through with venues.
- Worked with the development team to ensure a smooth transition from concept to production-ready assets.
- Developed and implemented innovative design solutions to complex user interface
- Produced comprehensive graphic design works including logos, icons, flyers, brochures and other visuals for print or web.
- Created custom designs based on client's vision, theme, and budget.
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of decorations and supplies.
- Assisted with creating floral and other decorative arrangements for wedding ceremonies.
- Transported decorations and equipment to the event venue before each wedding ceremony.
- Set up lighting, chairs, tables, backdrops. according to the clients' preference.
- Ensured that all decorations were installed correctly and safely.
- Decorated reception area using flowers, fabrics, props., as per the couple's wishes.
- Managed a team of decorators to complete tasks in a timely manner.
- Maintained inventory of materials used in decoration projects including fabrics, candles, ribbons.
- Inspected all decorations before installation at the venue to ensure quality standards were met.
- Collaborated closely with wedding planners to coordinate setup timelines and details of design elements for weddings.
- Provided assistance during dismantling of decorations after the wedding ceremony was over.
- Conducted periodic maintenance checks on equipment such as ladders or scaffolding used for decoration purposes.
- Attended meetings with clients prior to their weddings in order to understand their requirements better.
- Researched various trends related to wedding décor ideas in order to provide more creative solutions.
- Suggested innovative ways to use existing materials while designing unique pieces for each event.
- Organized storage spaces in order to keep track of items available for future events.
- Developed relationships with suppliers who could offer discounts on bulk purchases of materials needed for decoration projects.
- Kept accurate records of expenses incurred by each project in order to stay within budget limits.
- Provided guidance and training sessions for new members joining the team regarding safe handling practices when working with fragile items like glassware or china pieces.
- Greeted guests, answered questions about available items, customized orders as desired and processed payments.
- Arrived at store during early morning hours to decorate and prepare daily offerings and custom orders before store opening.
- Created professional presentations to creatively communicate design intent and direction.
- Advised client on space planning, layout and use of furnishings or equipment.
- Coordinated with contractors, architects and engineers to drive job success.
- Visited home sites when necessary to assess and fulfill customer needs.
- Estimated material requirements and costs to present design to client for approval.
- Analyzed feedback from attendees following events in order to identify areas needing improvement.
Music Educator
Mobile Music and Education for KIds
Raleigh, NC
07.2016 - Current
- Developed and implemented lesson plans for music classes.
- Created assessments to measure student performance in musical activities.
- Organized and conducted rehearsals with students to prepare for concerts and performances.
- Provided individual instruction on vocal technique, instrumental technique, music theory, sight reading and improvisation.
- Utilized technology in the classroom to enhance student learning of musical concepts.
- Assisted with the selection of appropriate repertoire for various ensembles.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop new strategies for teaching music fundamentals.
- Attended professional development workshops related to music education methods.
- Provided guidance counseling to help students make informed decisions about their futures in music.
- Encouraged a positive environment conducive to learning through constructive feedback.
- Designed projects that promote creativity while reinforcing musical concepts.
- Formulated and implemented effective lesson plans focusing on principles of music, musicianship, music theory and history.
- Helped students appreciate arts with instructional and immersive techniques.
- Interfaced with parents to discuss student progress and resolve conflicting educational priorities.
- Provided opportunities for each student to reach fullest potential through artistic, creative expression.
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of tempo, symphony and chords.
- Motivated and coached students of varying levels to play songs and jingles.
- Managed multiple short-term and long-term projects to increase student and parental involvement in performing arts.
- Planned and coordinated field trips to the NC symphony and local music stores to expose students to examples of art.
- Selected and obtained materials and supplies and performance pieces to prepare for classroom instruction.
- Prepared and delivered lectures to students on music fundamentals.
- Maintained a clean classroom environment ensuring toys are sanitized regularly.
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulations such as health and safety standards.
- Promoted effective communication between staff members by participating actively in team meetings.
- Stuck to daily routines to help children feel comfortable and promote development.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Contributed towards creating a curriculum based on developmental milestones set out by Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Assisted students with special needs by providing additional support when required.
- Provided a safe and stimulating learning environment for young children.
- Developed age-appropriate activities to encourage physical, social and intellectual development of children.
- Observed and monitored the behavior of children in order to ensure safety and provide positive guidance.
- Implemented appropriate strategies to manage challenging behaviors.
- Organized indoor and outdoor playtime activities to promote physical and mental development of children.
- Encouraged creativity through art, music, dramatic play and other creative activities.
- Maintained accurate records of each child's progress including daily observations and anecdotal notes.
- Collaborated with parents in order to discuss their child's progress or any concerns they may have had regarding their child's development or behavior.
- Engaged students through music and creative activities by arranging games that are fun, but also help them learn important skills that are key to long term success.
- Taught students basic skills in reading, music, math, science and fitness.
- Intergraded technology into lesson plans.
- Promoted good behaviors by using positive reinforcement methods.
Education
Certification - Event Planning
Universal Class
01.2022
Floral Classes - Floral Design
Fallon's Florist
Raleigh, NC01.2020
Certification - Balloon Artistry
Institute of Wedding & Event Design
Deerfield Beach, FL01.2020
Floral Classes - Floral Design
The English Garden Florist
Raleigh, NC2020
Certification - Meeting And Event Planning
New York Institute of Art and Design
New York, NY01.2019
Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC05-2001
Bachelor of Music - Music
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC05-1989
Certification -
Historically Underutilized Business Program (HUB)
Raleigh, NCCertification -
Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Raleigh, NCSkills
- Event Planner
- Designer
- Conducting Initial Client Consultations
- Dedication to Client Service
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management Skills
- People Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Problem Solving Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Communication Skills
- Multitasking Skills
- Flexible Schedule
- Detail-Oriented
- Organized
- Creative
- Passionate
- Calm Under Pressure
- Networking Savvy
- Flexible
- Contract Negotiations and Administration
- Transportation and Logistics Coordination
- Team Leadership and Supervision
- Administrative Recordkeeping
- Budget Planning and Administration
- Client Relations
- Customer Service-Driven
- Managing Events Start to Finish
- Proficient In MS Office
- Operations Oversight
- Program Development
- Classroom Management
- Live Orchestral Performance
- Equipment Maintenance
- Lesson Planning
- Group and individual instruction
- Advanced music theory and history
- Sight Reading
- Performance Management
- Behavior Management
- Parent Interaction
- Student relations
- Peer Mentoring
- Student Motivation
- Student Records Management
- Class Instruction
- Literacy strategies
- Peer interaction
- Teaching strategies
- Elementary Education
- Online Teaching
Honors
- Author of Musical Education & Fitness Walk interactive game
- Recognized and featured in Rent My Wedding Magazine as a Wedding Pro
- Featured in Shoutout Atlanta Small Biz Trends Magazine
- Featured in CanvasRebel Magazine
- Featured in VoyageRaleigh Magazine
- Featured in The Carolian Newspaper
- Keynote speaker, performer, decorator and designer for Springfield Baptist Church Economic Empowerment Ministry Business Networking Event for August of 2023
- Decorator and designer for Mike Morgan for Governor Campaign
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Planner/Designer
Events and Designs by Wanda, LLC
07.2019 - Current
Music Educator
Mobile Music and Education for KIds
07.2016 - Current
Certification - Event Planning
Universal Class
Floral Classes - Floral Design
Fallon's Florist
Certification - Balloon Artistry
Institute of Wedding & Event Design
Floral Classes - Floral Design
The English Garden Florist
Certification - Meeting And Event Planning
New York Institute of Art and Design
Diploma - Early Childhood Education
Wake Technical Community College
Bachelor of Music - Music
East Carolina University
Certification -
Historically Underutilized Business Program (HUB)
Certification -
Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)
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