Debra Brierley
Melbourne,VIC
Summary
I am a hardworking stylist, retail assistant and receptionist with more than 40 years of experience working with various people from diverse demographics. I am also a customer-oriented professional with dedication to customer satisfaction and effective communication. I believe that though my many years of experience that I have a great deal to offer any business.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Assistant
Taylor Francis And Company
Blackburn, VIC
05.2021 - Current
- Maintained tidy and organized store environment to comply with cleanliness standards.
- Greeted customers, helped locate merchandise, and suggested suitable options.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labelling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Used POS system to process sales, returns, online orders, and gift card sales.
- Increased sales and customer satisfaction through personalized servicing.
Mobile Hairdressing
Self Employed.
Melbourne, VIC
01.1999 - Current
- Built strong and lasting rapport with clients through consistent delivery of requested services and exceptional results.
- Answered phone calls and emails to schedule client appointments.
- Developed loyal following of clients by providing high-quality hairdressing services.
- Developed creative techniques to provide clients with latest hairstyles.
Sales Assistant
Fletcher Jones Pty Ltd
Ashburton, VIC
09.2016 - 07.2021
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Assisted customers with prompt and polite support in-person and via telephone.
- Remained calm and poised in high-stress, dynamic environment to promote service to customers and staff.
- Established rapport with customers using active listening and interpersonal skills.
- Skilled in suit fitting and measuring for alterations and custom fitting.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
Sales Associate
Duchamp Retail Store
Ashburton, VIC
02.2016 - 09.2016
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
Salon Owner and Principal Stylist
Self Employed - Mane Hair Salon
Blackburn, VIC
03.2013 - 02.2015
- Oversaw daily salon operations and performed general salon tasks.
- Maintained daily, monthly and quarterly records of costs and revenue.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
- Maintained staff records and work schedules.
- Arranged for regular maintenance services for all beauty equipment.
- Organized employee shifts and took peak times and seasonality into consideration.
- Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns and transaction reports.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Adhered to regulatory and policy changes and made necessary adjustments to maintain overall success.
- Maintained salon to highest standard in order to be consistent to council health regulations.
Retail Sales Associate
Provincial Home Living
Camberwell, VIC
03.2011 - 04.2013
- Optimized store displays and appearance via strategic merchandising.
- Greeted customers and helped with product questions, selections, and purchases.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Managed store organization, maintenance, and purchasing functions.
- Facilitated large furniture sales and organised delivery options.
Receptionist
Peter Brierley And Partners Chartered Accountants
Balwyn, VIC
03.2002 - 12.2004
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone, or postal mail.
- Maintained confidentiality of information regarding clients and company.
- Provided clerical support to company employees by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
- Collected and distributed messages to team members and managers to support open communication and high customer service.
Salon Operational Manager and Senior Stylist
Myer Melbourne And Glemby International Salons
Melbourne, VIC
11.1988 - 10.1999
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
- Co ordinated and facilitated Apprentice training for Victorian and Tasmanian Salons.
- Educational Public speaking for in house Myer Melbourne card holding customers.
- I have won awards during this time for Myer/David Jones best Victorian haircut 1989 and 1990, as well as completing in the national Myer/David Jones haircutting competition in 1989 and winning in 1990.
- I was also involved and director in charge of hair for a number of in house Myer fashion parades during this time.
- I was invited to compete in Schwarzkoft Australian Hairdresser of the year in 1990 and won a honourable mention.
Salon Manager and Senior Stylist
Haircuts Salon
South Yarra, VIC
02.1987 - 10.1988
- Oversaw salon employee performance, facility cleanliness, and sales.
- Controlled inventory by tracking expenses, purchases, and shelf stock.
- Maintained general appointment calendar and set shift schedules.
- Managed cash flow, business transactions, banking, and accounting processes.
- Coached and trained employees to optimize performance and achieve demanding business objectives.
- Cut and styled hair for both male and female customers of all ages according to individual preferences and latest styles.
Apprentice - Senior Stylist
Peter Aloi Salon
Colins Street, Melbourne
12.1981 - 09.1987
- Worked under guidance of experienced professionals to learn trade best practices and techniques.
- Learned proper and safe use and maintenance of power tools, hand tools and safety equipment.
- Learned wide range of simple and complex techniques from on-the-job training.
- Honed strong communication, problem-solving and organizational skills while completing tasks and working with team.
- Completed comprehensive Hairdressing apprenticeship program, successfully learning essential trade skills.
- Worked as a colour specialist and senior stylist after my apprenticeships was completed
Education
Diploma of Tourism (Operations And Marketing)
Box Hill Institute of TAFE
Box Hill, VIC12.2010
High School Diploma -
Footscray Tafe
Footscray, VIC12.1989
Certificate in Hairdressing
Flagstaff Tafe/ VIctorian University
Melbourne, VIC12.1985
Pascoe Vale Girls College
Pascoe Vale, VIC12.1981
Skills
- Retail Transactions Processing
- Inventory Tracking
- Sales Techniques
- Hairdressing
- Management
- Operational
- Organisational
- Retail POS
voluntary experiences
I have worked on a number of Voluntary groups including the following:
- Our Lady's Primary School Surrey Hills Fundraising, Social and Fete committees.
- Strathcona Grammer and Camberwell Grammer Fundraising
- Box Hill Central Rotary member
Hobbies
- Property renovations
- Reading
- Travelling
- Cinema
- Walking for fitness
Timeline
Retail Assistant
Taylor Francis And Company
05.2021 - Current
Sales Assistant
Fletcher Jones Pty Ltd
09.2016 - 07.2021
Sales Associate
Duchamp Retail Store
02.2016 - 09.2016
Salon Owner and Principal Stylist
Self Employed - Mane Hair Salon
03.2013 - 02.2015
Retail Sales Associate
Provincial Home Living
03.2011 - 04.2013
Receptionist
Peter Brierley And Partners Chartered Accountants
03.2002 - 12.2004
Mobile Hairdressing
Self Employed.
01.1999 - Current
Salon Operational Manager and Senior Stylist
Myer Melbourne And Glemby International Salons
11.1988 - 10.1999
Salon Manager and Senior Stylist
Haircuts Salon
02.1987 - 10.1988
Apprentice - Senior Stylist
Peter Aloi Salon
12.1981 - 09.1987
Diploma of Tourism (Operations And Marketing)
Box Hill Institute of TAFE
High School Diploma -
Footscray Tafe
Certificate in Hairdressing
Flagstaff Tafe/ VIctorian University
Pascoe Vale Girls College