Karen Birthisel
Sunshine
Summary
Dynamic retail business owner with proven success at Garden Organics, driving over $1 million in annual turnover. Expert in sales strategy development and customer relations, fostering strong connections with over 800 weekly clients. Skilled in team collaboration and employee training, consistently enhancing store operations and service quality.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Business Owner
Garden Organics
10.2002 - 04.2025
- Managed and owned an organic fruit and vegetable shop located at the Queen Victoria Market with a turnover of over $1 million per annum.
- Managed 10 staff members in accordance to State and Federal employment laws.
- Served over 800 customers per week, developing positive customer relations with regulars and dealing with the infrequent difficult behaviours you encounter in a retail setting.
- Developed and implemented an online home delivery service.
- Maintained a visually appealing store layout that encouraged browsing and increased the average transaction value.
Financial Administrator
Women's Housing Ltd
11.1997 - 09.2002
- Developed monthly financial statements that provided valuable insights into company performance, leading to informed decision-making by management.
- Conducted comprehensive variance analyses, identifying discrepancies between actual results and budget expectations for prompt corrective action steps.
- Optimized cost control measures, identifying areas for expense reduction without compromising quality or service levels.
- Managed payroll processing accurately, adhering to strict deadlines while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality for all employee information.
- Reconciled accounts and investigated variances.
- Prepared and posted receipts and deposits to facilitate standard bookkeeping.
Community Development Officer
VHWC Inc
06.1992 - 11.1997
- Communicated effectively with all different personalities and people in various job positions by being courteous, enthusiastic and offering clear feedback.
- Helped facilitate the refuge for survivors of domestic abuse and assist them to move to independence in safe and secure housing.
- Assisted women escaping violence to navigate the financial and legal systems required for them to be safe and secure.
- Managed grant applications, resulting in increased funding for vital community projects.
Senior Prison Officer
Office of Corrections
04.1988 - 01.1992
- Addressed disciplinary issues promptly, conducting fair hearings in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Managed emergency response teams during critical incidents, coordinating efforts to maintain order and control within the facility.
- Evaluated staff performance, providing constructive feedback and recognizing outstanding contributions to the team''s overall success.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice Administration
RMIT University
Melbourne, VIC02-1998
Skills
- Store operations
- Employee training
- Sales strategy development
- Business networking
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Customer relations
Timeline
Retail Business Owner
Garden Organics
10.2002 - 04.2025
Financial Administrator
Women's Housing Ltd
11.1997 - 09.2002
Community Development Officer
VHWC Inc
06.1992 - 11.1997
Senior Prison Officer
Office of Corrections
04.1988 - 01.1992
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice Administration
RMIT University
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