Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Rachael Mackenzie-Meckel

Camberwell,VIC

Summary

Creative, energetic and diversely talented professional with experience across a broad range of industries including communications, writing, interior design and personal styling.

Proven track record in enhancing client satisfaction and wardrobe success, leveraging fashion knowledge and client relationship building skills honed at Style It Up .

Specialized in outfit coordination and personal shopping, I am enthusiastic about working with a wide range of clients to develop individual styles. Versed in principles of style and accessorizing. Ready to bring several years of experience to a challenging new role.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Personal Stylist

Style It Up
03.2024 - Current
  • Created a personal styling company STYLEITUP.AU (Instagram) and www.styleitup.au after gaining certification as a professional personal stylist
  • Consulted with clients to determine style preferences and provide appropriate recommendations for new image.
  • Increased client retention rates by offering ongoing support and follow-up consultations to ensure continued wardrobe success.
  • Facilitated positive change in clients'' lives by helping them rediscover their personal style through thoughtful guidance and encouragement.
  • Provided expert guidance during shopping excursions, ensuring efficient use of time and resources while finding the perfect additions to clients'' wardrobes.
  • Assisted clients in overcoming body insecurities through thoughtful outfit selections, improving self-esteem and overall happiness.
  • Maintained a high level of professionalism at all times, respecting client confidentiality and privacy while providing exceptional service.
  • Streamlined clients'' wardrobes by identifying outdated or ill-fitting items, resulting in more cohesive and functional collections.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized style consultations and wardrobe assessments.
  • Coordinated shopping excursions with clients and hand-selected apparel, footwear and accessories to complement body style, fashion choice and overall appearance.
  • Organized seasonal closet audits for clients, keeping their wardrobe current and versatile throughout the year.

Internal Communications Writer

Bunnings Group
03.2022 - 09.2022
  • Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content - pertaining directly to COVID 19 communications within the Bunnings group nationwide
  • Collaborated with internal communications team to refine drafts, ensuring consistent tone and style across various platforms.
  • Adapted writing styles based on different platforms such as social media, blog posts, and print materials.
  • Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
  • Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content.
  • Wrote compelling, succinct, clear internal communications documentation under tight deadlines.

Aged Care Worker

Luxe Care
09.2021 - 03.2022
  • Assisted aged care clients in house with daily living tasks, promoting independence and dignity.
  • Engaged clients in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
  • Maintained a clean and safe living environment for all residents, ensuring their wellbeing.
  • Enhanced quality of life by providing compassionate and attentive care.
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Utilized strong problem-solving skills to address challenging situations with empathy and professionalism.

Freelance Writer and Personal Business Interests

Self Employed Writer
01.2002 - 02.2021
  • Wrote various freelance articles up to 2,000 words for expat magazines across the USA, Indonesia and Malaysia
  • Wrote and designed magazine and newsletter articles pertaining to interesting individuals within the local community right up to CEO's for expat organisations
  • Co-founder interior design business in Jakarta, Indonesia - 'Queen Bee & Co'
  • A small interior design company that sourced furniture and materials in Jave to help local and expat women create beautiful interior designs for their homes.
  • Helped more than 20 clients navigate their specific design preferences by sourcing locally made textiles and creating custom furniture from designers and artists throughout central Indonesia
  • Key achievements inc. successful entrepreneurship in a difficult enviroment through exceptional communication skills
  • Developed a profitable business from ground up in a short period of time through word of mouth and referral network

International Editor

Royal Ahold
01.2000 - 06.2001
  • Managed the production of internal and external communication in the Corporate Communications department, reporting directly to the VP Public relations and working with a team of 14
  • Writing and editing internal monthly management newsletter, distributed to 65 operating companies worldwide
  • Prepared corporate media releases, contributions to Ahold's annual report and feature stories on Ahold and its worldwide operations
  • Managed the writing and production of Ahold Insight magazine, an 85-page colour magazine distributed to institutional shareholders, investors and business journalists
  • Managed and wrote scripts, edited and supervised corporate video productions

Internal Communications Editor - Contract

Royal Dutch Shell Group
02.1998 - 01.1999
  • Researched, edited and wrote news content for several internal monthly newsletters
  • Evaluated newsworthiness of technical stories and adapted them to suit a broader audience
  • Chief editor of several internal communications platforms including EP Spectrum International and the Global Gazette, read by over 200.000 worldwide staff
  • Covered Executive Committee and Management workshops and prepared business/technical strategy stories
  • Liased with Shell Operating Units worldwide to gather news items
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work.
  • Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles for grammar, spelling, and consistency.

National Public Relations Manager

Swift & Moore (now Diageo)
01.1996 - 12.1998
  • Planned and executed successful PR events, ensuring positive exposure for individual brands such as Moet & Chandon, Smirnoff, Kahlua, Jack Daniels, Baileys and Southern Comfort
  • Served as primary liaison between company management and individual brand marketing managers in joint ventures or copromotions.
  • Collaborated with marketing team to create cohesive messaging across all channels for maximum impact.
  • Managed internal, external, and crisis communications
  • Managed external PR consultancies to ensure most effective use of resources and leverage

Public Relations Manager

Oceanworld Manly
02.1995 - 01.1996
  • Planned, wrote and edited all publicity and advertising materials for Oceanworld and its marine habitat - reported directly to General Manager
  • Developed and implemented publicity strategies and events, including liaison with press and television both locally and nationally
  • Wrote for company website and newsletters

Account Manager

Edelman Public Relations
08.1994 - 02.1995
  • Account manager responsible for developing national PR strategies for clients such as: Goodyear, Ciba-Geigy, Toys R Us, Village Roadshow and the Federal Office of Safety
  • Developed and maintained a large contingency of media contacts
  • Planned and coordinated media conferences, product launches and community initiatives
  • Wrote, edit and managed fund-raising brochures for large pharmaceutical companies

Radio Journalist

Radio 2UE and 2DAYFM
12.1989 - 01.1994
  • Senior radio journalist at Sydney's top radio stations both 2DAYFM and Radio 2UE
  • Worked as both a news reporter and newsreader on the breakfast shifts
  • Significant experience on-the-road, in the newsroom and in Canberra's political gallery
  • Interviewed major key political figures, CEO's and celebrities

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Professional Writing

University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT

Some College (No Degree) - Certified Personal Stylist

PSA Academy
Melbourne, VIC

Skills

  • Client Relationship Building
  • Energetic and mature
  • Professional and enthusiastic
  • Outfit Coordination and extensive fashion knowledge
  • Personal Shopping
  • Body shape analysis

Timeline

Personal Stylist

Style It Up
03.2024 - Current

Internal Communications Writer

Bunnings Group
03.2022 - 09.2022

Aged Care Worker

Luxe Care
09.2021 - 03.2022

Freelance Writer and Personal Business Interests

Self Employed Writer
01.2002 - 02.2021

International Editor

Royal Ahold
01.2000 - 06.2001

Internal Communications Editor - Contract

Royal Dutch Shell Group
02.1998 - 01.1999

National Public Relations Manager

Swift & Moore (now Diageo)
01.1996 - 12.1998

Public Relations Manager

Oceanworld Manly
02.1995 - 01.1996

Account Manager

Edelman Public Relations
08.1994 - 02.1995

Radio Journalist

Radio 2UE and 2DAYFM
12.1989 - 01.1994

Bachelor of Arts - Professional Writing

University of Canberra

Some College (No Degree) - Certified Personal Stylist

PSA Academy
Rachael Mackenzie-Meckel