Work Experience
Artisanal Contemplations | April 2017 – Ongoing
• Manage all aspects of small business operations including product development, e-commerce platform management, photography, marketing copy, and customer relations.
• Produce emotionally resonant articles and product descriptions that bridge artistic vision with customer needs.
• Verify and cross-reference content against historical and scholarly sources to ensure accuracy and credibility across published work.
• Apply color theory and composition principles across formats to create accessible, meaningful artwork optimized for both physical and screen-based presentation.
Administrative Assistant (HR/Payroll) | February 2020 – March 2020
• Managed human resources functions including employee records, benefits administration, and compliance documentation for a county wide fire rescue department.
• Processed payroll operations with high attention to accuracy and confidentiality, ensuring timely and correct compensation for emergency services personnel and civil servants.
• Coordinated communication between departments and translated complex policy information into clear, actionable guidance for employees at various levels.
• Maintained detailed organized systems for tracking personnel data while demonstrating strong attention to detail and secure information management.
Holiday Decorator (Seasonal) | June 2018 – July 2018
• Installed seasonal decorations throughout Disney theme parks as part of the holiday transformation team during peak decoration season.
• Created immersive guest experiences through attention to detail in placement, lighting, and overall aesthetic cohesion of seasonal decor.
• Followed detailed design specifications while problem-solving on-site to ensure decorations were installed safely and beautifully.
• Collaborated as needed in a fast-paced retail environment with strict timelines and exacting standards for themed entertainment displays for seasonal events.
Silhouette Artist In Training | August 2017 – October 2017
• Created personalized keepsakes of traditional hand-cut silhouette portraits in a high-volume tourist environment.
• Captured individual likeness through keen observation and quick decision-making skills to further develop speed and precision while maintaining high quality artistic output.
• Performed live art demonstrations while engaging with diverse audiences, balancing the pressure of working under observation while maintaining clear focus.
• Managed customer expectations in providing exceptional customer service while delivering meaningful, personalized artwork under time constraints.
Retail Sales Associate | December 2016 – June 2017
• Provided customer service in a high-volume retail environment, assisting upscale clientele with shoe selection and sizing information while managing multiple requests simultaneously.
• Significantly reduced inventory loss by implementing systematic approach to locating missing shoe pairs, improving store’s loss prevention metrics.
• Maintained an organized stockroom and sales floor through attention to detail and problem-solving, ensuring merchandise was properly accounted for.
• Cultivated ongoing customer rapport with repeat clients to the retail store location.
Math and Science Tutor | May 2014 – July 2016
• Provided one-on-one and small group tutoring in mathematics and science coursework, helping students at various skill levels to understand complex concepts within Statistics, Business Calculus, Algebra, Liberal Arts Math, College Mathematics, Developmental (Remedial) Math, and Biology.
• Translated abstract or technical information into multiple explanations tailored to individual learning styles and necessitated needs by identifying gaps in student understanding while addressing immediate coursework in challenges.
• Created a supportive learning environment that encouraged asking questions, reduced anxiety around difficult subjects, and built student confidence in critical thinking.
• Developed and adapted strategies to help build students foundational knowledge when gaps appeared during small group and individual tutoring sessions.
Volunteer Experience
Statistical Analyst | Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute | May 2014 – Present
• Reviewed statistical analysis projects on dolphin population trends, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data collected by lead researchers.
• Analyzed patterns in population growth and decline, contributing to evidence-based recommendations for marine conservation strategies.
• Verified data integrity and calculations, supporting the research team’s efforts to develop sustainable conservation practices.
Research Intern | Love the Oceans | 6 Week Contract (2016)
• Participated in a six-week marine research internship focused on the effects of overfishing on shark populations and marine ecosystems.
• Assisted in hands-on research, including megafauna studies, coral reef surveying, and ocean trash management.
• Received training in conservation science, enhancing skills in data collection, ecological analysis, and marine wildlife observation.
• Contributed to community development by improving local school facilities and supporting swimming lesson initiatives.
Portfolio (Blog Writing)
As part of our responsibilities during the internship, we took turns as a team writing an overview of our time spent volunteering with Love the Oceans each week when time allowed.
Program 3, Week 2- volunteer blog posts – Love The Oceans | Written by Payton
Program 3, Week 3- volunteer blog posts – Love The Oceans | Written by Laura
Program 3: week 4- volunteer blog post – Love The Oceans | Written by Laura