To put a spotlight on my career is challenging -- I am a sales leader, happy hairdresser, and salon professional, driven by education, inspired by people and beauty, who is also an administrative professional and community leader. In each of these roles, I’ve made magic happen! I rely on my polished communication skills, great organizational strengths, a strong will to achieve, and a systems-thinking view to make each workplace the best it could be. I believe in giving my all to whatever I do, and being the kind of teammate who leads by example, ensuring that things are done with efficiency and grace, with clarity and consistency, and with purpose and meaning.
Cool and collected, self-governing and self-aware, and broadly capable across many realms are words that best describe my temperament and talents, qualities that have helped me to become a trusted and appreciated workmate, partner, educator, and service provider. I look to learn each step of the way, setting the example and sharing the joy of that mindset, living in a grateful heart that grounds me to my purpose.
Robin is a highly talented and versatile professional with a can-do attitude. Her capabilities to analyze a situation or piece of work, propose, then implement improvements were uniquely and consistently demonstrated both within her department and across the company as she worked on various projects. In addition, her writing and marketing skills make her a valuable addition to a team, as she can polish existing materials and create new ones with ease as well as sophistication. Robin tackles projects with aplomb and gives her all to her work and her team. ~Meredith Colquitt, Archbright
Hairdressing Experience
CHROMA SALON (current) -- Hairdresser (Level 4), Brand Ambassador, and In-Salon Educator. Consistently #1 in sales company-wide. Built a full book by focusing on referrals, re-bookings, and retail, relying on excellent consultations, personalized services, and by capitalizing on promotions and brand initiatives. Designed classes, curriculum, and digital content to create a sustainable, impactful sales and training program. Developed teaching strategies and skills to boost retail sales, salon services, and revenue. Engaged with industry leaders to learn to meet consumers where they are and where they are going. Enhanced team building through positive communications, and successfully mentored new staff to become the next generation of salon leaders. Mastered Aveda color and product lines.
CARDINAL BEAUTY (2016-2023) -- Independent Hairdresser. Apprenticed at a top Intercoiffure salon after graduation, then launched a one-chair shop as a corporate perk for a small aviation tech firm while also renting a solo chair at a local salon. Built both businesses from the ground up until lockdowns occurred. Work included designing and executing a winning marketing strategy, winning a coveted spot on a referral site, and being granted a scholarship to continue reaching professional educational goals. Mastered use of TiGi Copyright, Keune, L’Oreal, and Pulp Riot color lines, as well as R+Co, L’Oreal, and Alterna styling products.
ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCE
LAW OFFICES OF O. YALE LEWIS (2021) -- Workplace Facilitator. Hired during the pandemic to help strengthen and grow a small family law practice by developing policies, procedures, and training. Accomplishments included writing an expansive office procedures guide and paralegal guide; creating an indexed Knowledge Base that concatenates court rules, procedures and forms for multiple Washington state courts; and conceptualizing and creating digital tools to aid in project management; and successfully advising firm as to best practice management software to use after a thorough workflow study.
ARCHBRIGHT (2013-2015) -- Customer Service Representative. Worked within the third-party administrative arm of an HR consulting firm to help pensioners and their survivors access benefits. Accomplishments included improving efficiencies and eliminating redundancies; recreating communications and forms to aid in user comprehension and improve user experience; evangelizing and by implementing an electronic records system; and being invited to serve as a brand ambassador for the HR end of the firm.
LET’S PLAY SALMON BAY (2009-2012) -- Project Architect and Lead Volunteer. Scope was to build the first north-end school playground designed for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and to conduct outreach related to the importance of early diagnosis. Accomplishments included successful grant writing netting $325,000 in public and private funding; building a productive work team of volunteers; conducting extensive community outreach and event; and delivering on the design ideas of the playground on-time and on-budget.
WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK (2005-2007) -- Administration Manager (a grant-funded position). Accomplishments included developing a more robust board of directors who were prepared to launch a capital campaign to meet the mission; improving service to clients by successfully reaching out to other agencies to expand hours of operation; adding much-needed baby supplies; and finally providing no-cook bags for the unhoused.
SEATTLE WALDORF SCHOOL (1996-2000) -- Office Manager and Assistant Business Manager. Tasks included performing A/P, A/R, and reconciliations, managing a self-funded health insurance plan, developing a database that integrated enrollment and alumni data with fundraising, conducting facilities oversight, planning school-wide events, manning the front desk, and providing high-level administrative oversight.
Robin is a fabulous colleague! She takes initiative where appropriate, seeks solutions and possibilities, asks questions and solicits support where necessary, has great enthusiam, is highly articulate and respectful as a team member. I highly recommend her! ~ Pam Engler, Seattle Waldorf School
Education
- Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy (2016-2017)
- University of Washington (2009-2010) -- Technical writing and editing certificate: advanced grammar, writing, and editing.
- North Seattle Community College (2007-2009) -- German, accounting, and business.
- Cleveland State University (1995-1998). Associate of Arts in business administration.
- Color classes with Jeffrey Scott, Alberto Swanson, and Ian Michael Black
- Cutting classes with Oscar Bond, Susan Ford, Patrick Ina and Allegra Lowe
- Online certification by The Blonde Chronicles, Sassoon Online, Behind the Chair, Toni and Guy, Ben Brown Education, and Matt Beck
- Adult Learning and Facilitation Skills class
- Communication classes such as Essential Conversations, Non-Violent Communication Skills, etc.
- Professional development classes like Myers-Brigg, Via Character Institute Strengths Assessment, Sparktypes Archetype Profile Workbook, etc.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
FRIENDS OF SALMON BAY (2011-2013) -- Board Chair. The chair of this parent teacher organization (PTO) serves as chief executive officer and spokesperson for the board, acting as advocate for families, students, and staff. Focus is on maintaining a sense of continuity and modeling good governance. Work includes facilitating meetings and discussions, and promoting goodwill and inclusivity, encouraging and developing leadership and leadership opportunities for others, and actively seeking ways for staff, administration, and FOSB to work in partnership to advance our shared purposes. Responsible for good planning so that decisions are deliberative and thoughtful, assisting committees or for projects as needed, responding promptly to member concerns, and outlining the expectations of our volunteer coordinators.
FRIENDS OF SALMON BAY (2006-2010). Board Secretary. In service to the board of directors, I focused on expanding the board and making it a more responsive organization. I enhanced board communications which resulted in greater participation by our school community, thereby strengthening our consensus model of decision-making.
PEPS -- PROGRAM FOR EARLY PARENT SUPPORT (2003). Group facilitator for a group of 10 new mothers and their babies aged 3-6 mos.
Interests
- Organizational development inspired by Peter Senge
- Genealogy
- American and Civil War History
- Camping with family and friends
- Performing with musicians weekly
- Hailing my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio
- Constantly seeking to learn and grow