Michaela Cordes

A highly accomplished, commercially driven Retail Manager and Creative Business Owner with a proven track record of leading high-performance teams, exceeding strict KPI targets, and running seamless store operations for premium brands (including House of Fraser, John Lewis, and LVMH Group). Blends expert corporate retail discipline—spanning budget management, visual merchandising, HR, and inventory control—with sharp entrepreneurial drive and refined visual flair developed over six years as a self-employed artist. Exceptionally skilled as a Retail Trainer, passionate about coaching, upskilling, and motivating teams to secure sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Creative Business Owner & Self-Employed Artist at Michaela Cordes Art (2019-01 – Present)

• Direct all business strategy, end-to-end financial budgeting, procurement, asset management, and daily logistics.
• Built a high-impact global brand identity via social media, managing and engaging a community of over 100,000 followers.
• Produce premium marketing, high-tier photography, and video content to capture international sales and brand partnerships.
• Curate, execute, and visually design public exhibitions and events, maintaining exceptional customer service standards.

Concession Manager at Hallhuber Fashion, House of Fraser (2017-08 – 2019-01)

• Accountable for full store profitability, strategic budget balancing, cost efficiency, and consistently exceeding target KPIs.
• Oversaw daily human resource operations, including recruitment panels, workforce onboarding, rotas, and payroll processing.
• Mentored and upskilled sales associates into a premium commercial team focused on brand integrity and product knowledge.
• Designed and rolled out updated operational training schemes for regional store managers and high-street sales colleagues.

Counter Manager at Liz Earle Cosmetics, Boots (2016-07 – 2017-08)

• Led, coached, and inspired a customer-centric retail team to drive premium brand visibility and service standards.
• Monitored daily team metrics, performance benchmarks, and streamlined stock control to maintain operational excellence.
• Designed, mapped, and coordinated regional client events that delivered exceptional sales volumes significantly above targets.

Counter Manager at Sisley Paris Beauty, John Lewis (2015-02 – 2016-07)

• Managed all high-tier day-to-day counter operations, stock replenishment cycles, and key client relationship databases.
• Coordinated on-counter consumer events, masterclasses, and specialized beauty room operations to expand client retention.
• Delivered comprehensive product knowledge and sales training to floor colleagues, successfully increasing overall unit sales.

Self-Employed Retail Business Manager at Chapel Lane Stores (2011 – 2014)

• Directed comprehensive business infrastructure for a high-end delicatessen, convenience goods, and artisan gift boutique.
• Negotiated commercial contracts and managed strong baseline relationships with local and specialty product suppliers.
• Designed detailed multi-year business growth strategies, marketing initiatives, and staff training concepts.

Commercial Gallery Manager & Owner at Michelle's Gallery & Art Studio (2008 – 2011)

• Organized, curated, and promoted large-scale contemporary exhibitions, driving regional public relations and press campaigns.
• Developed structured commercial business models and digital workflows to maximize visitor engagement and artwork sales.
• Engineered and ran international stone sculpting masterclasses across Germany and Southern France, directing all cross-border hospitality, logistics, and hotel contracts.

Retail Trainer at LVMH Group (Guerlain) (2003 – 2006)

• Instructed corporate workforces on global brand heritage, corporate philosophy, elite customer service, and technical treatments.
• Conceived, structured, and implemented multi-tiered corporate training modules and operational playbooks for new employees.
• Mentored junior apprentices and managed large-scale off-site hotel training workshops and trade showcases.

Instructor for Retail Apprentices Certification – Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Bonn, Germany)

Office Clerk Apprenticeship Designation – Germany

All Academic Subjects (GSCE Equivalent) – Private Convent School Realschule St. Josef, Bad Honnef