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.
