Marcella Ventresca

I'm a practicing painter with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and genuine hospitality. Curiosity guides everything I do, from my studio practice to the conversations I have with customers. I enjoy helping people discover beautifully made objects by sharing the stories behind them and creating experiences that feel personal, memorable, and sincere.

Operations Manager at Demitasse Cafe (2024-09 – 2026-01)

• Prepared espresso, specialty coffee drinks, and breakfast service while serving as the daily face of a 40+ year neighborhood café with a loyal community of regulars.
• Managed daily operations including POS systems, digital menus, pricing updates, scheduling, hiring, administrative support, and workflow improvements.
• Designed handmade signage, promotional materials, menus, and social media content while maintaining the café's online presence.
• Developed seasonal menu items, original syrups, and a customer loyalty program inspired by guest feedback and neighborhood engagement.
• Troubleshot equipment, reorganized workspaces, assisted with basic repairs, and continually improved the efficiency and appearance of the café.
• Resolved customer concerns with empathy and professionalism, helping ensure guests left feeling welcomed and valued.

Kitchen Manager, Sunday Operations at UCHA (2021-09 – 2024-01)

• Led weekly kitchen operations for a 500-member community.
• Managed a team of 2 chefs and 3–6 staff; trained on food safety and kitchen organization.
• Practiced resourcefulness stretching low-budget ingredients while minimizing waste.

Barista at Greenleaf Juicing Company (2018-10 – 2020-03)

• Prepared drinks and provided customer service in a fast-paced juice bar.
• Handled opening and closing duties independently, ensuring smooth daily operations.
• Worked with health-centered ingredients and applied knowledge of juicing practices and nutrition.
• Managed product merchandising and labeling to maintain brand standards and customer clarity.

Co-Founder & Host at Dance and Draw Community Art Night (2023-08 – 2024-01)

• Organized and ran recurring community events from the ground up, managing logistics and turnout of 50–100 people.
• Hosted free community art nights at the University Cooperative Housing Association, supplying art materials and community space.
• Created a welcoming environment through thoughtful event planning, hosting, and community building.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting & Drawing – School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2024-01)

Study Abroad Semester in Painting & Drawing – Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici (2026-01 – 2026-05)

Studio Art Major in Studio Art – Santa Monica College (2021-08 – 2023-12)