Melissa Mize

Hospitality sales and operations professional with 20+ years building high-value client relationships across fine dining, luxury retail, and private events. A consistent top performer in food, wine, and event revenue, with deep beverage expertise (sommelier collaboration, wine dinners, wholesale and retail wine sales) and six years of office and operations management. Known for turning first-time guests into loyal repeat clients and for running the logistics behind flawless events.

Seeking a sales, events, or account-management role that rewards relationship-building, polish, and organization.

Event Sales & Management · Tasting Room - Solaro Estate Winery - Austin, TX (Hill Country)

(2025-03)

• Drive private-event sales and bookings for a winery and tasting room, owning client relationships from first inquiry through event execution.
• Sell and coordinate weddings, private dinners, and corporate events; negotiate packages and manage on-site delivery and guest experience.
• Run day-to-day tasting-room operations while wearing multiple hats across sales, service, scheduling, and guest relations for a small, high-touch operation.

Office Manager - Stringer Industries - Austin, TX

(2022-10 - 2025)

• Managed office operations for a company producing nationwide art installations for Alamo Drafthouse Cinema locations.
• Coordinated vendors, budgets, and project logistics across multiple national installation sites, keeping complex projects organized and on schedule.

Office Manager · Wholesale & Retail Sales - Kumi Kookoon - Los Angeles, CA

(2019-03 - 2022-10)

• Ran office operations and drove wholesale and retail sales for an established luxury silk bedding and loungewear brand with a celebrity clientele.
• Managed wholesale accounts and high-end retail clients, delivering white-glove service to a discerning customer base.

Server & Trainer - Mariposa at Neiman Marcus - Newport Beach, CA

(2017-10 - 2019-03)

• Delivered upscale service at Neiman Marcus's contemporary American cafe, with a special emphasis on wine dinners and catered fashion-show events.
• Trained new service staff on hospitality standards and customer-service points.

Server - Rothschild's Restaurant - Newport Beach, CA

(2016 - 2017-10)

• Provided personalized fine-dining service at a 47-year-old destination restaurant.

Server, Trainer & Part-Time Manager - Chop Bar - Oakland, CA

(2009 - 2013)

• Opening staff member; helped build the service structure and customer-service standards that drove strong repeat business at a high-volume, farm-to-table restaurant.
• Consistently held top food and wine sales; trained staff and managed shifts as part-time manager.

Server - The Old Original Bookbinders - Richmond, VA

(2007 - 2009)

• Fine-dining service, banquet service, and server training at a historic seafood and steak restaurant with an extensive wine list.

Server - Fonda San Miguel - Austin, TX

(2005 - 2007)

• Upscale, high-volume service at one of the country's oldest authentic interior-Mexican fine-dining restaurants, noted for its cuisine, art collection, and craft cocktails.

Server - Lemaire at the Jefferson Hotel - Richmond, VA

(2003 - 2005)

• Choreographed fine-dining service at a four-star, four-diamond hotel restaurant led by a French Laundry–alumnus chef; collaborated with the sommelier on wine pairings to ensure a first-class guest experience.

Bachelor of Arts - Art History - Mills College