Laure Makiona
Charlotte
Summary
Driven professional with several years of experience in hospitality industry, events planning and client service. Strong customer service, organization and time management skills. Dedicated to providing top-tier service, attentive listener providing targeted recommendations based on individual requirements.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Banquet Event Associate
Davidson College
Davidson
08.2023 - Current
- Assisted in planning and executing campus events for student engagement.
- Provided on-site support during events, addressing attendee needs and concerns.
- Supported on-site event setup, including registration and equipment arrangement.
- Maintained inventory of event supplies and managed restocking as needed.
- Provided customer service assistance before, during, and after events.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal service during events.
- Provided exceptional customer service to guests throughout the event duration.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies and coordinated replenishment as needed.
- Supervised the set-up of buffets, ensuring quality presentation of all dishes.
- Assisted in setting up banquet tables, chairs, and linens for events.
- Collaborated closely with catering managers on upcoming events and their needs.
- Handled client inquiries and resolved issues promptly to maintain high levels of satisfaction.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of banquet spaces before, during, and after events.
Lead Event Chef
QC Catering
Charlotte
04.2022 - Current
- Prepared diverse menu items for large-scale events and gatherings.
- Collaborated with event planners to customize culinary experiences.
- Managed food presentation to ensure appealing displays at events.
- Ensured all meals were served on time by closely monitoring cook times throughout service hours.
- Assisted with setup and breakdown of buffet lines before and after each event.
- Monitored quality control standards to ensure high-quality presentations.
- Cleaned work areas throughout shift including counters, floors, utensils and other surfaces.
- Checked completed orders against customer requests prior to serving them at the banquet tables or buffets.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by quickly addressing and resolving complaints with food or service.
- Checked quality of food products to meet high standards.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Supervises event chefs to make sure all food items are being prepped correctly.
- Coordinating with events leads to make sure food stations are set up correctly.
- Assigns event chefs to proper food stations for successful service.
Furniture Sales Associate
Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn, West Elm
Charlotte
09.2021 - 03.2022
- Assisted customers in selecting furniture and accessories for their homes.
- Provided product knowledge on furniture materials and design styles.
- Processed customer transactions efficiently at the point of sale.
- Engaged in training sessions to enhance sales techniques and customer service skills.
- Resolved customer inquiries and concerns with professionalism and care.
- Explained warranties and maintenance requirements for products purchased by customers.
- Assisted customers in selecting furniture pieces that fit their design preferences, budgets and lifestyles.
- Answered incoming calls from customers inquiring about product availability, pricing and delivery options.
- Provided product information to customers regarding materials, construction and care of furniture pieces.
- Boosted sales by going beyond basics with every customer to offer product, style and purchasing advice.
- Asked open-ended questions to understand customer needs and style.
- Followed up with customers via phone to answer questions.
- Assisted in managing customer accounts including updating contact information, payment records.
- Assist customers in placing orders across all different brands
- Helping customers with information about the status of orders
- Helping customers with navigating website for order placement
- Assisting customers with locating furniture orders, using company database• Solved escalated customers issues in calm and effective manner
- Remote work from home
- Assisted failed settlement team in collecting delinquent funds
Customer Service Representative
Air Culinaire Worldwide
Tampa
08.2012 - 04.2020
- Assisted customers with inquiries via phone and email support.
- Processed customer orders and managed returns efficiently.
- Resolved complaints by using effective problem-solving techniques.
- Collaborated with team members to improve service processes.
- Trained new staff on company policies and customer service standards.
- Answered customer inquiries and provided accurate information regarding products and services.
- Provided excellent customer service to resolve customer complaints in a timely manner.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Developed strong customer relationships to encourage repeat business.
- Developed strong relationships with customers by providing personalized assistance and support.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, transactions and comments for future reference.
- Resolved complex problems by working with other departments to provide solutions that meet customer needs.
- Informed customers about billing procedures, processed payments, and provided payment option setup assistance.
- Asked probing questions to determine service needs and accurately input information into electronic systems.
- Tracked orders from start to finish to ensure timely delivery of goods or services.
- Developed positive relationships with customers through friendly interactions.
- Provided exceptional customer service to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and efficiently.
- Identified opportunities for upselling additional products or services based on customer needs.
- Conducted regular follow-up calls with customers after resolving their issues.
- Kept records of customer interactions or transactions, thoroughly recording details of inquiries.
- Adjusted bills and refunded money to resolve customers' service or billing complaints.
- Promoted available products and services to customers during service, account management and order calls.
Education
Bachelor in Culinary Management - Culinary Arts
Art Institute of Tampa
Tampa, Florida 09.2009 - 08.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC 09.2005 - 05.2009
Skills
- Event planning
- Equipment setup
- Inventory management
- Customer engagement
- Food presentation
- Client relationship management
- Venue coordination
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Catering coordination
Languages
French
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
- Dean’s & Presidents List
- Graduated with a 3.70 GPA
Timeline
Banquet Event Associate
Davidson College
08.2023 - Current
Lead Event Chef
QC Catering
04.2022 - Current
Furniture Sales Associate
Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn, West Elm
09.2021 - 03.2022
Customer Service Representative
Air Culinaire Worldwide
08.2012 - 04.2020
Bachelor in Culinary Management - Culinary Arts
Art Institute of Tampa
09.2009 - 08.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Central Piedmont Community College
09.2005 - 05.2009