• Key responsibilities: Lead all aspects of store operations, including sales, exceptional luxury customer shopping experience, client relations, team leadership, brand representation, and visual merchandising. • Website Sales: Monitoring and fulfilling web sales daily, with the same brand standards that are promoted in-store. • Customer Service Standards: Created regular training for a team of five to reflect high standards of personalized customer service for every client. • Systems training: Created training systems for Iowa City and Des Moines locations to create proficiency in POS systems and retail management software. • Inventory: Assisted in buying merchandise for store • Store promotion: Executed events, trunk shows, and open houses utilizing branding standards with a luxury environment. • Metrics: Daily sales monitoring and metric comparisons • Business development: Outreach to build repeat customers

I am the owner and principal designer of Jan Finlayson Designs. With more than 30 years experience in the interior design biz, I will lead your residential or commercial project to success with my team - we will see that your project stays on time, budget, and is a great experience. I am available for speaking events regarding topics on design and event planning.

Principal Director of events, with primary focus on weddings, various functions for medium to large corporations, and local events of all sizes. • Meet regularly with clients to determine budget, vendors and scheduling• Create overall look and feel of each event to clients’ expectations, and execute each step within agreed upon schedule and budget • Maintain relationships with area vendors to provide the best service in a cohesive manner• Responsible for set up and take down of most events, as well as directing staff as needed.

• Event Planning & Execution: Spearheaded the creation, planning, and execution of networking events, pitch competitions, and large-scale student-focused activities, enhancing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in entrepreneurship programs. • On-Site Event Management: Provided comprehensive on-site management for all events, ensuring smooth operations and a high-quality experience for attendees. • Budget Management: Developed and maintained event budgets, aligning financial resources with strategic goals to ensure cost-effective and impactful programming. • Data Collection & Metrics: Tracked and analyzed key event metrics, maintaining detailed records to assess outcomes and improve future event planning. • Speaker Coordination: Organized and coordinated speaker series featuring JPEC alumni, facilitating valuable connections and mentorship opportunities. • Mandela Washington Fellowship Program: Led as program coordinator, matching mentors with fellows and orchestrating networking events, cultural experiences, and local hospitality for participants. Created and executed program schedules in collaboration with directors. • Event Design & Execution: Designed and executed high-profile events such as student business trade shows, open houses, galas, highlighting student innovation and fostering community engagement. • Student Mentorship: Actively mentored undergraduate students with interests in retail, lifestyle, and product development, providing guidance and support for their academic and entrepreneurial growth. • Cross-Campus Collaboration: Built and maintained strong partnerships across campus, working with faculty, staff, and various colleges to drive innovation projects and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. • Marketing & Branding Collaboration: Partnered with the marketing team to develop cohesive promotional strategies, ensure brand consistency, and manage branded material giveaways. Website management with updates.

I am a provider of quality writing service to various blogs, ebooks, SEO services, and website content. Though the base of my writing is design centered, I also have experience with topics that include fitness and health, fashion, event planning, travel and more.My work is 100% original, well researched, with special attention to grammar and spelling. I am very deadline conscious.

Did it all. Starting as an intern and working into senior designer over the course of 20 years, this opportunity allowed me to grow and develop my design, management, and decision making skills. In addition to the creative aspect, I was involved in the following:Creating and developing a training manual for new employeesMarketing and public relations, advertising Designed new logo to replace one used for 19 yearsBuying and MerchandisingTechnologyAssisted with opening of new store in Des MoinesPersonnel - manages interns, training new employeesDay to day tasks related to running and managing business