My business partner and I put our collective entrepreneurial heads together and hatched the idea of a specialty tabletop rental company which would offer beautiful items available to rent for special events - a boutique company offering items currently not available in the Chicago area market.We have seen this idea through to fruition, from the ground up and have worn (and continue to wear) many hats in our continued growth and development. Beginning with initial concept, and purchase of inventory, EVERY SINGLE AREA of this business has been researched, thought through, planned and executed. OPERATIONAL aspects include: how to best maintain inventory, packing & packaging items for transport, washing and storing of inventory, accounting functions, and employee hiring and training. SALES & MARKETING aspects include: long range planning of product offerings, advertising/marketing plans, social media presence (particularly Instagram) & brand development, 'brand voice' awareness, website development and all writing necessary to convey our message. PRODUCT DESIGN aspects include researching new product availability, trend spotting, resourcing manufacturers for production, and resourcing and working with artists to design and develop new product ideas. FUTURE PLANS to include the development of Festive Frog branded items for sale to both the rental and home markets.

Key team player for both front and back of the house in this fast moving, highly regarded French restaurant. As a chef, I worked in nearly all aspects of the restaurant from back of the house to front: beginning in garde manger (cold food production and desserts) and progressing to hot line production, where I was responsible for daily specials in both concept and execution. Also prepared all sauces & garnishes to accompany menu items and was responsible for execution for both lunch and dinner service, six days/week.Front of house responsibilities included working with the Wine Sommelier in helping guests to make best choices based on cuisine, as well as formal wine service. I assisting Head Chef/Owner in his weekly culinary classes, offered to the public.

Served as primary contact in management of customer accounts. Managed Account Executives and Account Reps in their development within the company. Worked with clients and entire creative team in developing marketing plans, oversight of creative development and execution of marketing plans. Also responsible for sales and new business development.

Interacted with clients, wrote advertising copy, coordinated all advertising placements in newspapers and trade magazines.