As a fine artist and creative, I have experience and acquired skillset in multiple mediums, however I focus primarily on watercolors, photography, drawing and digital arts. My skillset in the arts has been a compliment to a variety of positions that I previously held and the learning experiences that I garnered from those positions have allowed me to create Simone Hester Art. I love connecting with other creatives and those interested in learning more about the arts. Always the student of art, I pride myself on the continuous study and practice in my chosen mediums and you will always find me creating new work. An overview of my body of work, you will notice that I see beauty in many things and I have a passion for capturing it in my own unique way – whether it is to digitally craft a new work, pick up a pencil or a paintbrush.I have been fortunate to have my work exhibited and featured at a variety of juried art shows, galleries, art websites and publications.These are the areas were I have a savvy command of knowledge: Watercolor, Photography, Drawing, Digital Arts, Graphic Design, Copy Design and Web Design

• Creating, maintaining and continuing the development of the business website.• Maintaining and utilizing essential programming systems and software beneficial to office & staff.• Responsible for maintaining state licensing for businesses and producers.• Designing, formatting and assisting with the creation of key marketing materials for the business.• Key administrative officer regarding state and federal compliance.• Preparation of key sales presentations.• Responsible for maintaining & balancing all business accounts, including but not limited to commissions and billing.

• Managed a staff of 15 full time and part time employees, either commission based, independent contractor or hourly.• Responsible for coordination of schedules, vacation time, sick time and other requests from staff.• Provided and coordinated staff training, one on one staff development, incentive programs benefiting both staff and business, prepped, outlined & scheduled staff meetings.• Responsible for creation, design and maintenance of business website and key promotional materials, including the design and distribution of monthly marketing materials, client incentives, logo design, letterhead, etc.• Responsible for marketing events, monthly promotions, cross promotions, annual events for clients and staff both advertised in print, online and via social media outlets.• Maintained and coordinated social media presence (Twitter, Facebook & business website).• Attended business development conferences to enhance skill set & learn techniques & tools to further develop & grow the business.• Established, maintained and nurtured professional & partner relationships.• Managed & maintained day to day financials of the business, inclusive of payroll & inventory.• Created report system for business owner & staff to provide detailed business financial information & comparative numbers.• Provided key customer service skills & techniques to confirm clientele had a great experience while at the business, along with addressing any needs or concerns to ensure client retention.

• Managed eight full time & part time employees.• Responsible for hiring, payroll, benefits, day to day budget & staff scheduling.• Served as liaison between staff and upper management, including corporate level.• Coordinated & held weekly staff meetings to promote new ideas & allow the staff to communicate any concerns.• Responsible for marketing ideas to increase revenue at store location.• Responsible for merchandising, inventory & shipping.• Provided excellent customer service & handled any customer issues or problems as needed.• Provided expertise & assistance for customers utilizing product knowledge of merchandise (SLR cameras, digital camcorders, cellular phones, etc) and services.• Provided expertise & assistance for customers in creative aspects of digital & traditional photography, including providing helpful tips & recommending different method to highlight customers' photos.

• Conducted meetings & managed staff of 5 to 10 part time employees.• Designed & edited bi-monthly newsletter, "The Upward Bound Bulletin."• Organized & provided necessary training & staff development for entire Upward Bound staff (part-time, full-time & seasonal employees).• Organized & planned annual awards banquet for student participants, staff and approximately 250 guests, including securing guest speakers, design of invitation and other print materials, decorations & coordinating with hotel staff.• Assisted Upward Bound student participants and alumni with the college application process.• Assisted in the coordination of collegiate tours for program participants, both within the state of Illinois and colleges & universities outside of the state.• Served as English instructor, outlined & designed curriculum during the summer component for high school freshmen through senior students.• Coordinated Washington D.C. Tour with other Illinois Upward Bound programs. This multifaceted trip included the coordination of college tours, recreational activities and lobbying with state representatives to continue supporting TRIO programs for which Upward Bound was listed under.• Recruited new Upward Bound student participants by holding presentations at area junior high and high schools.• Held bi-weekly lunch visits with program participants at their respective high schools, including meeting, maintaining and fostering key relationships with high school administrative staff.