Zena Merriman
Philosophy Graduate from Trinity College Dublin, finishing with an Honors Degree. Extensive experience in retail and hospitality - in luxury, independent and start-up businesses. I'm a creative yet diligent individual, with an interest in the arts, current affaires and ethical/social issues. I pride myself on my detail orientated work, having strong initiative and ability to create and contribute to an approachable and collaborative work environment.
Being part of one of London's top department stores has given me an in-depth understanding of what it means to work in retail and sales at a high level. Here, I have mastered my skills in building clientele and performing outstanding, luxury customer service. I have progressed in communication and etiquette, navigating a commission-based environment working alongside creative individuals. I have developed an extensive knowledge in a wide range of brands, while in turn learning the art of marketing. My responsibilities also include visual merchandising, maintaining an ordered work environment and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Being at Loulerie gave me experience working with an independent, female-owned, artistic luxury brand. This gave me an understanding of the value of brand perception and trustworthiness, as well as an insight into the creative process of designing and marketing a product. My responsibilities in this role included ensuring customer satisfaction through digital and in person communication, applying my practical skills in fulfilling online orders and maintaining the everyday running of the retail space.
Working with Jenny in close collaboration gave me an insight into the characteristics associated with being a career-driven and successful business person. In this position, I researched and developed Board skills matrices for selected organisations with a public profile. I used my skills in researching and critical analysis as well as computer skills in documents and spreadsheets.
Working in a Portuguese start-up business gave me an understanding of skills necessary for beginning and maintaining a successful business. I was given some creative liberty in designing and organising the restaurant and once it was opened was involved in the everyday operations. I developed my skills in collaboration, as we were a small team, and trusting my instincts to act confidently with initiative. Aditionally, I coordinated aspects of building renovation projects including site appearance and aesthetics, and organisation of restaurant appliances and tools.
Working in SuperValu both gave me the means to support myself through my university education while also teaching me valuable professional skills. Through my multiple years there, I gained extra responsibilities such as training in new staff and managing the cash office. Additionally I operated tills, merchandised display and managed stock levels. My experience there taught me the value of time-management (balancing my job and my education), how to remain calm in a fast paced environment and I proved myself as a trustworthy and dependable employee.