SARAH SPOTO

sarah.spoto@gmail.com
EDUCATION Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL Bachelor of Arts in Business and Studio Art GPA: 3.98/4.0 Richmond University, Florence, Italy Spring 2011 Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL Fashion Studies, Spring 2012 HONORS: Trustee Scholar, Durand Art Scholar, Lands End Gary Comer Entrepreneurial Award, Deans List, Illinois Tool Works Scholar, Lands End Internship Scholarship, Projects for Peace Recipient, Delta Delta Delta Academic Award WORK EXPERIENCE Lands End, Dodgeville, WI/ Newington, NH Womens Outerwear Merchandising Intern May 2011-Aug. 2011 Implemented two major team projects: developing & presenting a jacket design concept & conducting color history data analysis. Led three innovative projects: competitive analysis, green sustainable product development, & company website features analysis. Collaborated with senior leaders, team leaders, and cross functional partners regarding product development, catalog production, website design, marketing, and finances. Awarded a $1000 scholarship for motivated commitment to the brands growth and participation in the company community. Awarded the peer-elected Gary Comer Entrepreneurial award for initiating innovative, creative, and results-oriented projects. Expected Graduation: May 2012

Sales Consultant May 2010-Aug. 2010 Constructed three unique retail floor sets, including childrens, womens, and mens fashion. Provided customers with information on the latest Lands End trends, such as swim, outerwear, and daywear. Gained hands-on experience working with retail customers & received positive feedback from customers & managers about service. Uncovered Artistry Nonprofit Boutique, Hampton Falls, NH Founder Founder April 2010- present

Awarded a $10,000 grant from Projects for Peace to found a non-profit retail company to support survivors of abuse. Created effective publicity strategies and marketing campaigns, to include press releases, online ads, and social media. Established a successful, creative brand image that reflects the companys mission for awareness of domestic abuse. Selected appropriate product assortment and price points for over 40 products, which are sold on a self-designed online shop. Established working relationships with 10+ artisans who supply products to be sold at retail prices on the website. Sept. 2008-April 2010

La SuaVoce Jewelry Designs, Lake Forest, IL

Awarded third place in Lake Forest College Business Plan Competition for creating comprehensive business plan for the company. Conducted market research and analysis, including evaluation of trends and competition in the fashion market. Managed sales, marketing, and financials for all online and wholesale transactions. Created and ran an advertising campaign to brand the company through a logo, business cards, online advertising, and blog.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL Writing Center Tutor Nov. 2009-present Tutored over 6 students weekly in order to help them improve their writing and gain critical thinking skills. Evaluated students progress with reports and provided resources to help students apply effective writing strategies on their own. Founder and President of Business and Entrepreneur Club Aug. 2009-Jan. 2011 Recruited 20+ members through establishing press and online media campaigns. Managed over 5 well-attended events on campus & solved problems of limited funding by partnering with other campus organizations for larger, more expensive events. COMMUNITY SERVICE St. Judes Childrens Hospital Volunteer, Delta Delta Delta Fraternity, Lake Forest, IL Habitat for Humanity Service Trip Volunteer, Lake Forest College, Foley, AL LANGUAGES: Italian (Proficient), French (Beginner) RELEVANT COURSE WORK: Finance, Accounting, Fashion Merchandising, Entrepreneurial Marketing, Statistics, Globalization, Garment Construction, Fashion Design SOFTWARE: Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, Qlick View, Adobe InDesign & Photoshop, FileMaker Pro, PCs/Macs Feb. 2010-present March 6-14, 2010