About Me
Welcome, I'm Alyson Cruse. I am a graduate of Western Kentucky University where I recieved my bachelors degree in Interior Design. During my time outside of school, I have completed an internship at Bowling Green Home Furnishings. I have also worked as a Junior Interior Designer and Stationery Designer at a local boutique, Barbara Stewart Interiors, in Bowling Green Kentucky.
I am currently interested in expanding my knowledge in the Interior Design Industry through a Junior Interior Designer position based in Los Angeles, California.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Junior Interior Designer Barbara Stewart Interiors October 2022-
September 2023
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Tracked inventory and sales patterns using Shopify.
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Assisted with residential installation projects, including measuring, and installing materials and furnishings.
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Researched products, sources, materials, and finishes to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and options.
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Maintained an interior design resource library of product samples, catalogs, and other relevant information.
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Familiarized myself with stock, samples, catalogs, filing and retrieving system, stock control, and warehouse and delivery to ensure the smooth operation of the interior design department.
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Assisted in brainstorming new sales tactics, and new merchandising displays for interior showroom
Interior Design Intern BG Home Furnishings June 2022- July 2022
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Observed client meetings, contractual agreements, and presentations to gain an understanding of the client's needs and requirements.
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Assisted in sequencing, preparation, and execution of presentation of design plans to clients for approval.
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Visited project sites to observe and participate in field measurements, documentation, and verification of selections.
E-commerce Business Owner Art by Alyson Cruse August 2020- Present
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Brainstorm products and designs to appeal to specific target markets.
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Create original designs through painting and digital design software.
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Purchase materials and keep financial/tax records.
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Manage inventory and coordinate with supply vendors.
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Create social media content and manage sites using Instagram and TikTok.
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Support customers in custom designs, orders, cancellations, and returns.
SOFTWARE TOOLS & SKILLS
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AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, In Design
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Shopify POS
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Manipulation of conceptual design sketches into client presentation boards
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Enhancement of visual and oral presentation skills
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Selection of materials, finishes to support the design concepts and project goals
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Negotiation of ADA compliance in a design scheme (building codes, lighting)
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Training associates
PERSONAL SKILLS
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Exceptional customer service
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Organized and precise
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Computer skills
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Excellent communication skills
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Problem solving and leadership skills
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Time management
At Barbara Stewart Interiors, I have learned how to conceptualize design ideas to present to clients in their specific design styles. I have learned new product inventory, product vendors, and inventory processes. I have used my educational background to create presentation boards and select materials and finishes to showcase to clients in their specific design styles.I have visited sites, observed and participated in field measurements, and documented and checked selections. I gained hands-on experience with Shopify POS for product inventory, collaborated on sales strategies, and assisted customers with furniture sales and decorating consultations. In employee meetings, I contributed to brainstorming sessions for new sales tactics, seasonal displays, and inventory procurement. Working closely with an interior designer, I learned proper merchandising for a design showroom.
At Western Kentucky University, the projects I completed gave me experience with the design process, from doing in depth research on functionality of a project to manipulating conceptual design sketches into floor plans, construction documents, renderings, and client presentation boards. I have learned how to create a design plan and presentation to adhere to clients’ specific design styles. I have also learned how to select appropriate materials and finishes to support the design concepts and project goals.
I am adaptable and driven with a strong work ethic and ability to thrive in team-based or individually motivated settings. I am a well-rounded customer service specialist with strong communication skills, and sales experience.
About My Personal Life
As much as I know a strong set of professional skills is important, I also want you to know a bit about who I am as a person, and what inspires me outside of my work as an Interior Designer.
I am an artist. You can find some of my work on Etsy or Instagram at Esther and Rose Designs. My prefered mediums are watercolor and printmaking, but I am also a self taught graphic artist/ illustrator.
I am an avid reader, and average reading about 6 books a month. Some of my favorite authors are Taylor Jenkins Reid, Emily Henry, Ali Hazelwood, and Sarah J. Maas. I occassionally dabble in creating YouTube content discussing my current reads, and sharing some clips about my daily life.
I enjoy challenging myself with picking up new creative hobbies. I have recently started learning to crochet using Woobles kits! As a kid I enjoyed losing myself in creative writing, and am working on rekindling that love by creating short stories with the prospects of one day becoming a self published author.
If you cannot tell by now, I am someone who struggles with sitting still, and heavily enjoy challenging myself with teaching myself new hobbies. I love keeping my hands busy, and finding new ways to be creative and sharing it with the world!