Download Dawn Benedetto - Gateway Arts District

Dawn Benedetto
3212 Varnum Street • Mount Rainier, MD 20712 • 703.863.9904 • [email protected]
why I am amazing – need a better header
Professional entrepreneur with over 16 years experience emphasizing sales, marketing and branding
in the fashion accessory industry. Skilled in product development, production management, business
development, wholesale account management, customer relations and retail marketing. High energy,
results oriented leader with excellent relationship building skills. Proven success in cultivating new
customers, customer retention, brand recognition and strengthening existing customer relationships
through print and social media campaigns. Self-confident, organized, and motivated. Brings to the
table a creative and an entrepreneurial spirit to all business endeavors.
Areas of Strength
• Leadership / Supervision
• Strategic Brand Planning
• Social Media Marketing
• Customer Relation Management
• Budget Development and Administration
• Pricing and Promotion Implementation
• Project Management
• Event Planning and Outreach
• Board and Association Experience
Professional Highlights
Poppi, Inc. Alexandria, VA 22314 (2001-present)
Owner / Designer
Major Areas of Responsibility and Accomplishment
 Built business around a successful jewelry line from start up to generating 6-figure sales annually.
 Developed brand identity applied to packaging, marketing collateral, advertizing and visual merchandising in
retail setting.
 Responsible for generating company budget and management of expenses.
 Directed and developed annual and seasonal promotional marketing campaigns with tracking ROI.
 Developed and managed a team of 7 in production, sales and wholesale accounts.
 Built personnel relationships to maintain a cohesive and cooperative work environment through team
building, motivation and mentoring.
Towson University Towson, MD (2010-2011)
Adjunct Faculty in Object Design Department
Major Areas of Responsibility
 Designed course curriculum for Design for Production. Students were responsible for developing smallscale production lines, putting them into limited production, designing packaging, branding materials and
open an online shop.
 Taught business fundamentals, basic bookkeeping, pricing structures and marketing strategies.
 Researched latest technologies and manufacturing options to ensure the students were given current
industry information and were able to complete class requirements.
Torpedo Factory Art Center Alexandria, VA (1998-present)
Artist in Residence
Major Areas of Responsibility
 Responsible for design and build out of a working jewelry studio and retail shop.
 Co-ordinate and volunteer at annual outreach events designed to promote the visual arts and profile of the
Art Center.
Torpedo Factory Artist Association Board Alexandria, VA (1998-present)
Board Positions Held
Major Areas of Responsibility
 Secretary (2002, 2012-present)
 Marketing Chair (2008) increased visitation to the Art Center by creating and implementing a marketing plan
targeted to regional residents as well as tourists who visit the Washington DC area.
 Vice President in charge of Marketing (2010-2012) Co-wrote and received a grant from the City of
Alexandria Marketing Fund and was responsible for follow up reporting.
Torpedo Factory Art Center Board Alexandria, VA (2011-2012)
Appointed by City Council of Alexandria
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Served as Search Committee Chair. Headed up the search for and successfully hired an interim CEO for
the Torpedo Factory Art Center Board, a non-profit organization responsible for Management of the Art
Center.
Served on the Marketing Committee.
Arlington County Parks and Recreation, Thomas Jefferson Art Studio Arlington, VA (19962004, 2013-present)
Instructor of Silversmithing and Lost Wax Casting
Major Areas of Responsibility
 Instructed students in basic metalsmithing techniques of fabrcation, surface embelishment, wax carving and
the lost wax casting process.
 Optimized and maintained studio facility equipment including casting room and soldering area;
recommended and coordinated purchase of tools, supplies and materials.
Education
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA 1993
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sculpture and Fine Crafts