Ellie Francesca Watson
Runcorn,Cheshire
Summary
Retail sales and fundraising specialist with over 12 years of experience. Proven track record as an award-winning trader and business owner, demonstrating effective leadership in merchandising and operations. Strong communicator with a focus on building customer relationships and consistently achieving ambitious sales targets.
Overview
9
9
years of post-secondary education
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Owner
Ellie Francesca Design
Runcorn , Cheshire
2020.10 - 2026.08
- Produced custom portrait commissions and original artwork for exhibition and sale over 15 years.
- Supplied hand-made products to multiple UK retail stockists.
- Sold artwork directly to customers via e-commerce and artisan markets.
Telephone Fundraiser
Stratcom UK
Remote
2024.01 - 2025.12
- Built strong rapport with supporters to encourage new contributions and continued giving.
- Delivered persuasive, empathetic communication aligned with donor needs.
- Met fundraising targets consistently while maintaining professionalism as part of a team.
Retail Sales Assistant
Leading Labels
Warrington, Cheshire
2023.03 - 2024.01
- Deliver warm, personalised service and recommend products based on customer needs.
- Process transactions quickly to reduce customer waiting times.
- Support store presentation through merchandising and daily stock upkeep.
- Handle daily operations including opening, closing, and cashing up.
- Meet and exceed concession and sales targets consistently.
- Assist customers with product selection to drive additional sales.
Retail Supervisor
Bamboo Botanicals LTD
Warrington, Cheshire
2020.07 - 2023.02
- Oversaw stock control and completed end-of-day store balancing tasks daily.
- Led shift coverage and coached team members to deliver strong customer experiences.
- Created engaging product displays and promotional content to drive sales growth.
- Trained new staff and maintained consistent service standards across shifts.
- Helped customers choose suitable products and improved overall shopping experiences.
- Applied visual merchandising strategies to strengthen product visibility in-store.
- Refined social media plans to amplify brand reach and engagement.
Shop Assistant
Murdishaw Supper Bar
Runcorn, Cheshire
2013.08 - 2020.03
- Served customers with friendly, efficient care in fast-paced food service.
- Completed daily duties accurately and efficiently in assigned roles.
- Covered nights, weekends, and bank holidays through flexible shift scheduling.
Education
Level 3 Diploma - Art & Design
Mid Cheshire College
2014.01 - 2016.01
Higher National Diploma (HND) - Fine Art
Warrington & Vale Royal College
Northwich, Cheshire 2016.01 - 2018.01
10 GCSEs (A-C including English & Maths) -
The Heath School
Cheshire 2009.01 - 2014.01
Skills
- Customer Service
- Fundraising & Sales
- Retail Supervision
- POS Systems
- Cash Handling
- Stock & Inventory Management
- Merchandising & Displays
- Social Media Promotion
- Team Training & Support
- Professional Communication
- Telephone Communication
References
References available on request.
Accomplishments
- Member of Hazlehurst Studios CIC for 10 years. Assisting with community events, exhibitions, open days and social media promotion.
- Co-organiser and curator of ‘Hazlehurst & Friends' Artisan Markets. A market that celebrates Artists, Makers and Small Businesses from within Halton Borough.
- Winner of North West Young Trader of the Year (2022) - Praised for professionalism, product quality, and customer engagement by industry judges.
- National Finalist in Young Trader of the Year (2021, 2022, 2024).
Timeline
Telephone Fundraiser
Stratcom UK
2024.01 - 2025.12
Retail Sales Assistant
Leading Labels
2023.03 - 2024.01
Owner
Ellie Francesca Design
2020.10 - 2026.08
Retail Supervisor
Bamboo Botanicals LTD
2020.07 - 2023.02
Higher National Diploma (HND) - Fine Art
Warrington & Vale Royal College
2016.01 - 2018.01
Level 3 Diploma - Art & Design
Mid Cheshire College
2014.01 - 2016.01
Shop Assistant
Murdishaw Supper Bar
2013.08 - 2020.03
10 GCSEs (A-C including English & Maths) -
The Heath School
2009.01 - 2014.01