Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic
Karen Lesley Bland

Karen Lesley Bland

Swineshead Boston,Lincolnshire

Summary

Friendly and approachable, with strong communication skills combined with knack for multitasking in fast-paced environments. Demonstrates excellent customer service and teamwork abilities, ensuring smooth daily operations. Ready to contribute positively and enhance customer experiences.

Experienced in customer service with focus on deli counter sales. Capable of creating welcoming environment and ensuring customer satisfaction through excellent product knowledge. Skilled in maintaining high standards of food safety and presentation.

Overview

47
47
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Hairdresser / Freelance

Karen Bland
6 Packhorse Gardens, Swineshead. Boston, Lincolnshire PE20 3JW
05.1982 - Current
  • Established strong relationships with clients through excellent communication skills.
  • Maintained hygiene standards, ensuring safe and clean environment for clients.
  • Worked independently, demonstrating initiative and commitment to job responsibilities.
  • Developed loyal clientele with personalised mobile hairdressing services.
  • Handled challenging situations calmly, maintaining a positive working environment under pressure.
  • Maintained accurate records of client bookings, treatments provided, product sa
  • Trimmed, cut and shaped hair based on exact customer preferences.
  • Sanitised tools and equipment to maintain hygiene and safety protocols.
  • Maintained knowledge of latest hair trends to deliver fresh styles aligned with clients needs and preferences.
  • Set up workstations and treatment rooms with necessary products, equipment and supplies.
  • Pre-booked returning client appointments to foster continued loyalty.
  • Purchased supplies to maintain full stock and inventory.
  • Assessed customer hair texture, treatment history and desired outcome to identify appropriate services.
  • Coloured hair using permanent, semi-permanent and natural dyes to suit client needs.
  • Processed and recorded customer payments accurately.
  • Advised clients on aftercare products to maximise style and colour longevity.
  • Used conditioning treatments and products for enhanced client hair health.
  • Styled hair using optimum cutting and scissoring techniques.
  • Permed and straightened hair to achieve desired client looks.

Front of house team member

Something Special
@ Birchgrove Garden Centre, surfleet Rd, Pinchbech, Spalding Lincolnshire Pe11 3XY
03.2025 - 06.2025
  • Greeted guests warmly upon arrival, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Served meals and drinks like, afternoon teas, with professionalism and skill, maintaining high presentation and quality standards.
  • Prepared tables for guests and reset tables between customers.
  • Took accurate guest orders and relayed information to kitchen about preferences, requests, or allergens.
  • Maintained attractive, clean and orderly spaces, creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
  • Regularly communicated with kitchen and bar staff to maintain smooth front of house operations, minimising potential service delays.
  • Cleaned, sanitised and organised food storage racks and bins, maintaining exceptional hygiene standards Making sure the cafe is ready for the next day.
  • Followed health and hygiene standards when handling food and cleaning restaurants.
  • Preparing foods for the salad bar and restocking condiments.
  • Disposing of waste food and recycling.

Delicatessen counter salesperson

The Ivy Farm Shop
Villa Lane, Swineshead. Boston, Lincolnshire
07.2022 - 03.2025
  • Provided excellent customer service, resulting in repeat business.
  • Ensured smooth running of front-end operations during busy periods.
  • Safely managed temperature-controlled storage environments through strategic stock coordination and rotation, maintaining efficiency and ease of use.
  • Adhered to food handling and sanitation procedures.
  • Worked efficiently under pressure during peak hours.
  • Handled stock rotation to maintain freshness of products.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve daily targets.
  • Kept display cases stocked and attractive, enhancing overall store appearance.
  • Checked quality of delivered goods for maintaining high standard products.
  • Followed health and safety standards to protect customers from illness and cross-contamination.
  • Advising customers on different meats, cheeses and produce.
  • Serving on the butchery counter and preparing cuts of meat.
  • Built and maintained rapport with customers to promote consistent repeat business.

Assistant Baker/ Counter Assistant

Tulipland Foods
11 Market Place, Donington. Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 4ST
07.2019 - 07.2022
  • Collaborated closely with colleagues, promoting a harmonious work environment.
  • Ensured freshness of baked goods by following proper storage procedures.
  • Tackled rush hour demands calmly ensuring smooth workflow under pressure.
  • Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment and oven.
  • Maintained strong, cooperative working relationship with bakery team and fellow employees.
  • Maintained strong knowledge of food safety practices.
  • Preparing and baking meat pies, sausage rolls, quiches etc.
  • Preparing fresh rolls to order.
  • Occasionally delivering shopping orders.
  • Demonstrated excellent time management and organisational skills.
  • Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
  • Arranged display case with appealing presentation to maximise sales.
  • Regularly cleaned and straightened work areas, ensuring stores stayed tidy in line with company standards.
  • Handled cash and card payments with precision, maintaining customer confidentiality and discretion throughout.

Hairstylist

Pennington Hair Salon
Red Lion Street, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11
04.1978 - 05.1982
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing expert hairstyling advice.
  • Collaborated closely with other stylists, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.
  • Improved salon efficiency with effective time management skills.
  • Developed loyal customer base through personalised service and attention to detail.
  • Created innovative hairstyles for special events.
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills to understand client requirements accurately.
  • Ensured cleanliness and hygiene of the workspace, maintaining a professional environment.
  • Managed appointment schedules efficiently to accommodate maximum number of clients.
  • Handled customer complaints gracefully, ensuring their satisfaction at all times.
  • Performed hair consultations to determine suitable styles and treatments for individual clients.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of clients' preferences for personalised service on return visits.
  • Regularly updated knowledge of latest industry trends for improved services.
  • Educated clients on proper hair care routines, enhancing their overall experience.
  • Cleaned, maintained and sterilised styling tools, increasing product lifetimes.
  • Examined hair texture and condition to determine appropriate treatment.
  • Trimmed, cut and shaped hair based on exact customer preferences.
  • Set up workstations and treatment rooms with necessary products, equipment and supplies.
  • Shampooed, conditioned and treated hair using salon-exclusive products, promoting increased retail sales.
  • Built successful, long-standing client relationships, increasing repeat and referral business.
  • Styled hair using optimum cutting and scissoring techniques.
  • Permed and straightened hair to achieve desired client looks.

Education

City and Guilds - Advance Hairdressing, Barbering, Wedding Hair

Boston College
Boston Lincolnshire PE21 6JF
09.1979 - 07.1983

City and Guilds Level 3 - Art, Science, Chemistry

Boston College
Boston Lincolnshire PE21 6JF
09.1979 - 07.1983

CSEs - English, Maths, Geography, Art, Biology, Needlework

Thomas Cowley High School
Donington, Spalding. Lincolnshire PE11 4TF
09.1972 - 07.1979

Skills

  • Professional ethical conduct
  • Friendly demeanor
  • Patient with customers
  • Product knowledge
  • Creative
  • Exceptional communication
  • Quick learner
  • Positive attitude
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health and Safety Compliance
  • Multitasking
  • Work as part of a team or on own initiative
  • Hardworking

Affiliations

  • I enjoy gardening, cooking and Pilates. I also like socialising with family and friends.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Front of house team member

Something Special
03.2025 - 06.2025

Delicatessen counter salesperson

The Ivy Farm Shop
07.2022 - 03.2025

Assistant Baker/ Counter Assistant

Tulipland Foods
07.2019 - 07.2022

Hairdresser / Freelance

Karen Bland
05.1982 - Current

City and Guilds - Advance Hairdressing, Barbering, Wedding Hair

Boston College
09.1979 - 07.1983

City and Guilds Level 3 - Art, Science, Chemistry

Boston College
09.1979 - 07.1983

Hairstylist

Pennington Hair Salon
04.1978 - 05.1982

CSEs - English, Maths, Geography, Art, Biology, Needlework

Thomas Cowley High School
09.1972 - 07.1979

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Karen Lesley Bland