Mareaka Ishara Merchant-Read
Hackney,United Kingdom
Summary
Dynamic, creative professional with a strong foundation in organisational skills, initiative, and motivation. Demonstrates effective communication and leadership abilities. Focuses on instilling a sense of commitment, drive and responsibility in others. Excels in collaborative teamwork and problem solving, and developing a trusted rapport with teams and individuals; leveraging these competencies to drive success and achieve career advancement within a challenging environment. Ready to use and develop planning and mentoring skills in this desired position.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work history
Sales Assistant
Retail – Matalan
07.2011
- Assisted predominantly on the shop floor and changing rooms, keeping the space tidy and helping customers find intended purchases. Street team member distributing flyers for the summer sale.
Receptionist, Party Host and Court Marshall
Kick Air Freestyle Activity Park
12.2017 - 10.2025
- Receptionist, Party Host and Court Marshall, I have also been trained as a Cafe assistant, making myself a key member of staff able to cover all areas of the park. Exceeded in recommendation of product and up sales. Team leader briefly, which not only gave me more responsibilities, but allowed me some creative freedom regarding parties, providing the ultimate VIP experience desired.
Receptionist, Party Host & Court Marshall
Go Air Trampoline Park
11.2016 - 12.2017
- Receptionist, Party Host & Court Marshall. I was able to expand my communicative skills, dealing professionally with complaints, confrontation and disruptions at the park using conflict resolution and problem solving skills developed over time. This eventually lead to being recommended to the managing director at my latest place of employment.
Events Team
Youth Music Events (Y.M.E) / Connect
01.2011 - 09.2016
- Events team devised from Hackney Empire, organising projects and music related events around the borough for young people. Leader of graphic design and promotion. This also gave me the opportunity to experience the process of applying for funding through the arts council and attending the meetings with successful results.
Project Assistant
Hackney Village
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Devised project assistant, mentoring children between 5 -14 who suffered from learning / behavioural difficulties, down syndrome and autism, and worked with them to produce their own show, strengthening their inner creativity and giving them a voice.
Assistant Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
02.2012 - 10.2015
- Attended meetings/rehearsals prior to events. Organising acts in order, understanding running times and cues, ensuring performances ran smoothly and efficiently.
Mentor
Mentoring (Hackney Empire Artist Development Programme)
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Mentor for an annual 2 week summer intensive. Predominantly assisted the dancers in creating, teaching and cleaning choreography, while also being able to move between the other sectors having had the versatile training prior.
Education
BA Hons - Musical Theatre
The Arden school of Theatre
BTEC Level 3 - Musical Theatre, Production Arts
Leyton Sixth Form College
LondonGCSEs - Maths, English Literature/Language, Science, Dance, Art, Textiles, Travel & Tourism, Sports Studies
Highbury Fields School
LondonSkills
- Organizational skills
- Initiative and motivation
- Effective communication
- Leadership abilities
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Collaborative teamwork
- Problem solving
- Customer service excellence
Languages
French
Beginner
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Receptionist, Party Host and Court Marshall
Kick Air Freestyle Activity Park
12.2017 - 10.2025
Receptionist, Party Host & Court Marshall
Go Air Trampoline Park
11.2016 - 12.2017
Project Assistant
Hackney Village
08.2015 - 08.2016
Mentor
Mentoring (Hackney Empire Artist Development Programme)
08.2014 - 08.2015
Assistant Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
02.2012 - 10.2015
Sales Assistant
Retail – Matalan
07.2011
Events Team
Youth Music Events (Y.M.E) / Connect
01.2011 - 09.2016
BA Hons - Musical Theatre
The Arden school of Theatre
BTEC Level 3 - Musical Theatre, Production Arts
Leyton Sixth Form College
GCSEs - Maths, English Literature/Language, Science, Dance, Art, Textiles, Travel & Tourism, Sports Studies
Highbury Fields School