Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Maria Harris-Sutton

London,Middlesex

Summary

I am a highly motivated, creative individual who enjoys working as both part of a team and under my own initiative. I am determined and have a professional attitude, good communication skills and dedicate 100% of my effort into the tasks I undertake. I am confident when meeting and working with new people and have good listening and organisation skills. I am reliable and hard working and an asset to a team.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work history

Waitress and Bar Staff

Richmond Rugby Club
London, Middlesex
2023.09 - Current
  • Support delivery of match-day hospitality, private events, and corporate functions in a high-volume venue
  • Provide exceptional guest experience while maintaining commercial awareness of upselling food and beverage offerings
  • Assist in ensuring event spaces are prepared according to client requirements and communicated specifications
  • Work closely with bar, kitchen, and operations teams to ensure smooth service delivery
  • Handle customer queries and resolve issues promptly and professionally
  • Maintain compliance with Health & Safety standards and venue policies
  • Contribute to a positive, professional atmosphere aligned with club values

Working in this environment has given me direct insight into large-scale event operations, client expectations, and the importance of clear communication between sales and delivery teams.

Photographer and Photography Assistant

Self-Employed
London, Middlesex
2022.08 - Current
  • Manage incoming client enquiries, ensuring briefs are delivered to maximise commercial opportunities and profitability
  • Convert enquiries into confirmed bookings through strong communication, relationship building, and value-led sales techniques
  • Upsell additional services including extended shoot time, post-production packages, and creative direction
  • Manage project costs to maximise profit margins
  • Oversee full project lifecycle from enquiry through to contract agreement, shoot delivery, invoicing, and payment collection
  • Work closely with stylists, production teams, agencies, and clients to ensure clear communication of project requirements
  • Conduct client meetings (virtual and in-person) to present concepts and secure bookings
  • Maintain accurate booking records, contracts, invoices, and financial tracking
  • Organise shoot logistics including studio bookings, transport, props, and equipment
  • Build long-term client relationships, generating repeat business and referrals
  • Conduct post-project reviews with clients to strengthen future working relationships

This role has strengthened my commercial awareness, negotiation skills, ability to hit revenue targets, and confidence in handling clients professionally from first enquiry to final delivery.

Sales assistant

Monsoon
Bath , Somerset
2022.07 - 2023.09
  • Proactively drove sales in a target-focused retail environment
  • Built rapport with customers to understand needs and maximise purchase value
  • Worked towards individual and store KPI targets
  • Processed transactions and maintained accurate till records
  • Supported visual merchandising to enhance sales performance

Sales assistant

River Island
Hounslow , Middlesex
2018.11 - 2020.08
  • Delivered professional and enthusiastic customer service
  • Assisted with store opening and closing procedures
  • Managed stock levels and online order processing
  • Worked collaboratively to achieve sales and customer satisfaction targets

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Photography

Bath Spa University
Bath
09/2020 - 07/2023

A-Levels -

Kingston College
Kingston upon Thames
09/2018 - 06/2020

Diploma of Higher Education - Hair and Makeup Artistry

Kingston College
Kingston upon Thames
09/2017 - 06/2018

GCSEs -

St Mark's Catholic School
Hounslow
08/2012 - 07/2017

Skills

  • Upselling
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Consistent punctuality
  • Patience and concentration
  • Imaginative flair
  • Client communication
  • Taking initiative
  • Positive attitude

Languages

English
Beginner

Affiliations

  • I enjoy reading and cooking and a variety of creative activities.

Timeline

Waitress and Bar Staff

Richmond Rugby Club
2023.09 - Current

Photographer and Photography Assistant

Self-Employed
2022.08 - Current

Sales assistant

Monsoon
2022.07 - 2023.09

Sales assistant

River Island
2018.11 - 2020.08

Bachelor of Arts - Photography

Bath Spa University
09/2020 - 07/2023

A-Levels -

Kingston College
09/2018 - 06/2020

Diploma of Higher Education - Hair and Makeup Artistry

Kingston College
09/2017 - 06/2018

GCSEs -

St Mark's Catholic School
08/2012 - 07/2017
Maria Harris-Sutton