Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Acknowledgements
Interests
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Cristina Velasquez

Welland,Canada

Summary

With a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design and over 20 years of experience in the Colombian fashion industry, I bring extensive knowledge and expertise to the creative and production processes. Throughout my career, I have been involved in every stage, showcasing passion and dedication. Additionally, 4 years of professional experience in horticulture, gained through studying and working in Canada, have provided strong resource management, organizational, and planning skills that consistently fuel creativity and productivity. Proven track record of success in interpersonal communication, customer service, and goal-oriented performance.

Overview

23
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

Vermeer's Garden Centre and Flower Shop

Landscape and Horticulturist Technician
06.2022 - Current

Job overview

Full time Garden Centre employee

  • Inspected gardens to identify insect or disease problems and weed control needs.
  • Demonstrated continual positive effort to maintain working relationships with staff, volunteers and management.
  • Assisted clients in selecting appropriate plants based on climate conditions, sun exposure, soil type, and desired aesthetic appeal.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by providing personalized recommendations on plant selection and care based on individual needs.
  • Enhanced plant health by implementing proper pruning, watering, and fertilization techniques.


Floral Dimensions

Greenhouse Labourer
02.2022 - 06.2022

Job overview

  • Part time Greenhouse employee
  • Demonstrated adaptability when assigned additional tasks such as assisting with landscape installation projects or providing support during special events.
  • Improved plant growth by diligently monitoring and adjusting greenhouse conditions.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by maintaining open communication, offering assistance where needed, and fostering a sense of teamwork among colleagues.
  • Efficiently transplanted seedlings to larger containers, ensuring proper spacing for healthy growth.
  • Collaborated with team members to complete tasks on time, ensuring smooth operation of the greenhouse facility.

Niagara College Canada

Greenhouse and landscape labourer
05.2021 - 04.2022

Job overview

  • Part time Landscape, greenhouse and nursery employee
  • Contributed to team efficiency by effectively communicating project updates and collaborating on task assignments.
  • Ensured safety on job sites by following proper procedures for operating power tools and heavy equipment.
  • Elevated overall landscape appearance using a variety of hand and power tools for trimming, shaping, and pruning trees, shrubs, and hedges.
  • Improved plant health through proper pruning, fertilizing, and pest control techniques.
  • Assisted in designing seasonal displays using annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, or potted plants for added visual interest throughout the year.
  • Maintained grounds by trimming, weeding, and general clean-up.
  • Utilized power tools and landscaping machines to maintain outdoor areas.

Self-employed

Freelance Designer
01.2012 - 12.2020

Job overview

  • Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Developed innovative design concepts for improved brand recognition and customer engagement.
  • Presented creative solutions to client challenges, resulting in high levels of client satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
  • Used Adobe Creative Suite to edit images for use in marketing materials and website content.
  • Designed seasonal styles according to upcoming trends and popular color palettes.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers, vendors and other industry professionals to stay informed about new developments and resources available.
  • Selected fabrics, patterns and trims to use in final designs and meet desired aesthetics and quality standards.
  • Conducted fittings and adjusted designs to produce comfortable and appealing final products for clients.
  • Liaised with suppliers to secure competitive pricing on materials, reducing overall production costs without sacrificing quality.
  • Created detailed measurement and construction specifications for design to be executed appropriately by production teams.
  • Followed market trends and research to establish innovative product offerings for consumers.
  • Participated in trade shows to showcase garments and attract buyers.
  • Negotiated with fabric suppliers to secure premium materials at competitive prices, improving profit margins.

Onda de Mar

Senior Fashion Designer
01.2009 - 12.2011

Job overview

  • Designed for a luxury Colombian brand, leading trend research, design processes, and the creation of detailed technical sheets
  • Collaborated closely with advertising and marketing departments to align collections with promotional strategies and ensure sales success
  • Managed seamless communication with both international and domestic suppliers to maintain high-quality production standards
  • Oversaw successful seasonal collection launches, coordinating efforts across design, production, and marketing teams to achieve desired results.
  • Optimized product assortment by analyzing sales data, identifying opportunities for improvement based on customer preferences and trends.
  • Successfully managed budgets for multiple projects, ensuring resources were allocated effectively and efficiently.
  • Mentored junior designers, fostering a collaborative and productive working environment for creativity to thrive.
  • Boosted sales with the creation of unique and eye-catching clothing pieces that resonated with target audiences.

Polo

Creative Director
06.2007 - 12.2008

Job overview

  • Led the design team, overseeing trend research, strategic planning, and logistics to ensure successful project execution
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to align creative strategies with business goals and drive results
  • Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
  • Mentored and trained junior designers to help enhance skills and capabilities.

Levi Strauss & Co.

Fashion Designer
06.2004 - 06.2007

Job overview

  • Designed the denim line for Levi’s, the most iconic product of the company, based on upcoming trends and company’s needs
  • Conducted market research to identify emerging trends, guiding the development of new collections accordingly.
  • Conducted fittings and adjusted designs to produce comfortable and appealing final products for clients.
  • Created unique and trendsetting garments, securing a loyal customer base and positive media coverage.
  • Assisted photographers in styling photoshoots showcasing new collections effectively; increasing exposure through print and digital media.
  • Worked closely with production teams to ensure high-quality manufacturing and timely delivery of products.
  • Redesigned underperforming collections, leading to improved brand perception and increased revenue.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers, vendors and other industry professionals to stay informed about new developments and resources available.
  • Established a positive work culture by fostering open communication and providing constructive feedback; driving continuous improvement and creative growth within the team.
  • Selected fabrics, patterns and trims to use in final designs and meet desired aesthetics and quality standards.

Naf Naf

Junior Fashion Designer
02.2002 - 06.2004

Job overview

  • Women´s wear fashion designer for a french franchise brand based in Colombia
  • Sketched artistic and fresh designs for consideration.
  • Collaborated with senior designers to create cohesive garments and accessories, maintaining a consistent brand image.
  • Successfully met tight deadlines without compromising design quality, ensuring timely delivery of products to retailers.
  • Assisted in organizing fashion shows to showcase new collections, resulting in increased media coverage and public interest.
  • Developed unique clothing collections for various seasons, resulting in increased sales and customer satisfaction.
  • Created detailed technical sketches for garment construction, enabling seamless communication between design and production teams.

Education

Niagara College
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

DCS / DEC from Landscaping/Horticulture
04.2022

University Overview

  • Honour Roll, 2021-2022

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
Medellin. Colombia

Bachelor's Degree from Industrial design
12.2001

Skills

  • Design and merchandizing abilities
  • Microsoft environment
  • Mac and PC
  • Social and communicational skills
  • Achievement and detail orientation
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Team player and leadership

Certification

  • Working at Heights, 09/21
  • Emergency First Aid certification & Padi Rescue Diver course, 06/20

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional

Acknowledgements

Academic honors, Niagara College, 11/21, International academic student awards for highest average percentage

Interests

  • Adventure Travel
  • Road Trips
  • Historical Exploration
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)
  • Scuba Diving
  • Personal Development and Self-Improvement
  • Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness.
  • Reading
  • Dance

Timeline

Landscape and Horticulturist Technician

Vermeer's Garden Centre and Flower Shop
06.2022 - Current

Greenhouse Labourer

Floral Dimensions
02.2022 - 06.2022

Greenhouse and landscape labourer

Niagara College Canada
05.2021 - 04.2022

Freelance Designer

Self-employed
01.2012 - 12.2020

Senior Fashion Designer

Onda de Mar
01.2009 - 12.2011

Creative Director

Polo
06.2007 - 12.2008

Fashion Designer

Levi Strauss & Co.
06.2004 - 06.2007

Junior Fashion Designer

Naf Naf
02.2002 - 06.2004
  • Working at Heights, 09/21
  • Emergency First Aid certification & Padi Rescue Diver course, 06/20

Niagara College

DCS / DEC from Landscaping/Horticulture

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana

Bachelor's Degree from Industrial design
Cristina Velasquez