MELANIE RUANE
Port Hueneme
Summary
Customer-focused professional with over 20 years in client service and relationship management, transitioning into residential property management. Expertise in high-volume communication, CRM documentation, and appointment coordination, ensuring consistent follow-through. Demonstrated success in closing ratios through responsive follow-up and relationship-driven service. Strong interest in homes and space planning, supported by real estate education and experience with residential and commercial clients.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
ART CONSULTANT / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / OPERATIONS
ARTOPIA CURATION
Ventura County
03.2025 - Current
- Served as the primary point of contact for residential and commercial clients throughout the full project lifecycle.
- Managed client communication, scheduling, consultations, and delivery coordination.
- Created design consultation presentations using client-provided photos and inspiration visuals via Canva.
- Handled payments and confidential client information with discretion and accuracy.
- Consulted on space planning, placement, and presentation within residential environments.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
DESIGN WITHIN REACH
Oxnard
05.2019 - 10.2024
- Ranked #1 company-wide in delivered sales for FY 2022-2023, generating $3.3M in sales.
- Served as the primary in-person and virtual point of contact throughout the full client lifecycle.
- Maintained detailed CRM records, written correspondence, and follow-up timelines to ensure accuracy and service.
- Guided clients through complex, high-value decisions with clarity, professionalism, and design expertise.
- Assisted management with reputation management and client issue resolution to protect brand standards.
- Created content and managed social media initiatives that were adopted company-wide to support marketing and engagement.
- Collaborated closely with internal teams to support daily operations and customer satisfaction.
DESIGN CONSULTANT
PATIOS PLUS
Rancho Mirage
11.2018 - 03.2019
- Consulted with clients on custom outdoor furnishings for residential and commercial properties.
- Managed orders from placement through delivery and installation.
- Maintained consistent client communication to support smooth project completion.
- Met daily and annual sales goals while supporting showroom standards.
- Supported visual merchandising and upkeep of overall store visuals and design sample materials.
DESIGN CONSULTANT
HD BUTTERCUP
Culver City
12.2014 - 05.2018
- Partnered with clients to develop space plans and furnished layouts across residential, commercial, and studio rental needs.
- Consistently exceeded sales goals through a strong eye for design, relationship-focused service, and attentive follow-through from initial consultation through close.
- Maintained detailed CRM notes, client records, and follow-up documentation to support long-term client relationships and repeat business.
- Supported showroom presentation standards and collaborated directly with manufacturer representatives to ensure accurate product knowledge, merchandising alignment, and polished floor displays.
DESIGN CONSULTANT
THE SOFA COMPANY
Pasadena
03.2014 - 10.2014
- Guided clients through the full custom furniture process including consultation on style, lifestyle, fabric options, and configuration for the space.
- Oversaw sale from start to finish and handled customer service issues with grace and empathy.
- Managed orders, documentation, and client communication.
- Selected for a competitive sales training track alongside one other candidate, with advancement determined by performance.
- Developed deep product knowledge across upholstery, configurations, fabrics, and lead times to support high-value purchases.
SALES/DESIGN MANAGER
ARTOPIA
Glendale
09.2000 - 01.2014
- Consulted with residential and commercial clients on art and framing solutions.
- Served as a consistent client-facing representative for long-term relationships.
- Trained new employees and supported daily operations.
- Coordinated 20-30 annual events, including setup, breakdown, logistics, and scheduling.
- Worked directly with owners of business on researching California and Arizona for events.
- Managed event calendar, mapped and confirmed delivery dates with customers, and helped create and motivate staff of current business growth initiatives.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
GOLD HAWK CLOTHING
Beverly Hills
07.2000 - 02.2002
- Supported daily store operations and POS training and cash handling.
- Key holder responsibilities including opening and closing procedures, and bank drops.
- Managed inventory, and helped oversee visual merchandising with store management and staff.
- Scheduling support for store when needed and keeping up with overall maintenance of our building.
- Oversaw store presentation and worked with owners to make their vision come to life.
- Trained staff and coached team on performance to meet our customer experience standards.
- Met and exceeded daily sales goals.
- Assisted with buying decisions for new product.
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
INDIANA JOAN'S
Malibu
09.1998 - 05.2000
- Assisted customers with product selection and sales while accurately processing POS transactions and cash handling procedures.
- Earned key holder status within one year, supporting opening and closing responsibilities and daily store operations.
- Maintained visual merchandising and inventory through restocking and organization, contributing to a clean, inviting retail environment.
- Supported overall customer experience and store presentation, including assisting with seasonal and event window displays and visual installations.
Education
High School Diploma -
01.2000
Real Estate Education - Completed Coursework
Santa Monica College - Completed Coursework
Santa Monica College
Skills
- Front-Facing Client & Guest Experience
- Client management
- Visual merchandising
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Social media marketing
- Tour & Space Presentation
- Furniture Staging
- Design-Led Sales & Conversion Support
- POS Systems
- Bank Deposits
- Photography
- Content Creation
- Canva Marketing Materials
- CRM Documentation
- Operational Support
- Business & Digital Tools
- Responsive follow-up style
- Phone and email etiquette
- Lead conversion
Timeline
ART CONSULTANT / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / OPERATIONS
ARTOPIA CURATION
03.2025 - Current
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
DESIGN WITHIN REACH
05.2019 - 10.2024
DESIGN CONSULTANT
PATIOS PLUS
11.2018 - 03.2019
DESIGN CONSULTANT
HD BUTTERCUP
12.2014 - 05.2018
DESIGN CONSULTANT
THE SOFA COMPANY
03.2014 - 10.2014
SALES/DESIGN MANAGER
ARTOPIA
09.2000 - 01.2014
ASSISTANT MANAGER
GOLD HAWK CLOTHING
07.2000 - 02.2002
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
INDIANA JOAN'S
09.1998 - 05.2000
High School Diploma -
Real Estate Education - Completed Coursework
Santa Monica College - Completed Coursework
Santa Monica College