GURBANI KAUR

Brands: Madam G & MASKAA


Madam G


Madam G is an inventive Indian restaurant that has become a premier destination for Kolkata's haute-cuisine patrons. I have been instrumental in establishing this progressive dining space, which specializes in contemporary cuisine with a foundation in traditional Indian flavors. Our meticulously crafted menu is a rich tapestry of regional tastes, featuring an array of flavors, recipes, and ingredients sourced from across the country. Inspired by tapas-style dining, Madam G presents heritage recipes in a modern, minimalistic way, ushering in a new era for the Progressive Indian dining movement.

MASKAA


MASKAA is a modern Indian luxury mithai and chocolate brand, founded in the City of Joy! As the Sales & Marketing Executive of the company, I have driven our mission to specialize in premium gifting, addressing all indulgent and guilt-free cravings. We aimed to create a brand that is both traditional and classic, yet fun and new for every family member. Our highly personalized customer experience, both online and offline, ensures each order receives a personal touch and exceeds expectations.

Achievements:

• Won Times Food & Nightlife Award for Best Coastal Dining in East India.
• Established and managed daily operations, ensuring smooth workflow, staff coordination, and customer satisfaction at Madam G.
• Spearheaded development of innovative menus with chefs and bar team, maintaining quality service standards.
• Implemented effective marketing strategies, enhancing brand awareness and customer engagement.
• Cultivated relationships with high-net-worth individuals, boosting brand visibility and engagement.

Skills Utilized:

• Leadership & Staff Management: Oversaw staff scheduling, training, performance management, and customer service standards.
• Customer Relations: Handled customer complaints and ensured exceptional guest relations.
• Marketing & Brand Development: Developed and executed marketing strategies, analyzed market trends, and created compelling promotional materials.
• Vendor & Partner Collaboration: Negotiated contracts, liaised with vendors, and secured new business opportunities through presentations and networking.
• Social Media & Digital Marketing: Managed sales promotions and marketing strategies on major social media platforms, increasing brand awareness and engagement.

Key Contributions:

• Worked closely with design team to finalize marketing collateral aligned with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.
• Coordinated feedback and revisions to meet project deadlines, ensuring all marketing materials were on point.
• Developed strong client relationships, enhancing customer loyalty and driving repeat business.
• Collaborated with external agencies to implement effective branding and marketing initiatives.

https://www.instagram.com/madamg.calcutta/

www.maskaamithai.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3nShIhrrBN/?img_index=1

The Stockroom is a new-age multi brand store in Kolkata, featuring unique, edgy, and statement pieces. The highly curated store provides young and upcoming designers with a platform to showcase their work and get discovered. I have been instrumental in adding to a space that caters to the ever-changing fashion environment by stocking affordable and cutting-edge clothing.

Achievements:

• Provided a platform for new generation homegrown Indian designers like Mati, Studio Meko, etc. to showcase their work, fostering creativity and innovation in the fashion industry.
• Successfully executed trade show exhibits, including a notable exhibit at Dhoom Dhaam Weddings New Delhi 2023, generating valuable leads and brand awareness.

Skills Utilized:

• Retail Merchandising & Visual Excellence: Efficiently performed retail merchandising, stocking, down stocking, and pricing. Achieved consistent visual excellence by adhering to the company’s merchandising standards in all displays.
• Merchandise Planning & Analysis: Utilized analytical skills to review monthly reorder needs, define product ranges and quantities, and develop strategies to optimize product placement. Incorporated insights from current forecasts and consumer behavior to make informed decisions to promote current and upcoming seasons.
• Inventory Management: Worked closely with suppliers pan-India, and the product development team to ensure sufficient quantities of permanent products. Maintained optimal inventory levels to meet customer demand and minimize stockouts.
• E-Commerce Optimization: Implemented e-commerce strategies like QR barcoding/ and online inventory system to tally and enhance online merchandising and drive sales. Collaborated with the online marketing team to effectively showcase products on the company’s website and Instagram.
• Retail Coordination: Coordinated with retail partners in Delhi and Bombay to ensure successful placement and promotion of products. Developed merchandising strategies through digital marketing to maximize visibility and appeal to target customers.
• Fashion Styling: Applied knowledge of current fashion trends and styling techniques for our online marketing campaigns to ensure products were presented in an appealing and on-brand manner.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Cultivated strong relationships with suppliers pan-India to ensure timely delivery of products and maintain favorable terms. Negotiated pricing and terms to optimize profitability while maintaining quality standards.

Key Contributions:

• Collaborated with retail POCs to develop merchandising strategies that aligned with sales goals and brand guidelines.
• Trained new team members on company procedures and best practices, promoting a consistent brand experience for customers.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing knowledgeable assistance and personalized recommendations.
• Assisted in the planning and execution of promotional events, driving store traffic and revenue growth.
• Worked closely with managers, suppliers, and buyers to stock retail locations, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers.
• Increased sales by 7% than the previous season by implementing effective merchandising and online marketing strategies, introducing new designers, and creating visually appealing displays.

Brands: SAZ - American Brasserie & Pings Cafe Orient, Kolkata

Skills Utilized:

• Social Media Marketing: Leveraged social media platforms to promote events and engage with audiences effectively.
• Interpersonal Skills: Built strong relationships with team members, collaborators, and event attendees to foster positive interactions and experiences.
• Consumer Services: Prioritized customer satisfaction and addressed needs promptly and effectively during events.
• Event Management: Orchestrated various aspects of event planning and execution, ensuring smooth operations and memorable experiences.
• Organization Skills: Demonstrated effective organization and coordination skills to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities during events.
• Communication: Communicated clearly and efficiently with team members, collaborators, and event attendees to ensure effective coordination and execution.

Key Contributions:

• Strategic Menu Revamp: Led initiatives to revamp restaurant menus, meticulously aligning offerings with brand objectives and customer preferences, resulting in increased patronage and positive feedback.
• Under Pressure Performance: Thrived in a high-pressure operational restaurant environment, effectively managing tasks and assignments on short notice, guaranteeing seamless event delivery and exceeding client expectations.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Employed intuitive and spontaneous thinking to address unforeseen challenges during events, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining a high standard of quality.
• Collaborative Execution: Fostered partnerships with external artists and collaborators, integrating their talents seamlessly into event executions, elevating the overall quality and uniqueness of experiences.
• Event Management: Orchestrated setup and operations for events at SAZ ensuring flawless execution and customer satisfaction.
• Atmospheric Enhancement: Crafted immersive and seamless event environments, fostering a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, contributing to memorable guest experiences.

High-Pressure F&B Environment Expertise:

• F&B Operations Management: Coordinate and oversee various aspects of restaurant and catering operations, optimizing workflows and ensuring seamless service delivery under intense time constraints.
• Tasting and Menu Development: Expertise in refining menus with chefs to align with customer preferences, exceeding guest expectations.
• Guest Service Management: Proficiency in maintaining exceptional customer satisfaction levels, adept at managing expectations, resolving issues promptly, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
• Operations in High-Pressure Environments: Skilled in thriving under demanding conditions, whether managing a bustling restaurant floor or coordinating intricate catering setups for large-scale events.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Excel in working seamlessly with diverse teams and stakeholders, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.
• Interpersonal Communication: Strong interpersonal communication skills, adept at building rapport, conveying information effectively, and resolving conflicts diplomatically.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Implement CRM strategies to engage customers, build loyalty, and drive repeat business, enhancing profitability and reputation.

Primary Responsibilities:

Customer Support & Service: Thrived in a high-pressure environment by directly handling customer support inquiries and complaints amidst the dynamic nature of the Indian market. Ensured prompt resolution of issues and maintained exceptional customer satisfaction levels despite the challenges.

Administrative Tasks: Successfully managed a myriad of administrative tasks crucial for startup survival in India's competitive landscape. From swiftly logging inventory onto the website to meticulously fine-tuning online details, I played a pivotal role in keeping pace with the demanding requirements of the market.

Key Contributions:

• Navigated the complexities of the Indian startup module, demonstrating agility and adaptability in addressing customer needs and operational challenges.
• Resolved a myriad of customer inquiries and complaints in a fast-paced environment, showcasing strong problem-solving skills and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Streamlined administrative processes amidst the demanding Indian market conditions, optimizing inventory management and bolstering the company's online presence.
• Collaborated seamlessly with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with the unique requirements of the Indian startup ecosystem, driving the company towards growth and success.
• Implemented innovative strategies and best practices tailored to the Indian market, contributing to the company's resilience and competitive edge in the industry.

Key Skills Demonstrated:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational abilities and multitasking capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment.