Edwina Robertson
Cape Town
Summary
A dynamic and creative entrepreneur with a proven track record of start-up businesses, excelling in strategic vision and customer focus, driving growth through creative marketing strategies and innovative industry ideas. Leveraging problem-solving skills and doing it with integrity. Successfully expanded businesses, consistently exceeding client expectations and fostered significant market penetration in multiple industries.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Personal Safari Photographer
Edwina Robertson Photography
08.2023 - Current
- Create timeless memories for high end clients who go on Safari
- Capture the whole experience for clients to ensure they can fully immerse themselves in their Safari experience
- Design beautiful bespoke Fine Art Albums for clients
- Work cohesively with lodges, organisations and Safari tourism businesses to create creative and effective content that they can use for marketing across their websites and social media channels
- Educate and teach tourism businesses how to create effective social media content
International Wedding Photographer
Edwina Robertson Photography
03.2013 - Current
- Company Overview: Worldwide
- Provided exceptional customer service throughout the entire planning process, from initial consultation to final product delivery
- Developed customised photography packages tailored to meet the unique requirements of each couple including travel costs to anywhere in the world
- Enhanced client satisfaction with attentiveness to their specific needs, personalities, location and varied family dynamics
- Delivered high-quality edited images for clients, showcasing their special day through an online gallery and tangible album
- Consistently met deadlines (often ahead of schedule) for delivering edited images to clients, maintaining a reputation for reliability and efficiency
- Established trust with clients by consistently being punctual and prepared, ensuring seamless wedding day coverage despite often being faced with challenges ranging from weather to illness
- Managed multiple weddings simultaneously, up to four per week in peak season, ensuring seamless coordination and timely execution of all tasks and managing to logistically make back to back interstate or international weddings work on very tight timelines
- Navigated various indoor and outdoor venues adeptly while capturing unique photographs under diverse lighting and often unpredictable weather conditions
- Expanded clientele base through successful networking efforts, social media presence and word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers
- Secured repeat business and referrals through consistently exceeding client expectations in both service and final product delivery
- Problem solved and predicted situations that may have left the client in an less than favourable situation prior to any issues arising therefore forecasting potential problems
- Maintained a fully booked calendar for the decade in the industry covering on average 50 weddings per year
- Booked and problem solved tight logistics including travelling to Europe for events often only for two nights, mid week between Australian commitments
- Worldwide
Social Media Agency Founder
Women Making Gravy
05.2020 - 01.2024
- Founded out of a need to offer solutions for small businesses to sell online at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions for regionally based female business owners
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends from leading agencies
- Attracted top talent for the company, fostering a collaborative, flexible and high-performance work environment
- Expanded the company's geographical reach, opening new markets and increasing profitability through word of mouth and access to services remotely
- Trained 180 female business owners in how to sell through their social media accounts over 10 days
Fashion Designer and Label Founder
Field The Label
06.2020 - 06.2023
- Launched the label within a uniquely short time frame and released five sellout collections within the first 12 months
- Sketched artistic and fresh designs for consideration
- Designed seasonal styles according to upcoming trends and popular colour palettes
- Conducted market research to identify gaps in the apparel market guiding the development of new collections accordingly
- Created unique and practical garments that weren't trend driven, securing a loyal customer base and positive media coverage
- Worked closely with production teams to ensure high-quality manufacturing and timely delivery of products
- 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
- Created detailed measurement and construction specifications for design to be executed appropriately by production teams
- Optimised garment fit by collaborating with pattern makers during product development stages; ensuring consistent sizing across all collections and peace of mind to repeat customers
- Assisted photographers in styling photoshoots showcasing new collections effectively; increasing exposure through print and digital media
- Collaborated with textile designers, patternmakers and sample makers to bring designs to life and meet target market needs
- Gathered information from suppliers regarding market trends and competitor activity
- Developed sustainable ranges using eco-friendly materials, strengthening the brand's commitment to social responsibility
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues
- Identified business development challenges and customer concerns for proactive resolution
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify consumer needs over trends
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion with minimal advertising spend
Real Estate Photography Founder
Unreal Estate Photography
06.2008 - 11.2012
- Enhanced property marketability by capturing high-quality images for real estate listings
- Implemented efficient file management systems to ensure prompt delivery of final images and easy access for clients
- Developed a consistent visual style across all projects, enhancing brand identity and recognition within the local market
- Worked with a wide array of clients, properties and circumstances ensuring the highest quality service and representation to the client at all times
- Communicated effectively around meeting the needs of clients and their expectations
- Managed a team of six contractors across the whole of South East Queensland including their rosters, retaining a high standard of work and creating a healthy workplace environment
- Represented 121 Agents across different industry sectors
Real Estate Agent
LJ Hooker Paddington
11.2006 - 06.2008
- Became the leading Sales Agent within the office within the first 12 months at the age of 21
- Managed contracts, negotiations, and all aspects of sales to finalise purchases and exceed customer expectations
- Streamlined communication between all parties involved in transactions, ensuring smooth closings and satisfied clients
- Communicated with clients to understand property needs and preferences
- Developed strong relationships with mortgage brokers, solicitors, and other professionals to streamline the home buying process for clients
- Negotiated, facilitated, and managed real estate transactions
- Advertised client properties through websites, social media, and real estate guides
- Maintained connections with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals
- Provided exceptional support during the negotiation process, advocating for clients' best interests at all times
- Conducted comprehensive market research to provide clients with accurate information on current trends and pricing strategies
- Consulted with homeowners on appropriate listing prices based on extensive comparative market analysis, resulting in faster sales and satisfied clients
- Marketed and sold property for clients by hosting open houses and advertising online and in print
- Assisted first-time homebuyers in navigating the complex real estate process, guiding them from pre-approval to closing
- Wrote listings detailing and professionally highlighting property features to increase sales chances
- Reviewed market research data and changed sales plans accordingly
- Strengthened professional reputation through consistently positive client reviews and referrals from satisfied customers
- Developed and implemented strategic marketing plans to increase potential for selling properties and generate more leads
- Leveraged market knowledge and analysis to provide guidance and advice on best options for clients
- Generated leads for sales and rental properties through cold calls and referrals and focused on relationships with rurally based investors
Personal Trainer
La Vita Training
05.2004 - 09.2006
- Educated clients on proper exercise techniques, reducing risk of injury during workouts
- Motivated clients to stay on track with fitness goals and diet advice with a positive and friendly approach
- Trained clients during strength training, cardio vascular exercise, and stretching
- Assisted clients with personal fitness goals through realistic objectives
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business
University of Southern Queensland
Toowoomba, Australia11.2012
BBA - Photography
KVB Institute of Technology
North Sydney, Australia09-2008
Advanced Diploma - Fashion Design
KVB Institute of Technology
North Sydney, NSW07.2005
Websites
Additional Information
I have an extensive background and in depth experience in creating campaigns that support or advocate for rural Australia. Supporting these communities is a passion of mine., In 2015 indirectly via my wedding photography I had an image go viral which coincidentally raised $40,000 to support 'Tie Up The Black Dog', a small rural charity providing support for rural communities with a focus on mental health. You can read more about the image by searching 'edwina robertson viral dusty wedding photograph'. Media from all around the world including CNN, BBC and the New York Times covered this story and raised awareness around the drought in Western Queensland at the time. At the time I learnt to manage the PR received for this image and prioritise tv, radio and newspaper interviews in a very short time frame., In 2017 I achieved a somewhat difficult feat by driving around Australia, solo, for 100 days without taking any money. I bartered my photography skills for food, fuel and accommodation. I blogged about my experience with aim of highlighting the challenges and differences of those who live remotely in Australia. This journey called 'Wander of the West' was featured on 60 Minutes Australia. The story is called 'Wanderlust' and can be found on YouTube., In 2018 I saw a need to bring more awareness to mainstream media and metropolitan audiences about the fact 95% of rural Australia was in drought. The Government was doing very little and anything that was being covered in the media included statistics only. I set out on behalf of Drought Angels and Rural Aid to tell stories of everyday Australians sharing their personal struggles and highlighting how damaging drought is to rural communities on many levels. Within two short weeks mainstream media was covering more of the drought and over the course of two months during my campaigning and advocating millions of dollars was raised for charities directly supporting effected communities. You can search 'one bucket edwina robertson' for more articles about this particular campaign.
Professional Referral
Lauren Holland, shop@joliboutique.com.au, +61 419 188 766
Personal Referral
Eric Muizebelt, ericmuizebelt@hotmail.com, +267 71 481 581
Standout Accomplishments
- Featured on 60 Minutes, CNN, BBC, Today Show, Sunrise, 7.30 Report and The Project.
- Founded six businesses and built social media audiences of above 180 000 followers organically across multiple platforms.
- Key Note Speaker at Europe's largest International Wedding Photographer Conference.
Timeline
Personal Safari Photographer
Edwina Robertson Photography
08.2023 - Current
Fashion Designer and Label Founder
Field The Label
06.2020 - 06.2023
Social Media Agency Founder
Women Making Gravy
05.2020 - 01.2024
International Wedding Photographer
Edwina Robertson Photography
03.2013 - Current
Real Estate Photography Founder
Unreal Estate Photography
06.2008 - 11.2012
Real Estate Agent
LJ Hooker Paddington
11.2006 - 06.2008
Personal Trainer
La Vita Training
05.2004 - 09.2006
Advanced Diploma - Fashion Design
KVB Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Arts - Business
University of Southern Queensland
BBA - Photography
KVB Institute of Technology
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