Sofia Van Durme
Elgin
Summary
Versatile professional with expertise in equine care, audience engagement, and customer service. Proven ability to enhance guest experiences and drive sales through tailored interactions and effective communication. Skilled in teamwork and crowd management in fast-paced settings.
Overview
1
1
Certification
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Scare Actor
Hell's Gate Haunted House
Lockport
10.2024 - Current
- Developed unique characters through character building and method acting, contributing to memorable guest interactions
- Engaged audiences through improv, elevating guest experience and immersion
- Managed crowd control and handled rowdy customers, ensuring safety and enjoyment during peak hours
- Maintained crowd control and ensured safety by managing large groups during peak hours
- Earned recognition from Universal Studios in 2025 for exceptional performance during events
- Performed for the Chicago Blackhawk Hockey team, showcasing adaptability to high-profile audiences
Marketplace Associate
Coco Loco Jewelry
Kenosha
06.2023 - Current
- Almost tripled gauge jewelry sales within one year by leveraging product knowledge and personalized recommendations
- Specialized in gauge jewelry, guided customers in sizing and selecting styles to enhance their shopping experience
- Delivered exceptional customer service, fostering strong one-on-one relationships with customers and coworkers
- Oversaw inventory processes, maintaining accurate stock levels and product presentation to support daily operations
Nutrition Services
Flex Protein Bar
West Dundee
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Utilized extensive knowledge of nutrition to support customers in choosing ingredients aligned with their health goals
- Provided personalized customer service by guiding clients in selecting products that meet their individual health needs
- Maintained food safety and quality standards through meticulous adherence to food handling procedures
Sales Associate
Hot Rags
Schaumburg
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Delivered exceptional customer service to assist shoppers and enhance their shopping experience
- Operated cash register to process customer transactions accurately and promptly
- Coordinated shipment activities to ensure stock availability and timely restocking
Education
Online course - Fashion Merchandising
Savannah College of Art And Design
Savannah07-2028
Associate of Arts - Fine Arts
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05-2028
High school diploma - Elgin, IL
Elgin High School
Elgin, IL05-2024
Skills
- Character development
- Equine care & Handling
- Improvisational performance
- Theatrical performance
- Costume design
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration
- Issue resolution
- Interpersonal communication
- Social listening
- Organizational abilities
- Transaction processing
- Stock organization
- Problem-solving
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Product modeling
Certification
- Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop
- May 2026, Does not expire
- 4 years of experience and extremely proficient in Adobe products like After Effects and Photoshop. Understands visual and graphic design techniques and brainstorming using Adobe Photoshop and other Adobe products. Mastery of basic design in Adobe Photoshop.
- Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens (AHA)
- March 2026 to March 2027
- Bloodborne pathogen training for body/tattoo arti
Additional information
7+ years of equestrian training and education within the United States Pony Club and United States Eventing Association. Competed and trained in Equestrian eventing from 2016-2024 with the Wayne DuPage Hunt Pony Club and the United States Equestrian Association. Competed and placed first in the 2018 United States Pony Club International Championships.
Accomplishments
- United States Pony Club International Championships 2018 - Junior Division 1st place winner
- C1 Rating USPC Horse management, D3 USPC Riding Technique
Timeline
Nutrition Services
Flex Protein Bar
06.2025 - 08.2025
Scare Actor
Hell's Gate Haunted House
10.2024 - Current
Sales Associate
Hot Rags
09.2023 - 06.2024
Marketplace Associate
Coco Loco Jewelry
06.2023 - Current
Online course - Fashion Merchandising
Savannah College of Art And Design
Associate of Arts - Fine Arts
Northern Illinois University
High school diploma - Elgin, IL
Elgin High School