“Explore my professional background, key achievements, and cross-industry leadership experience.”
Summary
I’m a multi-hyphenate executive, creative strategist, and brand architect with over 25 years of experience spanning luxury retail, digital branding, editorial publishing, nonprofit leadership, financial services consulting, and high-value remote sales.
As the Co-Founder of Hoofbeats Are My Melody and the creative force behind KISMET Magazine, I fuse storytelling, emotional branding, and operational precision to shape brands that whisper luxury, roar with meaning, and leave a lasting impact.
My portfolio spans from building interactive editorial platforms and designing e-commerce ecosystems, to closing six-figure jewelry sales solely through intuition, trust, and visual intelligence — without clients ever seeing designs in person.
Sales and Marketing Director, Lead Brand Strategist & UX Advisor - Outsource Financial Services 2024-Present
*Lead Brand Strategist, UX Advisor & Client Relations Manager
*Architected Outsource Financial Services' brand modernization across all digital platforms, client communications, and educational marketing collateral.
*Designed interactive brochures, website UX flows, and client journeys tailored to elevate brand trust and streamline B2B client engagement.
*Created and implemented the foundational structure for the company's Client Experience Program, improving retention and client satisfaction.
*Act as Client Relations Manager, liaising between high-value clients, internal operations, and the legal department.
*Prepare detailed contract summaries and legal case breakdowns for attorneys, reducing unnecessary billing hours and expediting judgment filings on delinquent accounts.
*Developed brand messaging strategies that translated complex financial concepts into intuitive, accessible language for business owners and prospective clients.
*Provided executive-level consulting on sales process improvement, customer experience, and digital content strategy.
Creative Strategist & Editorial Mentor -KISMET Magazine 2022- Present
* Created and scaled an interactive digital editorial platform fusing sustainable fashion, equestrian life, and artistic culture.
* Mentored editorial, photography, and styling teams; developed e-commerce strategy; wrote and edited feature articles.
* First digital magazine to embed direct advertiser, article, and Instagram links on every page.
Treasurer - Hoofbeats Are My Melody 501(c)(3) 2023 - Present
* Co-founded nonprofit dedicated to therapeutic equestrian and arts programs in Moorpark, CA.
* Helped raise $40,000.
* Serve on board of directors overseeing fundraising, community engagement, and operational growth.
Creative Director, Stylist, Copywriter - Michael Barin Jewelry 2010-2024
* Led high-impact jewelry campaigns from visual storytelling and copywriting to full production and operations.
* Personally closed every high-value collector sale remotely, using intuition, photos, and phone calls without in-person previews.
*Developed gemstone narratives, model styling, and luxury-level client experience for elite collectors.
Founder & CEO of Carmel Jewelry Group LLC, Luxury Jewelry Company 2011-2024
As the founder and CEO of a high-end jewelry brand, I led all aspects of the business with a deep commitment to craftsmanship, customer experience, and operational excellence.
Key responsibilities and accomplishments:
*Oversaw full operations across retail and wholesale divisions, including two locations in Southern and Northern California
*Directed sales strategy, account management, and client engagement—serving both VIP retail clients and 35+ authorized wholesale accounts
*Managed accounting, vendor relations, and inventory, ensuring financial transparency and sustainable growth
*Led marketing, branding, and advertising efforts across digital and print, crafting a compelling luxury narrative
*Oversaw production quality control to maintain excellence and consistency, based on client specifications and design standards
*Served as Creative Director, offering bespoke design services and translating client visions into exclusive fine jewelry pieces
*Developed award-winning visual merchandising and window displays—earning a nomination for Best Retail Luxury Store in Carmel, CA during the first year of operation
*Doubled revenue in the flagship Carmel location within the first year post-purchase
*This venture combined my love of design with strategic leadership, allowing me to create a brand that resonated with both private collectors and luxury retailers alike
Website Architect & Copywriter - Kismetmasters.com, OutsourcefinancialServices.com
* Sole creator of all visual, written, and structural elements of 2 current dynamic web properties.
* Developed wireframes, SEO-driven copy, shop flows, user-friendly navigation, and product storytelling strategies.
* Oversaw every design asset including banners, menus, gallery displays, and campaign integration.
Finance, Real Estate & Consulting Expertise - 2004 -Present
With extensive experience across the financial landscape, I bring a comprehensive understanding of how money moves—from luxury transactions to everyday logistics.
My background includes:
*Home Mortgages & Property Management
*Luxury Vehicle Financing (including dealership processes and client engagement)
*Invoice Factoring & Business Cash Flow Solutions
*Tax Consulting with an emphasis on strategy and client education
*Home Renovation Oversight for investment properties and personal estates
In addition to my financial and real estate experience, I am also a Certified Facilitator and Trainer for luxury and automotive dealerships, where I’ve trained teams in client communication, product presentation, and high-touch sales techniques.
Whether advising individuals, training teams, or managing assets, I combine deep industry knowledge with a personal approach to help clients and companies navigate complex systems with clarity and confidence.
Skills
* Brand Voice + Identity Creation
* Executive Leadership + Training
* Art Direction + Styling and Orginal Productions
* Remote Client Sales & Relationship Building
* Editorial Writing + Ghostwriting
* Nonprofit Operations + Fundraising
* UX + Web Content Architecture
* Luxury Product Merchandising
* Digital Marketing + SEO Strategy
Professional Highlights
25+ years in luxury goods, operations, branding, UHNW client services, and executive support
Creative Director, CEO, Financial Consultant, Trainer — I have led from every seat
Digital-first thinker — I have run e-commerce, websites, social, photography, and strategy
Worked with iconic brands like Rolex, Hearts on Fire, and David Yurman
Award-winning entrepreneur (doubled revenue, retail accolades, client wins)
Leadership experience across jewelry, finance, real estate, wellness, and lifestyle brands
I have done all of this remotely since 2016 — high-value with low overhead
Photography: Amy Barnard, Model Reanna Barin, Creative Director: Sonjia Romero, Makeup: Jessica Michelle, Jewelry: Michael Barin
Leather Handbag designed and produce by Sonjia Romero, Artwork provided by MADELINE DE ST.PIERRE BUNBURY 
"Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth" Campaign – Michael Barin
This vibrant and playful ad was designed for both digital and print distribution across all authorized retail accounts of master jeweler Michael Barin. Inspired by the vivid colors and indulgent allure of candy, the campaign showcases bold, gem-encrusted rings set against a whimsical backdrop of glossy lollipops. The tagline, “Satisfy your sweet tooth...,” teases the luxurious temptation of fine jewelry with a fun, flirtatious twist.
The concept and creative direction for this campaign were developed by Sonjia Romero, merging high-fashion elegance with pop-art energy to highlight the irresistible charm of Barin’s signature gemstone pieces.
Print Advertising & Creative Direction
With hands-on experience collaborating with leading agencies, I oversee print ad campaigns from initial concept through final execution. From storyboarding and art direction to production coordination and brand alignment, I bring a cohesive vision to life across editorial and commercial projects. Notably, I led the creative direction for a print ad campaign featured during the American Music Awards, in partnership with Michael Barin Jewelry — guiding the process from inspiration to publication. My work bridges luxury aesthetics with strategic messaging, ensuring every visual speaks powerfully to its audience.