Sonia Thomasino

Utilizing talents and vast experience to guide multiple clients through branding, advertising and public relations efforts on a consulting basis.  Carried out these campaigns in between periods of corporate employment.  Clients have included: Pilot Pen, Jacksonville Emergency Dental, Rosenblum's, LulaMae Boutique, Eleven Spa & Skin, Bloomingdale's, Royal Concrete Concepts, MIA Styling and Five Star Productions.

Played a vital role in creating North Florida's premier fashion event and served as Executive Director for two years.  Secured sponsorships to ensure event execution prior to ticket sales.  Successfully gained event notoriety through public relations, media partnerships and social media efforts.  Forged lasting relationships with community organizations to ensure the event's awareness and success.  Personally hosted six out of seven sold-out events during the week long event in 2011 and 2012.

Planned and executed interactive marketing strategies to grow the spa and beach club memberships by 50%.  Exceeded Membership sales goals for the year within the first six months of employment.  Re-branded and created all new marketing collateral for the Spa and Beach Club.  Initiated community outreach programs company wide through hosting a series of charitable events on-site.  Effectively created synergy between Spa, Cabana Club and Resort sales teams.

Initiated the public relations and marketing strategy for the launch of a two-fold beauty company, i-bella hair care and Colorbar retail/salon.  Responsible for all local, regional and nationwide publicity efforts, community partnerships and advertising campaigns.  Awarded the South Florida Business Journal’s 2004 “Rising Star” Business of the Year Award.  Managed an outside PR Firm to garner $60,000 of publicity in a six-month period.  Developed the branding and creative initiatives for both companies including websites, marketing collateral, advertisements, packaging and promotional items.  Traveled to more than 10 states in a six-month period to launch i-bella and train salons on product knowledge and sales.  Created salon account incentive awards and strategic reward programs.  Played a developmental role in the first Colorbar prototype location that was modeled into a franchise opportunity.  Spearheaded an effort to take i-bella hair care to the Sundance Film Festival for promotional exposure. 

Developed and executed all public relations efforts for regional Bloomingdale’s stores (4). This position was offered as a result of exemplary performance during a one-year internship in the Bloomingdale's South Florida regional PR office.  Objectives included in-store events, sponsorships, vendor promotions, media relations and community outreach programs.  Consistently generated $50,000 in print, broadcast and electronic media publicity in a six-month period.  Team awarded the Golden Pen Award of Excellence from IABC for “The Shopping Benefit,” that raised more than $100,000 for 70 South Florida charities.  Designed and executed more than 80 special events per fiscal year on a 15:1 ROI ratio with an $80,000 budget.  Assisted in developing store opening strategy for Bloomingdale’s new Orlando location at the Mall at Millennia.  TV trained and featured on multiple news segments highlighting Bloomingdale’s merchandise for special occasions.  Communicated Bloomingdale’s corporate initiatives to the store level.  Worked with department managers to create, plan and execute profitable events.

Attended University to finish studies while consulting part-time
Enrolled in Bachelors Degree program for Business Admin. / Fashion Marketing

Graduated Cum Laude
Received the Highest Achievement Award
Honors List, Deans List       
Outstanding Recognition as an AIFL Representative       
Awarded for Excellence for Project Work and Community Service
Acknowledged on the AIFL Alumni "Wall of Fame" in 2003