Corné Olwage
Fredericksburg
Summary
I’m a hardworking, compassionate professional who takes pride in doing my best—whether I’m caring for kids, capturing special moments through photography, or helping a business run smoothly. I’m creative, reliable, and always willing to learn. With a strong work ethic and a people-first mindset, I do my best to bring value wherever I’m needed. I might not know everything, but I’m always ready to learn and grow while giving it my all.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Photographer
Self Employed Services
Fredericksburg
01.2020 - Current
- Managed social media platforms, posting engaging content to increase visibility and client engagement.
- Review proofs with clients to determine which images should be printed or published.
- Cropped, manipulated, and performed color balance for final images.
- Negotiated contracts and fees with clients, ensuring clear communication of deliverables.
- Utilized filters, edits and after-effects to enhance photos.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of exhibit displays for galleries and public spaces.
- Photographed special events, parties, and portraits.
- Consult with clients to understand their needs and preferences for a photo shoot.
- Deliver quality products within deadlines established by clientele.
- Set up, mounted or installed photographic equipment and cameras.
- Conducted on-location photography sessions, adapting to various environments and lighting conditions.
- Uploaded digital images for editing, archiving and electronic transmission.
- Performed maintenance tasks to keep equipment working properly.
- Tested equipment prior to use, verifying good working order.
- Advise on appropriate poses, props, and backgrounds for each shot taken.
- Compose creative shots from different angles that are visually appealing.
- Created artificial light using flashes and reflectors.
- Created and maintained an online portfolio to showcase photography work and attract new clients.
- Edited and retouched photos using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance image quality.
- Engaged in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.
- Ensure safety of people involved in photo sessions by following all applicable laws and regulations.
- Edit photos using Adobe Photoshop and other software applications.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of photography trends, techniques, and equipment.
- Organized and archived digital photographs efficiently for easy access and retrieval.
- Collaborated with clients to plan shoots and boost satisfaction with photos.
- Explained price and package details to customers.
- Assist in planning setup of shoots including location scouting.
Private Child Caregiver
EurAupair Au Pair Program
Alexandria
03.2023 - 03.2025
- Provided discipline when necessary while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
- Developed positive relationships with the children to build trust and confidence.
- Organized daily activities, including meals, playtime, educational activities and rest periods.
- Monitored use of technology devices; ensured appropriate usage based on parental instructions.
- Researched new ideas for engaging activities suitable for different age groups of children.
- Took children to and from school and extra-curricular activities.
- Met and communicated regularly with parents to discuss children's activities and development.
- Organized creative and fun activities, enhancing children's physical, emotional and social well-being.
- Taught reading, arts and crafts and lap play to encourage intellectual development.
- Provided safe and nurturing care for children in a private home setting.
- Maintained records of meals served, medications administered and other pertinent information related to child care.
- Encouraged healthy eating habits by preparing nutritious meals according to dietary guidelines.
- Tutored children in multiple school subjects to boost educational performance.
- Assisted with homework assignments and monitored progress of school work.
- Created structured schedules that balanced learning, recreational activities, individual time and family time.
- Changed diapers regularly and performed basic hygiene duties such as feeding, bathing and dressing the children.
- Removed hazards and developed appropriate boundaries and rules to create safe environment for children.
- Traveled with family to help with vacation activities and childcare.
- Ensured safety at all times by monitoring the environment for potential hazards or risks.
- Instructed and assisted children in eating, toileting, and resting to help develop healthy personal habits.
- Read books aloud to children to help develop language skills and foster a love of reading.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Managed household errands and other essential duties.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
Business Manager
Brainstorm aftercare
Virginia
11.2021 - 03.2023
- Implemented successful business strategies to increase clientele and target new markets.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
- Spearheaded innovation projects to develop new products or services and enter new markets.
- Developed marketing plans for new products or services offered by the company.
- Addressed customer questions and concerns regarding services.
- Improved tools to enable better tracking and business analysis.
- Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
- Interacted with customers with utmost professionalism to solve various problems.
- Defined accountabilities and established performance objectives and metrics to execute strategy.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
- Drove high performance by developing team members.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to generate reports on customer satisfaction levels.
- Implemented safety protocols throughout the workplace to protect employees from harm.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Managed a team of staff members, providing guidance and direction to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Collaborated and built trust within organization and with customers, meeting or exceeding expectations.
- Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
- Conducted research on current industry trends to identify potential areas for improvement in business operations.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
Owner of Aftercare
Brainstorm aftercare
Virginia
02.2019 - 02.2023
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
- Delegated tasks to each member of staff and oversaw task completion, offering assistance to promote success.
- Maintained positive relationships with parents and guardians by providing regular updates about their child's progress and activities in the program.
- Facilitated conflict resolution between students when needed.
- Created engaging learning materials and exercises to facilitate understanding and retention.
- Worked closely with students to help develop essay writing skills.
- Designed comfortable tutoring environment conducive to learning.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, assessments and other relevant data.
- Reviewed class materials and discussed reading assignments, boosting comprehension.
- Educated students in use of various study techniques.
- Motivated students using feedback and encouragement.
- Assisted with homework assignments as needed.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Provided homework help and test preparation strategies to improve study habits and test-taking skills.
- Created a positive learning environment by setting clear expectations for behavior and performance.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of curriculum changes and educational practices to provide current and effective tutoring.
- Developed personalized tutoring strategies to improve students' academic performance in subjects such as math, science, and English.
- Conducted assessments to identify student strengths and weaknesses in various subject areas.
- Built student self-confidence by working through stages of study concepts and using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Helped students review and understand previous lessons to make connection with new lesson.
- Monitored and recorded students' progress, providing detailed reports to parents and teachers.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
Education
Launch Your Online Business
Coursera
New York, NY01-2025
Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water)First aid, AED
American Red Cross
Bath, ME11-2024
High School Diploma -
Hentie Cilliers High School
South Africa01-2023
Photography Masterclass
Udemy
Skills
- Market analysis
- Social media marketing
- Entrepreneurial strategy
- Customer service
- Project management
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Early childhood development
- Playtime coordination
- First aid and CPR certified
- Digital photography
- Image editing
- Social media management
- Client relations
- Adobe lightroom
- Team leadership
- Safety protocols
- Excellent communication
- Quality control
- Goal setting
- Business management
- Client consultation
- Water monitoring
- HeartSaver CPR AED (CPR AED)
- Emergency response
- CPR certified
Affiliations
- Photographer
- Traveling
- Hiking
- Cooking
Accomplishments
I build a business ( Brainstorm aftercare ) that is a success event till this day.
Certification
- Certificate in Launching your online business
- First Aid Certified
- Lifeguard Certified
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Afrikaans
Native/ Bilingual
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Private Child Caregiver
EurAupair Au Pair Program
03.2023 - 03.2025
Business Manager
Brainstorm aftercare
11.2021 - 03.2023
Photographer
Self Employed Services
01.2020 - Current
Owner of Aftercare
Brainstorm aftercare
02.2019 - 02.2023
Launch Your Online Business
Coursera
Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water)First aid, AED
American Red Cross
High School Diploma -
Hentie Cilliers High School
Photography Masterclass
Udemy