I am a detail-oriented designer, photographer, and entrepreneur who loves turning ideas into tangible solutions for clients. Through ByCary and The Workshop at Timber Ridge, I create gifts, marketing collateral, and art, while also shooting fine art photography and designing for non-profits. I value collaboration, organized planning, and clear communication, and I enjoy helping clients and teams bring their creative visions to life. I am fluent in English and Italian, with working knowledge of Spanish and German. I love teaching, mentoring, and sharing skills with students and peers, and I thrive in multifaceted roles that combine art, design, and community impact.…

Cary A. Oliva

I am a detail-oriented designer, photographer, and entrepreneur who loves turning ideas into tangible solutions for clients. Through ByCary and The Workshop at Timber Ridge, I create gifts, marketing collateral, and art, while also shooting fine art photography and designing for non-profits. I value collaboration, organized planning, and clear communication, and I enjoy helping clients and teams bring their creative visions to life. I am fluent in English and Italian, with working knowledge of Spanish and German. I love teaching, mentoring, and sharing skills with students and peers, and I thrive in multifaceted roles that combine art, design, and community impact.…

Available to hire

I am a detail-oriented designer, photographer, and entrepreneur who loves turning ideas into tangible solutions for clients. Through ByCary and The Workshop at Timber Ridge, I create gifts, marketing collateral, and art, while also shooting fine art photography and designing for non-profits. I value collaboration, organized planning, and clear communication, and I enjoy helping clients and teams bring their creative visions to life.

I am fluent in English and Italian, with working knowledge of Spanish and German. I love teaching, mentoring, and sharing skills with students and peers, and I thrive in multifaceted roles that combine art, design, and community impact.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Italian
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner
German
Beginner

Work Experience

Designer/Entrepreneur/Artist/Marketer at ByCary / Rooms by Cary / The Workshop at Timber Ridge
May 1, 2003 - Present
Small business creating gifts, marketing collateral, and design solutions for diverse clients; produces marble coasters, trivets, magnets with vintage and custom images; card design; fine art photography using Polaroid and analog processes; space decorating/organizing; graphic design for non-profits and other clients including social media, email marketing, and website design; children's book photography and marketing; co-owner of The Workshop at Timber Ridge art space.
Communications Coordinator at Piedmont Housing Alliance
January 1, 2016 - August 1, 2018
Plan, implement, and measure a year-round external communications schedule to increase visibility and resources; produce marketing materials and content for media placement; coordinate donor communications and donor database management; manage donor communications, mailings, events, and internal communications; vendor relations for visibility campaigns.
Development Coordinator at Building Goodness Foundation
January 1, 2014 - December 1, 2015
Manage volunteers, donor database, fundraising events, and donor outreach; plan local grassroots fundraising and awareness events; create and maintain fundraising marketing materials.
Account Manager at Red Star Merchandise
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2014
Oversee full order process for client accounts; coordinate specifications, quotes, sourcing, pricing, POs, production, and delivery; manage production schedules and vendor relationships; prepare estimates and ensure quality and on-time delivery; conduct account reviews to meet sales targets; maintain client data for sourcing and decision-making; create or amend artwork using Photoshop/Illustrator.
Engagement and Marketing Associate - Office of Engagement at University of Virginia
August 1, 2007 - January 1, 2011
Provide administrative support to program managers; plan and create marketing pieces (brochures, posters, websites, ads); coordinate events, manage database/listservs, and perform cross-Grounds marketing duties; develop and execute graphic pieces for events and programs.
Office Manager at Charlottesville Waldorf School
July 1, 2006 - August 1, 2007
Open and manage the central office; greet parents and visitors; coordinate tours; admin duties, newsletters, enrollment and development reporting; database management and equipment procurement; supported teachers and staff.
Learning Lab Coordinator at Computers4Kids
February 1, 2006 - July 1, 2006
Supervised mentoring lab sessions; coordinated weekly meetings; taught TECH Yes curriculum; managed student recruitment and enrollment; supported 5–20 kids per session.
Marketing Assistant at Virginia Economic Development Review
March 1, 2005 - October 1, 2005
Managed prospect and subscriber databases; created and sent weekly e-blasts; handled subscription software and customer service; wrote copy for the website and produced mail merges.

Education

Entrepreneur Training Workshop at Community Investment Collaborative
January 11, 2030 - May 13, 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies with a minor in Fine Art at Dickinson College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 1994
Immersion Program at University of Connecticut – Florence Immersion Program
September 1, 1992 - July 1, 1993
Rotary International Exchange Program at Istituto Magistrale Cristina Roccati, Rovigo, Italy
August 1, 1988 - July 1, 1989

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet

Skills

Experience Level