I’m an illustrator and painter specialising in watercolour and charcoal, creating warm, textured, expressive artwork. I also have strong experience in Canva, designing cohesive visual assets, layouts, and branded materials. I enjoy character art, portraits, custom commissions, and projects that need a unique artistic voice.

Nikole Simons

PRO

I’m an illustrator and painter specialising in watercolour and charcoal, creating warm, textured, expressive artwork. I also have strong experience in Canva, designing cohesive visual assets, layouts, and branded materials. I enjoy character art, portraits, custom commissions, and projects that need a unique artistic voice.

Available to hire

I’m an illustrator and painter specialising in watercolour and charcoal, creating warm, textured, expressive artwork. I also have strong experience in Canva, designing cohesive visual assets, layouts, and branded materials. I enjoy character art, portraits, custom commissions, and projects that need a unique artistic voice.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Talent Acquisition Specialist (Retail & Reception Manager) at Wildlife Habitat
July 1, 2022 - Present
Manage an international volunteer program onboarding 150–200+ participants annually across 4–8 week placements; develop SOPs and training resources; deliver orientations and safety briefings; serve as 24/7 emergency contact; recruit and train a front office team; manage rosters, performance tracking, and problem-solving; ensure product knowledge; mentored staff to become Excellence Award finalists.
E-Commerce Operations Manager / Assistant Store Manager / Customer Service Manager / Customer Service Representative at Walmart Canada
March 1, 2020 - April 1, 2022
Managed hiring centre for new store launches with 30+ interviews daily; oversaw hiring and onboarding; responsible for day-to-day operations at department/store level including shift procedures, scheduling, security and WHS; cash control and accounts oversight for e-commerce operations >$5M annually; direct reports up to 50 and oversight of 300 staff; reported KPI progress at weekly area meetings; exceeded personal KPIs and led team to increase e-commerce profitability; organized team-building and staff engagement activities.
Regional HR & Training Manager at Vietnam Backpacker Hostels
January 1, 2019 - February 1, 2020
Managed full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and training for front-of-house teams across nine locations; supervised a diverse team of 50 employees; standardized SOPs for orientation, training, and performance management; guidance on workplace relations, evaluations, and disciplinary processes; oversaw cash control and financial reporting; led social media and digital marketing efforts; maintained stakeholder relationships while streamlining administrative systems.
Global HR, Training & Development Manager at Slumber Party Hostels
July 1, 2018 - January 1, 2019
In charge of HR, training and development across regions; hiring processes for up to 40 staff; developed staff training programs and regional SOPs; managed guest services and operations; cash control and financial reporting for remote properties; supported HR-related communications and staffing initiatives.
HR and Training Coordinator at Mad Monkey Hostels
October 1, 2017 - July 1, 2018
Handled hiring, induction, and disciplinary actions for foreign staff; developed SOPs and trained all staff; led customer experience events; managed staff records and mentored Customer Experience Representatives; delivered tours and curated guest experiences.
Teaching Consultant at iTutorGroup
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Provided teaching consultation and support; contributed to program delivery and student outcomes. Teaching English as a second language (ESL).
English Exam Proctor at Duolingo
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
Proctored English language exams, ensuring exam integrity and standardized testing conditions.
Assistant Manager at Pioneer House
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2017
Assisted in daily operations and staff supervision.
Supervisor at Craig Street Brew Pub
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2017
Supervised daily operations and staff oversight.
Server at Original Joes
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016
Delivered guest service in a fast-paced restaurant setting.
Talent Acquisition Specialist at Wildlife Habitat
July 1, 2022 - Present
Managed an international volunteer program onboarding 150–200+ participants annually across 4–8 week placements; developed SOPs and training resources; delivered orientations and safety briefings; served as 24/7 emergency contact for volunteers; created Wildlife Warriors trading card game to educate youth on native species and conservation; designed internal communications and digital assets in Canva; recruited and trained a high-performing front office team; mentored staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences; managed rosters and performance tracking; ensured comprehensive product knowledge; hired and mentored staff who became Excellence Award finalists.
Retail and Reception Manager at Wildlife Habitat
July 1, 2022 - Present
Led guest experiences and front-of-house operations; mentored staff; established and enforced service standards with upselling techniques; managed staff rosters, performance tracking, and operational problem-solving to optimize efficiency; ensured product knowledge across admissions, memberships, park attractions, and merchandise; supported urgent operational challenges and brand consistency.
E-Commerce Operations Manager at Walmart Canada
March 1, 2020 - April 1, 2022
Managed hiring centre for new store launches, averaging 30+ interviews daily; oversaw onboarding and documentation; handled day-to-day operations at store/department level including shift procedures, scheduling, security and WHS; cash control and accounts oversight for e-commerce operations exceeding $5 million annually; direct management of up to 50 staff and oversight of 300 across the business; reported KPI progress at weekly area meetings; consistently exceeded personal KPIs and led teams to increase e-commerce profitability; organized team-building and staff engagement activities.
Assistant Store Manager at Walmart Canada
March 1, 2020 - April 1, 2022
Oversaw day-to-day operations at departmental and store levels including shift procedures, scheduling, security and workplace health and safety; actively involved in hiring, onboarding, and staff development; led customer service initiatives and operational improvements.
Co General Manager – Social Media and Marketing Manager at Vietnam Backpacker Hostels
January 1, 2019 - February 1, 2020
Led social media and digital marketing efforts across platforms; supported stakeholder relationships; streamlined administrative systems, online inquiries, and client feedback; guided Google Ads/SEO strategy to boost engagement and sales.
Supervisor at Craig Street Pub
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Front-of-house supervision, staff coordination, and guest service oversight.
Office Manager, Coach at Club Aviva Gymnastics
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
Managed office operations and coached routines, supporting administrative tasks and program delivery for gymnastics teams.
Server at Brew Street Craft and Kitchen
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Guest service and front-of-house support in a busy craft kitchen environment.
Coach at Vancouver Allstars
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Coaching responsibilities for athletic teams, focusing on performance and safety.
Farmhand & Packaging at Wedderspoon Organics
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2015
Hands-on involvement in farming-related tasks and packaging operations.
Maintenance at Catalyst Pulp & Paper
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Maintenance responsibilities supporting plant operations.
Co Founder, Head Coach at Cowichan Valley Allstars
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Co-founder and head coach for a local athletic program, leading training and development.
Judge at Gymnastics BC
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
Judging responsibilities for local gymnastics competitions.
Coach at Duncan Dynamics Gymnastics Club
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
Coaching responsibilities across gymnastic programs.
Hostess, Busser at Good Company Steakhouse
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2011
Front-of-house support roles including hosting and bussing.
Coach at Cowichan Junior Field Hockey
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2010
Coaching roles supporting youth sports programs.
Coach at Cowichan Valley Soccer Association
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2010
Coaching roles supporting youth soccer programs.
Dog Walker, Foster at BC SPCA
September 1, 2012 - April 1, 2016
Dog walking, fostering and community support activities; contributed to animal welfare initiatives.
Cat and Dog Socialization & Rescue at United Hope for Animals
May 1, 2011 - February 1, 2013
Volunteer role focusing on socialization and rescue efforts for cats and dogs; supported adoption initiatives.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (Criminology, Psychology minor) at Vancouver Island University
January 1, 2017 - April 1, 2017
Bachelor of Arts (Criminology, Psychology minor) at Simon Fraser University
September 1, 2012 - April 1, 2015
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (minor Psychology) at Vancouver Island University
January 1, 2017 - April 1, 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (minor Psychology) at Simon Fraser University
September 1, 2012 - April 1, 2015
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (Minor in Psychology) at Simon Fraser University
September 1, 2012 - April 1, 2015
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (Minor in Psychology) at Vancouver Island University
January 1, 2017 - April 1, 2017
Bachelor of Arts (Criminology, Psychology minor) at Vancouver Island University
January 1, 2017 - April 1, 2017
Bachelor of Arts (Criminology, Psychology minor) at Simon Fraser University
September 1, 2012 - April 1, 2015
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (minor Psychology) at Vancouver Island University
January 1, 2017 - April 1, 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (minor Psychology) at Simon Fraser University
September 1, 2012 - April 1, 2015

Qualifications

First Aid & CPR
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Food Safe Certificate
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Unrestricted Driver’s License – Queensland (QLD)
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Responsible Service of Alcohol
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
TEFL Certification
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
First Aid & CPR
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Food Safe Certificate
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Unrestricted Driver’s License – Queensland
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Responsible Service of Alcohol
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
TEFL Certification
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Certified Walkie Stacker, Bravi Sprint
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Credentialed Coaching
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
First Aid & CPR
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Food Safe Certificate
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Unrestricted Driver’s Licence
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Responsible Service of Alcohol
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
TEFL Certification
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Certified Walkie Stacker, Bravi Sprint
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Coaching Credentialed
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
First Aid & CPR
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Food Safe Certificate
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Unrestricted Driver’s
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
QLD Responsible Service of Alcohol
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
TEFL Certification
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Certified Walkie Stacker
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Coaching Credentialed
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Forklift & Power Jack Operator
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
First Aid & CPR
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Food Safe Certificate
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Responsible Service of Alcohol – QLD
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
TEFL Certification
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026
Unrestricted Driver’s License
January 11, 2030 - February 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Travel & Hospitality, Retail, Education, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment