Sara O'Sullivan
Multidisciplinary Creative Professional & Visual Merchandiser
Dublin, IE.About
A highly versatile and accomplished multidisciplinary creative professional with over two decades of experience spanning acting, dance, circus performance, modelling, and visual merchandising. Proven ability to captivate audiences, execute complex creative projects, and enhance brand aesthetics, consistently delivering high-impact results in diverse artistic and commercial environments. Adept at leveraging a unique blend of performance expertise and visual acumen to drive engagement and achieve strategic objectives.
Work
Various Retail & Design Companies
|Sales and Visual Merchandising Professional
Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
→
Summary
Managed sales operations and executed compelling visual merchandising strategies across diverse retail environments, enhancing customer experience and driving product visibility.
Highlights
Managed sales operations for House Of Astrology (2003-2004) and contributed to customer engagement at Connected Ink (2010-2014).
Oversaw sales and visual displays at The Ink Factory (2014-2015) and supported sales efforts at Wild Soul (2015-2016).
Assisted with sales and visual presentations for H & G Decorating (2019-Present) and The Home Moment (2022-Present).
Engaged in sales activities at Oki Doki in Prato, Italy (2023), gaining international retail experience.
Planned to contribute to sales and merchandising strategies at Dunnes Stores (2025), focusing on enhancing retail aesthetics and customer appeal.
Various Productions & Companies
|Dance and Circus Performer
Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
→
Summary
Showcased extensive talents in dance, aerial arts, and circus performance across national and international stages, captivating diverse audiences and enhancing live productions.
Highlights
Performed with the prestigious Irish National Ballet (2001-2003) and collaborated with Squidling Brothers (2013).
Featured performer with Jerry Fish & The Electric Sideshow (2017-Present) and at Electric Picnic, one of Ireland's largest festivals (2018-2025).
Provided immersive performances for "The Nightmare Realm" across multiple years (2018-2024) and at Bon Bon Rooms (2017-Present).
Toured with The Nilz Music Album (2019) and performed at The Peacock Parlor across multiple seasons (2017-2019).
Produced and hosted "Bluenird Presents" at Púca Fest (2025), demonstrating leadership and event management capabilities.
Freelance Model
|Freelance Model
Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
→
Summary
Successfully operated as a freelance model, securing international publications and collaborating with renowned designers and photographers to achieve high-impact visual campaigns.
Highlights
Achieved international publication in prominent magazines including Stellar, Womens Way, Bizarre Magazine, and Gcn.
Featured on fashion segments for national television programs such as Ireland AM and Expose, significantly enhancing brand visibility.
Regularly models for leading art and design institutions (NCAD/IADT) and private fine art classes, supporting creative projects.
Walked for multiple esteemed Irish designers, including Claire Garvey and Griffith College Graduates, showcasing diverse runway capabilities.
Posed for renowned photographers such as Hazel Coonagh, Babs Daly, and Alex Hutchingson, contributing to high-quality artistic portfolios.
Various Productions & Companies
|Actor
Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
→
Summary
Performed diverse roles across film, television, and stage productions, contributing to acclaimed projects and captivating audiences with compelling portrayals.
Highlights
Acted in the long-running television series "Fair City" (2002) and featured in the acclaimed film "Reign of Fire" (2002).
Appeared in the biographical crime film "Veronica Guerin" (2003) and the short film "Darkness in Dublin" (2010).
Engaged audiences annually in "The Nightmare Realm" across multiple years (2018-2022), demonstrating sustained performance capability.
Contributed to the production "Let The Wrong One In" (2021) and performed in multiple music videos (2016-Present).
Collaborated with Sherpa Events for various performances (2023), showcasing adaptability in different production contexts.
Volunteer
Drumcondra NS
|Volunteer
→
Summary
Assisted with educational activities and student support at Drumcondra National School, fostering a positive learning environment.
Highlights
Provided direct support to students in a primary school setting, contributing to their academic and social development.
Collaborated with teaching staff to facilitate classroom activities and manage student engagement.
St Declans Specialist School
|Volunteer
→
Summary
Supported students with special educational needs at St Declans Specialist School, promoting an inclusive and supportive learning atmosphere.
Highlights
Worked directly with students requiring specialized support, enhancing their educational experience and daily activities.
Assisted in implementing tailored learning strategies and providing compassionate care for students with diverse needs.
Education
TU Dublin
→
B.A.
Visual Merchandising
Courses
Advanced Visual Merchandising skills
Practical workshop skills for retail display
Retail/Advertisement strategies and execution
In-depth Retail/Advertisement Industry knowledge
Comprehensive Research and analysis skills for market trends
Cathal Brugha FET
→
Certificate/Diploma
Fashion Styling & Visual Merchandising
Courses
Applied Fashion Styling techniques
Photoshoot organisation and coordination
Prop making and set design
Fashion Industry knowledge and trends
Research skills for styling projects
Effective Visual Displays creation
Artistic & drawing skills for concept development
Colaiste Ide College for Further Education
→
Certificate/Diploma
Fashion
Courses
Advanced Sewing Skills
Fashion Industry knowledge and practices
Effective Communication strategies
Photography & photo-manipulation techniques
Artistic & drawing skills for fashion design
Class Representative duties and leadership
Connected Ink
→
Apprenticeship
Piercing Apprenticeship
Courses
Free-hand Body Modification techniques
Advanced Biocontamination practices and safety protocols
The Institute Of Education
→
Secondary Education
Leaving Certificate
Betty Ann Norton School of Acting. Guildhall London School of Drama
→
Drama Training (Grade 7)
Acting
Grade: Grade 7
Courses
Mime techniques and performance
Elocution and vocal training
Acting methodologies and scene study
Drama Teaching principles and practices
Dominican College, Griffith Ave
→
Transition Year
Secondary Education
Courses
Transition Year Program
Skills
Performance Arts
Dance, Acting, Mime, Elocution, Gymnastics, Aerial Skills, Circus Skills, Stage Management, Event Management, Performance Direction.
Creative & Design
Hand Sewing, Machine Sewing, Pattern Drafting, Fashion Styling, Photoshoot Organisation, Prop Making, Visual Displays, Artistic & Drawing, Photography, Photo-manipulation, Set & Event Dressing, Creative Direction.
Specialized Techniques
Body Modification (Piercing), Biocontamination Techniques, Piercing Apprenticeship.
Safety & Compliance
First Aid Certified, Tusla Child Safety Certified, Garda Vetted, Safety Protocols.
Interpersonal & Support
Communication, Class Representation, Autism Support, ADD/ADHD Support, Stakeholder Engagement, Team Collaboration.
Retail & Merchandising
Sales Management, Visual Merchandising, Retail Operations, Customer Service, Product Placement, Store Layout.