Rachel Blackstone
6701 Rialto Blvd Austin ,TX
Summary
I have been in the retail beauty industry for 26 years. I have held roles in all aspects including makeup artist, skincare expert and management.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Beauty Assistant Manager
Nordstrom
Austin, TX
07.2025 - Current
- Assisted in managing daily operations to ensure optimal customer service and sales performance.
- Collaborated with team members to implement visual merchandising strategies that enhanced store presentation.
- Trained and mentored new staff on product knowledge, customer engagement, and operational procedures.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and recommend improvements for inventory management processes.
- Coordinated promotional events that increased foot traffic and elevated brand visibility within the community.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and retail standards through regular audits and staff training initiatives.
- Developed strong relationships with customers, addressing inquiries and resolving issues to enhance satisfaction levels.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
La Prairie Counter Manager
Nordstrom
Austin, TX
09.2023 - 07.2025
- Led team in achieving sales goals through effective product knowledge and customer engagement.
- Trained and mentored new staff on operational procedures and customer service excellence.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies to enhance product presentation and drive sales.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop promotional campaigns that increased foot traffic.
Beauty Department Manager
Dillard’s
Austin, TX
10.2018 - 09.2023
- Led daily operations within beauty department, ensuring optimal product presentation and customer engagement.
- Developed training programs for staff, enhancing product knowledge and sales techniques across team.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, adjusting inventory strategies to maximize profitability.
- Collaborated with vendors to enhance product offerings, improving customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
- Oversaw visual merchandising initiatives, elevating aesthetic appeal of displays to attract foot traffic.
Makeup Artist/Key Holder
MAC Cosmetics
Austin, TX
01.2015 - 10.2018
- Provided personalized makeup consultations to enhance customer experience and satisfaction.
- Demonstrated proficiency in product application techniques for diverse skin types and tones.
- Trained new staff on makeup application methods and customer engagement strategies.
- Collaborated with team members to develop seasonal makeup looks aligned with brand campaigns.
Makeup Artist/Key Holder
Bare Minerals
Austin, TX
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Delivered personalized makeup consultations, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Executed high-quality makeup applications for various events, ensuring flawless results under pressure.
- Trained junior artists on MAC product usage and application techniques to elevate team performance.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop promotional campaigns, showcasing seasonal collections effectively.
Guerlain Counter Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
Austin, TX
07.2009 - 01.2013
- Led counter operations, ensuring exceptional customer service and driving sales performance.
- Trained and mentored staff on product knowledge and sales techniques for enhanced customer engagement.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies to elevate brand presentation and attract customers.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, optimize inventory levels, and improve stock management.
YSL Beauty Counter Manager
Nordstrom
Austin, TX
07.2007 - 07.2009
- Managed daily operations of cosmetics and fragrance department, ensuring high standards of customer service.
- Trained and mentored team members on product knowledge and sales techniques to enhance performance.
- Developed promotional strategies to increase customer engagement and drive sales for seasonal events.
Prestige Beauty Manager
Ulta Beauty Inc.
Austin, TX
05.2003 - 07.2007
- Led team to achieve sales goals through strategic merchandising and product placement.
- Developed training programs to enhance staff product knowledge and customer service skills.
- Implemented inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and reduce shrinkage.
- Analyzed market trends to inform product assortment and promotional strategies.
Lancôme Beauty Advisor
Foley's Department Store
Austin, TX
05.2000 - 07.2003
- Provided personalized beauty consultations to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate skincare and cosmetic products based on individual needs.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of beauty trends, product launches, and promotions to inform clientele.
- Trained new team members on product knowledge and customer engagement techniques to ensure service excellence.
Skills
Exceptional customer experience
Educating through product service
Building and cultivating long lasting relationships
Excellent range of product knowledge and application
Timeline
Beauty Assistant Manager
Nordstrom
07.2025 - Current
La Prairie Counter Manager
Nordstrom
09.2023 - 07.2025
Beauty Department Manager
Dillard’s
10.2018 - 09.2023
Makeup Artist/Key Holder
MAC Cosmetics
01.2015 - 10.2018
Makeup Artist/Key Holder
Bare Minerals
01.2013 - 01.2015
Guerlain Counter Manager
Saks Fifth Avenue
07.2009 - 01.2013
YSL Beauty Counter Manager
Nordstrom
07.2007 - 07.2009
Prestige Beauty Manager
Ulta Beauty Inc.
05.2003 - 07.2007
Lancôme Beauty Advisor
Foley's Department Store
05.2000 - 07.2003