Nicole Torres
Pittsburgh
Summary
With over two decades of experience in the beauty and retail industries, including a pivotal role as a Freelance Makeup Artist in the Film Industry, as well as a role within management at Ulta Beauty, I excel in team management and makeup artistry. My achievements include being apart of the management team that significantly enhanced guest satisfaction and developing merchandising strategies that boosted sales/metrics. Skilled in conflict resolution, I lead by example to meet and surpass company goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2006
2006
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Member
Women In Film & Media: Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
06.2025 - Current
- Women in Film and Media (WIFM) is dedicated to improving the status and portrayal of women in film, video and other screen based media.
- Providing my skillset in makeup artistry and photography.
Crew Member
Pittsburgh Film Office
Pittsburgh
04.2025 - Current
- Showcasing my creativity as a makeup artist for film productions.
Studio Mechanic
IATSE Local 789
Pittsburgh
04.2025 - Current
- A current member of the Permit List for the IATSE Local 789.
- Providing my skillset of makeup artistry for productions, independent and large feature films.
- Showcasing my cinematography for productions.
Associate
love, Pittsburgh/love,
Pittsburgh
05.2023 - Current
- Assisted customers in selecting products to meet their needs and also opening conversation to build a bigger sale, all guided with authenticity.
- Maintained product and store displays to ensure an appealing shopping experience.
- Created window displays and lead table displays based on collection and season.
- Processed transactions, exchanges and returns accurately using point-of-sale system/Shopify.
- Created corporate gift boxes for clients with a curated selection of products meeting their event/gifting needs.
- Manually managed all inventory amongst 4 storefronts. Proficient in Shopify’s e-commerce productions.
- Multitasking between receiving product and working on inventory from companies and local artisans, while managing a fully operational storefront.
- Housekeeping to ensure the businesses are shoppable, cleaned impeccably and organized in an enticing way to showcase every product beautifully.
- Constant movement on sales floor to fill any gaps of product previously purchased, folding clothing, fine tuning all products so they continue to tell a product story and checking in with customers and creating personal dialogue with them to carry on a meaningful connection.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints with professionalism and care.
- Participated in training new associates on store procedures, inventory, transfers, safety guidelines and policies.
- Worked with sales team to achieve completion of tasks and daily sales goals.
- Built impeccable relationships with companies and customers, which created a beautiful bond and helped personalize their gifting and personal needs.
- Took the extra step with on-site gift wrapping. While the company provides corporate gifting boxes, I had multiple customers come in needing a presentation outside of a gift box. Always going the extra mile or two to help achieve those desires.
Makeup Artist
07.2003 - Current
- Applied makeup to clients for special occasions, including weddings and proms, using a variety of techniques such as contouring, highlighting, shading, blending and airbrushing.
- Created custom looks based on client requests and preferences while also providing advice on which colors and styles would be most flattering.
- Worked with clients with different skin types, textures, tones.
- Provided makeup application services for special events and photoshoots.
- Taught makeup applications to clients and suggested skincare routines.
- Managed time effectively in order to complete multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising quality of work.
- Offered detailed advice on makeup application and techniques.
- Kept updated knowledge of industry trends and new product lines to explain product details to customers.
- Demonstrated exceptional customer service by providing personalized attention to each client.
- Developed an understanding of different skin types in order to select the best products for individual needs.
- Created brand awareness by sharing and demonstrating product knowledge.
- Maintained cleanliness standards within the work area at all times.
- Familiar with a range of cosmetic brands and products, recommending suitable options for clients' desired look.
- Experienced in applying false eyelashes with precision.
- Continuously updated knowledge base by researching new products, tools and techniques available in the market.
- Performed light administrative duties such as scheduling appointments or maintaining records.
- Worked closely with photographers during photoshoots to ensure that models' makeup was camera-ready at all times.
- Worked closely with special effects artists within the film industry and was able to learn incredible tricks of the trade, as well being an understudy to them. Assisting on location shoots, photoshoots, film productions and film premieres.
Photographer and Editor
Self Employed Services
Pittsburgh
05.2003 - Current
- Captured high-quality images for various events and personal projects.
- Edited and retouched photographs using industry-standard software tools.
- Proficient in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Corel and Canva.
- Consulted with clients to brainstorm creative ideas.
- Working with Canon and Fuji bases.
- Sigma, Tamron and Fuji lenses.
- Photographed special events, parties, and portraits.
- Live photography granted for bands: Rob Zombie, In This Moment, Bullet for My Valentine, Marilyn Manson.
- Personal photographer for local Pittsburgh Nightlife Performer.
- Set up lights, backdrops, and props for shoots and events.
- Deliver quality photography and edits within deadlines established by clientele.
Keyholder/Manager
Ulta Beauty
Upper St. Clair
03.2023 - 09.2025
- Maintained accurate records of sales data and employee performance metrics.
- Obtaining the necessary skills and knowledge required for success.
- Created and implemented my own keyholder training for new hires, emphasizing the importance of guest satisfaction and brand loyalty.
- Developed and maintained effective guest service standards, providing guidance to staff members on how to exceed expectations.
- Organized product displays throughout the store in an attractive manner that would entice customers.
- Assisted in developing visual merchandising strategies that increased overall sales volume. Planograms, tables, etageres are always immaculately maintained.
- Helped vendors achieve an hourly goal in their sales, pushing their product as well as navigating guests to their brands.
- Resolved customer issues in a timely manner while adhering to company policies and procedures.
- Monitored cash handling processes to prevent discrepancies or loss of funds.
- Executed opening, closing and register functions to meet business requirements. Which included: counting the tils, swapping out large bills for small bills to keep with register protocol, depositing large sums of bills nightly.
- Conducted regular audits of store supplies and merchandise to identify areas where improvements could be made.
- Met company standards with regards to merchandising, visual presentation, and housekeeping.
- Supported store manager in achievement of store goals.
- Led by example on sales floor, achieving individual sales goals.
- Offered product suggestions that complemented guest selections.
- Developed and implemented security protocols to protect store assets.
- Assigned associates to specific duties.
- Authorized payments and merchandise returns.
- Inventoried stock and reordered when inventory dropped to specified threshold.
Brand Associate
Total Skull
Hancock Park
03.2005 - 05.2012
- Organized promotional events such as trade shows, conferences and exhibitions to promote the brand.
- Maintained an up-to-date database of potential clients and contacts from relevant industries and sectors.
- Researched industry trends, competitors' activities and new products and services in the market.
- Kept the clothing brand website and social media up to date with new, enticing designs, photos and color correction.
- Managed online reputation by responding promptly to customer queries and complaints via different channels.
- Utilized data analytics tools to measure effectiveness of campaigns, promotions and other activities related to brand building.
- Implemented social media campaigns across various platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram to enhance visibility of the brand.
- Wrote detailed reports on findings from market research projects.
Education
Vineland High
Vineland, NJSkills
- Conflict resolution
- Team management
- Organizational skills
- Performance evaluation
- Makeup Artist
- Photographer
Publications
- Outlaw Biker Magazine
- Jersey Style Films
- Dimension Films
- Total Skull Clothing
Timeline
Member
Women In Film & Media: Pittsburgh
06.2025 - Current
Crew Member
Pittsburgh Film Office
04.2025 - Current
Studio Mechanic
IATSE Local 789
04.2025 - Current
Associate
love, Pittsburgh/love,
05.2023 - Current
Keyholder/Manager
Ulta Beauty
03.2023 - 09.2025
Brand Associate
Total Skull
03.2005 - 05.2012
Makeup Artist
07.2003 - Current
Photographer and Editor
Self Employed Services
05.2003 - Current
Vineland High