“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, the insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” -Cynthia Occelli
This is my favorite quote of all time. Mostly because I identify with the seed. Change is not only a fact of life, it’s necessary for personal growth, professional growth, mental and spiritual growth and the list goes on… but it’s not always pretty. After three moves to three different states, a major career change that I never anticipated and all of the other curve balls life tends to throw, I’ve learned to embrace and cherish flexibility. When my fiance told me we were moving to Miami from Nashville (after only a year and a half) I thought, “Let’s do it!”. My reaction was not nearly that positive when he said we were leaving New Orleans. This time, there would be no goodbyes, no grand send off, no crying or sleepless nights and when we drove the moving truck carrying our entire life southbound… there would be no tears. Just like before I was leaving a job and friends I loved with no career lined up but this time I knew it would be OK because, well, I had been in that position before. Things have a way of working out as long as you keep moving, keep changing, keep growing… just like that little seed.
By now you might be wondering what that anecdote has to do with the title of this post? The answer is simply to provide context. From the moment I started with Nordstrom in Nashville as the CHANEL Beauty Business Manager I knew I wanted my next step to be ‘Beauty Stylist’. I loved working for CHANEL Beauty and not just because of the products but the brand message. Anyone who has ever worked on the “inside” knows that the CHANEL corporate culture is centered around female empowerment and making women feel beautiful in their skin. That being said, I dreamed of having the freedom to explore other brands and learn about other products… and that opportunity finally presented itself not long after we moved to Coral Gables.
It took a few months and countless interviews but eventually I was hired as the new Beauty Stylist at Nordstrom Merrick Park, a great location and very close to our new home. I still think it’s pretty amazing that I ended up doing exactly what I wanted to do. Nordstrom Beauty Stylists are trained year round on all brands in the department and that education gives substance to your recommendations. The stylists are expected to be beauty experts so we are constantly testing techniques, experimenting with new products, working directly with brands to discover best practices and reading research. We are encouraged to pursue various certifications (I’m currently enrolled in a fragrance course) and sell across all lines. Not only have I grown significantly as a makeup artist, I’ve discovered so many new favorite products that I cannot wait to share with you. Another aspect I love is that I can take on clients from anywhere in the United States. In the YouTube video I created below, I explain how you can make an appointment with me and even shop with me using your smart phone.
TO SHOP via TEXT:
1. Create a username and password on www.Nordstrom.com and attach your correct shipping and payment information.
2. TEXT (305) 547-9658 with your name and basic introduction.
3. I will invite you to TextStyle and you need to accept the invitation and confirm. Be patient if I don’t respond instantly, I will send the invite ASAP!
4. Let’s shop! Everything from beauty, accessories, clothes etc. Anything you need from Nordstrom.
5. Follow instructions to checkout once I text you your shopping bag.
6. Receive your items along with gifts from me 🙂
No matter what situation you find yourself in whether you’re looking for the next big opportunity or you’ve been in the same career for years, it’s important to keep growing. If you put what you really want out into the universe and you practice your passion, the returns will be limitless.
XOXO Erin
Twitter: @LeErinNicole
Instagram: @ErinNicoleBeauty
Facebook: Erin Nicole


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