Candice Valentine
West Point
Summary
Professional multi-unit leader with comprehensive experience in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Proven track record of fostering team collaboration, customer growth and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Skilled in navigating complex challenges, optimizing processes, and cultivating positive workplace cultures. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and strong decision-making abilities.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager + District Experience Lead
Ulta Beauty
02.2021 - Current
- Promoted to Highest Volume store in the district.
- Promoted to District Event Lead that supported the entire district through efficient event preparation and planning to successful event execution and top results in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The role recently enhanced to District Experience Lead with broader responsibilities of driving top K.P.I.s through all aspects of our business.
- Exhibited strong leadership skills in managing a diverse team.
- Used innovative problem-solving to overcome operational challenges.
- Contributed to a 15% increase in annual revenue and holds top GAP % in the district for increased traffic to sales.
- Led Ulta Beauty as GM, boosting sales by 20% & supported the district market to enhance customer satisfaction and growth in key performance indicators.
- Analyzed customer feedback to develop strategies that improved service quality.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement and optimizing teams that resulted in enhancing team cohesion and professional development to lead in higher staff retention and promotions. Holds lowest employee turnover in the district.
- Leads the Ulta Beauty Rewards program to exceeding goals and growth in our customer base.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and strong guest service environment that fosters a shared commitment to achieving daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly goals.
- Forges strategic partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions to create employment opportunities for graduates.
- Champions philanthropic initiatives by supporting BCRF and Big Brothers Big Sisters charity campaigns, raising funds and increasing community awareness through strategic engagement and team participation.
General Manager + Support Market Trainer
Ulta Beauty
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Exhibited strong leadership skills in managing a diverse team.
- Demonstrated analytical skills in assessing market trends.
- Used innovative problem-solving to overcome operational challenges.
- Contributed to a 15% increase in annual revenue.
- Led Ulta Beauty as GM, boosting sales by 20% & supported the district market to enhance customer satisfaction and growth in key performance indicators.
- Analyzed customer feedback to develop strategies that improved service quality.
- Implemented performance metrics, enhancing team productivity by 25%.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement and optimizing teams that resulted in enhancing team cohesion and professional development to lead in higher staff retention and promotions.
- Led a loyalty program that increased repeat customer rate by 30%.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and strong guest service environment that fostered a shared commitment to achieving quarterly goals.
General Manager, New Store
Ulta Beauty
09.2018 - 01.2019
- Promoted to General Manager and opened a new store location in Chester, VA.
- Exhibited strong leadership skills in attracting and hiring a top talent and diverse team.
- Used innovative problem-solving to overcome operational challenges that are present during a new store opening process.
- Drove effective and efficient hiring and operational excellence that resulted in a successful store Soft and Grand Opening, exceeding all customer satisfaction and Key Performance Indicator goals.
Retail Sales Manager
Ulta Beauty
07.2017 - 09.2018
- A passionate, results driven leader through Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision and values to develop a high performing team. Maintained a drive for results, a passion for the beauty industry, exceptional guest service, and desire to learn and teach extensive product knowledge to educate my team and our Ulta Beauty guests.
- Inclusive leader fostering a diverse workplace that values unique talents, backgrounds and passions.
- Elevated store performance by leading a team to exceed sales goals through innovative strategies and fostering a results-driven culture.
- Mentored staff, enhancing product knowledge and guest service excellence.
- Ensured high-quality guest service by maintaining in-depth knowledge of products and industry standards.
- Supported individual development plans for career growth.
Co-Manager
Talbots
10.2016 - 07.2017
- Steered Talbots’ high-performance team with visionary leadership.
- Cultivated an exceptional brand experience.
- Exhibited ambitious leadership, resolving conflicts and boosting guest satisfaction.
- Championed the Talbots Credit Captain role.
- Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty program growth through strategic leadership.
- Elevated team skills and cohesion by implementing a comprehensive training program.
- Fostered community engagement and brand presence through successful event planning.
- Led promotional events including Talbots Trunk Shows, private guest shopping events and charity events which contributed to growing community engagement by 30%.
- Optimized operational processes and accurate inventory management.
- Networked with local businesses, boosting brand visibility and community ties.
Clinique Accredited Counter Manager
Macy's
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Partnered with store and Clinique management for Consultant recruitment, selection, retention, new hire orientation and the organization and achievement of daily goals.
- Collaborated with the Account Coordinator and Account Executive to effectively coach and develop Consultant skill levels.
- Reimagined customer service approach, enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty.
- Ensured inventory accuracy and optimal stock levels.
- Introduced digital consultation tool, increasing engagement and personalized service.
- Fostered a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Boosted sales by 20% through innovative customer engagement strategies and events.
- Maintained results to be recognized in Top 50 Consultants based on sales performance nationwide.
Clinique Accredited Consultant
Macy's
03.2003 - 03.2008
- Consistently created a positive experience at the Clinique counter by representing the highest standards in the industry.
- Boosted Clinique counter sales through expert advice, achieving daily sales goals and metrics.
- Implamented unique client consultation techniques and strategic initiatives to achieving sales performance goals and customer growth, elevating the Clinique brand experience.
- Fueled by passion, I enhanced the Clinique brand, inspiring clients to exceed their beauty aspirations.
- Cultivated relationships with local schools and community organizations to introduce employment opportunities and offer a community give back program.
- Continued on my personal development to promote to Clinique Counter Manager.
Education
Associates - Business Administration, Business Management
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Williamsburg, VA03.2018
Skills
- Business Management
- Employee Development
- Human Resources
- Strategic Planning
- Team Building
- Scheduling
- Payroll Management
- Merchandising
- Events Coordination
- Networking
- Hiring Recruiting
- Customer Satisfaction
- Strategic Problem Solving
Certification
- June 2018 Managing Within the Law
- July 2025 General Manager Development Series
Timeline
General Manager + District Experience Lead
Ulta Beauty
02.2021 - Current
General Manager + Support Market Trainer
Ulta Beauty
01.2019 - 01.2021
General Manager, New Store
Ulta Beauty
09.2018 - 01.2019
Retail Sales Manager
Ulta Beauty
07.2017 - 09.2018
Co-Manager
Talbots
10.2016 - 07.2017
Clinique Accredited Counter Manager
Macy's
01.2009 - 01.2012
Clinique Accredited Consultant
Macy's
03.2003 - 03.2008
Associates - Business Administration, Business Management
Virginia Peninsula Community College