Jill Armstrong Millson
Cambridge,UK
Summary
Dedicated leader with strong background in beauty industry. Proactive professional with 30 plus years of experience and proven knowledge of customer-driven management, entrepreneurial leadership, and long-range planning.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work history
La Mer Skin Expert
La Mer
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
05.2025 - Current
- Educated clients on product benefits and tailored skincare regimens to individual needs.
- Conducted in-depth skin analysis to determine appropriate product recommendations.
- Developed strong client relationships to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Cleaned work areas and equipment to maintain faultless hygiene standards.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Completed duties to deliver on targets with accuracy and efficiency.
- Advised clients on skincare routines tailored to individual skin types and concerns.
- Assisted in maintaining an inviting and luxurious retail environment that enhanced customer experience.
- Provided feedback to management on customer preferences to improve product offerings and services.
- Resolved customer inquiries and concerns promptly to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Improved efficiency and productivity by acquiring new skills.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by proactively listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Delivered exceptional skincare consultations to clients, enhancing their understanding of product benefits.
Food Business Owner
Rockin it well-being
Cambridge , Cambridgeshire
01.2022 - Current
- Developed innovative beauty techniques incorporating yoga and gua sha to enhance client experiences.
- Managed daily operations ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented marketing strategies to attract new clients and retain existing ones through social media.
- Researched and sourced high-quality beauty products to maintain exceptional service offering.
- Evaluated client feedback to continuously improve service delivery and address any concerns promptly.
- Devised budget plans, ensured financial stability of business.
- Built strong client relationships, led to repeat business and referrals.
- Boosted teaching effectiveness with blend of lectures, discussions and hands-on workshops.
- Managed day-to-day operations ensuring seamless service delivery and client satisfaction.
Freelance Makeup Artist
Freelance
London
08.2006 - 09.2025
- Freelancing for magazines, fashion shows, TV and Weddings.
- Communication skills. Excellent verbal skills to communicate with clients and collaborate with other professionals.
- Attention to detail.
- Adaptability to work under pressure and adapt to different situations.
- Time management.
- Professionalism.
- 30 years experience in industry.
- Delivered high-quality make-up applications for diverse clientele during fashion events.
- Collaborated with fashion designers and photographers to create cohesive looks for photo shoots.
- Maintained an organised inventory of cosmetics and tools to ensure efficiency during appointments.
- Stayed updated on industry trends and techniques to provide innovative services to clients.
- Developed unique artistic style, leading to increased recognition.
- Participated in art community by attending exhibitions, workshops, and conferences.
- Maintained professional portfolio showcasing range of artistic skills and experience.
- Delivered personalised makeup services for diverse clientele on various occasions.
- Collaborated with photographers and stylists to create cohesive looks for photoshoots.
- Advised clients on suitable products and techniques to enhance their natural features.
- Mentored junior artists by sharing knowledge of techniques and best practices in makeup application.
- Provided makeup tutorials to clients, improving their self-application skills.
- Consulted with clients to understand and meet individual beauty needs.
- Applied make up on clients for personal, business or performance needs.
- Developed fresh and creative beauty techniques to match changing industry trends.
- Trained junior team members in beauty principles and specific techniques.
Freelance Makeup Artist Tutor
Protocol Education
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Planning and Delivering of course work either as group or one to one.
- Stayed collected and calm during difficult situations and interactions.
- Mentored aspiring makeup artists, enhancing their skills and confidence in techniques.
- Demonstrated advanced makeup application methods to diverse groups of students.
- Created engaging lesson plans incorporating latest trends and products in makeup artistry.
- Researched and implemented innovative techniques to keep curriculum relevant and effective
- Updated knowledge of latest beauty trends, helping students stay current and stylish.
- Provided makeup tutorials to students, improving their self-application skills.
- Maintained clean, tidy and sanitised workstations.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans to enhance students' understanding of makeup techniques.
- Provided constructive feedback to students to improve their practical skills and creativity.
- Collaborated with industry professionals to curate relevant and current course content.
- Tailored homework assignments according to individual student ability level, increased understanding of complex concepts.
- Developed customised lesson plans tailored to individual student needs and skill levels.
Media Make-up Lecturer
Cambridge Regional College
Cambridge
10.2001 - 03.2006
- Lecturer of Media Make-up for City and Guilds Level 2 and Level 3.
- Planning schemes of work, for City and Guilds and VTEC courses.
- Practical demonstrations and Assessments. Preparing and delivering engaging lectures.
- Updating skills professional development.
- Provide constructive feedback to students on their work and progress.
- Strong organisation skills. To manage load and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, interpersonal and presentation skills for engaging with students.
- Passionate about teaching and supporting student learning.
- Fostered a stimulating learning environment through open discussions.
- Enhanced learning outcomes with engaging lesson plans.
- Served as personal tutor for struggling students, increased pass rates.
- Designed exams, assessments and course content, including lecture material and writing assignments.
- Lectured classes using exceptional communication techniques to enhance engagement.
- Scheduled regular meetings with students to discuss short-term and long-term goals.
- Attended industry events and conferences to build partnerships and market learning programmes.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans to enhance students' understanding of media make-up techniques.
Trainee Department Manager
John Lewis & Partners
Cambridge
01.1999 - 07.2001
- Responsible for organising and running of large Fashion department.
- Team Leadership. Coaching team members, planning and organising their duties and delegating their tasks.
- Sales and profitability. Driving sales and achieving profit targets.
- Training and development.
- Business Acumen.
- Customer service. Exceptional customer service. Building strong relationships with customers.
- Got bonus for being part of the team to plan and run the AGM for the Store Director.
- Accomplished tasks with enthusiasm and skills in time management.
- Trained new staff members on departmental procedures and customer service standards.
Business Manager
Harvey Nichols
London, UK
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Led a well motivated successful team.
- Responsible for stock control/ordering.
- Promotions, staff training, assessments and interviewing.
- PR events.
- Customer service and day to day running of account.
- Worked well with team members to complete tasks.
- Accomplished tasks with enthusiasm and skills in time management.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance overall business performance and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create and execute marketing campaigns that align with brand objectives.
- Oversaw training and development programmes to enhance team skills and promote professional growth.
- Analysed market trends for informed decision making.
National Make-up Artist
Harvey Nichols
London
08.1995 - 05.1997
- Employed to work as a National Make-up Artist. Based in Harvey Nichols.
- Training consultants on new products and application techniques.
- Part of a select group representing Estée Lauder at London Fashion week, MTV and British Fashion Awards.
- Achieving retail target through make up application.
- Building business.
- Excellent customer service.
- Collaborated in team setting to handle daily assignments and challenges.
Business Manager
Harrods
Knightsbridge, City of Westminster
01.1993 - 04.1995
- Responsible for driving growth and profitability of Flagship Account.
- Leading a team to achieve sales and customer service targets.
- Retail operations. Inventory and facilities management.
- Creating and executing in store events.
- Exceptional customer service.
- Interviewing new staff members and continuing their development. Regular staff meetings.
- Promoted by Harrods to Assistant buyer due to volume of business I was running.
- Trained and mentored new workers on policies and procedures.
- Stayed collected and calm during difficult situations and interactions.
- Met high-volume demands with enthusiasm and quality service and support.
- Assisted team members with tasks and consistently meet targets.
- Carried out assignments under short notice and outside of normal hours.
- Helped clients feel welcome by conversing warmly and professionally answering questions.
- Interacted professional with guests, staff and general public.
- Assessed customer needs and suggested relevant products or services to meet needs.
Beauty Consultant Cover
John Lewis
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
08.1990 - 01.1993
- Outstanding customer service.
- Day to Day running of business.
- Stock control/ ordering.
- Sales.
- Marketing events within John Lewis.
- Make up application.
- Skin care specialist.
- Developed and conducted engaging beauty demonstrations to showcase product effectiveness.
- Provided expert product advice and personalised consultations to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients to foster loyalty and repeat business.
- Participated in promotional events to increase brand awareness and drive sales.
- Completed detailed product knowledge training boosting confidence in sales pitch.
- Advised customers on make-up application to achieve desired looks.
- Achieved targets through upselling techniques and promotions.
- Handled cash transactions accurately promoting trust among customers.
Make up artist
Freelance magazine
Kuwait City, Kuwait
04.1987 - 06.1990
- Collaborating with photographer to achieve desired aesthetic.
- Design and apply make up for magazine and advertising campaigns.
- Communicated effectively with models and clients.
- Strong understanding of make up techniques and desired outcome.
- Attention to detail.
- Client interaction.
- Punctuality.
- Marketed and promoted artwork through various media outlets.
- Collaborated with photographers and stylists to achieve desired aesthetic for magazine shoots.
- Utilised advanced makeup techniques and high-quality products to enhance model features effectively.
- Organised and maintained makeup kits ensuring all tools and products were hygienic and accessible.
Air hostess
Kuwait Airways
Kuwait City , Kuwait
02.1985 - 03.1987
- Guided passengers during onboarding and offboarding, providing specialized care for passengers with special needs.
- Collaborated with flight crew members to provide excellent customer service.
- Served food and drinks from refreshment cart and provided information about in-flight offerings.
- Enforced aircraft and passenger compliance with safety protocols, procedures, and regulations.
- Met and exceeded airline safety requirements for a safe flight experience.
- Trained in emergency evacuation procedures, CPR, and First Aid.
- Stowed and organized luggage in overhead bins for maximum storage capacity.
- Answered passenger questions and concerns, escalating issues to pilot or security team.
- Cleaned and sanitized flight cabin and bathrooms to reduce risk of spreading illness.
- Adapted to flight delays and schedule operations, updating passengers on flight status.
- Performed detailed safety briefings before departure, communicating with passengers in exit rows for emergency compliance.
- Developed strong interpersonal skills to effectively address customer needs and complaints.
- Completed flight preparations and landing procedures according to company policy.
- Answered passenger questions about flights, weather, travel routes, services, and schedules.
- Directed and assisted passengers in emergency situations.
- Monitored passenger behaviour to identify threats to safety of crew and other passengers.
- Inspected and clean cabins, checking for any problems and making sure that cabins are in order.
- Attended preflight briefings concerning weather, emergency procedures, food, and beverage service and passenger count.
- Greeted passengers boarding aircraft and directed them to assigned seats.
- Administered first aid to passengers in distress.
- Assisted passengers with boarding procedures, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Assistant Manager
Charles of the Ritz
London
06.1984 - 01.1985
- Maintained hands-on knowledge of job roles and regularly stepped in to perform business duties.
- Resolved customer complaints and handled refunds and returns to promote satisfaction.
- Utilized knowledge of company products and services to make recommendations and up-sell items according to customer needs.
- Tracked store inventories and replenished products according to demand.
- Organized company merchandise and displays to increase brand awareness and product sales.
- Developed and implemented staff training programmes to enhance team performance.
Beauty Consultant
Boots No7
Leicester, UK
08.1983 - 06.1984
- Engaged customers by greeting and offering assistance with products and services, promoting positive customer experiences.
- Used testers and samples to demonstrate product application and leverage items from beauty promotional programs.
- Obtained additional knowledge on cosmetic products by researching new beauty industry developments and trends.
- Answered beauty product questions with knowledge of ingredients and application techniques.
- Recommended specific cosmetic products for satisfying customers' stated beauty needs.
- Cleaned shelves, counters, and tables.
Education
Certificate BTEC - Media make up
Westminster College
03.2021 - 8 2022
Certificate of Achievement - Face yoga
Danielle Collins
09.2021
Diploma ABC level 3 - Face yoga in Well-being
London
09.2019
Diploma in Hair - Hairstyling for make up artist
London School of Fashion
03.2002
Certificate D33 and D32 Assessor Awards - Assessment
Cambridge Regional College
10.2006
Diploma in Fashion Styling - Fashion styling
London College of Fashion
2022
City and guilds level 3 - Teacher Trainer
Cambridge Regional College
02.2001
Diploma in Tv in Film - Special Effects And Prosthetics in BTEC
Westminster
04.1996
Complexions school of makeup artistry - Fashion, photographic, and corrective makeup
Complexions School of Makeup Artistry
London 12.1985
Skills
- Time Management
- Account Management
- Event planning
- Calm under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Public speaking
- Leadership
- Public Relations
Languages
Norwegian
Arabic
French
Personal Information
Date of birth: 05/03/67
Custom
30, Retail, Available upon request
Timeline
La Mer Skin Expert
La Mer
05.2025 - Current
Food Business Owner
Rockin it well-being
01.2022 - Current
Certificate BTEC - Media make up
Westminster College
03.2021 - 8 2022
Freelance Makeup Artist Tutor
Protocol Education
09.2019 - 03.2020
Freelance Makeup Artist
Freelance
08.2006 - 09.2025
Media Make-up Lecturer
Cambridge Regional College
10.2001 - 03.2006
Trainee Department Manager
John Lewis & Partners
01.1999 - 07.2001
Business Manager
Harvey Nichols
01.1997 - 01.1999
National Make-up Artist
Harvey Nichols
08.1995 - 05.1997
Business Manager
Harrods
01.1993 - 04.1995
Beauty Consultant Cover
John Lewis
08.1990 - 01.1993
Make up artist
Freelance magazine
04.1987 - 06.1990
Air hostess
Kuwait Airways
02.1985 - 03.1987
Assistant Manager
Charles of the Ritz
06.1984 - 01.1985
Beauty Consultant
Boots No7
08.1983 - 06.1984
Certificate of Achievement - Face yoga
Danielle Collins
Diploma ABC level 3 - Face yoga in Well-being
London
Diploma in Hair - Hairstyling for make up artist
London School of Fashion
Certificate D33 and D32 Assessor Awards - Assessment
Cambridge Regional College
Diploma in Fashion Styling - Fashion styling
London College of Fashion
City and guilds level 3 - Teacher Trainer
Cambridge Regional College
Diploma in Tv in Film - Special Effects And Prosthetics in BTEC
Westminster
Complexions school of makeup artistry - Fashion, photographic, and corrective makeup
Complexions School of Makeup Artistry
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