Her Story
About Tamlyn
I have been working in retail for over 10 years, and it has been a journey of growth, resilience, and self‑discovery. I began my career as an instructional assistant with Fairfax County Public Schools, but I quickly realized how much I loved working with people and wanted a more challenging, fast‑paced environment. That led me into retail, where I found my passion for leadership.
I spent nearly a decade at Macy’s, progressing through multiple roles and constantly pushing myself to grow. I was driven by the desire to do more, elevate my teams, and be the best role model for my girls. During my time there, I was selected for the High Potential Leaders program, where I received advanced training in leadership, presentations, professional presence, and networking across the division. This program helped develop future store managers and divisional leaders, and it shaped the leader I am today.
I’m proud to have contributed to people growth, helping team members advance into higher‑volume stores and continue building their careers. I also received the Lifesaver Award after stepping in during a critical situation — something I was only able to do because of the training and preparation I received.
After Macy’s, I was ready for a new challenge and joined Sephora, where I currently serve as an Assistant Store Manager in a Talent & Strategy role. In this position, I act as my Store Manager’s right hand — supporting our leaders, coaching to the right behaviors, and guiding our Beauty Advisors in their career journeys. Whether someone wants to be the strongest Beauty Advisor on the floor or is using this role as a stepping stone toward healthcare, business management, or another field, I make sure they feel aligned, supported, and empowered.
I love Sephora’s fast‑paced environment and the authenticity of its culture. Sephora truly stands behind its values — you are accepted as you are. Whether you’re full glam, natural, or anywhere in between, you’re encouraged to show up as yourself. That sense of belonging and individuality is what makes this work meaningful.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tamlyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, a genuine love for people, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Every step of my career — from education to nearly a decade at Macy’s to my leadership role at Sephora — has been driven by a desire to push myself, elevate others, and be the best role model for my daughters. I’ve learned to embrace challenges, stay curious, and lead with empathy. The leaders who invested in me, the teams I’ve developed, and the environments that allowed me to show up as my authentic self have all shaped the leader I am today
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay open to growth and never limit yourself to the role you’re in today. Show up with intention, lead with integrity, and treat every opportunity — big or small — as a chance to learn something that will serve you later. I was taught to build relationships, stay adaptable, and always invest in people, because developing others is one of the most powerful ways to grow as a leader yourself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering retail is to trust your voice, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of relationship‑building. Retail is fast‑paced and constantly evolving, but it’s also one of the best industries for developing leadership, communication, and resilience. Ask questions, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges that stretch you. Most importantly, show up as your authentic self — your individuality is your strength. When you lead with confidence, empathy, and integrity, opportunities will follow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in retail today is navigating constant change — from shifting customer expectations to rapid advancements in technology. But that challenge is also creating some of the most exciting opportunities. Retail is becoming more people‑centric than ever, with a strong focus on personalized experiences, inclusivity, and meaningful career development. Leaders who stay adaptable, invest in their teams, and create environments where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered will thrive. The opportunity lies in building cultures that celebrate authenticity, elevate talent, and deliver exceptional experiences for both employees and customers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me both professionally and personally are authenticity, integrity, and compassion. I believe in showing up as my true self and creating spaces where others feel safe to do the same. Integrity drives how I lead — doing what’s right even when it’s not easy, holding myself accountable, and setting a standard my daughters and my teams can look up to. Compassion is at the core of how I work with people: listening, supporting their growth, and meeting them where they are. Whether at home or in the workplace, I strive to lead with empathy, stay grounded in my purpose, and uplift the people around me.
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