Marcum started down her career path by working part-time behind the fragrance counter in Davidson's, a department store that merged with Macy's in 1986. Within three years, Marcum had climbed her way up to a full-time account coordinator position with Clinique. Throughout her career Marcum has worked with Macy's, Neiman Marcus (Saks' competitor), L'Oreal's designer fragrance division and Carolina Herrera's fragrances, among many other beauty companies.

With 27 years of experience in every aspect of the beauty industry, Marcum brings a veteran approach to her customers and, almost more importantly, to the beauty specialists she coaches and trains. "I'm on the selling floor, working alongside of everyone, coaching them, helping them to provide the best customer service that they can. … I guess you would call me the coach because they're the true stars," Marcum says.

Besides imparting her own knowledge on her staff, Marcum brings in the various vendors for training sessions for all of the beauty specialists. The entire staff has several trainings a week to keep them up-to-date on products and techniques. "Knowledge is key to our people," Marcum says. "We find that our consultants learn so much more because we give them the tools to be on the cutting edge versus other upscale department stores."

In applying their knowledge and training to their work, Marcum and her staff create a positive experience for their customers. "To give the customer the best is what we try to do," Marcum says. "We tailor it to our client." For example, a beauty specialist will consult with the customer individually to determine what her wants and needs are.

The ladies at Saks also offer free consultations on special occasion makeup, including bachelorette and wedding parties. Saks has a private room in the store specifically for occasions like this, and women can take advantage of Marcum's priding herself as the "destination for all your beauty needs."

Marcum strives to bring special occasions for Saks, too. "We're trying to bring more and more celebrities and the owners of the companies in just to differentiate ourselves from other cosmetics departments," she says. Both Trish McEvoy, of Trish McEvoy beauty products, and Laurice Rahme, creator of Bond No. 9 fragrances, have visited the Queen City at Saks this year, and later this year, Roberto Ferreira, the nose for The House of Creed, will be dropping by Cincinnati to make an appearance at Saks.

For more information about Marcum, Saks or upcoming events, visit the Cincinnati Saks' Web page on Saks.com, and check out the video below by clicking here or the play button.

PHOTO CREDITS

Photographer: Dede Pan