CTE Success Story: Sophia-Marie Roman graduate of Gloucester County Institute of Technology
Sophia-Marie Roman, a West Deptford native, began building a career in the beauty industry while enrolled at Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT). By the time she graduated from the district’s Cosmetology program in 2017, she had amassed significant real-world experience that enabled her to seamlessly transition into the workforce.
“GCIT prepared me for career success by giving me a strong head start,” said Roman. “Upon graduation, I had already built my clientele and accumulated three years of professional salon experience, along with four years of exceptional education.”
After graduating, Roman focused on building her own brand. She started her own business, Sophia-Marie Makeup Artistry (sophiamariemua.com), offering a range of services as a licensed cosmetologist and professional makeup, lash and brow artist. She specializes in luxury bridal and special effects makeup. She also is a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which enables her to work in television, theater and film productions.
Through her involvement with IATESE’s local in Philadelphia, Roman has provided hair, makeup and wardrobe services for a wide range of major productions and performances. Her professional highlights include working on concerts, national tours and theatrical productions featuring artist such as Andrea Bocelli, Yuja Wang and Ana Gasteyer, as well as standby makeup work for Kristin Chenoweth and the pilot episode of Bel-Air.
Over time, Roman also worked on major touring and theatrical productions, including Les Misérables, The Lion King, Wicked, Beetlejuice, Mean Girls, Frozen, Ain’t Too Proud and performances with the Philadelphia Opera and Philadelphia Ballet.
Roman also stepped briefly into the spotlight as a featured makeup artist on Good Day Game Day on FOX 29, where she presented an original Philadelphia Eagles–themed makeup look during a televised segment and discussed her creative process.
A passionate supporter of the performing arts, Roman’s career has allowed her to combine her love of theater with her expertise in hair and makeup, creating a professional path that is both creative and fulfilling. She credits her early, focused training in cosmetology for helping her develop the skills and confidence she needed to set out on her own and pursue exciting opportunities in the industry.
