IN PROFILE: Bekki Torresso
BUSINESS: Owner Pahrump Valley Vapor
AGE: 39
BACKGROUND: “I’ve always been in management in high-end markets of furniture and clothing. I’ve been a make-up artist for Glamour Shots in Las Vegas and have managed the photo studio for them.”
FIRST JOB: “I worked as a make-up artist for Glamour Shots.”
YEARS IN BUSINESS: “My husband and I moved to Pahrump about a year ago and I started this business about 6 months ago from home. We just moved into a store front a month ago.
“We love Pahrump for its small-town atmosphere to raise our kids. We give back to the community in support of the non-profit and charity fundraisers with merchandise or gift certificates for silent auctions and I’ve worked as a volunteer in support of the functions.”
PERSONAL: “I spend every free minute with my son and daughter taking road trips and getting to know the area and doing other activities. I love to read and I’m kind of crafty when I have the time.”
BUSINESS CLIMATE: “Pahrump is a good place for small business. I happen to like the mom and pop operations here and prefer to shop those versus corporate stores.
“Although we need jobs here, there has to be a balance between large corporations and the small businesses … after all, America was founded on small business. I left Las Vegas for the opportunity to not have to compete with big stores to have my own business.
“I support shopping locally as much as possible. It would be nice if the town would make it a little more financially feasible for businesses to open here and help them be noticed.”
