Today I'm featuring one of my closest friends in the beauty industry, Michelle who's a beauty publicist. Michelle interned for me when I used to work in PR and then she helped me start up BeautySweetSpot.com and my whole freelance career. So it's my pleasure to introduce her to you!
What college did you go to and what did you major in?
I went to Baruch College and majored in International Marketing & Trade.
How did you land your first job in PR?
I was actually working at the front desk at The Gym (yes that’s the actual name) while I was going to school. One day I was casually chatting with a guest about my major and how I wanted to explore different aspects of marketing. It turned out that I was actually talking to the President of a PR firm, who suggested I should check out public relations. She then invited me in for an interview the next day and I got the job! Since then I’ve been hooked.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Start off the day with a green tea latte from Starbucks; start up my Twitter, Facebook, newsfeed and dive right into work. There’s no such thing as a typical day but some of the things I do include coming up with creative pitches, meetings with clients, media, and industry leaders, research, admin work, coming up strategies, event planning, social media, create press releases and so much more. Jack of all trades.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Since I was 12 years old and reading my sister’s old magazines from the 80’s (left behind in Greece when I was living there in the mid 90’s) I just knew I wanted to be a part of the beauty industry. I’m even a licensed cosmetologist and used to cut hair! My favorite part of the job is that I get to meet some really creative and motivated people in both beauty and fashion who inspire me and teach me something new everyday.
What’s your least favorite?
Nothing to do with my job per se but when asked what I do for a living and I say I’m in Public Relations, more than likely the response is “oh advertising? How interesting!” Now I don’t even bother explaining and just go along and have fun with it.
What’s the best advice you would give someone trying to get into the industry today?
The one thing I’ve always said and live by is to treat any job like it’s your own business/company. When you have that mentality it will not only show in your work by achieving your goals but will also give you the drive to succeed. When you have a strong work ethic you can do it all.
Confess! What’s your biggest beauty sin?
Eek! I tend to forget to wash my make up brushes. I used to clean them everyday and now it’s more like once a week or even up to two weeks. Shame on me, one of these days my skin will break out!
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Watching old movies! Whether it’s a Alfred Hitchcock classic or any movie starring Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and even some Greek ones with Aliki Vougiouklaki I’m all for it. I love the storylines and the fashion! Especially the Givenchy pieces designed for Audrey Hepburn. On the other end of the spectrum I also enjoy bad reality shows since they’re such a vacation for my brain.
