Interview with FIDM Beauty Program Grad Working for Smashbox
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Name: Jenna Daunais
Major: Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing
Job Title: Associate Manager-Retail Administration, Smashbox Cosmetics
Tell us a little about yourself: I grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts. In 6th grade, I got a paper route so I could buy fashion magazines (I had to sneak them in my house because my Mom thought you had to be 17 to read Seventeen).
Were you always into beauty? I was obsessed with beauty advertising and used to recreate Cover Girl ads using a camera my parents gave me and my friends as models. My interests stayed with me and when I was 19, I moved to LA to attend FIDM to pursue a corporate career in cosmetics.
That's Jenna playing with makeup at age 4!
What do you love about your job at Smashbox Cosmetics? The company culture. Smashbox is a unique company because it has a creative and organizational culture. In apparel, cosmetics, and fashion, this is rare and hard to come by. I think ultimately this combo fosters the innovation in our products, which of course I love as well.
What is a typical day like? No such thing! On my favorite days I attend idea labs, coordinate national sales meetings, coordinate company outings and parties, create analytical reports, attend LA Fashion Week, appear on Good Day LA, and create reports. I enjoy every aspect of it.
What inspires you? My mom, Kelly Wearstler, Flower Market in Downtown LA, The Selby, entrepreneurial couples, and people who are passionate/happy at work.
How and why did you choose your major? FIDM offered a specialized major specifically for working in the beauty industry. I was also intrigued by Visual Communications, Footwear Design, and Interior Design.
What did you expect to gain from attending FIDM? Connections.
What was your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? Creative Director for a cosmetics company.
What advice would you give to students looking to be accepted into FIDM? Live in Downtown Los Angeles while attending FIDM because it is a mecca for all things wonderful: libraries, food, interesting people, garment, trim, and jewelry district, nightlife, and the architecture is insanely gorgeous.
Favorite designer: Vena Cava and I blame Blake Lively for my obsession. She is always wearing their stuff. Their clothes are soft as butter and the textures are amazing!
Cosmetic product you cannot live without: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light
Dream purchase: Prada flower heels or anything vintage Anna Sui.
You have my dream job! I am looking to have a career in the cosmetics industry in the corporate aspect. I was thinking about attending FIDM however I do not have the financial abilities to do so. I hope to achieve success as you have in the next few years. I am working my butt off seeking out a stepping stone career into the cosmetics industry. Any advice from you would be very helpful to me at this point in time. I currently reside in Dallas,Tx.
Posted by: Veronica | December 29, 2009 at 06:50 PM