Students Meet Temptu Founder On Day 4 of NYC Beauty Study Tour

Day 4 of the NY Beauty Study brought students face to face with Samantha Mandor, Founder of Temptu. She gave a presentation on their Airbrush Makeup System—from concept to in-store—and talked about the importance of pursuing your idea with persistence. If you believe in something, you can absolutely bring it to fruition. Their product is doing phenomenal in sales, despite the current tough economy.

Next was a meeting with Avon. They gave a fabulous presentation on marketing and brand image. They talked about how you market a product that was launched so many years ago and still keep it fresh and appealing to the market today. They shared that they're focusing hugely on anti-aging. Some of the ingredients they're using are more advanced than that in some of the most expensive skincare creams.

Then everyone was treated to shopping in the Avon Employee Store, where everything was 50% off! 

Lime Crime was the third appointment of Day 4, where students met with the owner, Doe Deere, a 20-something from Russia. She loves bright colors. And when she couldn't find any highly pigmented lipsticks and eyeshadows on the market to suit her, she started her own company. (Read her story here.)

She talked to the students about how you can do whatever you put your mind to. There were times when she found herself sitting in her living room putting stickers on lipsticks, packaging products, and shipping them out herself. Now her products are sold in the high-end boutique SPACE.NK.apothecary.

The final meeting of the day was with Dermalogica. Students were treated to a tour of their training facility, where estheticians learn the Dermalogica way for spas and treatment centers.

According to FIDM Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Director Julianne Pfister, every fashion college student who participated in the study tour said the trip exceeded their expectations. It was an amazing time. And next year, we can expect the same—but with a potential to bring magazine publications into the mix. Imagine meeting editors from Allure or Elle! Sounds like fun!

Beauty Study Tour Leads to Job For Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Alumna

FIDM Alumna Jacqueline Haupt works at Intercos in NY as the Assistant Manager of Sales & Marketing. She participated in the NYC Beauty Study Tour in June '07. One of the Intercos executives said that Jacqueline Haupt stood out in her mind on that particular study tour because she asked so many questions, so when a position opened up six months later, Jacqueline got the call for an interview.

Name: Jacqueline Haupt
FIDM Grad Year: 2007
Campus: Los Angeles
Major: Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing
Job Title: Sales & Marketing, Assistant Manager
Company: Intercos
Location: New York City

Tell us a little about yourself: I am originally from St. Louis, MO and surprisingly am the middle of nine children. My whole life I have possessed a natural love for the beauty industry and have also always been attracted to urban lifestyles. I decided to attend FIDM for my college education. Six months after graduation, I relocated to NY and began working for Intercos!

Describe what you do at Intercos. I work in Sales & Marketing for Intercos America. Here we work with U.S. clients (cosmetic brands) from various distribution channels including prestige, mass, direct sales, and private label. We meet with clients on a regular basis for new product presentations, in which we present new formulas and technologies to Product Development and Marketing teams with a goal of generating new projects.

Since Intercos is an Italian company (headquartered in Milan), the New York office (along with other key offices around the world) is also responsible for monitoring the U.S. market to provide the headquarters and clients with marketing and trend Information on a regular basis.

What do you love about your work? I love that my everyday work surrounds a subject that I have passion for—cosmetics. I also love that my field involves creativity and art while still being extremely business oriented.

What beauty websites/blogs do you love to visit? Trend Hunter Magazine, Fashionista, designboom

What's the hottest trend in cosmetics right now? nude skin/"no-makeup" makeup (simplicity),  color and skin care together, and extreme wear (24hr+)

What inspires you? I find inspiration in a variety of places. I often look to other industries such as technology, food, art/design, and fashion (of course!) to find inspiration. The streets of NY also inspire me.

What is it about the beauty industry that draws you to it? When I was a little girl I was fascinated by the beauty of models in magazines and on runways. Today, I am attracted to the power of cosmetics and the role that makeup plays in the everyday lives of women.

How did you know FIDM was the right college for you? FIDM was very attractive to me since they offered such a unique program that I felt could help me take a more direct approach into the beauty industry.

How did you decide on your major? There was no question for me—the beauty industry is my passion.

I understand that part of the reason you're working for Intercos is due to your participation in the FIDM Beauty Study Tour. Yes, the study tour was a key element for me in starting my career. I was a participant in June 2007, directly following graduation. Myself and 12 other recent graduates were in NYC to visit 16 different key cosmetic companies, one of which was Intercos. I researched all of the companies prior to our visits and made sure to ask at least a few intelligent and well thought-out questions at each appointment. After the Intercos presentation, I started a side conversation with one of the executives and expressed my eagerness to work in the industry for a company like Intercos, and we exchanged business cards.

Six months later, back in L.A., I received an email from that same executive at Intercos. She remembered me from the Study Tour appointment and asked me if I could come to NY for an interview since there was an opening in the office. We made the arrangements to meet in NY for the interview. One week later, I was offered the position and one month later I moved to NY to start working for Intercos in January of 2008.

How did it feel giving a presentation to the FIDM Beauty Study Tour group having been there yourself just a few years ago? It feels like a huge accomplishment. It makes me feel very proud of myself. It is also a great reminder to be grateful every day that I am doing something that I love.

How do you feel FIDM prepared you for what you’re doing now? FIDM helped to build a strong understanding of marketing, which is very relevant to my work. Learning at a fashion college also helped me to build very strong visual communications skills which is crucial.

Any advice for current FIDM students? Take classes seriously—what you put in, is what you get out. When it comes to networking—yes, follow up; no, don't stalk! Also, any work that you do before starting your career, should be related to your end-goal.

What is your biggest dream right now? I plan to work my way up and continue to build my expertise and industry experience to reach an executive position someday. I also dream of eventually having my own company—perhaps a brand or retail boutique.

Anything else you’d like to share? I believe following your passion is a huge accomplishment in and of itself. If you pursue your passion, it results in success.

Students Meet CEO of Fusion Beauty On Day 3 of NYC Beauty Study Tour

Students were treated to meeting the CEO of Fusion Beauty, Caroline Pieper-Vogt, on Day 3 of the New York Beauty Study Tour. The CEO gave an absolutely inspirational presentation on how she turned Fusion Beauty around when the company had been struggling to survive.

One of the things she shared with our fashion school students was her successful negotiation with Sephora to get Fusion Beauty back on their shelves.

 

Next on the itinerary was Intercos, a major manufacturer of beauty products for companies such as Smashbox, Too Faced, and Urban Decay. The students were given a tour of the Intercos showroom with samples of pressed powders, eye shadows, and lip pencils on display.

FIDM Alumna Jacqueline Haupt now works at Intercos in NY as the Assistant Manager of Sales & Marketing. She participated in the New York Beauty Study Tour in June '07. One of the Intercos executives said that Jacqueline Haupt stood out in her mind on that particular study tour because she asked so many questions. Jacqueline approached her directly after the presentation that day and expressed interest in working there, so when a position opened up six months later, she got the call. And in January '08, after a successful interview, Jacqueline was hired and moved her life to NY!

The students also learned about trending—how Intercos gets their inspiration and how that translates into beauty products and packaging.

The day wrapped up with a CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) event at the Harmonie Club, in which the students were treated to a talk by Bobbi Brown!

Read about Day 1 and Day 2 of the NYC Beauty Study Tour.

Beauty Study Tour New York: Day 2

Day 2 of the New York City Beauty Study Tour began at Givaudan, a fragrance house that creates most of the scents for the major players in the industry. The focus of their presentation was on 2011 fragrance trends. They said they actually have a group of people go out into the rainforest and South African deserts and gather different things that they think would be good to use as a scent.

One interesting thing they pointed out to the students was that the fragrance industry looks not only to the fashion and beauty industries for color and aesthetic trends, but to the automotive industry as well! So they attend fashion shows, color cosmetic tradeshows, and automobile shows for research. The lines of a new car model could translate into the shape of a perfume bottle, for example.

The second and final appointment of Day 2 was with Marina Maher Communications, a well-established publicity company in the beauty industry. Their clients include CoverGirl, Clairol, Herbal Essences, Secret, Aussie, and Head & Shoulders. They talked about product placement in terms of social media marketing versus the traditional avenues with magazines.

Check back for Day 3 of the NY Beauty Study Tour. Read about Day 1.

Beauty Study Tour New York: Day 1

Each year, students in FIDM's Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Program participate in a week long Study Tour to New York City to meet with executives from some of the best companies in the beauty industry. This year, it was a full schedule with companies ranging from Bumble and bumble and L'Oreal to Intercos and Givaudan. With five days of back-to-back meetings and presentations, the students really get to experience the fast-paced environment of the beauty industry in New York!

FIDM Beauty Students at Bumble and bumble's Headquarters in New York

DAY 1

Bumble and bumble was the first meeting of the day, led by FIDM Alumna Suzanne Machesky. In fact, she participated in this very same FIDM Beauty Study Tour just four years ago. Now a Regional Business Consultant for Bumble and bumble, she recommends approaching your career with an open mind. She entered the work force thinking she wanted to be in product development or marketing, but she's now in the sales department and absolutely LOVES it. She's one of their top sales people!

Bumble and bumble's Suzanne Machesky (in orange dress on far right) addressing the students

She also wanted to impress upon the students the importance of networking. It's how she got her job at Bumble and bumble. (Read her interview.) She said it’s all about tenacity and follow up, and making sure that if you want something, you absolutely can get it as long as you are dedicated and focused.

Next, the students headed to L'Oreal where they were treated to a fabulous presentation on brand image by Tennille Kopiasz, Assistant VP of Marketing for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics.

The final meeting on Day 1 was with Arcade Marketing. Major players in the beauty industry hire Arcade to create scent strips and ways to package makeup samples as magazine inserts. They shared with the students the idea that in order to keep things fresh, they have brainstorming meetings to come up with new ideas. They recommend keeping paper and pencil with you at all times because you never know when an idea will come to you.

Arcade Marketing presentation

Check back for Day 2 of the NY Beauty Study Tour.

Former NY Beauty Study Tour Participant Now At Bumble and Bumble

FIDM Alumna Suzanne Machesky is now working as a Regional Business Consultant for Bumble and bumble in New York, but just four years ago found herself as one of the participants in the FIDM New York Beauty Study Tour, meeting with Bumble and bumble for the first time!

Name: Suzanne Machesky
FIDM Grad Year: 2006
Campus: Los Angeles
Major: Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing
Job Title: Regional Business Consultant, Greater NY
Company: Bumble and bumble.

Tell us a little about yourself: I’ve been in the hair industry for over 11 years. I started working in a salon during my high school years and realized I had a passion for the industry. Immediately after graduating from high school I went to cosmetology school on a full scholarship, worked in the salon for three years developing my technical and managerial skills then decided to continue my education at a fashion college. While attending FIDM I completed two internships, went to school full-time and also worked. I made sure to network and build as many relationships as possible. I also attended the FIDM Beauty Study Tour and was one of two winners to come back to NY and attend the FIFI Awards. Lastly, I won the FIDM 2006 Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Beauty Industry Merchandising & Marketing Department for professionalism, leadership capabilities, and industry experience.

What do you do at Bumble and bumble? Establish and maintain contact with salon owners to build cohesive relationships, increasing their account revenue and level of interest in both the commerce and craft of hairdressing. Consult with salon owners and management teams to enhance performance of business, utilizing sell-through strategies.

What do you love about your work? Everything! I was able to take my cosmetology license, education and experience from FIDM and find the perfect career. I’ve always wanted to work in the salon business and having both the technical skills and experience in the business side of the industry helps to advance me in my career every day.

What beauty websites/blogs do you love to visit? Monica Rose, Makeup By Mario Dedivanovic, People, CelebStyle

What's the hottest trend in haircare right now? Keratin/Brazilian treatments and runways trends that translate to your everyday client.

Any favorite Bumble and bumble products you'd like to talk about? Wow I have so many I love that I could name ten. But my "must-haves" and "can’t live withouts" are Prep, White Hair Powder, and Spray de Mode. 

 

Prep because it’s like a multi-vitamin for the hair which evens out the hair’s prosperity and then allows products to be distributed evenly. 

 

White Hair Powder because it absorbs oils from your hair leaving you with a matte texture that I love.

 

Spray de Mode is our most versatile aerosol hairspray that you can do everything with from flatiron and styling to using it as a finishing spray.

What inspires you? Definitely, my family and close friends. Also knowing that any goal you set for yourself is achievable through hard work, faith and perseverance.

What is it about the beauty industry that draws you to it? Seeing the transformation of any woman (and man). It’s the most powerful thing ever to see a makeover and how much confidence a person has after seeing their beauty from within. Makeup and haircare enhance a woman’s beauty but inner confidence exudes the most beauty of all. This is what continues to motivate me because I know I’m making a difference in so many people’s lives.

How did you know FIDM was the right college for you? After attending a tour of the school I fell in love with FIDM. Everything from the campus, the staff and of course the Library (which I miss so much).

How did you decide on your major? As a hairstylist, that was the only major I considered for my career path.

I understand that part of the reason you're working for Bumble and bumble is due to your participation in the FIDM Beauty Study Tour. When did you go on the tour? Tell us a little about what happened and how it led to your job. I believe I attended the tour in November of 2005. The year I went on the Study Tour we didn’t know which companies we would be visiting. It wasn’t until we got to the airport that we received our agenda. When I saw Bumble and bumble, I was ecstatic because they were the only haircare company on the tour. After visiting The HOB (The House of Bumble), I fell in love with the company. I continued to follow up with the individuals I met at Bb and also scheduled informational interviews during visits to NYC. I decided to move back east after completing school and went to work back in the salon to save money. My ultimate goal was to move to NYC. After six months of working in the salon and saving money I applied to Bb and within one week I was hired and moved my life to NY.

How did it feel giving a presentation to the FIDM Beauty Study Tour group having been there yourself just a few years ago? It was and is one of the most rewarding experiences ever. I’m a strong believer in giving back and never forgetting how you got to where you are. There were so many individuals who mentored me along the way with whom I still keep in contact and I only hope to do the same for others.

How do you feel FIDM prepared you for what you’re doing now? Most of the work at FIDM was hands-on experience and research about the current trends. The experience and knowledge I was able to take away from FIDM was invaluable and made me confident about what I could offer to a company.

Any advice for current FIDM students? Be involved, know what’s going on, who are your contacts and most important, continue to follow up. Nothing in life is handed to you, so you have to be prepared to work hard to reach your goals.

What is your biggest dream right now? My biggest dream recently happened when I was promoted for the second time with Bb. In addition, my 5-10 year plan would be to relocate home to be closer to my family and open either a salon or prestige apothecary.

Anything else you’d like to share? I contribute all my success to the values my parents instilled in me at a young age and the support from both of them and my sisters. My immediate family and friends have been my cheerleaders since high school and have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. While they worked in education they never forced me to be anything other than me. They all could see that I was a creative individual and they saw so much potential in me. I’ve always had their encouragement, support and motivation. My advice to anyone would be to surround yourself with a positive support group that will help you achieve your dreams because with passion and love you can excel in anything!

IMPD Students in Paris: Day 1

Students from FIDM's International Manufacturing and Product Development (IMPD) program have the opportunity to travel abroad and continue their studies in the Parisian culture. For nine days they will research trends, shop the stores, visit different industry designers/professionals, analyze window displays, attend Premier Vision and source for fabrics and trims for their collections, all while looking for inspiration in the City of Lights. Afterward, they will travel to Milan to continue their research and then bid Europe farewell as they make their way back to the States for the Fall Quarter and to continue developing their lines. Jenny McClain documents this journey with photos, and stories while on their trip. 

Day 1: 

 

Beinvenue! We have arrived into the City of Lights safe and sound! A little jet lagged, we boarded our bus from Charles de Gaulle airport to Les Citadines in Montparnasse. Upon arrival, getting the keys and checking into our new homes, we went straight to work. We went into our orientation of the trip, received our agenda and had a french baguette sandwich! To follow, the team presented our line sheets of our collections to Barbara Bundy, Sharon Ryan, Michele Bobak and Amanda Starling. Getting a feel for our designs, we were able to collaborate on the types of inspirational pieces we are looking for as well as fabrics and trim details. After a successful meeting, we toured around the neighborhood, did some grocery shopping, settled in and off to a relaxing dinner around the corner of the hotel, Pizzeria Peperoni. It was early to bed this night, jet lag had set in for our busy fashion college students. 

Blogging from Paris! Last Day in the City of Light

Ma Chérie,


Thursday's Farewell Dinner

Friday morning found all 24 students up bright and early stuffing their suitcases with souvenirs and the special Paris purchases they had made during their stay.

Treasure-Filled Suitcases

A few students had time for their last crepe at the Brasserie near the hotel, others ran to the bakery to enjoy one last croissant.


The bus arrived on time, the bags were loaded and off we went to the airport for the long flight home.

A reunion will be scheduled soon and all will be able to reflect back upon the special times we shared during the trip.

Bon voyage,

Lanie & B.B. from Paris

Blogging from Paris! Day 17 of FIDM's Study Tour

Ma Chérie,

Wednesday morning, bright and early, we boarded our bus for a trip to Versailles. Our Tour Guide gave us a private tour of the Royal Chapel and the private apartments. We then walked through the public spaces and the beautiful Hall of Mirrors.  Comments included, 'This was the most awesome part of the trip' and 'Can you imagine living here?' Our trip to the gardens was cut short when the heavens opened up and we were rained out.




Once back in Paris everyone scattered to places such as the Picasso Museum, vintage shopping, and quick naps before setting out for more sightseeing and shopping.

A bientot,

Lanie & B.B. from Paris

For more on FIDM Study Tours to the major fashion cities of the world (New York, Paris, Milan, etc.), head to FIDM.edu.

Blogging from Paris! Day 16 of FIDM's Study Tour

Ma Chérie,

As we headed to the metro on our way to the Orsay museum to see the Impressionist paintings the talk was about the ballet and the beauty of the building, the Opera Garnier.  Imagine our surprise to find a scale model of that building at the museum.  We could see where our seats were!

Our guided tour included time to see beautiful paintings, sculpture, and even a ballroom that was original to the building when it had been a railway station.  Degas dancers, plus paintings by Monet, Manet, and Whistler among many others fill this amazing museum.



During the afternoon we visited the showroom of the designer whose menswear fashion show we attended early in our trip.  It was a treat to see the clothes up close and hear the commercial director explain their marketing strategy.  A surprise part of the visit was the chance to go downstairs to the storage room  where they have the archives of the women’s collection. No shopping for clothes for us but lots of looking at five years' worth of a designer’s work. What an experience!



Tuesday night took us to a fashion show, which according to one of the students 'was over the top' with beautiful jewel tone evening gowns heavily beaded and very glamorous. Some had matching jeweled cloche hats.

After the show we were caught in a downpour as we scrambled for the shelter of the Metro.

A bientot,

Lanie & B.B. from Paris

For more on FIDM Study Tours to the major fashion cities of the world (New York, Paris, Milan, etc.), head to FIDM.edu.