To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re shining the spotlight on 5 of the amazing (and hardworking) women in our team. Discover what motivates them; benefit from the best advice they’ve been given, and in true IWD style, find out which women they also want to acknowledge and toast to on this special day. Go, team!
”Someone once said that I’m a great listener and as basic as that sounds, I find this to be a rare trait in other people. So I’m pretty proud of that!” – Chelsey, Campaign Editor
How long have you worked at Escentual?
4 years – it’s flown by! To think I started as a Social Media Assistant and have now progressed to Campaign Editor is a real big career achievement of mine.
What makes you feel confident?
A few spritzes of GUERLAIN Santal Royal, a shot of espresso and positive affirmations – trust me, this combination works!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is: “what would you do if you weren’t afraid?”, as a regular sufferer from anxiety and overthinking, the smallest things can become difficult, but this one saying has pushed me to do things I’ve never dreamed of doing; it even came in handy when walking through the Escentual HQ doors for my first interview for a Social Media Assistant role.
How do you stay motivated every day?
I’ll hold my hands up; I used to find it very easy to forget about the day and live for the weekends. That was until someone asked me, how am I going to make the present day amazing? Now, every day, I journal. I set out 5 things I want to achieve, 5 things I’m grateful for, and I also log 5 things I could have improved from the day before. This keeps me focused, and also helps me sleep a lot better (as my brain tends to get very busy, very quickly)!
Who do you most admire?
The common admiration trait for me is courage. I’m a huge fan of what Maria Grazia Chiuri (the first woman to ever head up the house of DIOR) is doing at DIOR. Her vision of herself and the identity she has created for the brand is so strong and different from the norm, but most of all I love the fact she isn’t afraid to break the status quo with a feminine, androgynous twist on the classic pieces we all love from DIOR. Watching their A/W 19 show made me fall even more in love with her vision. To know that the profits from their ‘Sisterhood is Global’ t-shirts will be going to the Sisterhood is Global Institute is also very empowering for women all over the world!
I also can’t forget to mention my grandmother, Andrea here – she’s the strongest women I know! Her attitude and outlook on life never fails to put a smile on my face. Whenever I have a problem, she gives me the black and white answer I need, whilst reminding me there’s always someone better/worse off. She’s incredible. P.s. I love you too mum!
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
Someone once said that I’m a great listener and as basic as that sounds, I sometimes find this to be a rare trait in other people. So I’m pretty proud of that!
If you could nominate a woman of your choice to receive a special mention. Who would she be and why?
I’m going to be cheeky here and mention two. Ceryn, my right-hand man; your daily decorum and passion for Escentual and people are invaluable. Inside and outside of work, you’ve had a huge (positive) impact on my life, you’re the best. Finally, to my sister, Kendall who’s currently on maternity leave after having my beautiful niece, Florence. I’m so proud of you and the woman you’ve turned out to be. You’re doing an incredible job, keep up the good work.
”I’m so bad at taking compliments and often don’t know what to say! However, in the last few years, I’ve had quite a few colleagues and friends who are younger than me say that I am ‘goals’! This makes me feel really proud as I’ve always worked hard.” – Elisabeth, Copywriter
How long have you worked at Escentual?
9 months
What makes you feel confident?
Great question! A number of things really. Something really simple, like a great outfit or a killer pair of heels. When another woman pays you a compliment, that can be really confidence boosting because you know that it’s heartfelt. I also love being really knowledgeable about things I’m interested in and when others want to be able to draw on that knowledge, that makes me feel really confident.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The first isn’t really advice, it’s more of a quote but it’s something I truly believe in. “Get up, dress up, show up and never give up”. Life is not always going to be plain sailing but it’s all about how you deal with difficult times that can really make a difference. The other piece of advice I took on board in the last few years is to not care as much what people think of me. People are people at the end of the day and you’re never going to appeal to or please everyone, that’s just life!
How do you stay motivated every day?
Some days are easier than others, I’m not going to sit here and say that every day I wake up with a spring in my step and feeling super positive about everything because that would be a lie. However, what does keep me motivated is being really interested in what I’m doing and taking pride in my work. I hate letting people down so that motivates me to do my best and to strive to achieve more. I’m also one of these people who hates being unproductive, whilst it’s always good to relax sometimes I still like to finish every day feeling as though I’ve achieved something, even if it’s just something small!
Who do you most admire?
It’s not a case of just one person for this answer. I admire women who don’t rely on men to achieve their goals and who work hard for what they believe in. Female entrepreneurs, women who work in often male-dominated industries, women who aren’t afraid to speak up. I also really admire women who have been through tough times but come out of situations stronger.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
I’m so bad at taking compliments and often don’t know what to say! However, in the last few years, I’ve had quite a few colleagues and friends who are younger than me say that I am ‘goals’! This makes me feel really proud as I’ve always worked hard and have never been out of work since the age of 17, I’m really proud of the success I’ve had in my career to date and the things I’ve been able to do as a result of this. It makes me feel good that women younger than myself identify this quality in me and can use it to motivate themselves to do well and succeed.
If you could nominate a woman of your choice to receive a special mention. Who would she be and why?
This is an easy one for me to answer, it would be my friend Stacey Fell who lives in Dubai. Stacey is an Investment Banker who has worked her way up in her industry and works incredibly hard. Over the last few years, she has been through some very tough times including surviving cancer and I admire her for her strength and being able to pick herself up from some very dark times. She’s such a positive influence in my life and I’m very proud to call her my friend.
”I used to write poetry, blog posts, anything I could because it was an output for my creativity and the goings on in my head, so when someone said they liked it I was amazed!” – Ceryn, Communications Editor
How long have you worked at Escentual?
Four years, but in the best way it feels like four months. I’ve dreamed about being a beauty writer since I was a teenager, so the fact that I’m now the Communications Editor at Escentual is a pinch-myself moment.
What makes you feel confident?
The motto I live by is: act confident, and no one will question it. When you say something with confidence people listen, and so the way I feel confident is by trusting my instinct. Not everyone will agree with everything you say or the choices you make, and that’s OK… but if you’re not confident in what you say no one else will be. And if I ever need an extra helping hand a swipe of red lippy never fails to give me a confidence boost!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Think before you speak. Remembering that has kept me out of a lot of trouble over the years!
How do you stay motivated every day?
I always try to remember that life’s short and that every day is a blessing. This motivates me to work hard and reach my goals! Of course, it’s normal to have bad days so when things aren’t going the way I had planned I try to refocus, write lists and tick things off as I go.
Who do you most admire?
Personally, my father because he’s never given up, even in tough times. Professionally, I really admire everything Emily Weiss, Founder and CEO of Into The Gloss and Glossier has achieved. A hugely successful woman in the beauty industry, Emily created Into The Gloss, during the hours of 4 am to 8 am, while working at Vogue. If that isn’t inspiration to work hard, I don’t know what is!
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
When I first began writing, I remember being so taken aback when someone said they loved reading my content. I used to write poetry, blog posts, anything I could because it was an output for my creativity and the goings on in my head, so when someone said they liked it I was amazed! It was at that moment that I asked myself: “could this be a career for me?”. And the rest is history.
If you could nominate a woman of your choice to receive a special mention. Who would she be and why?
I think Chelsey, my amazing Co-Editor deserves a shout out! She’s an amazing colleague and complete ‘Girl Boss’ (I don’t know how I’d do Monday to Friday without her), but she’s also a wonderful, caring friend!
‘It makes my day when people say: ”Seeing you always dress in such bright colours, instantly lifts everyone’s mood!” ‘ – Chloe, Product Merchandiser
How long have you worked at Escentual?
10 months.
What makes you feel confident?
A bright pink suit and a lippy to match.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
What’s for you, won’t go by you.
How do you stay motivated every day?
Walking my dog every morning gives me the opportunity to have some ‘me time’ and a clear head to take the time to focus on my goals for that day.
Who do you most admire?
My mama!
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
It makes my day when people say: “Seeing you always dress in such bright colours, instantly lifts everyone’s mood!”.
If you could nominate a woman of your choice to receive a special mention. Who would she be and why?
It would be my Mum, Kim she empowers me to be the best version of myself and despite living far apart she is totally selfless and is always there to provide me with endless support and motivation.
”Give me gold hoops, a glowing tan and the perfect pair of blue jeans and I’m ready to take on the world!” – Bethan, Copywriter
How long have you worked at Escentual?
10 months.
What makes you feel confident?
Give me gold hoops, a glowing tan and the perfect pair of blue jeans. They always make me feel ready to take on the world!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
That confidence is key and if I want to be successful in life, I have to work for it. My dad once said to me: “Beth, you need to grow a backbone. You won’t get anywhere in life by remaining passive”. At the time, it was something I didn’t want to hear, but as I’ve gotten older, its definitely taught me the importance of asserting and standing up for myself.
How do you stay motivated every day?
Naturally, I’ve always been headstrong and focused. My normal everyday life is spent being a copywriter here at Escentual and a fashion blogger, so it’s safe to say my time can be stretched! I stay motivated by breaking my day up with a to-do list, it gives me structure and allows me to see what I need to do that day in a clear and simple manner. If that fails, though, a Drake playlist usually does the trick.
Who do you most admire?
Growing up, Miranda Priestly from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ was everything I wanted to be and more. Her ice queen exterior and cut-throat tenacity has always reminded me that in order to succeed in a creative field you need more than just talent – you need ambition, strong will and a drive to stay in the game. Oh, and that caffeine will get me through almost anything.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
“You’ve got a good head on your shoulders.”
If you could nominate a woman of your choice to receive a special mention. Who would she be and why?
My biggest supporter and the quickest to tell me when I’m out of line, my mum has without a doubt shaped me into the young woman I am today. Even though we sometimes clash (I definitely get my sassy side from her!) she’s the most hardworking, selfless and caring person I know, and has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and be myself. Since I was a little girl, my mum has instilled in me a strength and determination that I wouldn’t have been able to gain without her constant love and support, and I’ll never be able to thank her enough for it.
Discover More:
• Find Out Which New Beauty Launches Made Our February Favourites
• Read Chelsey’s GIVENCHY Le Rose Perfecto Swatches & Review
