AFA #19: I'm in important rooms on purpose.

Happy New Week!

In commemoration of Black History month I felt really compelled to speak on my career journey as a black woman working in the corporate world of luxury fashion and beauty for this week's newsletter.

When people ask how I got started in beauty I tell them it kinda happened by accident. If you recall my first newsletter AFA #1: Don't Put a Ceiling on Yourself, I spoke about how after my contract at ELLE Magazine wasn’t renewed, I applied for a retail position as a temporary solution to pay my bills. Little did I know this would set the foundation for my corporate career in fashion and beauty.?

Within 7 months I built a client book of over 150 customers that generated almost half a million dollars in sales, making me double my previous salary as an Editorial Assistant. By the end of the year, I was promoted to a digital position at the head office of the same company overseeing the beauty, fragrances, and handbag departments.??

I ended up spending about 3 years working in beauty merchandising which included attending marketing meetings for upcoming product launches for big brands like Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, Nars, Laura Mercier, the list goes on. My role as an assistant was a huge undertaking but I felt like I was living a dream!?

As excited as I was to be a part of this world, it was undeniable that there were not enough black women like me sitting in corporate positions where decisions were being made on consumer interests and product development.?

I remember attending an exclusive collection launch with my team, in downtown Toronto with the most beautiful setup I had ever seen.

It was a room FULL of endless options of foundations, concealers, and lipsticks. Despite this, I could not find my shade in any of these new products.

The brand apologized and said they could not bring everything because there was limited space etc. but got my details to personally send me a curated selection of products in my shade to keep and use.?

What I got from this encounter was not only that they did not have enough products for women of color (maybe because they didn’t see them as their customers) AND that they didn’t think a woman of color would be present at the marketing meeting as a decision maker.

When I left that event, I told myself that I was meant to be in that room and make that impact despite it being awkward and disheartening for me.?

Fast forward almost 3 years later in my current role at L’Oréal Luxe.?

I was asked by a director in product development if I could test a product and give my honest opinion on how it looked against my skin tone.?

He didn’t ask me because it was my job (I work in digital).?

He didn’t ask me because it needed to be tested(we have the world's greatest labs).

?He asked me because I was in a position where my opinion held influence and represented a perspective that was needed that he could not confirm or deny.

My continuous efforts to elevate my career in fashion and beauty have always been about representation and inclusion.?

Advocacy looks different from person to person and for me, every time I step into the corporate headquarters of the world’s most profitable companies, I am making a statement that black people can and will continue to take up space within industries that influence society.

Black women need to hold senior roles for several reasons:

1. Representation Matters: Representation in leadership positions helps to break down barriers and challenges stereotypes, inspiring and empowering others to follow in their footsteps. When Black women are seen in positions of power and influence, it sends a message that they are capable, competent, and deserving of these roles.
2. ?Diversifying Perspectives: Diverse perspectives are essential for decision-making in any industry or organization. Black women bring unique experiences, skills, and insights to the table that can lead to more innovative and inclusive solutions.
3. Addressing Systemic Racism: Black women often face compounded forms of discrimination based on both their race and gender, which can limit their opportunities and impact their career advancement. By holding senior roles, Black women can help to address systemic racism and push for greater equity and inclusion within their organizations.
4. Role Models: Black women in senior roles serve as role models and mentors for the next generation of leaders, inspiring them to pursue their goals and dreams.

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please make sure to subscribe and share!

Feel free to send me a message on your questions, struggles, achievements or feedback you want me to include in an upcoming newsletter.

#blackhistorymonth #linkedincreator #fashionindustry #beautyindustry

Sincerely,