Jennifer Cooper, E!Italy's known for a few things—luxe leather, top-notch shoes, premier fashion houses. And let's not forget about the gold mine that is their beauty biz. Yup, from life-changing skincare products to makeup you just can't live without, Italian beauty goods are pretty much the crème de la crème—but the folks at Borghese already knew that.
For Borghese, it's a simple mission: combine authentic Italian beauty with modern sensibility. But don't' take it from us—go behind the scenes with Ehrin Fitzpatrick, the director of digital marketing and e-commerce at the brand, and find out exactly what goes on at the offices of the beauty brand!
What was your very first job?
I was pre-med in college, so I worked at an inner city health clinic. It was an extremely eye-opening and rewarding experience. It wasn't until my senior year in college that I decided to pass on medical school and attend business school, graduating with an MBA in marketing.
How did you get started in your career?
After graduating with an MBA in marketing I began my career in advertising where I worked with Borghese on the client side. As the industry changed and my family expanded with the birth of my daughter, I was hired by Borghese to help with their strategic branding, consumer insight and digital profile. I feel fortunate to call this brand my workplace home. Each day it's like taking a trip to Tuscany and Milan when you are at the Borghese office. From the skincare and cosmetic products that come from Italy to sharing the brand's heritage on social media, it is so inspiring.
Who are some of your career heroes?
I have always admired Jenna Lyons, but even more so after reading a recent article about her and her leadership style and positive attitude. She is powerful, accomplished, genuine and well received by her colleagues, as well as being a dedicated mom. I strive to achieve that positivity and overall appeal that she exudes in the workplace.
What's a typical workday like for you?
My mornings are jam-packed before I even step into the office or sit down at my desk at home between packing lunch and getting my daughter dressed and ready for school while my 2-year-old is asleep. Once Anna is off and Sebastian is fed, I check emails and my workday begins. I try to get all meetings with my team accomplished on Mondays and Wednesdays when I am in the NYC office. Managing all digital components from e-commerce to marketing to social media requires real time correspondence; therefore my iPhone is my life line. In the evening its homework, making dinner, getting the kids ready for bed. Then, I log back on to check all social media channels, e-commerce sales and plan my to-do list for the following day.
Describe your office décor. What was your inspiration? Did you decorate it yourself?
My office space is minimalistic infused with touches from home. I am in this space two days a week, so I try to surround myself with things that I cherish like my favorite pictures of my kids and their 'art,' new samples, competitive products and objects that inspire me. I love creating a visual mood board on my wall with imagery that rotates to keep things fresh and exciting.
List five things that are on your desk right now:
Besides the piles of paper and products, my desk typically consists of a MacBook Air, coffee, pictures of my children, fresh flowers and a Kate Spade to-do notebook—I am a list maker.
What do you typically wear to work?
I try to avoid an office uniform, but I do wear a lot of black. I love dresses because of the versatility and a fitted blazer is a must-have for skinny jeans or a full skirt. A statement bag and leather booties are signature for me.
What are your favorite stores to shop for work clothes?
Net-A-Porter, Zara, ShopBop, ASOS.
What's the best piece of career advice you've ever received?
Follow your passion and allow it to evolve and most importantly, never stop learning.
Finish the sentence…
Today for lunch I had… Organic Lentils and Avocado from Le Pain Quotidien. I'm also obsessed with their Cobb Salad.
The first website I log onto every day is… Refinery29 (and Instagram).
The beauty product you can always find in my purse is…Borghese Eclissare 12-well eye shadow palette and Smith's Rosebud Salve.
My must-have work gadget is…iPhone 6.
My usual Starbucks order is… sugar-free vanilla breve latte (extra hot!) and extra shot of espresso.
If I need a quick break during work, I usually…window shop along 5th Avenue when I am in the city and call my children to hear their little voices.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be… a children's fashion stylist. I am obsessed with dressing my kids, and write a kid's style blog in my spare time with the help of my daughter.
The best part of my job is… I love communicating with new and existing consumers— developing programs, products and content that keeps them engaged and returning for more. Overall, I am so grateful for the ability I have to strike the right balance between high-level career and family life at Borghese.