Laura Merriman-Brown is a Retail Development Coordinator for Elizabeth Arden, and the LearnXtra team were lucky enough to get a few minutes of her time recently. Here are her words of wisdom for you!
LX: Hi Laura, thanks for speaking to us today, you look very busy! So, tell us a bit about yourself; how did you get into beauty?
Laura: I have always had a passion for what we term in the industry as ‘premium beauty’, ie the upper range of beauty therapy products and brands, such as Elizabeth Arden. I applied for a job as an Account Manager for Arden, as I was interested in this aspect of the industry. I had a Bachelor’s Degree in philosophy and theology, and I think these were a really solid foundation for this role, as they provided me with essential skills for reasoning and also for communicating with colleagues and clients.
LX: So we take it you got the job! What happened next?
Laura: Yes I did get the job, and loved it! Arden gave me lots of training, for example in selling skills, product knowledge and customer service. I also took an advanced business course to help with these skills. I spent one year in this role and then got the job of Retail Development Coordinator and have been in this role for 5 years. I absolutely love it!
LX: Great! So what is your favourite area of beauty, and why?
Laura: Definitely skincare. If your skin is in good condition then any make-up you put on is just an added bonus and will simply compliment and highlight your natural beauty and healthy glow!
LX: Very true! So do you have any pearls of wisdom to pass on to learners in the area of Beauty Therapy?
Laura: Be yourself and be genuine, because clients will really respond to this. If you’re open, and offer up some knowledge of yourself then you become a real person to your clients, with flaws, just like them, and therefore the consultation will become a far less intimidating experience.
LX: Good advice! And finally, any last words Laura?
Laura: Yes, I would also prompt learners to decide what their passion is; is it skincare, people, make-up? When you believe in a product or service fully, and have all your passion and enthusiasm behind it, then it really comes across to the client. Your service will shine and the client will feel that they have received a truly valuable and effective treatment.
LX: Thanks Laura, and enjoy the rest of the week!
Laura: Thanks LearnXtra, and good luck to all the learners out there!