Recently Maria had the opportunity to interview Emma McEneaney of Chleo enterprises. In a very informal and relaxed chat, they discussed what its like to work within the beauty industry.
Tell us about the company you work for, and what your current position is?
I am currently employed as National Trainer and Promotional Manager with Chleo Enterprises. Chleo Enterprises is a second generation family run business based in Ballymount, Dublin. We supply some of the biggest brands in makeup and skincare to salons and clinics within Ireland and the UK. Our brands include ARTDECO Cosmetics, Sothys Skincare, Perron Rigot Wax Systems, DMK Skincare and our newest arrival MISSLYN Cosmetics.
What is your daily work routine?
I am extremely lucky to have an incredibly varied working day so I never get bored. No two weeks are the same in Chleo! The last quarter of 2017 has been a busy one- We are currently in the throes of launching our Christmas campaign events for all our brands which takes a huge amount of preparation and organization. For our ARTDECO Christmas event, we had international MUA Derrick Carberry as our guest speaker. It is so rewarding when events like this one come together and are a success. The last few months of the year also sees me out and about in Beauty colleges holding training seminars with students which is really rewarding and fun.
What are your career goals?
The industry is changing rapidly, which is really exciting! The online world is vast becoming the norm for people- whether it is to book their beauty treatment online or seek information on a brand. Soon myself and the team in Chleo will look to develop online training material for all our brands along with online training courses to help the therapist with sales and retail in a salon. The online world is ever changing and I can’t wait to move with it.
Who inspires you in your career?
My biggest inspiration to date would have to be my mother. She is an extremely hard working lady who is still getting up for work at 6am!! She has always supported me throughout my ups and downs in my career and spurred me to keep achieving. Her incredible work ethic means that I have never been afraid to put in the hours and that has really stood to me over the course of time! She has always encouraged my education, saying that one is never too old to return to school, because of this I try and do some sort of course, every year. I am currently studying Digital Media Marketing in DMI at night.
What do you love about your job?
I think the thing I love most about my job is the variation from day to day and getting to work with the brands we distribute. When I first qualified as a therapist many moons ago, I was lucky enough to work with Sothys and DMK skincare. The love of both brands has always stayed with me and it is so rewarding to be working with them again from a training side.
Are there any challenges?
The beauty industry is facing a lot of challenges at the moment. The whole online presence has become so saturated that it is hard to distinguish what is great and what someone has been paid to say is great. I think we are taking a step in the right direction, however. The public is now more educated and must now be informed as to who is being sponsored for posting reviews and pictures. The use of the #ad is definitely a step in the right direction! It now lets the public make informed decisions on cosmetics brands.
We speak to many job seekers who would love the opportunity of a training role but do not have working experience in this area, what advice would you give them?
My advice for anyone looking to get into any type of training roles within the industry is to get as much experience in beauty and sales as possible. I have worked in all types of environments- from salons and spas abroad to beauty counters in department stores. This has allowed me to experience every aspect of the industry and gain the knowledge I need to work in a training role. Everyone needs to start somewhere, and while working as a junior therapist can be disheartening at times, this is an industry whereby you can progress very quickly. Stick with the hours and you will very often be rewarded!
What is your favourite beauty product?
I have two products I could not live without- Sothys RS Serum and Repair Balm. Sothys Cosmeuctique range is a relatively new concept from the brand. It contains just four products which are specially designed for all skin types particularly ultra-weakened skin or skin that require a boost. I love to use the RS Serum as a mask before a big night out or just sleep in a layer of the product. Its a completely hypo-allergenic range, making it perfect for even the most sensitive skins.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love food! I love nothing more than exploring and seeking out new eateries at the weekend. I am always on the hunt for quirky new places to try.
Thanks Emma for the wonderful interview and the great advice for all the job seekers trying to crack the beauty industry.
