What is your role at Viva?
I'm Viva's commercial editor and beauty writer. The commercial side of my role sees me brainstorm and help pitch creative executions to meet client briefs and then roll all of that content out across our print and digital platforms. I work really closely with our editor and the sales team to strategise how to integrate sponsored content throughout the magazine. When it comes to the beauty side of things, I write beauty content for Viva.co.nz. This ranges from reviews to weekly features or interviews with notable people in the beauty industry.
What will you be doing at Fashion Week 2018?
This year, I've been really involved with pulling the content together for the Viva Daily. I'll be attending a handful of shows, and then heading back to the office to write and file content for the following day's Viva Daily. I'm also working a number of commercial projects, so will be managing the content and live dates for those campaigns too.
What's the best part about NZ Fashion Week?
For a country so small, we punch well above our weight when it comes to talent. New Zealand Fashion Week is the perfect opportunity to showcase the incredible designs of both up-and-coming and existing fashion designers on an international stage. We attract plenty of international buyers, media and other delegates to our shores during this time, and if NZFW didn't exist we'd miss out on celebrating what makes our country so unique.
And the worst?
Sore feet! I love impractical shoes, and hardly ever wear flats. I need to invest in some orthotics or gel insoles to keep the balls of my feet from aching by the end of the day.
What's your favourite fashion week collection or memory to date?
Previously, I worked for New Zealand Weddings magazine which curates a show every year during NZ Fashion Weekend. During my last year there, I was heavily involved in the organisation of the show from arranging goodie bags and planning seating charts, through to attending the run-through and watching all the action unfold from backstage. I felt so privileged to be a part of something so illustrious.
How did you get your start in the industry?
My first job after completing my Honours degree was as a Sales Coordinator at Tangible Media. I worked my butt off for nine months and the editors there started paying attention. Melissa Gardi, the editor of New Zealand Weddings promoted me to editorial assistant, and later to beauty writer. I spent a year living in London, and came home to a job as digital editor at Remix magazine, before being promoted to deputy editor and digital director.
Favourite part of your job?
I love the variety. No two days are the same. One minute I'm attending a beauty launch or writing a story for Viva.co.nz, the next I'm presenting to our sales team about exciting projects we have on the horizon. My role is a bit of hybrid, and that suits me perfectly. I'm pulled in a few different directions and always have a lot on my to-do list, which makes my days fly by.
Least favourite part of your job?
I'm sure a lot of people have said this already but I hate transcribing interviews! I've gotten pretty quick at it after having to do so many over the years, but I live for the day an app gets developed that can transcribe your interview for you!
What's your second career option?
As a die-hard beauty junkie, my back-up career would be working for a global beauty brand like Jo Malone or YSL Beauté. I have three drawers and two cupboards filled to the brim with makeup and skincare! I'm absolutely obsessed.
What's your go-to snack during NZFW?
I'll be reaching for a mix of bliss balls, protein bars, kombucha and matcha lattes. That all makes me sound horribly basic, but I'm gluten intolerant so my snack choices are limited!
What are your favourite news sources outside of Viva?
As a self-confessed beauty junkie, I can't get enough of Byrdie (UK or Aus). Their articles are a little bit click-baity, but I can't not click through when their e-newsletter wings its way into my inbox. I admire how Gritty Pretty has carved a unique space in the beauty industry playing in the magazine space but offering their content exclusively online. Their photography and use of shadow is amazing too. The Cut is always a good read their content has shifted in recent years to include more articles centred on female empowerment, business, and self-care. Coveteur is great for apartment tours and fitness tips. I've developed a love for My Domaine since buying a house their interiors inspo is second-to-none.
What's your weirdest party trick?
I'm ridiculously double-jointed. If I raise my arms in a V shape it looks like I have two broken elbows…
