By Edaein OConnell
04th Feb 2019
04th Feb 2019
With a passion for all things beauty, Mark Rogers began his career with Benefit Cosmetics at the age of 22. Over the years, he finetuned his expertise and combined his love of digital and beauty to become Head of Marketing for the brand. A love for innovation and taking risks and a passion for his work means Mark is at the top of the business game.
We are delighted to announce that Mark will be joining us as a speaker at our upcoming Young Businesswomen’s Forum on February 25 in the Westbury Hotel. Mark, along with Laura Jordan and Natasha Fennell will be on-hand to discuss the art of confidence, self-care, and dressing for success.
We caught up with Mark to chat a little about his career story to date, how he sets goals and whether he believes in a work/life balance.
Get your tickets here.
How and when did your career begin?
“My career in beauty started at 22. I started as a beauty advisor for Benefit Cosmetics in Arnotts on Henry street. It was here that I fell in love with the product and personality of the brand. Every day I would be painting 20 different faces and meeting people from all across the country. I spent my day talking and helping women feel fabulous, by not only concealing the things we all want to hide, but also highlighting and enhancing the fabulous features every individual has.”
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How and why did you make the jump into marketing?
“I was working with the brand for about four years and had progressed to be the national trainer for the brand. Social media was on the rise and I had a really strong passion for all things digital. Benefit as a brand were one of the first to really go after digital and work with social media influencers.
“There are weeks when work schedules are tight and all I have time for is work, and that’s okay, because I love what I do and the people around me know how important it is to me.”
“I started to work really closely with all the heads of departments in the UK to learn from them, as it was my dream for Ireland to have its own Irish marketing function. It didn’t happen overnight. I almost took on a whole additional job role on top of my training role to show the value that could be added. Five years on, we have a team that’s six people strong; with experts in everything from e-comms, digital and events.”
Related: Laura Jordan talks style, career advice and
the power of networking
What is the hardest part of your job?
“I suppose the hardest part at the moment is the fluctuating retail landscape. People are spending more money than ever, they are just spending it in different places and have more to choose from; so you just have to find ways to cut through the noise and find real loyalty.”
What is the most rewarding part?
“I love the environment I work in. It’s pink and girly with some of the loveliest people I have ever met. However, don’t be deceived by its girly exterior because our office also packs a punch. We are a small but resourceful team. We know what has an impact and we can really take a plan to fruition.”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the beauty business?
“My number one piece of advice is to understand the business from the bottom up. Get super familiar with the customer-facing element, as that’s the crucial part. Also, when starting out, take every bit of experience you can. Good or bad you learn from it and meet people in the industry. It’s also a really crowded business; therefore, it is really important to stay true to who you are and your values.”
Is a work/life balance a myth? How do you balance it?
“In my opinion, there is no work-life balance. I believe you have to be self-aware and understand there are times you need to slow down, but I believe more in work-life integration. I talk about work at home and I talk about my life at work. There are weeks when work schedules are tight and all I have time for is work, and that’s okay, because I love what I do and the people around me know how important it is to me.
“What I have become better at is owning my autonomy. If it makes sense for me to work from home one day and I can grab a coffee with a friend at some stage then so be it. It’s just about using time more effectively.”
Related: Join us for our first IMAGE
Young Businesswomen’s Forum of 2019
Do you think setting goals is important?
“Goals in business are extremely important for two reasons: to be able to understand when something hasn’t worked and is a waste of your time, and secondly, so you can pop the champagne and celebrate the things you did really well.
“I think in the workplace we are really good at setting goals that are achievable and working out a plan on how we are going to get there. We also review those goals regularly to make sure we bring it in. Why? Because that’s what we are bonused on. I think everyone should take a similar approach to personal goals. Make them achievable, measurable and decide what your bonus is going to be!”
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What characteristics do you need to succeed in the beauty industry?
“It is a super competitive market but there is room for everyone. What you need is a strong understanding of who you are and what you want to achieve. Then you need to be extremely tenacious. There will be plenty of setbacks and it’s not easy to break in, but if you have a good idea of where you want to be and you keep focused on getting there (by constantly self-assessing; listening to and welcoming feedback), then I truly believe you will make it.”
How do you overcome obstacles?
“There is always another way! It’s never about overcoming an obstacle, but actually about deciding which of the other ways to do it has the best result. There is no one way to do anything in this world and that is one of the things I have learnt the hard way.
“If an obstacle lands in your way then find a completely different way to come at it. When an obstacle is too big or you can’t find a way around it, then bring in another brain. Ask someone you know and trust to lend their ear and talk it out.”
Want to hear more from Mark?
Join us from 6:30 pm on February 25 for delicious canapés and bubbles, as you discover tips and tricks for getting your act together for 2019, from the inside out.
Not only this, but all attendees will walk away with a luxury gift bag that includes amazing treats from Bioderma, ALFAPARF Milano, Betty & Biddy, Hazel Mountain Chocolate, and Zeba Hair Salon.
Get your tickets here.
WHEN Monday, February 25
Champagne & canapés from 6:30pm
WHERE The Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2
TICKETS €45
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