At the end of April I co-hostessed a Study Tour for visiting LA based students in the Advanced Study Program in Beauty Industry Management. These students are in their 3rd year and heading towards a Bachelor's in Professional Studies with a Beauty Specialty. The 3rd year program offers a focused concentration on retail business management, global business operations, merchandising, product development, luxury brand management and managerial decision making. Julie Arnone and I designed this inaugural Tour to expose students to the dynamic companies and professionals that are based in the Bay Area. Students met with CEO's, marketing managers, customer service representatives, counter supervisors, brand ambassadors, and HR professionals during their visit to the Bay Area.
Our first stop was Laurel Skin in Sausalito where we met founder and formulator, Laurel.
Next we drove up to EO's new facility in San Rafael to see how another essential oils company has grown.
Our first day ended with a tour of Bliss Spa in the W Hotel.
Day two started at Benefit Cosmetics and a presentation by the VP of Digital.
After a few meetings on campus, we headed over to Macy's for a talk with the Cosmetics Sales Manager and a tour of the beauty floor.
Day three started at the iconic GUMPS with their Home Fragrance Buyer and a fascinating history of home fragrance.
Next we learned the history of Bare Escentuals/ Minerals.
At Method we met with the SR. VP. of Fragrance and took a tour that included 3D printing and great geeky science facts.
Our final day started with the CMO of Madison Reed. Check them out for great new hair color and online tools.
Our last stop was with a FIDM favorite, Yes To.
All in all, a terrific week with this crew. They brought it, fantastic questions and a clear dedication to their futures.