Congratulations to Sharon Hunt who has been appointed beauty & health editor at The Australian Women’s Weekly.
BD chatted with Hunt to find out more about her new role, favourite beauty products and memorable career moments.
Can you please tell us a little bit about your background in the industry and your education/training or industry qualifications?
My media career has followed the well-travelled path from an internship to entry level magazine roles and eventually being a beauty editor (with loads of hard work and countless articles along the way!)
While studying a Bachelor of Media (Hons) at Macquarie University I worked at Girlfriend magazine as the beauty intern for two brilliant beauty editors, Erica Bartle and then later Sarah Tarca.
After a brief stint as editorial coordinator at Super Food Ideas I found a long-term home at OK! magazine. I was with the celebrity weekly mag from 2008 to 2012 and during that time I went from being the editor’s PA to the junior lifestyle writer before stepping into the beauty & lifestyle editor role.
In 2012 I moved to Melbourne – and so began my freelance writing career. For the past five years I have worked from home (yes, sometimes in my pyjamas!) writing content for magazines and online on everything from celebrity to entertainment, TV, fashion, health - and of course beauty.
I took a maternity break and also returned to Sydney in 2017 and am excited to commence 2018 as the AWW beauty & health editor.
What does your current role entail?
The beauty & health pages will be my domain on AWW. The section includes a mixture of long form features, bitsy news and product pages – all delivered in the signature AWW style.
What does an average day in the office look like for you?
It’s only day 2 for me – so I’m still getting my bearings! But so far it has been spent researching the latest beauty and health findings, trends and interesting reads as well as conducting interviews with experts. There’s collaborative meetings with the team and then writing, writing, writing! In the weeks to come, attending events will also be added into the mix!
Best thing about the beauty industry?
It’s interesting , it’s informative and it’s fun – which incidentally is also what it’s like creating content for the magazine industry. No wonder they work together so nicely!
What are you most looking forward to at AWW?
Working under such a legendary title and alongside such a respected team. AWW is magazine royalty here in Australia and I feel humbled that I will have the opportunity to have my work published under the magazine’s banner.
What is your signature fragrance?
I flit between Prada Les Infusions Iris EDP for fancy occasions and Ralph Lauren Big Pony 2 for Women for something fun. I’ll always have a soft spot for Gucci by Gucci EDP as it was my wedding day fragrance.
What are your can’t live without beauty products?
Oh, that’s like asking to choose between your favourite child! (And fortunately for me, I only have one child!!)
What has been your biggest career highlight?
There’s been so many, but I guess the most recent has been doing red carpet reporting at the TV WEEK Logies for the past five years. It’s an adrenaline rush because there are so many famous faces in the one place and you do one interview after another on the fly – and you get to do it all while looking very glamorous!
Top networking tip?
Find like minded people in the industry and nurture those contacts.
Which trend is exciting you about the beauty industry right now?
I always love interesting developments in the hair industry – whether it’s bright bold temporary colours or the new ‘it’ cut. Hair is such an experimental field and there’s always something new happening.
Who in the industry do you most admire?
In magazines, every editor I’ve worked with has been a source of inspiration for me. I’ve been fortunate enough to previously work under Kim Wilson and Claire Isaac - and at AWW I’m reuniting with my previous editor, Nicole Byers. All of them are incredibly hard working women and I admire them all greatly.
What’s the most memorable press send-out you’ve received?
There have been so many extravagant and OTT send-outs over the years! But honestly, I’m mostly just looking at the product and release and trying to work out how it will fit with whatever I’m currently working or making a mental note of it for later.
What was the most memorable event you have ever attended?
Back in my OK! days, Nivea held an event where they surprised us by inviting our loved ones to join us for dinner and a night away at a secluded destination on Sydney Harbour. How they managed to surprise us and pull it off still baffles me!
Who is your favourite person to follow on Instagram?
I mostly follow personal accounts on Instagram. So, my husband - mainly because he posts adorable pictures of our son and delicious dishes he creates.
Your mantra / philosophy is?
Be nice. Stay in your lane. Get it done by deadline.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I would be freelancing at home while trying not to get distracted by my baby boy.
You can find out how to get in contact with Hunt here.
