After starting out in the industry at the tender age of 19, Elise Wilson has risen through the ranks quickly to land her dream role of beauty editor at New Idea. But while others her age struggle to get their career off the ground, Elise is not only working one dream job, but two - she is also a professional hair and make-up artist. We managed to pull her aside to discover her career progression, what her role at New Idea involves and how her two jobs complement each other.
How did you get your start in the media industry?
I was lucky enough to start in the media when I was just 19 years old. I had nearly completed my business diploma at the time and thought it was a good idea to get a job (any job) to gain a bit of experience. My break came when I landed the role as receptionist at Pacific Magazines.
How did you land the role at New Idea?
As soon as I started working on reception at the magazine company, I knew I was on to a good thing. The company at the time was small, but had plenty of room for people to grow and they actively encouraged it! My eyes were opened to a whole other career path, so I took every opportunity laid in front of me. My first big promotion was close to my 20th birthday, where I landed the job as editorial assistant for New Idea magazine.
What has been your career progression since starting out?
Since starting on reception, I progressed to editorial assistant, then office manager across two titles - New Idea and Girlfriend. After that I ventured into sales, becoming the commercial projects manager over five titles, mainly looking after the creative side of the ads and organising all of the titles’ advertorials. However, after three and half years of hard slog, I landed my dream role of beauty editor of New Idea and have worked hard at it since. I had some big shoes to fill from my predecessor, and I knew I had a lot to prove for my age, but I never gave up.
What excites you about your current role?
I love the fact that my role is creative and that I have control over what goes into my pages, plus I really enjoy a cohesive relationship with my lifestyle and fashion editor. I also love the people I get to meet on a daily basis through my work – creative, passionate and like-minded people that really are inspirational to me.
What does your role involve?
My job is quite a bit more diverse than people may initially think. Firstly, my role is to be a great beauty editor that can deliver the best, most up-to-date and current beauty news and trends to our readers. Secondly, I am an ambassador for our title and a representative of that. Thirdly, I have to be someone that wears five hats at one time to create, pitch, write, deliver and liaise in all different areas to produce the best content. Being a beauty editor isn’t just about being a good writer or journalist, it’s about being an expert in your field, being organised and a great all rounder.
Have you always had a passion for beauty?
Yes! I’m pretty sure my obsession with all things make-up and beauty started when I was about three years old (well, according to my mother). Since then I have always known it’s something I’ve wanted to gear my career towards, initially I starting on that path by training to be a professional hair and make-up artist. With a lot of hard work and determination, the rest has just escalated from there.
What would you count as your career highlights?
I would have to say that landing the coveted role as beauty editor for New Idea magazine at the age of 22 was pretty huge for me. It was a job that I had aspired to do from the very first day I started work in magazines, and I was ecstatic that I had proved myself enough to be given a chance.
Have there been any lowlights?
In every job you’re going to have your tough times, but in every situation you’re going to have a silver lining. I’ve learnt that everything does happen for a reason, so for every lowlight there seems to be double the amount of highlights.
How do you source story ideas for your beauty pages?
I look for inspiration from trends circling around from the UK and the US and predict patterns that way. Attending beauty launches is another great way to spur ideas, talk to the experts and create new fresh content for my pages.
What has been the most exciting article you’ve worked on?
I do lots of amazing articles with the most exciting people in the industry, but one that does stick in my memory was a beauty piece on Lara Bingle. It wasn’t the most in-depth piece I’ve ever written, but she is such a great inspiration to me - so it was fantastic to have fun and interview her for our readers. Also jetting overseas to chat to founders of cosmetics brands and international make-up artists is always a highlight for me.
If you could interview one person from anywhere in the world, who would you interview?
I know it sounds a bit typical, but I would have to say Jennifer Lopez. For one, she is beautiful beyond belief and two, she is such an amazing entrepreneur and business woman.
If you weren’t a beauty editor, what would you be doing?
I would be a full-time hair and make-up artist for weddings, editorial and commercial projects.
Do you feel that being a professional hair and make-up artist helps in your role as a beauty editor?
I love that my role as a beauty editor is really in-depth with what is trending, what the experts are creating, and what consumers are wanting. My role as a make-up artist gives me a chance to really interact with ‘real women’, which helps me a lot when creating, writing and targeting my articles.
How do the two roles complement each other?
I really enjoy writing, researching and expanding my knowledge of the beauty industry, so my role at New Idea is perfect for that. However, being able to talk to and try out product on real women is invaluable. I love the feeling of accomplishment that being a hair and make-up artist offers, and the creative people I get to meet and work with along the way. Both serve to help me create unique, sincere and practical articles for our readers.
How do you juggle the two jobs?
Honestly, at times it can be quite hard as both jobs are so involved, plus anyone with their own business will tell you that it never stops. I try to dedicate three whole days a week to New Idea magazine, then the rest to focusing on growing my own business. Needless to say that both roles are just as important to me, and one doesn’t suffer because of the other, but it is good to have the balance that I do. Besides, I was raised to never be afraid of a bit of hard work to get to where I want to be in life.
What advice would you offer young journalists in the media industry today?
Networking is key! Know the area you want to specialise and move into and don’t stop until you get there.
Where do you see your career heading?
I am in a great company that encourages growth and learning. I would love to be a beauty director one day soon, managing the content of a few key titles, giving creative direction behind their beauty sections. I am already so grateful for all the amazing opportunities so far, and I’m not afraid to set my goals high for the future.
