When it comes to careers, it is really inspiring to hear words of wisdom from those who have been there and done that - and done it well. For beauty media, there may be no pair better to ask for advice than a former beauty editor turned ed-in-chief and the founder of one of the most beloved blogs on the scene. Former Lucky editor-in-chief Eva Chen and Into The Gloss founder Emily Weiss recently revealed to Lyst exactly what they think it takes to stand out in the industry.
Chen said good impressions count right from the start, and interns need to seize the opportunity to be memorable. “I remember hearing about this super intern who was the most driven, pulled together, freakishly smart girl in the world,” she says of Weiss’s reputation, which she earned working as an intern at Teen Vogue where Chen was beauty ed.
For Weiss, while working hard is key, it is equally important to be aware of your limitations.
She suggests using your weaknesses as an advantage to help yourself to get ahead, explaining: “Weakness means that you’re not gonna be fired, it means you’re gonna be your best if you focus on the things that you’re great at.”
Weiss also stresses the importance of looking after yourself. “To be your best and have this vision, you’re supposed to have or be able to come up with new ideas or be able to do things well, you need sleep and you need food. You can get burned out, and I’ve been in those really dark places and it’s not a good look.”