While she may have only been in the media industry since December 2012, Business News Australia journalist Laura Daquino is already beginning to make waves. And BEAUTYDIRECTORY's not the only one noticing this rising star, with Daquino delivering a TEDx talk in 2015 and announced as a finalist in The Media Club's Best Business or Finance Story in 2014.
With Daquino responsible for penning a number of beauty articles coming out of Business News Australia, BEAUTYDIRECTORY tracked the Queensland-based journalist down to discuss her career and writing about beauty for a business publication.
Can you tell me a bit about Business News Australia?
Business News Australia is an independent media company primarily dedicated to good news business stories. We seek to inspire our readers by showcasing successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who give raw snapshots into their journeys. One of the best examples of this is our Young Entrepreneur Awards, which we have hosted for almost a decade now and I’m the presenter of.
What sorts of stories are you covering in a usual day?
I’m most passionate about writing entrepreneur feature stories, and particularly like delving into the FMCG and start-up space. However, a typical day consists of feature writing mixed in with breaking news – a capital raise, a partnership – anything that means business. You can keep track of my work on Twitter @lauradaquino.
Are you responsible for all beauty articles at Business News Australia?
While we don’t have an assigned beauty writer, I jump at the chance to cover any movements in the business of beauty. You would be hard-pressed to find another business journalist that takes beauty as seriously as me!
When it comes to beauty, what type of stories are you looking to cover?
I’m looking at beauty brands with interesting founders, visionary leaders or first-of-their-kind products. I’ve recently written about Adore Beauty, Oscar Cullinan and am currently working on pieces about a Canadian beauty juggernaut entering Australia and the tech side of the world’s biggest beauty brand.
Does writing beauty for a business publication differ from consumer beauty pages?
Prior to this, I wrote for a lifestyle magazine and was in charge of the beauty spread. Naturally, when describing a product you love, you’re inclined to use flowery language. There was more room for play in my writing as I explored the physical product.
Business writing teaches you brevity. It also fine-tunes your attention to detail unlike anything else. Stakeholders are hanging on your every word, right down to the decimal point in a company’s share price you are reporting on.
While impartial business journalism can’t directly sing the praises of your product, it can pay dividends about your worth as a business leader if framed correctly. I like getting to know the person behind the product – and we’re all now starting to realise how much customers value that story.
Do you personally have a strong interest in the beauty arena?
I’m a beauty junkie. Always have been, always will be. I probably haven’t gone a day without lipstick in five years and feel no outfit is too casual for a bit of red! I will pay a premium for a beautiful brand if there’s substance behind it. Nothing compares to Aesop and Grown Alchemist in skincare – both Australian and nailing the notion of a lifestyle brand. I also like my beauty how I like my food – few ingredients and nasties kept at a real minimum.
