CARLA'S CAREER FLASHBACK
FIRST MARKETING GIG BEGINS ON MADISON AVENUE
Where I Worked: Gryphon Development (Limited Inc. partnership that created Bath & Body Works)
What I Wore: J. Crew suits and tons of amazing finds from Henri Bendel’s with my corporate discount.
What I Did: Product launch timetables, cross-functional meetings, brainstorming on product positioning & product names and competitive research.
MOVE TO FIFTH AVENUE & 57TH STREET
Where I Worked: Chanel
What I Wore: Donna Karan, Armani, Chanel scarfs and lots of black.
What I Did: Created Chanel fine fragrance luxury gift sets and sampling initiatives.
AVON CALLS
Where I Worked: Avon Products
What I Wore: More of the same – but no bare legs allowed. Hosiery required. At least until 1997 if I recall correctly. Who knew?
What I Did: Leave Chanel to go to work at Avon. Says a lot about me don’t you think? The rigor of marketing at Avon was like no other plus this management job came with back to school benefits. Completed my MBA at New York University while working 10-hour days.
BACK TO MADISON AVENUE
Where I Worked: Intercosmetics (fine fragrance licensing division of Wella, Inc.)
What I Wore: Gucci suit and Strenesse leather jacket that I still love. Lots of fragrance….see below.
What I Did: Reunite with old colleagues and to oversee US marketing for top designer fragrance brands: Gucci, Montblanc, Alfred Dunhill and Strenesse. Meet with national specialty retailers, manage co-op advertising, PR, national media, sampling and in-store collateral.
GUERILLA MARKETING A BRITISH FINE LIQUID HAND WASH
Where I Worked: Molton Brown
What I Wore: Finally no more suits.
What I Did: Managed the U.S. marketing programs and team for this best kept secret British brand that commands $29 for hand wash. Have two children along the way, Max and Ari.
TAKE A SABBATICAL
Where I Worked: Home.
What I Wore: Jeans and soft t-shirts.
What I Did: Relished the chance to spend more time at home and learn the job of the stay at home mom. Join some entrepreneur groups and sell a little Arbonne skincare.
PLUS ONE MARKETING COACH
Where I Work: In person or remotely by phone, Skype, email etc.
What I Wear: Depends on the day.
What I Do: Coach my clients to marketing success.