How did you get into the media world? Did you do a degree or work experience that got you interested?
I didn’t do a degree, I just jumped straight into it. I suppose it started with Foxtel. I applied for a job and got it! From there I ended up being their highest sales agent, directing all their sales through and making sure all the figures match and the right people are on the right contracts. From there I had a promotion within four months and ended up stepping into the role of state customer relations manager. I was only 19!
What got you into your next chapter of beauty and fashion?
While I was doing an interview for the Sunrise program I also met the beauty editor for Pacific Magazines and she asked if I wanted to do some freelance work. I did that for about three months and then got an assistant role.
So what’s on your plate at the moment?
I’m juggling a lot! I’m working for PR Chicks at the moment but have also just launched Aboriginal Model Management under the BellaBoo label, catering just to Aboriginal models which is the first of its kind. As well as writing a fashion column for the SSH and my new role as head of advertising for the SSH. I also have three kids!
What advice would you give for someone wanting to get into these industries?
Don’t put things off. Pick where you want to be and go straight there. Try to do whatever you can or someone else will get it. Throw yourself in the deep end. If you take the initiative they will look at that and say, she is serious about what she wants, she hasn’t drifted off to other interests, and will take you more seriously. A lot of people get it wrong and think you have to go somewhere else first and build up skills – it’s not true. It’s also important to have values in these industries. We make a point of having conversations with our models at Aboriginal Model Management about giving back to the community. We look at, say, Jessica Mauboy or Samantha Harris who have great attention in their industries and how they could do more to use their profiles to bring awareness to important community issues.
Your newest role is SSH advertising manager. Tell us a bit about this role.
It involves bringing in new advertisers, managing the current ones and their bookings. Making sure their advertisements meet what we need in terms of graphics and information. It’s great I am coming into this role with my marketing background, and bringing my skills from my previous experience at Foxtel will really be helpful for this role.
