Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Candace:

First of all, you do not need any special classes in high school to come to FIDM and major in Beauty Industry Merchandising and Marketing. Just take the standard curriculum and you'll be fine!

What is the beauty industry like? It's fascinating, ever-changing, fast-paced, and deadline-driven. Constant networking between companies is required due to the nature of the business: skin-care lines need manufacturers and fillers, while color cosmetics companies need chemists and manufacturers. It's a very inter-dependent business. Product Development is a large part of the beauty industry, since most large companies diversify to please several target markets.

What it's like to be in the beauty industry also depends a bit on what area you're in. There's Manufacturing, where you work to produce and package the cosmetics, or Retailing, where you work to get the cosmetics to the customers. Within Manufacturing, you could be involved with new product development, package design, market research, or inventory control. Within Retailing, you could work as a merchandise manager, a cosmetics department manager, a buyer, or with salons and spas.

Wherever you are in the beauty industry, business is booming! Customers can't seem to get enough beauty products, and the public is always eager for something new. Perhaps you'll be the one to give it to them!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl