Working as a product manager is a job that’s usually super fun, due to its creative aspect, but it’s also a really hard job. You need to be hand-on and on top of all your projects. Let’s say it’s not your average office job.
We had the pleasure to interview Eloïse Lecluyse, product manager at Chanel and formerly at MAC Cosmetics and talk about her job and daily life. She told us a bit more about what she studied, how she landed her first job and how it feels to be working in the cosmetics industry. Apart from her day-to-day job she is also very active on Instagram and she even has her own clothing brand. Are you wondering how she is able to combine all of her passions? Make sure to continue reading and find it out!
What type of studies did you do and how did you land your first job?
I studied Applied Economics at the University of Ghent. I graduated in Marketing and started my first internship at the Estée Lauder companies. After deciding to do my master in marketing it was clear to me that I would end up in Fashion/Cosmetics, those industries interested me the most and I knew that this is the goal I eventually wanted to reach.
After a night out, I was looking on Facebook in my bed and I saw a post that said: ‘looking for interns for Estée Lauder. I said to myself, okay why not. I didn’t really feel ready, because I was still studying, but I always feel like doing things that are out of my comfort zone and things that I don’t feel 100% ready for, that’s how I don’t get bored and stay on top of things.
After looking at the job description, I started working on my Resume. That same day I sent my resume and motivation letter and within a few hours I got from someone at the company inviting me to come in for an interview.
I went in for the interview 3 weeks after that call and the next day they told me I could start. Although my French is at a good level, I needed to improve before starting so I took a 3-week course to get me all settled for my first job.
How did you end up working in marketing and more specifically in the cosmetics industry?
While graduating and writing my thesis, I did an internship at Estée Lauder for 4 months. After that I applied for a temporary traineeship at Aveda and 2 months after that I saw a full-time job at MAC Cosmetics was available and so I applied. That’s actually how I landed my first ‘real job’.
Working for Chanel and previously MAC Cosmetics sounds amazing. What are the coolest projects you’ve worked on so far?
As I worked on events at MAC, we organised our booth at Tomorrowland and WecanDance, both major festivals in Belgium and many other cool events. That was FUN, but also really hard work, but that’s what makes it a challenge and what’s life without challenges?
I also got the meet a lot of super interesting people, which is great for my personal network.
We opened stores in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands and I got to go to amazing cities such as Paris and Amsterdam. Those projects are super cool, but what I like about working in Marketing and especially Cosmetics, is the combination of hands-on work and analytical tasks. I like to organise and be on the field, but at the same time I like to analyse the results or think about how we could do things better.
It’s not only FUN, you need to work hard, be smart about things and keep on improving yourself, but as the products are amazing, there is always some fun there.
How do you combine your daily job with your own brand and your other activities?
Find what makes you happy and prioritise these. Say no to things that don’t bring you energy or make you unhappy and only do the things that make you smile and be happy.
For me personally, that’s my family, a small amount of best friends & my boyfriend.
If you’re like me, you’re an extroverted introvert. You can be outgoing, yet you desperately need your alone time.
I say this because I get my energy from my time alone.
During the day I talk a lot and give all my energy, but when I’m not at work or somewhere where I need to be social, I prefer being with my boyfriend or by myself, watching Netflix, taking a bath or looking for inspiration for my Instagram/my own brand.
I LOVE posting images on Instagram of my outfits or things that inspire me. To me that is something relaxing, I take pictures when I feel inspired.
Find Eloïse on Instagram @eloiselecluyse
I recently developed/started my own clothing brand; #MondiebyElo. But I am taking it very slowly, I’m in the trial phase and want to see how it works. I don’t even have a page yet, just some pictures on the # and an Etsy shop. It’s something that needs to grow and that I can do in combination with my job, so I’ll see how it goes. My plan is to learn a lot of new things and gain experience from my current job at Chanel.
We can only imagine your day is super busy! What’s your typical workday like?
Let me start by saying that I’m a HUGE morning person and I am very productive in them. I’ll talk you through a regular day, but of course every day is a little different.
6AM
I Wake-up and I I have a few different options. But first: COFFEE, i’m addicted! Then I try combining different activities such as my workout, cleaning my house, making my food and reading books.
8AM
I leave for work by bike or car, depending on the weather.
9AM – 7PM
I’m at the office or on the field when I have meetings or I work on projects, every day is quite different.
Depending on how busy it is, I leave the office around 6 or 7PM. Then, I usually go home and work out, cook or go for a drink with my friends, or sometimes I just watch Netflix with my boyfriend (90% of the time).
I have a lot of good energy during the day, which I get from moving a lot, drinking coffee and being productive. I love walking around and working out, that’s what keeps me sane and helps me to stay focused.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t know yet. I’ll definitely have a baby 🙂 But regarding my work life, It depends what opportunities cross my path. I take it day by day and just want to keep learning everyday.
Maybe I’ll work in Paris, London or another cool city or even have my own company, I’m not sure 🙂
Finally, do you have any advice for girls wanting to work in cosmetics?
Take it day by day, be nice, prioritize, know your place and don’t feel like you’re superior over someone else. Work super hard and don’t take anything for granted.
