Anyone who really knows me knows that I am obsessed with my hair. I literally have a Marcia Brady-level brush and treat routine every night. I take pride in keeping my long locks healthy, so sue me. I love sharing my beauty secrets as well and when it comes to hair maintenance, I tell everyone and anyone about Moroccanoil. I talk about it so much I often feel like I work for them.
Erin Klein actually does work for Moroccanoil (lucky girl). And besides amazing experience and intellect, she has the beautiful, shiny hair to prove it. Erin has the thrilling and challenging job of working in marketing for the company. Between choosing new product lines and working on packaging, Erin works hard in many facets of the company to make it the brand we all love.
We caught up with this Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale graduate as she discusses her beauty must-haves and advice to our readers looking to break into the industry.
CollegeFashionista: Tell us where you went to school and what your major was.
Erin Klein: I went to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and graduated with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing.
CF: We know no two days are the same, but what does your job entail on a daily basis?
EK: I work at Moroccanoil—yes, that expensive stuff with blue packaging, and yes, it works! I work in marketing and am responsible for all aspects of launching new products—deciding what the packaging looks like, creating collateral material and supporting promotions. I also work closely with our spa, salon, hospitality and retail accounts, such as Barneys and Nordstrom.
CF: What are a couple of your favorite must-have beauty products?
EK: Moroccanoil Treatment, of course. I use it right out of the shower on my damp hair to speed up blow-drying time and to keep my hair frizz-free during hot summer days. Second, would be Klorane’s Dry Shampoo. If you know me at all, you know I hate washing my hair – which is why I love this product! It removes oil from my scalp making my hair appear clean (looks are clearly deceiving), adds volume and leaves a nice fresh scent. My last must-have product is Covergirl LashBlast Mascara. It truly is my secret weapon. People stop me on the street and ask where I get my lash extensions and are always surprised when I tell them that it’s just a few coats of mascara!
CF: What has been the most rewarding aspect about working for an innovative beauty company?
EK: I love that Moroccanoil was the first in our category. I have been very hands-on and involved in the process of bringing new and exciting products to the market. Walking down the street and seeing a product that I’ve been working on since inception sitting in a salon window still gives me the chills. I have seen huge growth over the past three years. When I started working at Moroccanoil, I would have to explain the brand when asked what I do. Now, everyone from my grandma to my college roommate sends me a picture of Moroccanoil product everywhere they see it.
CF: Did any past internships or jobs during college prepare you for your role at Moroccanoil?
EK: Honestly, I have been preparing for this job since middle school, when my excitement for and curiosity of the beauty industry began. Around that time, I became the local makeup, hair and nail expert for all my friends and family members. Whatever the trend was, I was on it – sparkly eye liner, crimped hair, butterfly clips and even the slicked side bangs! I set up a pot of wax in my basement that saved me and my friends a lot of time and money at salons. After college I interned at Seventh House PR, a fashion events and public relations firm in New York City that produces designer events for New York Fashion Week and represents many apparel and accessories brands. I was excited about working in sponsorship for our designer’s shows, primarily getting beauty sponsors for hair, makeup and nails. I realized then that I wanted work at a company that had similar passions to my own – beauty, products, fashion, etc. I loved to talk about, look at and just be surrounded by all things fashion and beauty. It has continued to be my obsession and has taught me how important it is to be in an environment where you love what is around you.
CF: What tips do you have for students planning to pursue a career in marketing?
EK: Network! Attend alumni events that will have professionals in the field in which you’re interested. Interning definitely doesn’t hurt either; you can learn a lot from your supervisors, and about what a “marketing” job really entails (e.g. some marketing roles include PR responsibilities, as well). Sometimes it’s hard to know from a job description on the internet. Interning while in college is helpful because you learn what you do and don’t want to do when the time comes to enter the workforce. And as I mentioned before, focus on what you love, and don’t settle until you found a job that excites you. Whether it is fashion, beauty, cars, sports, technology – there are so many different job opportunities that you might not realize exist. And if it doesn’t exist, there’s always the opportunity to create it yourself.
