Interviewing a Sephora Manager!

Hi guys! I thought it would be interesting for you makeup lovers if I interviewed a Sephora Manager. Sephora is the largest cosmetic retailer and I know it’s a lot of young makeup lover’s dream to work there. I know it was one of my dreams. I thought it would be helpful to get some advice, tips, and overall to learn more about the work environment in a Sephora store. I wrote up a couple questions and emailed them to Phylis Delana. I got her contact information by going to one of my local Sephora stores and asking for the manager. She agreed to answer some of the questions I had via email, and responded with her answers. Below I shared with you the questions and her responses, and I hope you can learn something from them! Enjoy!

1. What’s the work atmosphere like?                 
   If I were to describe our work atmosphere in one word, it would be fun. We love to just have fun with the clients that come in, and our motto is ‘let’s beauty together'!
2. How many years have you been in the field?             
   I’ve been in the industry for 29 years now! I always had a love for makeup but I actually went to school for Accounting. I got a part-time job in Bloomingdales in the Expresso Bar, and the cosmetic girls in Bloomingdales would always be bugging me telling me that I should work with them. Back in the day to get a job in the beauty field you needed a lot of experience and I didn’t have any. It took me a while to finally get one, at first they didn't hire me but I kept trying. I finally got offered a part-time position at the Chanel counter and within a few months I became the manager there.  
3. Do you have any advice on how you worked your way up to manager?
   My advice would be not to take no for an answer, because I sure didn’t! Even though I didn’t have experience I knew it was what I was passionate about so I fought for it. Persevere!
4. Did you always know this was what you wanted to do?
   No, I thought I would go into accounting until my part-time job at the expresso bar made me want to work for a cosmetic counter. Once I got the job I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
5. What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about working in a Sephora?
   My favorite thing about working in Sephora is helping clients find the right products for their skin tone and type since it can be a difficult task. I love making clients feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin when they leave the store. My least favorite part is standing on my feet all day!
6. What advice do you have for younger boys and girls trying to follow the same path as you?
   Be creative it will set you apart from the others. I know the field is becoming so much more competitive than it used to be but don’t give up on your dream! Success will come to you if you keep at it.
7. What’s your best beauty tip?
   Moisturizer and SPF every day!
8. Who are your competitors?
   We have a lot of competitors such as Ulta and Blue mercury. We focus on giving great client services and that sets us apart from the others. Our return policy is something that keeps our customers loyal to Sephora stores. Our teams are very generous and understanding when it comes to returns, because we understand that sometimes products don't work for everyone.
9. Has the industry changed your view on the beauty world?
   Not as much as you would think. I’m more up to date with trends, and working in the industry has overall made me more aware on the importance of skincare.
10. Sephora's return policy is very laid back. What do you do with all the returned products?
    We can’t resell them unfortunately unless they are completely sealed. Everything gets thrown away.

Let me know what you guys think about the questions and responses! If you have any other questions, comment them below and I can reach out to her again and try and answer them for you! I always wondered if they can resell the returned products, so I had to ask. It's good to know they can't although it seems a bit wasteful!