Jennifer Cooper, E!Talk about music to our ears. Phylicia Fant, VP of Publicity and Lifestyle Marketing for Warner Bros. Records, reps some of the biggest names in the music industry. In addition to having stars like Jason Derulo, Gary Clark Jr. and Drake—she handles his OVO label—on speed dial, her insanely hip office has us suddenly considering a major overhaul of our own workspace. We stopped by her Burbank, Calif., office to get the scoop on her impressive career and her approach to design.
What was your very first job?
Supercuts in Kennesaw, Ga.
How did you get started in your career?
I saw a posting in the cafeteria of my Spelman College for an internship at CNN.
Who are some of your career heroes?
My mom, Mara Brock Akil, Shonda Rhimes, Terrie Williams, Robin Roberts, Serena Gallagher.
What's a typical workday like for you?
Begging on the phone and stalking writers on email for magazine features and bookings for television.
Describe your office décor.
I like Middle Eastern décor; I want to feel Zen when I walk in my office. All I need is a mini water fountain to feel complete.
List five things that are on your desk right now.
Kusmi Tea, bamboo, my iPhone and Samsung galaxy, my notebook, cocktail shaker (my alter-ego is a bartender).
What do you typically wear to work?
Jeans, heels (I hate feeling short) and blouse, I want to feel chic, comfortable and edgy. I can't say I really have a uniform, I a known as a risk taker. I have leather camos that are my go-to, my bestie makes leather pieces.
What are your favorite stores to shop for work clothes?
American Apparel, Barneys New York, Urban Outfitters and I am a big vintage shopper.
What's the best piece of career advice you've ever received?
Don't take it personal and live in the moment.
Finish the sentence…
Today for lunch I had… Morton's salmon salad.
The first website I log onto every day is…Huffington Post.
The beauty product you can always find in my purse is…Nars lipstick pencil and Burt's bees chapstick.
My must-have work gadget is…iPhone and Samsung for different reasons.
My usual Starbucks order is…Blood orange refresher or Skinny vanilla latte.
If I need a quick break during work, I usually…take a walk outside if it is sunny I love the way it feels.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be…a bartender at a bar I own or writing for TV.
The best part of my job is…the freedom to be passionate.