Jennifer Cooper/E! EntertainmentConsidering the fact that Alison Brod landed her first job in public relations within a mere month of moving to the Big Apple, some might say she's one a lucky gal!
But to hear her speak of her jam-packed work schedule, it's obvious hard work is behind the success of her eponymous firm.
In one short day, the publicist told us she "had 10 beauty editors come to our office hair salon for hair treatments with Matrix, did a NY Daily News shoot with our 10 interns on summer dressing, filmed a video for Host Committee" all before running to handful of parties and spending time with her kids.
To give us a better idea of how she manages her busy career, Brod threw open the doors to her luxe New York office and shared everything from her career path to her must-have beauty items.
Here's what she had to say:
How did you get started in your career?
I moved to New York after graduating Tulane and gave myself a 30 day roundtrip ticket to New York, to be used to go back to Florida if I couldn't find a job. I met my husband my fourth day in the city and he took me to a black tie gala two weeks later where I ran into the first job interview I'd had in the city. She hired me the next day. A few years later, I was working at an agency and eavesdropped on a man who was having a conversation in the elevator of my building. I interrupted, he asked for my card and three weeks later, called and said if I wanted to start my own agency, he would be my first client.
That first client was the relaunch of Burberry fragrances and the start of a lot of big changes in both the beauty and fashion industries with rebranding of formerly sleepy brands.
Explain the office décor at your company?
Our previous office was pink and had 75 large framed Pucci scarves on the walls. Our brand new office reflects more of a mix of my slightly more masculine side—my apartment and Hamptons house are wood and glass and metal and the office has a lot of copper and silver and glass with a big wall of sliced agate paper. The feminine side comes out in giant Barbie shots in Lucite framed on the walls and hot pink conference room chairs.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work?
I wear heels every single day and a skirt or dress every day. I have never come in without makeup. I often wear my clients and have a showroom of accessories and fashion to select from, as well as dozens of cosmetic brands, and can grab anything from a spray tan to mascara at any point. I often find a style and buy multiples. Long ago, I stopped buying clothing and shoes as art and focused more on what actually was flattering on me.
Where do you shop for clothes?
I have terrific allowances and discounts at brands from Ippolita to Shoshanna to Dannijo and work with a lot of other brands on collaborations. I just bought 14 things from Hervé Léger with A-lined skirts and great jersey dresses from Yigal Azrouel after events at their showrooms.
The best part of my job. . .
I interact with CEOs and top entrepreneurs from some of the world's largest or most creative companies all day long—and I have the ability to work with people in every discipline from music to technology to fashion and beauty. I have a lot of interests and have new things to discover every day.
I never leave home without...
Lipgloss.
What are your favorite gadgets for work and play?
I carry a lot of devices around from the new Blackberry Q10—I cannot be without a keyboard—to the Samsung Galaxy. I had the original Blackberry long before most people even had home computers and I had email before I had anyone to even email. I have always loved technology. My favorite gadget right now is actually for the pool—the Sea Scooter—which is a unit that pulls you along in the water and basically turns you into a human speedboat.
What are you beauty must-haves?
Hair color from Margo at Oscar Blandi, cuts from Oscar. Fresh highlights instantly brighten your face. Well applied self-tanner can also define or create the illusion of toned legs, which is helpful for me because the only exercise I get is running around in heels.
What fuels you during the work day?
I don't drink any caffeine, so lately, Sugarfina candy, our creative candy company, seems to comprise most of my diet. I have also been testing 20 flavors of crispy rice treats for a new store launch, Treat House, lately. Otherwise, pizza from Asellina or a fruit shake.