In this week's edition of Trendsetters at Work, we're on the scene in downtown Los Angeles with the adorable and effervescent director of public relations for COREY, Shana Honeyman!
The popular clothing label, formerly known as Corey Lynn Calter, has been a hit among celebs like Krysten Ritter, Zooey Deschanel, Kate Hudson, Lauren Conrad and more, and recently went under a rebranding to capitalize on a more sophisticated, grown-up direction (with an abbreviated new name to boot!)
And who better to spearhead that shift than a stylish, poised and professional PR guru who's known the brand since the beginning?
We snagged Shana for an in-depth interview on her fabulous career, incredible fashion sense and caught a glimpse of her colorful, super-cute office!
Take a peek:
How did you get started in your career? Early on, I had worked in retail stores in New York and L.A. like Miu Miu, Barneys New York and Daryl K, and met so many interesting people in fashion who would later shape my career. I learned I was great at dealing with different personalities and knew PR would be my dream job.
It was a destined meeting with Corey Lynn Calter in 2003 who took a chance on me and saw that a bubbly party girl could possibly make a great PR person. After working with many amazing designers over the years, I now work in-house at COREY. Ten years after our first meeting I am lucky enough to say that Corey's talent and character inspire me daily.
Describe a typical day for you. The beauty of my job is that every day is different. Some days consist of brainstorming and pitching stories, sending lookbooks and getting clothes to New York for photo shoots. Others are filled with editor meetings, stylist pulls and fittings with actresses. There is always something that comes up last minute so although it may sound glamorous and fun, it can be really stressful at times.
What is your work environment like? My work environment is filled with creative people popping in and out all day. May it be a great stylist or Corey coming in to talk about the collection, I am constantly stimulated all day long. Our social media coordinator Alicia and my Pekingese Fernando make for great office company, and as a PR person, I'm naturally always up for a dose of fashion talk!
How would you describe your office décor? Corey designed the PR office with a modern eclectic feel. She mixed '70s regency chairs with colorful Blenko glass and elements of Chinoiserie. An array of disparate frames hang on the walls featuring photos of everything from Sharon Tate to current look book images.
What do you typically wear to work? Anyone who knows me can tell you I rarely shy away from prints and color. I live in feminine dresses and love pairing them with my Rag & Bone Newbury ankle boots which are a great staple. And a bold pink or red lip is always a must!
Where do you shop for work clothes? Aside from walking across the hall to shop the latest COREY pieces, I love mixing vintage into my daily wardrobe. I always find incredible pieces at Shareen or Squaresville locally. I love mixing basics from Madewell, Topshop, Zara and ASOS in as well.
The best part of my job is…The incredibly interesting, talented, smart and eccentric people I get to meet on a daily basis. I have made some of my best friends through fashion.
I never leave home without…Pink lipstick and a sense of humor!
The best piece of advice I've ever received? "Smile, it increases your face value." –Dolly Parton
Travel must-haves? My T3 travel hair dryer (hotel versions don't do the job), Jojoba oil (the best all-purpose beauty product), a great book, Downy Wrinkle Releaser, a nail file and a sense of adventure!
What are your beauty must-haves? I am currently obsessed with Smashbox CC Cream—it has sunscreen, dewy coverage and corrects skin imperfections. My other secret weapons include Dermadoctor Poetry In Lotion (I get carded if I use this regularly!), Laura Mercier Foundation Powder (covers any imperfection), NARS Blush in Cactus Flower and Dragon Girl Lip Velvet Matte Lip Pencil...and my weekly blowout from Nina Lucas at Lucas Salon who makes my hair look like the southern belle I have always wanted to be!
What fuels you during the day? I love working in downtown LA because there are so many amazing restaurants! My go-to lunch is the French lentil salad with salmon from Cabbage Patch or the curried cauliflower soup at Market Cafe. Pressed Juicery Roots 3 is the best afternoon pick-me-up and I am a functioning human being after my morning black iced tea.
My favorite gadgets for work and play: I have to be connected to my e-mail 24/7, so I would say I am in a serious relationship with my iPhone.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be…Eating bon bons on the couch in furry house slippers!
Share some advice for aspiring career girls. Check your ego and at the door and learn as much as you can everyday. Experience is the best teacher. Internships and assistant positions are where you can form relationships that will help you throughout your entire career.