Jennifer CooperOne would assume working at Bliss Spa would be somewhat relaxing, and it is for the some (read: the clients) but for the gals running the show behind those silk curtains it can be as busy as the New York City streets just outside the shiny glass doors.
So to fully understand what the day-to-day is actually like at the skin care hot spot, we sat down with Bliss' VP of Integrated Marketing Communications, Katie Welch (above) and the brand's senior Communications Manager Brooke Temner.
Read on to find out what both girls had to share about their Big Apple beauty gigs:
Describe your work environment.
Brooke: I split my time between being the Bliss office and the spa for photo shoots, TV shoots, and events. It's nice to be able to spend time in the spa with our technicians as they are the heart of our brand—and hey, you can always squeeze in a quick manicure.
Katie: It's a pretty great place, where we are able to be very creative. The Bliss brand has such a unique, clever personality itself; everyone who works here is a reflection of brand.
Tell us about your office décor or creative inspiration.
Brooke: Magazines, magazines and more magazines! Being in PR, I have to keep up on the trends and who wouldn't love reading about the latest in beauty, fashion and wellness?
Katie: Bliss is known for its signature blue color. From our body butter bottles to the spa walls, it's everywhere. Thankfully, blue is one of my favorite colors.
My favorite thing in my office/on my desk is. . .
Brooke: My assortment of Essie polishes. It's my version of candy. I also love my body butter award for "Best in Glow"—it's a holiday party tradition at Bliss.
Katie: A tiny Buddha I picked up on a trip to Beijing. Legend has it that you can rub its belly for good luck—it's my version of stress relief!
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work?
Katie: Most days, it's a sheath dress or jeans and a blazer. Since we run around so much during the day, I usually save my heels for after-work dinner or drinks.
Brooke: I love mixing patterns and colors, and over accessorizing. I'll pair a Theory silk button down with a camo Club Monaco vest, J.Crew skirt, H&M necklace, and killer heels.
Where do you shop for work clothes?
Brooke: Intermix, Club Monaco, J.Crew, Shopbop, Bloomingdales and Piperlime.
Katie: Department stores are my go-to. If I only have a few hours to shop, I want to make it worth my while. Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales are the best for that very reason. NET-A-PORTER's local delivery and the Gilt mobile app are also a working women's savior!
What are your favorite brands for accessories?
Brooke: Alexis Bittar, Alexander Wang and DVF.
Katie: For fun, stylish jewelry, I love Bauble Bar. I am usually never without my black and gold Hermes bracelet. It was a gift from my parents—it's my favorite piece.
The best part of my job is. . .
Brooke: I work with great people, promoting amazing products and have fun doing it. And people love this brand. Everyone appreciates a little R&R after a busy day.
Katie: I work with some of the most talented, kindest people in NYC. Also, the Triple Oxygen facials are pretty fantastic, too.
I never leave home without. . .
Brooke: My metrocard. I love being able to hop on subway and be anywhere within 15 minutes. I also cannot be without my day planner—I'm a pen and paper kind of girl.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Brooke: 16 Handles (frozen yogurt) and reality TV.
Katie: ABC's Scandal. Olivia Pope can do no wrong in my eyes—those blazers! That apartment!
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Brooke: After I graduated from Boston University, my father told me "dress for the job you want, not the job you have."
What are your travel must-haves?
Katie: I can't travel without a sleeping eye mask, Laboratoire Remede Skin Exacting Mask and Bliss 24-Heaven High Intensity Cream.
What is your go-to lunch? Favorite snack? Morning beverage?
Katie: Quinoa salad from ‘Snice for lunch. Anything with avocado is perfect for a snack and in the mornings I opt for a skim latte.
What's your favorite gadgets for work and play?
Brooke: Cliché, but true—my iPhone serves as my go-to gadget for just about anything: restaurant bookings, subway mapping, fitness & food tracking, beauty and fashion shopping.
Can you share some advice for aspiring career girls?
Brooke: Be passionate, persuasive and persistent. If you know what you want and you go after it, it will be yours.