Who we are
17 Aug 2007 10:52 AM | Posted by Editor
The brains behind beautyheaven
Okay, so we're certifiable beauty nuts. We're obsessed with
lotions, potions and powders, and gush about our favourite finds like
most people talk about family. It's love.
But we're also clued up. We've got a combined history of more than
20 years in the beauty industry and, in our other lives,
run beautydirectory.com.au, the Australian beauty editors' research
tool and secret weapon. So suffice to say, the bh team has the contacts
and the cred, not to mention some rather impressive make-up moves…
Jackie Maxted: Big Boss Lady
How did you come to establish bh, Jackie?
We discovered some beauty angels looking around in our sister site, beautydirectory.com.au (it's for beauty editors and people who work in the industry), and decided it was the right time for a similar site but especially designed for Australian women who love all things beauty.
Tell us a little bit about yourself...
I like to do a different job every day! I’m typically bored after doing anything that takes longer than fifteen minutes so I’m all about new ideas, new challenges and having fun! I have been working in online publishing since 1999 – first on the developing and launching of beautydirectory in Australia, then we launched it in New Zealand, and in 2005 started work on beautyheaven. I’m originally from the UK with a Communications degree but my working life has been in media and PR. I only really got a passion for all thing beauty since I started beautydirectory – then working in such a lovely industry has inspired me and I get to try beauty treats as part of my job. How lucky am I?
What's the best thing about being part of the Beautyheaven team?
Working with a bunch of passionate, fiercely loyal, exciting (and excitable) women who love beauty and can give me all the advice I could ever need!
What is your favourite food?
That’s really tricky because there are so many I love! High up there in the favourites though are sashimi, oysters and thick crusty vegemite toast with loads of butter!
What's your beauty trick for a bad day, just to brighten your mood?
When all else fails a sweep of colour and glossy finish on the lips will work wonders.
If you are deserted, where would you rather be?
I’m really happy alone with good movies, a box of maltesers and a soy chai. Alternatively on a bright, sunny day I just love a beach and a great novel with NO interruptions!
Where have you travelled to and where is your favourite spot?
My favourite destination varies according to what I need – so sometimes I head to the Currumbin Valley in Queensland for space, quiet and wellbeing but if its fun and frolics I’ll be jetting to New York for swish hotels, shopping and shows.
Leanne Philpott: Yummy Mummy / Second in Charge
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
I emigrated from Cardiff, Wales to Sydney in 2003. I previously worked as a local newspaper journalist and freelance PR. I became the Editor of beautyheaven's sister website – beautydirectory.com.au – in 2004, progressed to Managing Editor across both websites in 2007, and in January 2008 took on the role of General Manager for beautyheaven. I was heavily involved in the launch of beautyheaven in 2007 (while going into labour with my first child Nia) which means I know the site inside-out and back-to-front. My role at bh involves managing staff, working closely with our developers to fix any technical issues that arise and developing new features and functions that ensures bh continues to evolve.
What's the best thing about being part of the Beautyheaven team?
The bh beauties are a close-knit team that work extremely well together. I love that everyone is equally passionate and serious about their job at bh. We all love beauty for various reasons which makes everyone unique. You just couldn't wish to work with a nicer, more friendly group of girls.
What is your favourite food?
I love, love, love fresh fragrant flavours and spice and I also like to eat healthy (nothing battered or deep fried) so it's no surprise I mainly opt for Thai or Vietnamese (loving Pho right now!).
What's your beauty trick for a bad day, just to brighten your mood?
Illuminiser. As a new mum it's a must. Whether you prefer an under eye illuminator, a moisturser with added pearlescent particles or a loose powder for all over the face, it brightens the skin, conceals dark, tired eyes and leaves you looking just that little bit more radiant.
If you were deserted, where would you rather be?
Right now somewhere warm and sunny with a hammock or a king size, really comfortable bed and a babysitter (I'm sleep deprived remember!) - oh, and a personal Thai chef...
Debbie Selikman: Chief Content Creator
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
I kind of fell into beauty – I was doing work experience in the features department at marie claire while completing a media degree, when their Beauty Assistant suddenly had to leave the country. It coincided with my uni holidays so they asked me to temp in that role for the duration of my uni break while they found a replacement, but then offered me the job just before uni started again! Of course I jumped at the chance, and completed my degree at night (read: had no life for approximately eight months).
After about six months as Beauty Assistant I became Deputy Beauty Editor at marie claire and stayed on in that role for almost two years. I then went to work on the launch of FAMOUS magazine as Beauty Editor and remained in that role for about two years too. Then I had a quarter life crisis (ie – had no clue what I wanted to do next!), so decided to leave Sydney and travel for a while. I spent almost three years overseas, based in London a bit, living and studying in Italy for a bit, and travelling around the world a whole lot. I eventually got tired of living out of a suitcase and not having enough money to buy mascara, so came back to Sydney, stepped straight off the plane and came to my interview at bh (ok, maybe not straight off the plane, but pretty soon after!). And well, here I am now!
What's the best thing about being part of the Beautyheaven team?
Lunch club with Kate. And working with amazing people too of course!
How many keys on your key ring?
At least four – and about a million key rings
What was the last play you saw?
Hmmm...Priscilla Queen of the Desert musical – does that count?
At what ages you all became passionate about beauty?
I think my love affair with beauty started when I got my first Tinkerbell nail polish as a kid
Where the strangest place you have a mole?
In my right armpit
Who was your favorite teacher at school (& why)?
Our Vice-Principal, Mr Larkin. He looked like Papa Smurf and was just as lovely.
Olivia Mackinnon: President of Product
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
Hello beauties! Well, I’ve been around for a while now, two-and-a-half years in fact (there’s just no getting rid of me it seems!). I am the Online Assistant here at bh and my job basically entails me being the go-to girl for anything our fellow beauties need. I also contribute a few pieces of editorial each week for you to enjoy (and I hope you do!) I started at bh as an intern and then was hired as Office Junior. I then gradually began breaking Jackie down to let me write, and eventually it worked!
When I finished school I dabbled in the idea of uni, then set off around the world and landed some work experience at Cosmopolitan. Next thing beautyheaven needed an intern – and here I am!
What's the best thing about being part of the Beautyheaven team?
The best thing about being part of this great team is the different days we have. Between launches, baby showers and Jackie’s impromptu morning dating seminars, we never know what the day will bring! I also love having the opportunity to report to you guys about brand spanking new beauty buys I can’t get enough of!
What is your favourite food?
I love all things anti-pasto. I also can’t go past a big bowl of roast vegetables, especially pumpkin and eggplant – yumm! Frozen yoghurt also does the job – and does it well.
What's your beauty trick for a bad day, just to brighten your mood?
I love popping in a nourishing hair mask and a face mask and reading a magazine or curling in with your favourite televison show – your hair will smell fantastic and your skin will be oh-so radiant. A slick of red lippy is also my instant solution to those dullish days. It’s like an instant chic injection.
What is your favourite niche beauty brand?
I love Abahna for their nourishing body products. The whole range smells divine and the packaging is utterly gift worthy. My favourite product would have to be the Body Oil Spray in Frangipani & Orange Blossom – yummo!
Where have you travelled to and where is your favourite spot?
I’ve done a bit of Europe with my parents, mostly Italy and the UK, but I’m off again with some friends very soon. Paris, Barcelona and London here we come! I also did the States earlier in the year and fell a little head over hills with New York City. I still suffer subtle head spins when I think of Vegas!
Carli Alman: Loyalty Go-To Girl
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
I just graduated from Macquarie Uni with a Bachelor of Media, with a focus on writing. I’d always wanted to get into the magazine industry, even when I was studying business/psychology. That, plus my love of all things beauty made beautyheaven a perfect place to start my career.
I’m the newest here, I’ve only been full-time for a month, but I started off doing an internship two days a week.
What's the best thing about being part of the Beautyheaven team?
That’s pretty much a toss-up between the snack table and the beauty cupboard…
Where have you travelled to and where is your favourite spot?
I’ve backpacked through Europe and South America. My favourite spot (well, one of) would probably be somewhere along the coast of Brazil. The water there is so clear and beautiful, and I’m a sucker for the beach
How many keys on your key ring?
Three keys, one swipe card and five key rings.
Last play you saw?
Chicago on Broadway in New York.
What's your beauty trick for a bad day, just to brighten your mood?
A perfume that I hardly ever wear.
Laina O'Donnell: Advertising Guru
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
I’ve been at bh since the day it launched (after many weekends and sleepless nights uploading and tagging thousands of products!). Before beautyheaven launched, I worked in the advertising team for our sister industry site beautydirectory.com.au for three years. Although my communications degree had a major in PR & Journalism, I changed direction very soon after I started and found that I loved working with our beauty brand partners on their digital strategies and promotions, so have stayed on the advertising side ever since!
What's the best thing about being part of the Beautyheaven team?
The gorgeous beautyheaven girls who make me smile every day, and being able to combine my love of beauty with the exciting and ever evolving world of social media and digital technology.
What's you favorite scene from a movie?
Spider Pig from the Simpsons. I love homer.
Whats the worst injury you’ve ever had?
Broken arm when I was nine.
What are your three trusty can't possibly live without beauty products?
Concealer, Mascara, Gloss
Annalise Talarico: Selling Superstar
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
I’m the new kid on the block and haven’t completed a week yet, but I’m already in love with beautyheaven. I love cooking, going to gigs, concerts and some festivals (I’m music obsessed), I’m a social-network nerd, I have a cat called Saigon (but I also love dogs – don’t judge) and I’m into all things beauty related!
I’ve worked in online media in one way or another for almost 5 years, starting out at a search engine marketing company – Found Agency – in 2005 after completing my communications degree at UWS. I then worked at MySpace.com as Network Sales Manager followed by a short stint at Indesign Publishing and I’m so happy to have found the perfect job here at beautyheaven. I’ll be working with Laina in the role of Acccount Manager which I’m absolutely thrilled about!
What's the best thing about being part of the BeautyHeaven team?
The lovely team and working with such amazing beauty brands every day.
Where are the places you love to shop, in Australia?
David Jones, Mimco, Mecca Cosmetica – Bondi Junction Westfields, Top Ryde – La Strada (when it’s completed) & Oxford St Paddington have it covered.
What is your favourite food?
Japanese – sashimi, spicy edamame, sushi & I can’t go past a good, thin, crispy pizza!
What's your beauty trick for bad day, just to brighten your mood and day?
Pink gloss, blow-dried hair and a smile!
At what ages you all became passionate about beauty?
Very early on – probably at 12-13. I was obsessed with Lip Smacker!
Last play/opera/ballet you saw?
I saw a broadway show in New York about a month ago – Jersey Boys – it was amazing!
Kate Althans: Ad-serving Goddess and Resident Optimist
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
I am originally from Surrey in the UK and after studying Media and Business at university in Bath I moved to London and worked for three years as Central Operations Executive at IDS for Virgin Media (the advertising department of a cable TV company – a bit like your Foxtel).
I had travelled around the world many moons ago back when I was 18 and think I left a piece of my heart in Australia. After a few too many rainy English days, my best friend and I decided to re-locate 'Down Under' 18 months ago. After a year spent travelling and living by the beach (as you do when in Oz!) I got offered the job of Online Traffic Co-ordinator here at beautyheaven and moved to the city. The rest, as they say is history!
What's the best thing about being part of the Beautyheaven team?
Waking up every morning and looking forward to going to work. Learning more about online advertising and the ins and outs of running a website....and most importantly working with a great bunch of people who I not only learn from as colleagues but also enjoy drinking wine with as friends.
What was your childhood nickname? (current nickname?)
moonbeam – apparently my head is rather round and my cheeks kinda chubby like the man in the moon. Also a friend calls me HAHA as when I laugh it sounds like im just saying the words ha ha.
What is your foolproof going out look/tip?
I love a smokey eye - (plus its prob one of the only make up looks that actually gets better as the night progresses!!) I tend to lean towards golden/brown colours and line my lids with a dark chocolate or black eyeshadow for a smudged effect I cant seem to get from eyeliners – a few coats of a great mascara and my blue eyes just pop!
Do you collect anything?
I am a bit of a hoarder of kick knacks and little trinkets – considering I moved here quite recently I already have a house full of ‘junk’.
Natalie Narborough: Designer Extraordinaire
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
Like a few of the beautyheaven team, much to the distaste of bh’s Olivia, I am also from the UK (Manchester, “UNITED!!”) and have worked as the in-house Designer/Creative Services for a year now. I count myself very lucky to have found this job with thanks to Jackie and Leanne for giving me a chance after a few weeks of work experience - I absolutely love it here! I moved here after visiting on my round-the-world trip and I fell in love with Sydney. I previously worked as a designer for a range of art magazines and went to university in Manchester to study Design & Art Direction – so that’s why the site looks so pretty ;-)
What's the best thing about being part of the Beautyheaven team?
Free products (perk of the job;-)), working with such amazing people and having fun at work. And most importantly, unlimited sweets and cupcakes, which are quickly turning into muffin tops!
What is your favourite food?
PIZZA yum! Closely followed by mine and Kates Christmas sandwich invention!
What's your beauty trick for bad day, just to brighten your mood and day?
A nice relaxing bath with essential oils
Who was your favorite teacher at school (& why)?
My college Psychology teacher because she made the lessons fun and always explained things really well .
When was the last time you played air guitar?
In a bar with my friend ‘Classic Rob’ .
Where are the places you love to shop, in Australia?
Paddington markets, Sydney – I could browse for hours!
Diana Smith: Moneybags
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
I have been working at beautyheaven since its inception. I look after all things financial for beautyheaven. Some may think it is boring, but not me, I love it. Facts and figures keep my feet firmly planted on the ground. I have dabbled in the creative side of life but it just didn’t quite work for me. I have studied window dressing and milinery, started a clothing company with friends, had a food stall at various markets, and have done quite a bit of travelling, but the thing I have stuck with is those facts and figures for beautyheaven.
What's the best thing about being part of the Beautyheaven team?
The thing I love about beautyheaven that I have not found with other jobs I have had is quite simply the people who work here. Everyone is an individual, some more quirky than others, but we work together really well. It is always a pleasure to arrive at work in the morning to be greeted by happy smiling faces and to catch up with what everyone has been doing over the weekend. It is always interesting!
At what ages you all became passionate about beauty?
Quite late really as I was a tomboy until my early 20’s but once I discovered eyeliner there was no looking back!
Where the strangest place you have a mole?
Under my right arm
Who was your favorite teacher at school (& why)?
My biology teacher Mr Zaleski. He was completely mad and used to froth at the mouth with anger and walk out on the class. It was great fun to watch.
Do you have any strange phobias?
When I was younger I was terrified of vampires. I have even slept with garlic under my pillow and a baseball bat in the bed next to me to scare them off. Luckily since vampires have become part of popular culture they don’t scare me anymore. Much.
Nicola Stuart-Mentath: Brand Whisperer
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
I’ve been working for the beautyheaven and beautydirectory teams Since April this year. I’m originally from the UK, and after 5 years studying for an environmental degree ended up retail management for a UK clothing brand. After 3 years I decided I needed a change of scenery so relocated to Sydney and landed the role of Customer Service Team Leader for a global conferencing company, and 2 years later I’m incredibly excited to be the new Client Relationship Manager for beautyheaven. It’s a sharp learning curve as I’m new to the beauty industry but I’m making myself at home and loving keeping up to date with all the latest beauty news and products.
What's the best thing about being part of the BeautyHeaven team?
The lovely girls in the office make it a pleasure to come into work in the morning, and I love hearing about all the latest beauty trends and news. Afternoon tea and chocolate is also pretty good!
At what ages you all became passionate about beauty?
About 12 months ago I started to notice wrinkles and I realised I couldn’t rely on genes!
Where the strangest place you have a mole?
No moles, just freckles – my only mole I had removed from my leg last year
Who was your favorite teacher at school (& why)?
Mr King was a gem of a teacher, one of the most lovely people I’ve met
When was the last time you played air guitar?
I don’t think I’ve ever played air guitar - I did play real guitar though when I was at school
Tara Spence: Marketing Mistress
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
I have a Bachelor in Communications (PR) and started my working life with animals at Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World. I then traded animals for publishing, working on some of Australia’s best selling newspapers, and now I have landed in the world of beauty.
I have had a lifelong passion for beauty products and am an avid user of any product that promises to shine, straighten, lengthen, calm, brighten, cover or illuminate my skin, hair, nails, or any other part of my body. I have spent years trying to find the best performing mascara, and I think I may have just found it this year (Max Factor Masterpiece MAX)!
I am bringing 8+ years of marketing experience to the bh team and it’s my job to shout out beauty heaven from the roof tops. So I’m just gearing up my vocal chords...
What's the best thing about being part of the BeautyHeaven team?
The lovely office beauties! I have to keep pinching myself that I am getting paid to sit here and research, talk about and promote a love of beauty. Could this get any better?
What is your favourite food?
Chocolate – any type, any flavour and any colour.
What's your beauty trick for bad day, just to brighten your mood and day?
Lip gloss, it solves everything and can brighten up my mood instantly. Colours, sparkles and textures all make me happy.
If you are deserted, where would you rather be?
At the beach (preferably in the Maldives) with a stack of glossy mags and internet access.
Last play you saw?
The cast of Wicked put on a charity performance of Into The Woods as a tribute fundraiser for the late and great Rob Guest. The show and cast were superb.
Haylee Dwyer: Director of First Impressions
How did you get in to beauty/what's your work history?
I recently graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Media, majoring in writing. In the past year I gained my first look into the beauty world interning at Studio Magazines writing beauty articles. I started working at beautyheaven this week as receptionist and am very happy to be a part of the team.
What's the best thing about being part of the beautyheaven team?
The lovely people I get to work with and being surrounded by all things beauty.
What are your three trusty can't possibly live without beauty products?
Moisturizer, concealer and mascara.
How long does it take you to get ready?
If I’m going out of a night it takes me ages because I’ll get distracted by chatting with friends, having a glass of wine and playing music (by that I mean from a CD player, I have no musical talents whatsoever).
What's you favorite scene for a movie?
Pretty Woman, “Big mistake, huge.”
Do you collect anything?
I keep the notes my boyfriend and friends have written to me and stick them around my room.
What is your favourite niche beauty brand?
Napoleon Perdis
Anything you want to know?
We update this page every few weeks so if you have a burning question about any of us, then email carli@beautyheaven.com.au with the subject line 'Who we are'.
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