Jul 30, 2020
In this episode of the podcast, Leslie Bethel, a 25-year veteran of the beauty industry joins host Corynne L. Corbett to discuss the critical role a retail business manager plays in a brand's success in-store. Leslie's specialty is at ground zero, at the retail counter with customers. She's worked for luxury brands that include Christian Dior, YSL Beauty, La Mer, and Laura Mercier as well as managed Blue Mercury, a brick and mortar store. Leslie discusses how she balances the needs of the retailer, the brands she works, her staff, and the customer. How Profit projections, staff coaching, merchandising, and keeping abreast of inventory is essential to her success. And why skincare is the backbone of luxury beauty.
Guest Bio:
Leslie Bethel is a Business & Education Manager and Brand Strategist with more than 23 yrs expertise in managing top retail doors in NYC for some of the luxury beauty industry’s most prestigious brands. As a teenager, she became obsessed with the business of beauty after witnessing Eunice Johnson and her enormous success with Ebony Fashion Fair,
After briefly attending Norfolk State University, Leslie left school and moved to Washington, D.C
Her first job in retail management was Counter Manager for Elizabeth Arden. In 1997, Leslie moved to NYC to pursue the goal of growing corporately w/ a luxury beauty brand. Eventually, she held positions as Business Manager for some of the best luxury beauty companies in the Industry including YSL Beauty, Christian Dior, Laura Mercier, and La Mer. She also served as a Store Manager for Blue Mercury.
Currently living in Washington, D.C. preparing for the next phase of her career. She’s blogging about her experiences in the industry, networking and strategizing on how to bring her life-long dream into fruition.