Lipstick Angel at New York-Presbyterian Hospital
It’s clear that makeup has been a lifelong passion of yours. Do you remember what first sparked your interest? What made you want to pursue a career in the beauty industry?
I was 12 when I began using NOXEMA to moisturize my skin and thought it marvelous. Never used anything else that I remember, until I joined the Estee Lauder organization. But at 16 or so, for some unknown reason, I went to an Elizabeth Arden class where I learned about makeup application, skin health and the color I should wear always…turquoise!!!!!
You have had such an established career working for Estée Lauder and then going on to become an educator for Look Good Feel Better. Can you tell us a little bit more about your career path and the various positions you’ve held?
When I was looking for a job, I chose fashion and saw an ad (yes, they had classified ads) for Estee Lauder. I knew the name but never used their products. So I interviewed, and the man who interviewed me hired me as his birthday present and became my boss (and friend) in personnel. I worked with him for 7 years, he promoted me to a Special Stores Division where we opened stores outside of major cities. Customers bought lots of product, and more and more women wanted to buy “what I was wearing,” which I found interesting. From there, I went on to Special Events where I ran sales meetings and in-store special events throughout the country. My last job at the company was in Merchandising where I set up the counters/products, which drew department store customers to the Estee Lauder counter.
We’re so fortunate to have you on our NYC team at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell! What made you want to join Lipstick Angels, and what’s your favorite part about volunteering?
During my working life, Mrs. E. Lauder got sick and wanted her executives to volunteer and give back, so I chose Sloan Kettering because that is where she received treatment. I started with the Look Good, Feel Better program and became an instructor for 25 years. I received “volunteer of the year” from Cancer Care and loved every moment. I was amazed at how we could make patients look good and feel better at this very temporary time in their life. Tears shed, laughter boomed and everyone left with a smile on their faces. We all have “something to deal with” and I feel I can give something to these patients who are not happy to be there but be someone there who is caring and listens to them. I’ve had the best conversations and found how open we all are with strangers.
Loving kindness wins, no matter who you are dealing with…just a smile…just a kind word…just a touch….just a “wellness/spa” treatment is all that is needed to bring someone out of their unhappiness, if only for an hour."
If you could create your own bespoke lipstick, what color would it be and what would you call it?
I would create a lipstick called “LAUGH OUT LOUD TAWNY”…one that would not come off if you eat or drink (impossible and companies have tried for years to make such a formula) with a little shine for those sexy lips.
