Jamie Plaza Bennett is currently the Vice President of Business Development for ChemAid (a KDC Company) where she is responsible for sales, marketing and client relationships. Prior to joining ChemAid in 2015, Jamie was Director of Sales at Cosmetic Essence where she held a variety of roles during her 10 year tenure. Prior to Cosmetic Essence, she worked at Body Blue, a former KDC Company. Jamie started her career in 2003 at Alison Brod Public Relations in New York City a beauty, fashion and lifestyle marketing and communications company. Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University.
Q&A with Jamie
1. How did you get into beauty?
I have loved experimenting with beauty products for as long as I can remember. As a young girl, I played with my mother’s makeup and face creams and styled my hair in the latest fashion. Fast forward to sophomore year in college where I had an amazing opportunity to intern for Alison Brod Marketing Communications (ABPR), and I was hooked. I have been in the beauty industry ever since!
2. Why do you love indie beauty?
Like many women, I am a product junkie and I love to experiment with new products. Indie beauty brands bring creativity and innovation to the beauty industry, keeping it exciting and fresh. I love working with these companies because they are so passionate about their products and the stories behind their brands.
3. How can you help indie beauty brands?
Throughout my career in contract manufacturing I have worked with many start-ups, some have evolved into successful beauty brands and others unfortunately have failed. It’s great to have a new product idea but how do you take it from concept, to product, all the way through to distribution? I can offer guidance on how to find the appropriate development and manufacturing partner and provide tips on the most important questions to ask to ensure success.
4. If you could give indie beauty brands one piece of advice, what would it be?
Do your homework. Take your time identifying the right manufacturing partner. It is costly and time consuming to change manufacturers. Make sure your partner can grow with you and your brand.
5. What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten?
Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, it’s the best way to learn.
6. Favorite motto or inspirational quote.
You can learn some entrepreneurial skills, but the entrepreneurial attitude cannot be taught.
7. Must-read email, blog, publication?
WWD, Beauty Matter, Happi, Into the Gloss, Caroline Hirons , Allure, Marie Claire, Vogue, InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar…the list is endless!
Jamie shares her top tips for choosing the right CM partner, read here.
