Kristin Hafner, QVC’s Senior Buyer for Beauty Hair Care and Devices, is a self-proclaimed beauty junkie. But it wasn’t always that way. Kristin’s first retail job was in home textiles for a brick-and-mortar retailer. Five years into beauty buying, Kristin is thrilled with her career. Beauty Insider sat down with her to discuss her dream job.

BI: What’s been your biggest accomplishment at QVC®?
KH: Back in 2010, I had the opportunity to take on a three-month international assignment to help launch Beauty for QVC Italia. To say it was the experience of a lifetime would be an understatement. When you’re working on a start-up, there’s no such thing as a job description – you just figure it out as you go. This experience allowed me to learn about QVC in a whole new way – virtually from the ground up – and it truly was invaluable in helping me grow as a merchant.

BI: What makes QVC special?

KH: This is a company that brings larger-than-life personalities and prestige brands to the homes of millions of people and gives them an unrivaled shopping experience. It’s truly incredible to be a part of this powerhouse company.

BI: What advice do you have for other emerging leaders?
KH: One is to find your passion in life and then give it 100 percent. Two, is to be flexible, embrace change, challenge yourself and be willing to grow. Finally, it’s okay to take risks and make mistakes – just be sure to use these instances as learning experiences that allow you to be smarter and more strategic the next time around.