Sonia Anand

Director, Omnichannel

MAC Cosmetics

Why is CEW membership important to you?

Since the inception of my career, it has always been important to me to network, support, and mentor other individuals, especially women. CEW creates a strong infrastructure that facilitates and encourages these types of engagements, while offering a strong roster of compelling events, and opportunities to expand your knowledge based in the beauty industry.

Do you have any tips for getting the most out of CEW membership?

I love the CEW events, and with everything being remote, it has allowed me to participate in more than I would have in person. I’d recommend carving out time in your monthly / quarterly schedule to focus on your own learning and development through these impactful events, to maximize your membership.

What do you love most about working in the beauty Industry?

The industry is constantly changing, whether products, in-store experiences or advancements in science, and there is always something new and innovative to try and learn. Plus, I am an avid consumer (who isn’t?), which makes the work we do even more fun and applicable to everyday life. When I was younger, I thought I was going to be an investment banker – but this is WAY more fun!

What advice would you give someone who is inspired by your career and one day wants to be in a similar position?

The advice I would give is to try not to plan *too far* in advance and allow yourself to be open to opportunities that come your way (especially if those opportunities are not what you would have predicted for yourself). I could not have told you as a college senior that I would be doing what I am today. It was a series of twists and turns, embracing the unexpected and taking chances that led me to where I am today. It is always good to have a bit of a plan but allow yourself the flexibility to adapt to your circumstances and surroundings – you may be pleasantly surprised where it leads you.

What do you feel is the most important quality for someone to possess in order you have a successful career?

To have a successful career, one needs to embody flexibility and agility. This past year and a half is a clear example of that – while it is great to have a strong project plan, roles / responsibilities and drive to completion, there will always be bottlenecks and “forks in the road” (more often than not). Having a flexible and agile attitude to confront any challenges head on, and not let it rattle you, is key to ultimate success.