Anna Spitzer, Developing Sustainability & Cause Strategies for Maybelline NY, a L'Oréal Brand

April 13, 2020

We're so excited to feature our next trailblazer - Anna Spitzer, Director of Global Communications at Maybelline New York, a L'Oréal brand. In her role, Anna works closely with her HQ team, numerous countries, and non-profit partners to develop new sustainability and cause strategies.

In this feature, Anna shares with us her takeaways from her first job in Brand Communications at Victoria’s Secret Beauty, why she pivoted to L'Oréal and worked backstage at 20 New York Fashion Week shows (including Kate Spade, Victoria Beckham, Christian Siriano and Alexander Wang), and the key skills that have led to her success in her field. Read along to soak up her incredible career advice for ambitious women, such as yourself.

Early Career

How did your studies (at IU) impact your career trajectory?

Indiana University (Bloomington) played a big role in shaping my future. Incredible friends and classmates, smart professors, and encouraging alumni each played an important part in my college experience. I joined Delta Delta Delta sorority and started volunteering with IU Dance Marathon, which allowed me to gain events and PR experience during my first two years. At the beginning of my junior year, I took classes focused on communication strategies, international PR, qualitative and quantitative research and public speaking. I also wrote for the Indiana Daily Student newspaper covering stories from prominent guest lecturers to student views on the inauguration of Barack Obama.

What were your top 3 takeaways from your first job at Victoria’s Secret Beauty?

A) Network, network, network. Over three years, I met hundreds of people across the US and Canada, ranging from beauty, fashion, retail, entertainment, editorial and publishing. I loved being introduced to people and returning the favor by making thoughtful introductions

B) Strategic marketing, unforgettable events and speed are all important for a successful product launch. There's a lot of complexity and collaboration when creating new products and campaigns.

C) Storytelling comes in many forms. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Digital, Product Development, and Creative) and build long-lasting relationships with editors and beauty experts in my early 20s.

L'Oréal

What played into your decision to switch from Brand Communications at Victoria’s Secret Beauty to L’Oréal social media and digital comms?

I was energized by the job description to manage three brand-specific social media strategies and work for the biggest beauty company globally. The US digital landscape looked very different in 2012. I worked with a Director of Social Media (who’s still a dear friend and mentor of mine) and Digital Communications and two agencies to launch and grow eight social channels for three brands: Maybelline New York, Garnier and Essie. During my first year, I worked backstage at 20 New York Fashion Week shows, including Kate Spade, Victoria Beckham, Christian Siriano and Alexander Wang. Each show debuted new beauty and fashion trends for the year ahead. The shows also produced beautiful content for our channels. It was my dream job!

If you’re going to pivot and make a career change, it’s important to feel as if you’re making progress. I felt empowered and closer to the consumer thanks to social media, which were two goals of mine.

What about the Comms/Social industry in particular excites you the most?

The shift from product to purpose-driven brands excites me. Indie and direct-to-consumer brands are disrupting the beauty, fashion and retail landscape, which is making all brands rethink how to keep the consumer front and center.

What is your day-to-day of your current role at Maybelline New York?

In my role as Director of Global Communications for Maybelline New York, I work closely with my colleagues at the NYC headquarters, countries and non-profit partners to develop new sustainability and cause strategies. I’m currently leading our internal launch roll-out globally. Employee trainings, internal communications, new research and market support are on my daily to-do list. The role has been eye opening and different from my previous roles in Brand Communications and Social.

What were the key skills that you’ve learned that have led to your success?

After working for large corporations throughout my career, I’ve realized I thrive on small, entrepreneurial teams. It’s important to adapt quickly to changing conditions and up-skill yourself and colleagues, especially when it comes to digital and social.

The value of mentorship has stayed with me at all moments throughout my career. I’ve learned so much from authentic connections across industries and cultures. I’m grateful to have learned from inspiring and talented professionals in my early 20s to now.

I haven’t made any huge pivots in my career with the exception of leaving the beauty industry and NYC for two and a half years (no regrets – I learned so much about myself). I’m constantly feeling challenged by new roles and projects. It’s important to find your purpose and ask yourself, “What’s your reason for getting up in the morning?”

Advice

What do you wish you knew when you first started your career?

Getting out of my comfort zone, embracing the unknown and staying positive along the way. I’m fortunate to work with inspiring people pushing me toward my goals. It’s helped me reframe “comfort” to mean growth and purpose.

What advice do you have for young women in their early career who are interested in pursuing Brand Comms/Social?

A) Be open-minded and practice patience. Whether you are looking for an internship, part-time job, or new role, it takes time. Do the work, trust the process and reflect on your accomplishments along the way.

B) Volunteering can be an amazing way to network and give back. Ask yourself two questions: “What do you love? What does the world need?” This will help you discover what excites you and stay fulfilled.

C) When interviewing and networking, think about whether or not that person or company aligns with your personal values. Pay attention to the culture and people's interactions.

***Anna is our first guest on Her Hour, a "podcast interview meets coffee chat" approach to sharing the incredible stories of trailblazing women in business in a virtual, small group setting. We'll dive into Anna’s early career via a podcast-style interview with you, the live audience, chiming in as desired. Sign up here!