The managing director of a global beauty brand Elemis Noella Gabriel shares her thoughts & tips on life long learning and the perks of being Irish.
1. Find your passion and pursue it
I’ve always been fascinated by the subject of skincare and knowing everything about our skin: how it works and the impact we have on it. Starting out, I had a real drive to meet the experts and learn all I could about the field. Even though I’m a long time around now, I don’t think a day goes by when I don’t learn something new.
2. Laughter goes a long way
I love spending time with my daughter, Kate. We laugh a lot together and I think that’s important. As a working mum it’s often hard to give your all to both your career and your children, but it can be done.
3. Irish accent is one of the passports
I’m 33 years out of Ireland [Noella is London-based] yet I still have my accent, and I truly believe it has opened doors for me. It warms people to you – there’s a real love of the Irish worldwide.
4. Opportunities will come knocking
I had been happily working in the beauty department at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge for nearly three years when I got a phonecall one day that changed the course of my career path. It was from a lady who asked if I would be interested in launching a range of skincare products; I said yes, and the rest is history – that’s how Elemis was born.
5. Always be ready to travel
It’s important to stay open and ready for whatever opportunities life throws at you. I travel to New York and Miami a lot, as well as all around Europe. And who knows, I’d have no objection to ending up in Ireland! I go back every five or six months, and am very connected to my West Cork roots.
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