Way back in January, after years- literally- of applying online at MAC Cosmetics and not getting past the online form, I was invited for a telephone interview for the position of Retail Artist at Manchester Airport. I was shaking, nervous, and although I had prepared endlessly for the questions I was to be asked, I still was unsure of whether I would be a strong enough candidate for the job. Good news! The manager of MAC at the airport liked what she heard (or rather, read) and invited me for a face-to-face interview, in early February, accompanied by the area manager for the travel retail division- covering North West England and Scotland. Both managers were really lovely, easy to talk to, and made me feel comfortable and calm.
Unfortunately, this was to be my final interview for the position at the airport.
I was absolutely devastated- this is the company I have dreamed of working for, and I wanted to be able to prove myself capable to progress through the company. I didn't let this stop me though, and I dedicated myself over the next few months to improving my artistry, my talent and knowledge, and being the very best I could be. Fast forward to the launch of Wash and Dry in early May. As I was checking out with a friend, an artist at Manchester Exchange informed us, after learning of our artistry, that there would be an open recruitment event the following week, where once invited, you could turn up with a CV and portfolio, and proceed to be interviewed. Wednesday came, and I was sat in the waiting area in the back of Selfridges, portfolio in hand, desperately trying not to forget anything I had prepared.
Can you tell where this is going yet?
I will spare you all the details- unless anybody wants me to break down the interview process for this particular store- and I'm beyond excited to tell you all that I got the job! On Tuesday, I will be attending the induction for MAC Cosmetics, and beginning my new job as Retail Artist for Selfridges Manchester.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has helped me along this journey- friends, family, fans of my work, and artists who inspire me on a daily basis. I'm so lucky to have such a supportive network around me, of people who push me to better myself every day. Special thanks to Claudia, for being my trade test model- I literally, honestly, could not have done this without you!
S x