I met Joann Anderson, Buyer for Health and Beauty for Zulily, a while after we started to work together. She was always delightful, patient, and kind by email, and this was no different in person. Indeed, how can one not love someone whose diet tip is chocolate, and whose pet peeve is wearing racer back tops without racer back bras… Do not however be fooled by how grounded and down to earth she is – she wields amazing power and say at one of the largest and fastest-growing flash sale websites, Zulilly, and she is quickly and successfully building their beauty offering. After doing my first event with her, I knew I was on to something when a number of my girlfriends (yes, all of them Moms) called to excitedly congratulate me on being featured on the site. And all of that was thanks to Joann.
AP: What city were you born in? JA: North Canton, OH.
AP: What city do you live in? JA: Dublin, OH.
AP: What is your middle name? JA: Marie.
AP: What is your astrological sign? JA: Cancer.
AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? JA: I was a competitive fencer
AP: What is your most prized possession? JA: She is not mine to possess, but it would be my daughter. My memories are priceless; all the fun we’ve had and pride in the woman she has become…
AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? JA: The person I always want to spend time with, dining in or out, is my husband, Tim.
AP: Describe your fashion style in three words maximum. JA: Classic, Casual, Tailored. (I love equestrian inspired fashion.)
AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? JA: Not so much anymore. I like them as accessories more than telling time, but my favorite one is a Movado.
AP: Diamonds or pearls? JA: Diamonds. I love pearls, but they don’t look good on me.
AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? JA: Sleep.
AP: What fragrance do you wear? JA: I do not usually wear perfume, but right now it’s D&G Light Blue. I prefer fragrant body oils.
AP: Botox or not? JA: Not for me.
AP: Hair color: natural or not. JA: Not… have to have color.
AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? JA: Lots of chocolate!
AP: What do you do for exercise? JA: Yoga and walking.
AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge. JA: Milk, eggs and green olives.
AP: What is your cocktail of choice? JA: Anything fruity with an umbrella in it.
AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? JA: I’ve not accomplished that yet. It is an ongoing challenge.
AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? JA: About 6,000-8,000 miles a year.
AP: What are your three top tips for travel? JA: 1. Check your luggage. I avoid carrying anything on board that will not fit into my tote bag (which also holds my purse) I always check the BIG bag (whether it is full or not…in case I get to shop) since I always pack enough to have clothing options and be comfortable during my time away. 2. Dress comfortably, but appropriately. You meet people you don’t expect to see when travelling. 3. Allow plenty of time to get where you are going even if it means you arrive much earlier than needed. You arrived unstressed and together.
AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. JA: Its’ hard to believe, but I don’t use an ipod. I have a couple of them but have never used them.
AP: What book are you reading right now? JA: Emily’s Ghost; although one of my favorites was Pope Joan.
AP: Quote to live by: JA: Everything does happen for a reason. Keep trying doors, one of them will open.
AP: What is your worst pet peeve? JA: Racer back tops SHOULD be worn with racer back bras.
AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? JA: I get up at 6:00 am, after about 7-8 hours of sleep.
AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? JA: I love all the newness and innovation.
AP: Least favorite thing. JA: Nothing… Or maybe that there are so many products, I want to try them all!
AP: Who is your mentor? JA: There have been a lot of good people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with who have taught me many things; but my mother has been the one who gave me inspiration of the type of person I wanted to be.
AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. JA: A career isn’t just about getting ahead quickly. It is about developing relationships; professional respect for others. The quality of work you do, and how your treat others is a reflection of the person you really are.
