I have had the good fortune of working with Dermstore for a couple of years now. Until recently, however, they were one of my clients whom I had never actually met. Over the summer, I met their business development and marketing teams at a conference in New York. And somehow, at a random Georgetown ladies’ lunch, I met Lizzie. This lunch, held at the Georgetown Club, brought together the women of the Georgetown community. Somehow, I had the good fortune of being invited. Somehow, I had the even better fortune of randomly sitting down next to a gorgeous brunette who seemed to be about my age. We started chatting, the subject got to relationships came up, and I told her about my husband who lives in New Orleans while I live in DC – unconventional, requiring much travel, but truly amazingly romantic. She laughed, and told me about her unconventional travel schedule: her husband, with whom she until recently lived in Georgetown works in politics, and she commutes back and forth to LA for work. Of course, the next question was to ask about the job that involved so many hours on the plane. “I am the CMO for Intelligent Beauty,” she says. Now I am really laughing… we are possibly the only two Georgetown residents involved in the beauty industry, and moreover she is a client! Indeed, Intelligent Beauty is the company behind Dermstore. Needless to say, we have been fast friends ever since. For this week’s BeautyView, please meet Lizzie Francis, Chief Marketing Officer for Intelligent Beauty, frequent traveler, DC native, and former (maybe soon to return?) Georgetown resident.
AR: What city were you born in? LF: Washington, DC.
AP: What city do you live in? LF: I currently live in multiple cities… including DC and LA among others…
AP: What is your middle name? LF: Hanako, for my Japanese Grandmother.
AP: What is your astrological sign? LF: Gemini.
AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? LF: Innovation.
AP: Least favorite thing? LF: Competition…
AP: What is your most prized possession? LF: My family, if I may call them a possession.
AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? LF: I absolutely love to cook.
AP: Do you wear a watch? LF: Yes. AP: If yes, what model? LF: Chanel J12 Classic in White.
AP: Diamonds or pearls? LF: Pearls. I particularly love my Grandmother’s pearls. There’s something wonderful about wearing a piece of jewelry with history.
AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? LF: My husband. He’s the best!
AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? LF: I am still searching for it. A good laugh with friends does wonders for the soul, though.
AP: What are your three top tips for travel? LF: 1. Carry-on only. 2. Bring a big, warm scarf no matter what the climate. 3. Don’t over plan…you never know where the day will take you.
AP: What is your favorite book? LF: Too many wonderful books to choose from… but Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice is always a winner on re-read.
AR: What is your cocktail of choice? LF: Champagne.
AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? LF: Sleep. And a good moisturizer.
AP: What fragrance do you wear? LF: Jo Malone French Lime Blossom.
AP: Botox or not? LF: Not.
AP: Hair color: natural or not? LF: Not.
AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. LF: Arcade Fire’s “Une annee sans lumiere,” Mumford and Sons “Little lion man,” Keane “Stop for a minute.”
AP: Quote to live by. LF: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
AP: Who is your mentor? LF: My sister Margaret.
AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. LF: Be passionate, don’t fear failure and believe in yourself!