Marsha McKnight is where she belongs

Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer

Marsha McKnight is in the field where she rightly belongs. After studying the sciences in high school, and eventually earning herself a degree in physics at Benedict College in South Carolina, Marsha has never worked a day in science or even physics. Instead, she decided to chart a career in something she actually has a love for.

"I wanted to do something that I was passionate about, and that was beauty. Physics didn't excite me, and I did not want to spend my life doing that," said the L'Oreal brand executive at Pioneer Manufacturing Distribution Company.

So, shortly after leaving college, she landed a job in retail at Victoria Secrets Beauty. "I really liked it and the job gave me training on how to apply basic day make-up."

And through that stint, according to her, she also learnt a great deal from Limited Brands, the owner of Victoria's Secret, Victoria's Secret Beauty, Bath and Body Works, and Express, which are cosmetic and beauty brands.

"Limited Brands was very instrumental in establishing a good foundation on how to sell beauty products. My work experience there showed me the company's heavy use of strategy and emphasis on setting and exceeding targets. Average dollar sale, units per transaction, conversion ratio by converting 'lookers' into buyers, and how to upsell were some of the things I learned there."

Loving it and for doing her job exceptionally well, she was rewarded with a recruitment package to be trained as a spa manager at Charles Penzone Grand Salon in Columbus, Ohio. "I had to work alongside two other managers to run this huge salon, which opened every day of the week with a staff of 65 (full-time and on-call), 18 hair stations, six skincare rooms, five massage rooms, six manicure stations, seven pedicure stations and one hydrotherapy room with a Vichy shower. I learned a great deal there."

But after learning a great deal and enjoying her jobs, Marsha made the decision to return home. And, most naturally, she scored herself a job which was right in her comfort zone.

Certified beauty therapist

She took up the offer of being the salon manager at Face Place Salon in St Andrew, and while working there, she decided to further seal her place in the industry by pursuing beauty courses. "While at Face Place, I took the opportunity to become trained and certified in skincare and aesthetics, professional make-up, Swedish massage and spa therapy at The Face Place Institute of Aesthetics," says the qualified and experienced, licensed beauty therapist.

She also acquired certification in Xtreme Lash semi-permanent lash extension which she did in Miami, Florida. "I was also encouraged by Marie (owner of Face Place Salon) to get certified, which I did. I still do Xtreme lashes at Face Place upon request."

With valuable experience and good influences, Marsha was poised for bigger accomplishments in the field she loves. And when the opportunity of becoming L'Oreal's brand executive came around last November, she was ready and prepared to take on all the challenges and rewards that would follow and "it is going well," she says.

"The business of beauty is one that has potential. Women want to look and feel good. As it relates to my job, my focus is increasing brand visibility and awareness and to also get rid of any preconceived notions people might have about the line."

Set on accomplishing her objectives, Marsha has, so far, signed off on projects that should promote the line she represents. "Since joining the company, I have worked alongside my director, Alfred Thomas, and marketing manager Morven Richardson to cement projects like Saint International's Style Week, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's Festival Queen Competition, and provided make-up to TVJ."

The 27-year-old is married to Franz and is also enrolled in a distance programme as she pursues a master's degree in management.

Always looking to upgrade herself, the Manchester High School past student, this year completed training at Human Employment and Resource Training (HEART) Trust/VTDI to be an assessor for beauty therapy National Vocational Qualification Levels 1-3.

Marsha McKnight's pictures were taken at Bin 26 Wine Bar, located in the courtyard at Devon House. Telephone: 908-1322

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com