REVMAN INTERVIEW UPDATE

Hello all!!

So if you have been keeping up, I have been on my job hunt, and I was given the opportunity to have an interview with a company called Revman, which was set up by the Solomon Page Group (Employment Agency). To be honest, I wasn't too hyped up for the interview. My recruiter told me that I should research the company on Google, and to read about the employees who were going to interview me on LinkedIn. I did such, and the Revman website didn't particularly excite me. The website looked outdated, and it didn't give me much information Press, or have many fancy bells and whistles. On top of that it was a fashion related job.. Fashion in BEDDING.. Also, it was another TEMP to possibly full time position job. I wasn't completely stoked, but I already agreed with my recruiter to do it, so I wanted to keep my word.

Revman Logo

The morning of my interview came along, and I prepared by bringing my white folder which consists of my resume, photo copies of my ID, along with other materials that support the work written on my resume. My recruiter was nice enough to suggest that I visit her in her office to conduct a mock interview before my real interview.. We promised to meet on Friday, but because I was running 15 minutes late, I didn't want to risk being late for the Revman interview. I had to cancel our mock interview meeting. It's funny how being 5-10 minutes off will throw your whole schedule off. I emailed my recruiter profusely apologizing for not being able to meet her, but that I was on my way to the Revman interview.

On my way to the city from Brooklyn, I texted my boyfriend the address of Revman, and he told me the office was located in THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING. I had no idea. I thought Revman was a very small company that was possibly expanding at the time.. No, they were an established New York, American company that was located in one of the world's most iconic buildings.

I've never been to the Empire State Building, although I am a native New Yorker. I've passed by the huge building, seen it from the view of other skyscrapers, and observed and appreciated the changing colors on it all the time, but I'd never actually gone inside. I didn't even know where the entrance to the Empire State Building was. I had to ask one of the Empire State Building tourist guides, who always stand in front of the building area to attract tourists to watch the view from above. When I asked the Empire State Building tourist guide where the entrance of the Empire State Building was, he asked me if I was going for business. I said, yes, and felt a bit special that he knew I was off to something important. He told it was on the side of Starbucks, and pointed diagonally directly to a vague area across the street.

I marched on over to the Starbucks and ordered myself a Cappuccino. Even the ambience of the Starbucks in the Empire State Building felt different. It felt official, and it was here where I felt, wow these workers are the front line soldiers of the corporate force. Each member worked in a timely, disciplined, systematic manner. I'm sure Howard Schlutz would be proud of its militant force, but maybe not? The cafe felt corporate, and didn't have much romance, but they got my cappuccino right on point.

First cup of joe at the Empire State Building

While I was sitting in Starbucks, I was rehearsing what I was going to say in my interview. Why was I capable of the position? What words should I use?.. I was trying to think of a dialogue. I was told that I was going to be interviewed by two of the employees at Revman. I hadn't gone through the interview and I was already exhausted thinking about two people hounding me down for questions.

I dodged the mock interview with my recruiter, so I was just chilling at Starbucks for about 25 minutes, and then decided to rise up to the office, which was on the 70th floor. I strolled on over to the front desk of the Empire State Building, where I was welcomed by the sprightly guard, who gave me the guest pass to go through the gated entrance to the elevator. Once I got to the elevator, I was confused as to how to press the button to the 70th floor. I was quite impressed with the state of the art, high technology of the building, despite it still feeling very classically New York.

Empire State Building Pass

On the elevator of the Empire State Building en route to the 70th floor

Elevator Selfie

Once I got out of the elevator, I felt like I was in the movies 50 Shades of Grey.

Clip from 50 Shades of Grey

I felt a bit blinded by the spotless eggshell white floors, ceilings, and walls. The light reflected off all surfaces. The Revman didn't look exactly like the clip from the 50 Shade of Grey movie, and I didn't even watch the 50 Shades of Grey movie, but that's how I felt. I wish I had more photos to how my experience. I've been to showrooms for fashion places at my previous internship at Eugenia Kim, but this really struck me as superb. There were separate beds merchandising each brand that the Revman group was carrying.

Revman Showroom

Revman Showroom

  

Come to think of it, the showroom was displayed a bit like the furniture section of Macy's. What interested me the most though, was the view outside of the window, and the fact that there was an office right behind the showroom. So here along these glorious, beautiful beds was the divine, breathtaking view of the greatest city on earth.  

View from the 70th floor of the Empire State Building

Showroom Selfie

As I was soaking in all of the Revman office, I was so glad that I did research on the company, and the employees on LinkedIn prior to entering the gates of the office. Remember how I said I was unenthused about the interview offer because first of all, the job was in bedding, and then second off, the job was a TEMP to PERM position? Well, I was so glad that despite me having to drag my heavy feet to get to the interview, I was really dazzled upon visiting Revman. The ladies I interviewed with were all so kind, and wholesome.. They made me feel welcome, and had no type of pretentiousness or uppity nature about them. Overall, I had a very pleasant experience. 

The ladies all gave me there business cards, and told me they would give me a response by the end of the week. I think I should send each of the ladies a Thank you email at the least, and for now all I can do is wait.. 

I'm now sure if Revman is the perfect company for me, but for now, it seems good. I am still searching for something that pays more, while being more stimulating.. but inside I feel that I am not prepared enough for the job I'm seeking for. I think I still need more skills, education, and experience for what I'm looking for.. but for now, I think this company will be a good way to get my feet wet. 

For now, I guess I'll wait and see how it goes. I'll keep you posted. 

Overall, I'm glad I went to the interview, and it gave me hope in this sometimes hopeless job hunt journey. 

Stay strong! Xx

Susan 

JOB HUNT UPDATE

Hi world!

Hope everyone is doing well. The weather in New York is still gunky, and slushy.. it's not something you can see in the photos, but only something you can feel in your flesh and bones while living here. Oh the cold is so harsh, but we still have hustlin' to do.

I'm still on my job hunt, and I've been questioning myself so much. On one hand, I want to pursue fashion. It's what I invest in when I generate any source of income. It's my escape from all the gunk out in the world. It's what connects me to the divine. I simply love it. But the pay sucks. As I mentioned before, I was getting paid $8-9/hr. Actually, I just finished doing my taxes a few days ago, and the amount of money I made in 2013 put me in the poverty bracket. That's another story, but as you can see, I was really struggling..

So I'm currently linked with a few employment agencies, and my heart wants to apply to Fashion jobs, but I know I can't continue living with the throes of poverty. I think I need to apply to different fields, that are more secure, yet commit myself to fashion in my free time. It's a really difficult commitment to keep, if it's not your 9-5, 8-hour a day job, but I want to do this. I want my independence, and power. Money is like a superpower, it frees you to do what you want.

Making such decisions is like going through a break-up. You know you love someone, but then you leave..

Anyways, these are ongoing thoughts that change and grow as I've been living through all these experiences. I'm considering admin/sales jobs in Wall Street but this has been difficult for me. I think I need to address these thoughts to my recruiters at the Employment Agencies I've been working with. The recruiters look at my resume, and assume that I'm looking for fashion jobs based on the companies I worked at.. I think I need to alter the tune of resume to one that is not fashion, but one that's business, so I can expand my selection in job choice.

I have a job interview this coming Monday, with a company called Revman, which was found for me by the Solomon Page Group. Revman is a fashion group that focuses on bedding and other house goods. It's $15/hr, but even this sounds small to me. It's a supposed good way to get my feet wet, but then again, I'm not really into bedding. Never was, and that doesn't mean it will always be that way, but I'm not sure if it's worth it.

I want to find a good job so bad! But I need the tools to help me get there.

I wish we could share some ideas.

Xo,
Susan

Keeping the Faith (JOB HUNT CHRONICLES)

Hi world!!

As you may know, I'm still out on my job hunt, and I feel so many things. I feel anxiety, discomfort, shame, annoyance, hope, happiness, guilt, restlessness. I feel everything! This is a time when everything can happen, and nothing can happen at the same time. It's all about timing, but as many successful people would attest, luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Would we consider a getting a university degree, living abroad, and experiencing the working world, preparation? Yes. And would we consider my optimistic personality as one that's seeking opportunity? Yes. So now, let's move along to getting lucky!

Just to update you, I went to a job interview at O'2nd, a high-end South Korean-based brand that is trying to branch out to the American and international market. Here's an image of me at their headquarters. As you can see, the office is very industrial looking, with metals and pipes thickly slathered with monochrome paints on top. I was informed of this interview through one of the Employment Agencies I am working with. I didn't have much faith in the employment agencies, but I had nothing to lose, and an urgent job to gain, so I just sent my resumes, along with my precious prayers and wishes, out into the universe, and I let faith take care of the rest.

Interview Selfie

View from the O'2nd office

I fulfilled my part, and as you can see, I went to the interview, but unfortunately, I was informed that I didn't get the part! I realllllyy thought I was going to get this gig, but I don't know, O2nd ended up choosing someone else. I'm not sure why, but I decided to move on.. 

Later, I was approached by the same Employment Agency, which connected me to a job interview with a different fashion label called Jocelyn. Jocelyn is a contemporary, women's fur brand that has the price range of $150 to $2,000. It's one of those niche luxury brands that sells to Shop Bop, Intermix, Berdorf, Bloomie's, and so forth.. Here's an image of Jocelyn's website. 

jocelyn

So, I had the whole job interview set up with the employment agency, and Jocelyn, and I was ready to go... but then guess what..? For some odd reason, when I woke up on that Monday for the interview, I flaked out last minute. I couldn't really believe it myself, but for some reason, in my soul, I felt that it was not right. I wrote an email to my job recruiter that I couldn't get myself to go to the interview. My job recruiter was upset, but she too failed to follow up with me, after my apology email for flaking out last minute. Here's the thing, the Jocelyn gig was only a freelance position, for NYFW, but with the possibility of full-time hire afterwards, depending on the circumstances. After my O'2nd interview, and Eugenia Kim internship experience, I was not feeling so good about this one, and I didn't think it was worth my efforts. Yes, it was wrong of me to wiggle out on the last minute, but considering my past experiences, this was not promising or enticing enough. 

So there was a 2 for 2 loss, but I did gain one cool point. I landed a freelance make-up modeling gig for NARS. It was a one day event, and it was really cool, but I was asked to not share any information regarding the event on social media, due to the privacy of the company. I was told that selfies were OK, but any photos of the products, or the event itself were prohibited. Top-notch secret stuff, huh? Well, here's are some selfies.. 

Finished Product

 Dramatic Before and After 

I'm a #NARissist

 Smokey Eye in the Real World 

the free goodies ; )

Overall, the make-up event was really cool, interesting, and professional. Although it was only a day, it gave me restored faith in this difficult journey of a job hunt, once again. I was reallyyy thankful to be a part of this event, NYFW (2015), and to be with this employment agency that connected me. I will continue to go on with my journey, and I will keep you posted with as much as I can. I hope to bring you amazing, good news in our posts to come. 

Much love xo, 

Haerina 

Don't Try to Be Perfect, Just Be Better Than Yesterday

Hi World!

It's been forever since my last blog post. I've been so overwhelmed with life, put everything off, and I was lost in my own little world. I don't even remember the last time I posted, but there's been a lot that went down since then.

Let me give you a brief update..

I've been doing some soul-searching lately, and where else to find my source of nourishment than the great Oprah herself? I've been watching a lot of Oprah interviews, and I've been finding some common themes that ring true to me. One of which I found to be true to me was that everybody is seeking validation.

Oprah said that after each interview she does, and she's interviewed everyone, from Michael Jackson, to murderers, to celebrities, to the housewife, to everyone, Oprah said, everyone seeks for validation in life. After each interview, and after the cameras and lights are all off, each person has asked her, "Was I okay?" Oprah mentioned this tidbit, because she had a little anecdote when she was once a young and fresh news anchor who made $20,000 year, which was good money at that time and day.

One day, while she was working at this company, she learned that she was making less money than her male counterpart. She was shocked, upset, and went to the manager/boss to ask for a raise. When she went to the manager, the manager asked her "do you have a family to support?" Oprah said "no". The manager then asked "do you have a mortgage to pay off?" Oprah said "no", then the manager asked, "do you have any other reason to be paid as much as the male counterpart?" Oprah said "no, thank you for your time", and then left. Oprah then later quit that job and later became the Oprah that we all love and know today, but she said from that lesson, she learned that she didn't feel validated at that place, and it was her instincts that told her to leave.

For me, before I ventured off to working at Eugenia Kim and Macy's, I just wanted to get my foot in the door of fashion. I wasn't thinking of the realities of living and spending in New York. I thought that I'll just roll with the punches. So here was my reality, I was working at Macy's for $9/hr, and interning at Eugenia Kim for $8/hr. Later that $8 at Eugenia Kim went up to an outstanding $8.75! After my stint as an English Teacher in Guatemala and South Korea, living with such wages was shocking. In Korea, I was generating a comfortable income, so I didn't have to discipline myself with money. Upon moving to New York, and starting over as a waitress, intern and now entry-level employee was nothing short of easy. Over the course of 2014 in New York, I was really living the struggle, and I learned that I couldn't continue living with such low wages. The experience at Eugenia Kim was really cool at some points. I had the chance of breathing the same air as the creatives who were bringing to life this whole fashion brand, the luxurious people who bought the hats, and overall, feeling like I was a part of this glamorous movement, but still I knew I couldn't go on like this. I had to find a solution.

I went to the manager, and asked for a full time position at Eugenia Kim. My statistics were good, so I felt I had enough under my belt. As a sales intern, I participated in the Sample Sale and generated over $15,000 in sales, and tied in #1 in the sales rankings with another Sales Executive on the team. Mind you, I was an intern and beat some of the other full time, higher ups in the sales team. I had helped the sales team nail at least 4 buyers to come into the showroom in this upcoming Coterie event. I had helped increase the number of contacts in the total contact buyers list based on hours of hard-worked research. You get the idea, my numbers spoke for themselves. Unfortunately, Eugenia Kim was not hiring any full-timers currently, although (interestingly) they are constantly hiring new interns. I asked for a $16/hr rise, as an intern, and they declined, but offered $10/hr. I could have accepted it, but instinctively, I felt that it was my defeat. I had brought in thousands of dollars for this company, and they couldn't match up to my $16. In salary terms, that's somewhere around $32,000/year, which is still not that much considering the standard of living these days.

As I mentioned in the Oprah story earlier. Oprah went to her manager, and asked for a raise, but her manager denied her because in the manager's eyes Oprah didn't deserve it. I went to the manager in pursuits of a full time job, to continue the success of the brand, but for whatever reason the manager didn't feel that I deserved it. I too, now understand the importance of feeling validation in the workplace.

So now that part one is covered, I'm off to part two, which is my current JOB HUNT!

I've been pursuing a new job, and I think it's a really good opportunity to find something I feel is the right fit for me. Before, I just wanted to get my foot in the door, but now I want to be in a place where my intelligence, skills, and experience is valued and appreciated. I've been tirelessly sending out my CV to endless emails. I'll be honest, I use Craigslist, and you know what, I like Craigslist, because I get direct responses from it. Other more "official" platforms have such strict regulations, and slow administrative speed times, I prefer using Craigslist where you know real people, who are really searching for people, are posting stuff.

So far, I've gotten a handful of interviews. Let me tell you about my journey so far. Here are the places I've had interviews with so far..

1. Core Staffing Service (Employment Agency)
2. Solomon Page Group Fashion & Beauty (Fashion Employment Agency)
3. Fourth Floor (Fashion Employment Agency)
4. Small Business Expo

Just to let you know, since coming back to New York last year in April 2014, I hadn't gone to a Employment Agency to search for a job. In hindsight, I wish I had, but I'm doing it now, and I want to share all that I can to help you too! Find working through an Employment Agency in America is new adventure for me, and I'm learning a lot as I'm walking through it.

So far, I really liked working with CORE, and Fourth Floor. First off, CORE had a beautiful office located in the Trump Tower at Wall Street, so going there was a fun trip for me. CORE had reached out to me via email, entailing all these tasks I had to do. I didn't know, but these employment agencies ask for a number of things, when you meet with them for the first interview

1. 2 Forms of ID to prove that you are eligible to work in the US. I used my passport, which is enough to prove my identification, and eligibility to work in the US, so I only needed one form of ID
2. Resume
3. Employment References!

CORE had its standards, and I felt that asking for the hardcopy of the past employment references was so annoying, but I just bit the bullet and went along with it.

I met with one of the recruiters, (who I will call Jill*) who examined my resume, and coached me. Jill* told me that she was specifically taking care of the recruiting at the Luxury Goods Market, and she felt that a Marketing Position at NARS would be a good fit for me. I was thrilled to hear such news, and I told her I wanted my CV sent asap!

I've also been working with Fourth Floor to search for jobs, and they have asked me if I was interested in certain positions at many different amazing companies, but I'm not sure how long hiring process takes. I went to interview with a high-end Korean brand called O'2nd this week for a temporary position, but I just found out today that that position was given to someone else. I was a bit bummed, and skeptical of going through this whole process.. but what else do I have to lose?

I'm continuing with my JOBHUNT, and I'm going to trudge forward to something worth it because I'm worth it. It's so hard to find that perfect balance, of loving the brand, the company, and the staff, and also having that brand, company, and staff love you back. In the fashion world, it's particularly hard because it's a known thing that the first years are so difficult, and even when you give in your years, it's not certain that you're gonna make it big. It's a big gamble, sort to speak, and you have to play your cards right. You have to have the right connections, make the right moves, be at right place at the certain time.. and you need to have the guts to ask for things, you know most people wouldn't dare to ask for.. and it's daunting!

So for me, I'm open to a great job that's not necessarily in fashion, but well-paid, and will help me pursue my dreams in fashion. I want to utilize this blog, as a platform to help me get some of my ideas out, and to connect with all of you out there, but currently I'm still figuring out my situation.

So that's 2 for 4 on my updated list. Oh yes, and I never told you, but on to three.. I met a wonderful new person in my life, who has been supportive of me in every way, everyday.. and brings me newfound joy and hope. This new person is my boyfriend named Yeni! Yeni and I started talking in October, and we made things official in November, and now in February, I'd say things are pretty steady and smooth sailing. We see each other everyday, and make sure we eat at least one meal together. Being in love is great, and I feel happy. This love makes me feel strong, and secure. For a while, I didn't think that I could feel such security in love, again. I knew that love existed, and it was out there, and I knew I deserved it, but I didn't think that love believed in me. I thought love gave up on me, because it ran out of its cupid arrows to strike. I was so frustrated going on date after date after date, to meet a nice person, but not a true connection. Finally, one day the stars were aligned in my favor, and I met Yeni, who has treated me like queen ever since day one. He calls me his queen, as I now call him my king. Haha it's all fun, and cute, but I realize the importance of validation and respect in a relationship. Ladies, always choose the man who puts you first! It saves so many tears, and I've been in the dark pits of love.. but now I've got to say, I love my Yeni.

And that leads to 4, which is the brand new me! I've been through all these series of events, and it's been tough, but I've learned that everything is going to be okay, but I want new fish to fry. I want to find my new, wonderful job where I feel validated and secure. I want to give it a month, even less would be better, but realistically I'd like to find that special job in the next 50 days.

I'll keep you posted, and I'll be expecting you.

Keep warm, and positive!

Xo,
Susan