Twenty-four hours in the life of the Schwarzkopf Professional North America Creative Director
7 a.m. While I do love sleeping in late—especially if I’ve been on the road or working on a demanding project—today I get an early start, checking emails and voicemails to see if there’s anything urgent that needs tending to. 7:30 a.m. It’s wash, scrub, brush and time for an English breakfast and a spot of tea—I love my Earl Grey. 8 a.m. I gather my thoughts for an upcoming meeting to discuss a show I’m doing with Schwarzkopf Professional. The team and I already have a plan of action for our upcoming Essential Looks event. 9 a.m. I jump on a conference call with team members to discuss the focus, plan of action and details regarding my upcoming event. I’m a firm believer that communication is the key to consistency and the end result, so I like making sure there are no surprises. 10.30 a.m. I meet with a photographer to discuss an upcoming fashion shoot with one model sporting 10 hair looks and fashion outfits. He wants the hair to move and progress from one look to another (think: small, consistent variations). I show him visuals to express what I mean; that way it gets to the point and we both walk away with a clear idea of our collaborative direction. Noon Time for a spot of lunch—today it’s salad. 12:30 p.m. I connect with a makeup artist, who wants me to shoot a beauty story that encompasses six to eight looks that are all makeup focused. We share ideas, storyboards and discuss what she wants to accomplish for the project. 2 p.m. I head to the gym. While working out, I use the time to recap, clear my head and listen to music—Madonna is one of my all-time favorites. 3 p.m. Back in my home office, I ring the Schwarzkopf Professional public relations department to discuss the plan of action for the upcoming months and get a press strategy together for the new Essential Looks collection and BC Bonacure. 4 p.m. Teatime again! 4:15 p.m. I make a call to some of the Schwarzkopf Professional artists and catch up on where we are off to next. I always like to connect pre- and post-event; there’s always something to learn and improve. 4:30 p.m. I switch gears and work on some wigs for an upcoming shoot. 7 p.m. I head to dinner with nonwork friends. I think it’s important to expand outside the beauty world and mix with others. 8:30 p.m. It’s “Damien” time. I’m a firm believer that too much work is unhealthy. I need to clear my head for the next day, so I do a bit of chilling and watch TV (BBC, naturally)! 9:30 p.m. Lights out; I have a 6 a.m. flight to London for a bit of work and pleasure.
✂ As told to Kelley Donahue