Name: Doreen Bloch
Age: 25
Job Title and Description: CEO and Founder of Poshly
College/Major: UC Berkeley/Business Administration
Website: www.poshly.com
Twitter Handle: @DoreenBloch @LivePoshly
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Doreen Bloch: Starting a company requires a diverse set of skills. Some days I focus on fundraising or sales, and other days I focus more on product development and technology.
What is the best part of your job?
DB: [Some] of the best parts of my job [are] getting to see our vision for personal beauty come to life, working alongside bright and motivated people each day, and hearing from Poshly’s users about how much they love the site.
Why did you decide to create Poshly?
DB: As a beauty consumer, I was fascinated by how we decide what beauty products are best for us. With my technology background, I saw an opportunity to bring data into the mix. Helping beauty consumers find the ideal products for them is a core part of Poshly’s mission, and we strive to personalize each member’s experience through our technology [as well as] empower beauty lovers.
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
DB: I started my career at Yahoo! at the age of 18. [During] my senior year of high school, my Dad encouraged me to apply for jobs that would leverage my passion for and skills in journalism and online media. I applied for a position at Yahoo!, got it, and came back every summer during college to intern for the technology giant!
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
DB: Poshly works at the intersection of beauty and technology. On the beauty industry side, I wish I had known more about which conglomerates own different brands. It’s really interesting how a few beauty firms are parent companies to most of the brands that consumers buy.
Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
DB: I couldn’t pick just one person! All along my journey as an entrepreneur, I’ve had countless mentors who have profoundly shaped my professional life. I’m a big believer in asking great questions and soliciting feedback throughout your work life. I think a natural curiosity and passion to constantly improve draw in passionate mentors who can guide you.
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
DB: One of the most inspiring books I have ever read is The Black Swan by Taleb. The book is well-known in philosophy and business circles and, among a diverse set of topics, discusses how it is improbable events that shape history. One of my favorite quotes from the book is: “Remember that you are a Black Swan.” It’s a reminder that life is extraordinary, and we each have the power to steer our own fates.
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
DB: It’s important to be analytical about advice that you’re given. In the early months of founding Poshly, we received advice from one investor to build certain aspects of our platform, and it actually led to more of a detour for our team. As an entrepreneur, it’s critical to be open to feedback, but before you make decisions from those pieces of counsel, make sure to weigh them against advice from others and your gut instinct.
Where do you see yourself (and Poshly) in five years?
DB: Startups move at the speed of light, so it’s difficult to say where the company will be in five years! Our team works hard every day to build digital experiences that forward Poshly’s mission that beauty is personal. We’re all incredibly passionate about Poshly’s vision, and won’t rest until we achieve that mission!
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
DB: Beyond having the necessary basic skills to do the job, I really do look for alignment with Poshly’s mission to bring beauty and data together. It’s exciting when we get applications from fantastic candidates who write about their passion for our company’s mission!
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
DB: Being an entrepreneur is not for everyone, but being entrepreneurial is something you can embody at every job and every stage of your career. I advise 20-somethings to find work that they’re passionate about, learn as much as possible about the industry they’re in, connect with colleagues across your company, and ponder as well as act on making the world better.