When we hear the term ‘people person’, someone like Carrie MacPherson comes to mind. Professional proof: She’s Montreal and Quebec City Holt Renfrew’s Social Media Coordinator, Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Zurbaines.com, and a licensed tour guide for Tourism Montreal…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
Social Media Coordinator for Holt Renfrew (Montreal and Québec City), Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Zurbaines.com, Professional Montrealer (licensed tour guide for Tourism Montreal).
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started working at Holt Renfrew in May of 2013 because a friend of mine who works in fashion recommended me for the position. Holts had posted the job on their career page, but found that none of the applicants had enough experience. I was thrilled when I found out they chose me because I love the brand – Holt Renfrew is a historical fashion institution in Quebec and Canada. They started as furriers to the Queen. Fashion has always been one of my passions.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I love talking about the latest trends and my favourite tool of expression is, of course, Instagram since I studied photography.
The most challenging is the customer service side of social media. Most people don’t realize that I am not usually physically at the store, but they treat social media as such. My biggest pet peeve is people who use social media as a platform to broadcast their negative views about anything that usually serves no purpose except to make them feel bigger or better in some petty way. I’ve learned not to take it personally.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
As V.P. of Holts Montreal! Why not?
What does success look like to you?
Success is an attitude – whether you are working at McDonald’s or as CEO of a huge company, you have to be proud of what you do. Pride is success.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Any new challenge that my career presents is a memorable milestone. Two that stand out are: presenting Holt Renfrew’s fall trends at Holt Renfrew in Quebec City in front of customers and store employees, in French; and appearing on Global TV to present Mother’s Day gift ideas. It was my first time on live television. Both of those events were memorable because they scared me, but both went well.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Follow your heart. I’ve always trusted my instinct and most of the time it doesn’t fail me. It’s when you second guess yourself that you make the wrong decisions.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I like to spread the love, so I support various charities – often on recommendations from friends. Charities that aid children are the ones I tend to support the most.
What to you is notable?
Not worrying about what others think about you. It’s a challenge for a lot of people, but I admire those people who have the confidence to not care. It makes life a lot easier.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone only.
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