Customization of all kinds was the focus of a recent event with Stephan Kanlian, chair of the Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management master’s degree program, and makeup entrepreneur and alumna Giella Poblocki.
In the September 23 event, part of the “All Things Alumni” series run by the FIT Alumni Association, Kanlian and Poblocki discussed her background, career in custom cosmetics and the pros and cons of being an entrepreneur.
Following the discussion, Poblocki guided FIT alumni and friends through a step-by-step tutorial to create perfect fall makeup looks for school and work.
Poblocki, an FIT alumna, sold makeup at Saks Fifth Avenue while in school and later became national sales manager for Vidal Sassoon Salons, specializing in Luminique, its a custom blend line. When Vidal Sassoon sold its salon business in 2001, Poblocki acquired the makeup line and reorganized it as GIELLA. Two decades later, the line offers a full range of mineral makeup using products sourced in the U.S., and has received the Innovator of the Year Award from Independent Cosmetics Manufacturers and Distributors.