GLAM DOLL is Ireland’s leading supplier of Hollywood Mirrors & Specialty Lighting.They also offer a range of luxury beauty essentials, helping you Bring Hollywood Home.Whther you are looking for a ring light or some perspex storage Glam Doll have the perfect Christmas gift for yourself or a loved one. Budding bloggers and make up mavens all over Ireland have been raving about the brand and they are a perfect solution for your salon too. We caught up with Andrea, owner and the original Glam Doll.
Tell us about yourself, your company, job profile, etc.
Originally from Seattle, I relocated to Ireland in 2010 where I continued in my aircraft leasing career. Following a redundancy, I decided to fulfil a lifelong dream of developing my own business. The idea of GLAM DOLL was borne out of a need for great quality lighting for our daughters’ bedrooms, something I found was not readily available in Ireland for the everyday consumer. I founded GLAM DOLL in 2017 and have been steadily growing our product lines and customer base since, with professionals and novices alike using our products throughout Ireland and in the UK.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
I have been inspired by strong women throughout my life, seeing women become more central figures in the 80’s & 90’s gave me something to aspire to and, later to become a hardworking, self-confident example to my girls. My daughters inspire me everyday with their courage to stand tall and go after their dreams and be fearless in this new era where anything seems possible.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?
First it would have to be music. Whether it’s an iPod or record player I would need music, I listen to it all day long. A good book would be a must, I love to get lost in a great read. Finally, Spicy Margarita’s on tap!
In a team environment, what role do you usually take on?
In a team environment I would tend to take the lead and ensure a good camaraderie within the group. Although I am happy to be in the trenches working together for the common goal.
What three things do you need to be successful in your job?
As an entrepreneur working long hours and without the support of a large organisation around you, determination is so important. Being able to focus on the goal and working through the steps you need to get there, without letting obstacles deter you, sets you up for success. Resilience is also vital so you can manoeuvre and evolve with the market demands. Providing quality products and excellent service has been vital to our success, nothing happens overnight but being able to listen to our clients and provide them with products that help make their life easier has been met with great support, thereby growing our brand.
How do you define success and how do you measure up to your own definition?
Success is great in that the definition varies with each person and every one of us can be successful in their own way. To me, success means setting goals for yourself and/or your business and being steadfast in meeting those goals. Taking risks and whether you succeed or fail, knowing that you had the courage to just go for it, the learnings in that are invaluable. I had a successful 15-year career in Aviation which took a lot of hard work and sacrifices but ultimately lead to a Senior Management position which to me was a mark of success. Now, developing my own brand in a completely new industry, while a big risk, has been even more rewarding to me as I have had to dig deep in all aspects to build a successful business. The positive feedback from the public and the industry has been a great validation of this achievement.
Which of the two animals would you say you are most like — a sheep or a wolf — and why?
I’d like to think I’m a hybrid of both. I am passionate, strong and trust my own instincts like a wolf. However, like a sheep I am loyal to those around me and wear my heart on my sleeve. Just don’t want to get sheared!