Finding the Right Career

Finding the Right Career

with Sen, Founder of Glam Touch

I am totally in awe of entrepreneurs after watching endless episodes of Shark Tank and Dragons’ Den. The idea of having my own company and being my own boss just seems so appealing. I absolutely love Korean skincare and it was on Instagram that I came across Glam Touch, a UK based Korean skincare shop that’s female owned and always seems to have a carefully curated selection. I love discovering new skincare products and one of the brands that I discovered through Glam Touch is Banobagi. Their Jelly sheet masks are amazing, and the milk thistle line is ideal for soothing sensitive skin types. It was through our common passion of skincare that I got to know Sen, the brains and owner behind Glam Touch. She took a risk and followed her passion to set up her own business and it has totally paid off. I was intrigued to hear about her career journey and how she decided to set up her own company.

1. WHAT DO YOU WORK AS AND WAS THIS A CAREER YOU KNEW YOU WANTED TO PURSUE?

I am working as the managing director and founder of Glam Touch and it’s definitely what I wanted to pursue. I realised that I had always wanted to be an entrepreneur after college.

2. DID YOU HAVE A SET PLAN FOR YOUR CAREER OR WAS IT SOMETHING THAT YOU DISCOVERED ALONG THE WAY?

I have always wanted to start my own business as an entrepreneur. It sounds awesome, but it’s also incredibly difficult. I could have never imagined that I would be in the beauty field until I discovered the world of K- Beauty and stayed committed to my self-care. This led me to launch Glam Touch where I love sharing skincare secrets and my own positive K-Beauty experience which helped transform my skin. Entering a completely different field means that you are a blank canvas. For this reason, I never stop learning and improving myself each and every day. Not only improving management skills, but I have never stopped learning and developing my expertise in beauty and skincare.

3. WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR TEENAGE SELF IN TERMS OF CHOOSING A CAREER PATH?

Choose the subject you enjoy doing the most. If you have passion, no matter what the obstacles are, you will succeed. Be open to any opportunity that comes your way as something can always lead to something else.

4. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AND HOW DID YOU APPLY FOR IT?

My first career job was working as a Sale and Marketing Assistant at a wholesale company. I had seen the job advert on a job site and applied with a CV and covering letter. You should always read the job description prior to applying and tailor the cover letter to show the employer what you can bring to their company.

5. WHAT HAS BEEN MORE VALUABLE IN YOUR CAREER, YOUR EDUCATION, OR YOUR EXPERIENCE?

I think education is the foundation to success and life, but my experience holds more value and gives me confidence. Education is a never-ending process, it doesn't stop once we graduate, get a job or even when we are our own boss. Every experience, good or bad, is priceless as it allows us to learn from our mistakes and be a better person.

6. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR WORST CAREER EXPERIENCE?

It was not my career choice, when I worked as a cashier. I often had a tough and unpleasant time because I had to deal with a verbally abusive boss. It was an exhausting experience and gave me negative emotions. Back then, because of the language barrier, it was not easy for me to find a satisfying job, so I chose to swallow the insult, and this is something that I regret.  My experience taught me lessons and I would never allow any kind of insult or bullying to happen at our workplace. From my own worst experience, I have always tried to improve my communication skills to make sure communication between manager and employees is pleasant to create a more enjoyable place to work.

7. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN YOUR CAREER?

My best experience so far has been attending a course in facial and skincare. This course not only taught me knowledge about skin health and facial treatments, but also helped me develop practical skills which I enjoyed the most.

8. WHAT WAS THE BEST JOB DECISION YOU EVER MADE?

I would say, if you get a chance to do what you’re passionate about, it would be a good decision to pursue it. For me, deciding to establish Glam Touch is the best job decision I have ever made. It gave me new opportunities and challenges. When I first started, I often worked about 14 hours a day. But skincare is my passion, and I couldn’t wait to share skincare tips to help others improve their skin so, the hard work is worth it. On this journey, I am so glad to hear every skin care journey that Glam Touch and I could be a part of.

9. WHAT DOES JOB SATISFACTION MEAN TO YOU?

I think job satisfaction is when you enjoy what you do, even if you spend many hours at work, you have career growth in an organisation and a comfortable work/life balance.

10. IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER PATH, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

As part of a multicultural family, I have always wanted to bring something new and positive to the community. I wanted to work in the modest fashion industry to create a modest fashion line which is inspired by other cultures.