Faculty

Estee Lauder Exec Joins Beauty Faculty

Long-time beauty industry executive Marissa Gardner has joined the Beauty Industry Management faculty. She took the time to share her industry experience.

Tell us a little about your own career trajectory.
I studied Business Management at Long Island University. I interned in the Procurement (Global Supplier Relations) department at The Estee Lauder Companies and after graduating I started as a full-time Analyst. That is where my career began and I worked my way up to becoming a Procurement Director. I have now been with the company for ten years and two years ago I had the amazing opportunity to re-locate from the Clinique brand in NYC to LA with the chance to lead Procurement for the Smashbox Cosmetics brand. Most recently I have expanded my West Coast experience to oversee procurement for one of our recently acquired brands, GLAMGLOW.

What do you like best about the beauty industry?  
The Beauty industry is a fast-paced environment with a lot of competition. Every day is exciting and unpredictable!

Why do you want to teach at FIDM?
With my experience in the beauty industry I hope to inspire students to become just as successful in the business and cosmetic world. I think the students will relate well to me.

Which class are you teaching?
I will be teaching the Beauty Purchasing and Planning class. I’m hoping to help students understand the importance of the Procurement role in business.

Categories:  Beauty Business Management Beauty Marketing & Product Development Faculty