Passion, curiosity, courage, and optimism are just a few of the reasons Zoe Schaeffer is this month’s featured member. Editor-turned-trendspotter-turned-shop girl -turned blogger-turned writer … her career is a lesson in reinvention, in constantly challenging oneself to pursue new avenues of expression.
Tell us your work story : Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Zoe Schaeffer. I was a beauty editor at Conde Nast for many years before working for a national trend forecasting company. Ultimately, I went on to open my own designer clothing store, a dream that I desperately needed to fulfill. Soon after, I had three little girls, went back to freelance writing, and started a lifestyle blog that lasted for six years. In the time since, I’ve written three television pilots and now slowly am exploring the world of scripted dramedy.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
Writing an extensive 70-page business plan for my retail concept to show investors and then opening a brick-and-mortar and e-commerce site that turned those pages into a reality.
What is the hardest challenge you’ve faced. work-wise?
What I’m attempting at the moment: trying to enter a notoriously competitive and grueling industry after having worked from home for so many years. Half of me asks, What the hell are you doing? while the other half answers, Who cares? You have nothing to lose!
If you could change one thing about how your given field operates, particularly with regards to women, what would it be, and why?
Here, I can speak to my former fields of beauty and fashion: They value youth so it’s easy to “age out” of many great opportunities.
What advice do you have for other women looking to make a career change but are afraid or lack confidence? How is it on the other side?
I don’t quite have the wisdom to answer this question just yet. What I will say, however, is that the collection of skills acquired in those 10, 15, 20+ years of working are valuable! Even if you are switching gears completely, those skills can always be transferred on some level.
What continues to draw you to your chosen field and what do you hope to accomplish in the years ahead?
I’m so passionate about bringing ideas into reality. I’ve felt most alive during these times in my life, when I’ve been able to express my own point of view through writing, curating, merchandising. (I actually produced my own magazine for my store, which was a love letter to my years of writing for others.) Creating a show is the ultimate form of self-expression—you can literally tell an entire visual story that was once just in your own head!
Who is your biggest cheerleader / supporter / mentor? (We love to spread the love here at the Second Shift!)
One of my first bosses at Conde Nast is still a close friend. She’s been championing me since day one and continues to insist that one day she’ll be working for me. It’s a gift to have someone in your professional life look at you like that.
How do you make work work for you?
I think knowing your own limitations is key. I personally love a project-driven job. A concentrated work experience means that there is downtime after a deadline. But I know that many women thrive in a 9 to 5 setting because it’s predictable and more secure. I just think it’s a matter of personality.