Our Young Gun profile takes a look at some of the young talent across the advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Today we speak to Are Media digital managing editor, beauty and health Samantha McMeekin.
Time at the company:
I’ve been at Bauer (now Are Media) since August 2019, following a two year stint in the UK where I worked for GLAMOUR magazine at Condé Nast. I returned to manage the website that gave me my start, beautyheaven.com.au, and now manage the beauty and health verticals across the digital portfolio.
How long have you been in the industry?
Eight years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
The plan was always to write but it changed from touring with a band to write a Rolling Stones exposé, to becoming a beauty editor when a makeup artist told me that such a job existed.
Who is your right hand person?
Lorna Gray, digital director of fashion, beauty and health. She’s a great mentor and content strategist.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Being surrounded by women that are brilliant, driven and changemakers.
And the biggest challenge?
Making that change.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Harry Styles’ tour manager. But failing that, the fast-paced digital world has me pretty hooked and there’s a lot to be done for women, for representation and for beauty, that I hope to be a small part of.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I turn away. Being alone, clearing my head and switching off is when I have my most inspirational moments.
My favourite advert is:
Harry Styles’ Gucci campaign. He’s holding a baby lamb for crying out loud.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I have an irrational fear of frogs.
In five years' time I'll be:
Still speaking to women and still telling their stories. Retinol will also undoubtedly be a big part of my routine.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.