Innovation manager at Essano Beauty, Marissa Kan knew from a young age that she wanted to work in the beauty industry. After observing her mum’s makeup and skincare rituals, Kan was inspired by the power of skincare and beauty products, particularly its ability to make people feel confident in their own skin. She also feels that the beauty industry is constantly evolving with new trends and technological developments, making it an exciting and fast-paced industry to work in.
Kan’s journey to working in beauty and skincare began after graduating university, where she was accepted into a graduate programme with Daymon Worldwide, private consultants for Progressive Enterprises, which is now Woolworths New Zealand. Her experience in the graduate programme was invaluable as it provided Kan insight into all aspects of Woolworths’ business, beginning her love affair for product development.
To further her knowledge about the beauty industry, Kan also completed a makeup artistry course in her evenings after work. This led Kan to obtain a role with leading U.K health and beauty retailer, Superdrug, combining her passion for product development and beauty.
During her time at Superdrug, she played a key role in launching a brand new beauty brand called B, which boasted over 300 SKUs in over 830 stores. She also worked with a number of cult beauty brands like Liz Earle and Guerlain. Kan’s wealth of experience eventually led her to join Essano Beauty.
Along the way, Kan said that she has been fortunate to be mentored by a number of industry professionals who have all left their mark. Currently, her biggest inspirations are Essano’s two founders, Shane Young and Anthony Gadson, who still play an integral part of the business today.
“They still have the same grit and tenacity as when they first started the brand in their garage. They are constantly challenging the status quo with innovation and never standing still.”
Additionally, the fast-paced environment of FMCG, the constant innovation developments in New Zealand’s beauty industry and working with passionate and dedicated people continues to motivate Kan today.
A piece of advice she wishes she could give her younger self is to “do something you love.”
“Be brave and take the plunge if you want to get into a new industry. Take time to learn from failures but also to celebrate the wins.”
