Q&A with Andrea Ferrari

The Star Beauty Award for Outstanding Contribution to Beauty Journalism is a peer-nominated award that recognises beauty writers who make an overall outstanding contribution to the beauty journalism industry. It was introduced as a category for the first time in 2011, and won by Esprit Magazine’s Andrea Ferrari, who tells us why it’s important to recognise our industry’s work.

  1. How did you feel being awarded the inaugural Star Beauty Award for Outstanding Contribution to Beauty Journalism?

    Emotionally it was thrilling to hear my name announced as the winner of this award. Professionally it is hugely rewarding to have this recognition for my work and acknowledgement of the role my magazine plays in the beauty industry. I founded Esprit Magazine 25 years ago in the UK, while here in Australia the first issue was published in July 2004. I am focussed on providing relevant content that’s interesting and engaging to read that cannot be found elsewhere. For my work to win this award is a career highlight for sure.


  2. Why do you think it’s important that we take time to reflect on our work and the work of our industry colleagues?

    It is important to highlight good work, to acknowledge high standards and to celebrate best practice”.  Those who want to be the best set goals and if the Star Awards play a part in beauty journalists gaining inspiration to win then it can only be good for the work they craft for their readers, and the industry as a whole.  


  3. What kind of person would you like to see the award presented to this year?

    It has to be someone who inspires others and has some years of accomplished writing behind them if it’s truly an award that recognises Outstanding Contribution to Beauty Journalism. The challenge is that this award is peer nominated and some obvious contenders may work for one’s competitor magazine. But I believe there is a pool of great writers who everyone acknowledges as having made a great contribution to beauty journalism and we can salute their work over the years with this award.   

  4. Has there been an industry highlight for you this year?

    Winning this award was an overwhelming highlight. I was also honoured to be invited to judge the Jasmine Awards for fragrance writing. I am thrilled to be a judge on the Star Awards panel this year for the PR category. Anyone who knows me sees the energy I get from running Esprit Magazine in the retail beauty arena in Australia. I am privileged to meet so many interesting people and witness great innovations and passions in the industry – it’s a bit like one long highlight … I spend loads of hours at it and derive loads of fun from it!

Nominations for this wonderful award are open once again this year, with the addition of a New Zealand-specific award, plus awards for Outstanding Contribution to Beauty Public Relations in Australia and New Zealand. This is a great opportunity to recognise your peers for their hard work and contribution to their respective area of the beauty industry.

Click here to find out more information on how to nominate. Entries close 5pm, this Friday August 10, 2012.