After igniting a passion for “not only the art of beauty, but the business of beauty” with a post-college internship and a job at a fashion and lifestyle magazine, Jodi Balkan embarked upon a long career in the industry that has included work in beauty editorial, agency and in-house public relations, and finally, a place to call her own: Bold PR.
Name: Jodi Balkan
Occupation: President of Bold PR, an agency that focuses solely on beauty clients: “there is a great strength in specializing.”
Her work ethic: “I am a very competitive person, which I think is what governs my work ethic. I always want to be the best. Also, I see most problems as puzzles, so putting together the pieces is just fun for me. Finding the right solution is so satisfying, and it’s a high to work for the win.”
The key to success: “Confidence, focus, and commitment, backed up by legitimate know-how. Also, [having] a good radar for bullshit.”
Must-haves: “Net-a-Porter, One King’s Lane, Zillow, dog videos, my DVR, Facebook, sephora.com, twice-a-week blow-outs, chicken fingers, ketchup, Diet Coke, Fresh Sugar Shine Lip Treatment in Berry, Honest Beauty tinted moisturizer, Make Up Forever Concealer, Make Up For Ever Smoky Stretch mascara, Bottega Veneta handbags, black leggings, chocolate-covered pretzels, my husband’s laugh.”
Her happy place: “Our country home in Garrison, N.Y., which we have named RoxCreek, after Roxy, our Boston Terrier, and the creek that surrounds much of the property. Also, and randomly, I refer to my favorite slot machine at my favorite casino as ‘my happy place.’”
Best advice: “Use exclamation points sparingly and judiciously.”
Her look: “Minimalist, with a touch of fancy. Mostly black and typically with a bit of edge: a Rick Owens t-shirt with black leggings and a long, black cardigan in the office; a black dress by The Row, Stella McCartney, Bottega Veneta, or Chloé for a client meeting; [and] we have ‘Workout Wear Mondays’ at Bold to help make the transition from weekend to workday a little easier.”
Influenced by: “A lot [of] television, pop culture, art, and the news. Everything I see, experience, and absorb plays a role in shaping my vision and my person. Nothing is exempt from the power to inspire.”
Words to live by: “‘It will all work out as it should.’ This is certainly easier to believe if you know you are a lucky person, which I most definitely do.”
Her definition of beauty: “This is the hardest question you could ask someone in the beauty industry, so I’ll just say, ‘I know it when I see it.’ Also, in general, I define beauty as anything that makes me smile.”