ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH JACKIE FIGUEIREDO
October 8, 2024
In our Associate Spotlight series, we are highlighting associates across the company who are shaping our community and who embody our Centric Brands philosophy every day.
Meet Jackie Figueiredo, Senior Director, Production, Beauty at Centric Brands. In her Interview, Jackie shares the exciting new brands she has brought into development for the Beauty division and how she has spearheaded their seamless integration into Centric’s Production and Sourcing structure.
Could you share insights about your role and responsibilities?
My role is continuously evolving. Right now, my focus is on ensuring that the Beauty Division integrates seamlessly with our corporate structure across Production, Sourcing, and Development while we expand by launching new brands and licenses.
I work closely with both the Design and Sales teams, acting as a bridge to create high-quality products at competitive prices. Our goal is to deliver exceptional beauty products that align with our company’s standards and vision.
How did you become passionate about your career and/or choose this career path?
Fashion and retail have always been a part of my life. My father spent 35 years in operations and logistics at Barneys New York, and as a child, I would often join him at work. Those visits sparked my fascination with the industry, particularly the buying office and the allure surrounding it. I later pursued my education at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Marist College with the goal of becoming a buyer. However, after two years in the role, I realized it wasn’t the right path for me.
During this time, I interviewed for a sales assistant position at Cipriani Accessories (now part of Centric Brands). Jarrod Kahn, Group President of Accessories, saw something different in me and suggested I consider an executive assistant role instead, with the promise of exposing me to various areas of the business, from the showroom to licensing. I accepted, and within a year, I discovered my passion for product development. That shift was pivotal, and I’m grateful to Jarrod for giving me the opportunity to explore new areas and find my true calling.
Can you tell us about some of the exciting projects you’ve been working on since joining Centric Brands?
Since joining Centric at the end of April, it’s been an exciting and fast-paced journey. We’re currently preparing to launch Juicy Couture Beauty and Zac Posen Beauty for the holiday season. After signing the deal for Juicy Couture Beauty a month and a half ago, we hit the ground running with rapid development and a trip to Asia to explore vendor capabilities. Now, we’re nearing the finish line. This project is particularly special to me, as I grew up with Juicy Couture and now get to be part of its beauty product development.
Zac Posen Beauty, on the other hand, is a more elevated and sophisticated line. Working on these two brands, each with its distinct demographic, has been a fascinating experience. Juicy Couture is fun and sassy, while Zac Posen is serious and refined. Balancing these different aesthetics has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m eager to see how these products are received in the market.
What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?
A surprising fact about me is that I’m a board-certified holistic wellness coach and nutritionist. My passion for fitness and wellness sparked this journey years ago, leading me to pursue certification.
I’m especially fascinated by the connection between nutrition and overall health—how food can be used as medicine and how factors like sleep, stress, movement, hydration, and self-care directly impact our well-being.
Although I’ve paused taking on new clients, my passion for wellness remains strong. I love discussing and learning about it and am always happy to chat about someone’s wellness journey!
