Tori Douglas-Magnolini, Recruitment Deputy Chair
Over a decade ago, I left South Carolina and my sweet tea behind, packing my dreams and an ambitious, NYC-closet-ready wardrobe into my trusty little blue car. Fresh from The Art Institute of Charleston with a BFA in Fashion and Retail Management, I moved to New York convinced I was going to become a buyer. Life had other plans, and somewhere between runway dreams and retail realities, I found beauty and haven’t looked back since.
Since then, I’ve built a career in digital across fashion, retail, and beauty, working with brands including L’Oréal, Saks Fifth Avenue, Fresh, The Body Shop, and Kiehl’s. Along the way, I also earned my master’s in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing from FIT.
As proud as I am of my career, the people have always mattered more to me than the work. My own journey began because someone was kind enough to take a chance on me. Six months after graduating, I was still searching for a job in Charleston when a conversation with the general manager of Marine Layer led to an opportunity at the brand’s West Village store. That one “yes” gave me a reason to move to New York and the space to figure out what I was truly meant to do.
It also shaped how I lead and how I show up for others. I know how powerful it can be to have someone see something in you before you can fully see it in yourself. It’s why mentorship and my work with GlamourGals have become such meaningful parts of my life. Bringing generations together has shown me that no matter our age, we all want to feel seen, heard, and cared for. The makeovers may bring everyone into the room, but the conversations, stories, and connections are what stay with me.
Over the years, I’ve learned that leadership has very little to do with being the loudest person in the room or having every answer. To me, it’s about listening, making room for people to be fully themselves, and helping them recognize what they’re capable of.
I live by one quote: “You can have everything you want as long as you help enough people get what they want,” from Zig Ziglar. It reminds me to stay grounded in the person and leader I want to be.