Interview with Jessica David: Former Beauty Editor at Glamour

Interview: I get chatting to Glamour’s former Celebrity & Entertainment Editor, Jessica David…

Full time mum and winner of the Best Online Journalist award (2010) Jessica David is the former Celebrity and Entertainment Editor of Glamour.com. After giving an inspirational talk at Southampton Solent University, here’s what she had to say in a more in-depth conversation…

Did you always want to work on a women's magazine?

Initially I wanted to be a novelist! This is something I still want to do but haven't got 'round to yet, but I've always been heavily into women's magazines and especially celebrity, fashion and beauty, so this area of journalism seemed like a logical step for me.

What kind of experience do you think would be invaluable for someone looking to get into this industry?

I'd say bag as many work placements in London as physically possible! I spent a year doing placements and internships before I got my big break, so I know it certainly helped me have an edge over other applicants.

Was your life as Beauty Editor of one of the most successful women's magazines as glamorous as people presume?

It was and it wasn't! There were times when I'd worked a 20 hour day because of a relaunch or some impossible deadline, and times when I couldn't afford to update my wardrobe because all of my money had gone on travel expenses! But then, I wouldn't change any of it.

What do you love most about your job?

As a freelance writer now, I love that I can pick and choose my hours and my features. I decide what I want to write and when, so if I want to have a week where I just spend time with my daughter and go to Peppa Pig World EVERY DAT (which has been known!) then I can.