5 Minutes with Immy: Choosing Flexibility Over Permanent Roles

With over a decade of experience in luxury beauty retail, Immy has built a career that balances expertise, confidence, and genuine care for every customer she meets. From airport terminals to Harrods and department stores, she’s now one of Fortem & Mode’s standout consultants. Despite multiple permanent offers from top brands, she continues to choose our agency.

We caught up with Immy to hear about her journey, what makes Fortem & Mode different, and why she loves the balance and support we provide.

A Journey Through Luxury Beauty

Immy’s career in luxury beauty retail started around ten years ago. “I began with Estée Lauder at Terminal 3, then joined an agency that mainly worked with World Duty Free,” she recalls. When travel retail paused during the pandemic, she explored new opportunities, including department store roles at Harrods.

After a period in Glasgow, where part-time hours at Clarins left her seeking more stability, she returned to London. “I found Fortem & Mode online and applied. Cengiz picked up the phone, gave me great advice, and I’ve been with the agency ever since.”

From the very start, Immy noticed the difference. “Fortem & Mode really pay attention to you. It’s not just, ‘You’ve got a job – go.’ They check in, text, or call if needed. You never feel alone.”

Support That Makes a Difference

Fortem & Mode’s focus on preparation and confidence stood out immediately. “We get online training. It’s amazing – you walk onto the counter knowing exactly what to do. It makes you feel professional and ready, not nervous or unsure.”

She recalls her first shift at Space NK: “They kept in touch all week – reminders, training tips, encouragement. I really felt supported. It made such a difference knowing someone was looking out for me.”

How We Support Consultant Wellbeing During Peak Season

Flexibility and Freedom

While top brands have offered her permanent roles, Immy values the flexibility Fortem & Mode provides. “For me, flexibility is really important. Permanent roles can be very structured, and I realised I wanted more choice and balance. With Fortem & Mode, I can choose the days that work best for me, and that allows me to consistently bring my best to every shift.”

It’s not just the flexibility that keeps her loyal – it’s the reassurance that support is always there. “I know if any challenges come up, there’s someone I can turn to, and that really makes a difference. It gives me confidence and makes me want to keep building my career with them.”

What Makes a Great Retail Consultant

Immy believes professionalism, experience, and adaptability are key. “Even if we’re just covering a counter, we can’t say, ‘I’m just agency, I don’t know this.’ You have to show customers that you know what you’re doing and that you’re here to help them.”

She adds that using past experience creatively makes every customer interaction count. “You need to use your knowledge and wisdom to make sure the customer leaves happy, even if they’ve been to other counters first. It takes effort, but it’s so rewarding.”

What Makes a Standout Retail Consultant?

Why Fortem & Mode

Choosing to remain with Fortem & Mode isn’t just about convenience – it’s a deliberate career choice. “I’m really happy with the shifts I’m working. I can request the days I want, and that works for me. I feel supported, valued, and able to talk openly if there’s a problem. It genuinely feels like a close-knit, supportive team – like a family.”

Fortem & Mode consistently provides experienced, professional consultants like Immy, who bring confidence, care, and consistency to every luxury counter.

Whether you’re a beauty consultant looking for a career that values your expertise or a brand seeking reliable, top-tier consultants, Fortem & Mode is here to support you.

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