“All Roads Lead to Beauty”: In Conversation with Dianna Mazzone Singh
Written by Mia Aponte. Graphic by Anna Porter.
During my recent career coffee chat with Allure’s Features Director, Dianna Mazzone Singh, I gained invaluable insights into the beauty media landscape, particularly regarding how to approach beauty publications and the delicate art of navigating the space. We also discussed the Beauty Unlocked SCAD x Allure event, a unique experience that connected beauty industry professionals with budding creatives and influencers.
The Beauty Unlocked SCAD x Allure event, which I had the pleasure of attending, showcased SCAD’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of beauty experts. The event was an incredible intersection of beauty, technology, and art, where students and industry leaders came together to explore innovative ideas and discuss the future of beauty. Dianna shared her experiences with Allure and the importance of offering young creatives the tools and mentorship to thrive in the competitive beauty industry. It was clear from her passion that fostering talent early is essential in setting the stage for the future of beauty publications.
In our conversation, Dianna offered some critical advice for anyone looking to break into beauty media, which I found incredibly eye-opening. First, she emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling. In today’s saturated market, readers are no longer just looking for product recommendations; they want narratives that connect with them on a deeper level. Dianna stressed that beauty stories should be about more than just products – they should reflect culture, personal identity, and real-life experiences. She also noted that focusing on emerging trends is vital, but those trends should always be tied to a larger cultural conversation.
Another piece of advice Dianna shared was the need for versatility. In the world of beauty media, it’s essential to be agile and adaptable, especially with the rapid rise of digital platforms. She encouraged aspiring beauty journalists and content creators to embrace all mediums – from print to digital to social media – and to be comfortable experimenting with various formats to reach their audience. In the ever-evolving media landscape, being multifaceted and staying ahead of the curve are key to maintaining relevance.
Finally, Dianna highlighted the importance of building a strong personal brand. In a world where everyone has a platform, cultivating a unique voice is crucial. She advised having a clear, defined perspective that sets one apart from the crowd while staying true to one’s values. For beauty professionals, this authenticity and originality are what will help carve out a successful career in the beauty media space.
The conversation with Dianna was not only inspiring but also gave me a clearer vision of how to approach the industry with confidence and authenticity while embracing the evolving dynamics of the beauty media world. Especially, as the beauty industry is constantly shifting and redefining itself, the most successful voices will be those who are not only reflective of the times but who also lead the charge toward more inclusive, innovative, and meaningful storytelling. Moving forward, I am inspired to approach the beauty media space (and any media space) with a sense of purpose, knowing that the stories we tell have the potential to shape culture in ways far beyond the surface.
As Contributing Editor, Mia Aponte collaborates closely with staff and contributors to craft engaging narratives across various subjects. She is eager to infuse fresh perspectives and dynamic storytelling into her work and to help the contributors with their artistic pursuits. At SCAD, Mia majors in Fashion Marketing and Management and minors in Social Strategy and Management. She regularly offers opinionated pieces on numerous topics as well as pop culture insights. When she’s not writing, Mia is most likely thrifting, listening to music, or reading.
