Laura's no Fake!
THIS week Caren McPate talks to Laura Hogg, who has just secured a dream job with a successful self tanning company after being snapped up in an on-line reality TV show. Laura (25) finished as the runner-up in the The Hirer, where Sandra McClumpha, CEO of the Fake Bake empire, searched for a rising star. Laura has already started work with Fake Bake as deputy to the winner, Victoria Gibbs. The single mum lives in Bishopbriggs with 14-month-old son Reece.
How did it feel to be runner-up?
I'm absolutely delighted. I was a bit disappointed not to win but getting this far is a great opportunity for me.
It's fantastic they have created a job for me as there wasn't supposed to be a runner-up.
Why did you apply to take part?
I had nothing to lose. I heard about the show through a friend and liked the idea of taking part in a new challenge.
Where did you work before?
I returned to work as a recruitment consultant for Hays Banking earlier this year after my maternity leave. I have a degree in IT, but I decided that it wasn't for me.
I've also taken part in the Camp America programme.
There was no reason for me not to take part in The Hirer, although I did have to give up my job, which was a big gamble, but worth it in the end.
Did you know about Fake Bake before taking part in the show?
Yes, I had used the products and knew about Sandra and how she founded the UK company.
I did some research and it's amazing how far it has come on over the last few years.
What kind of tasks did you have to do on The Hirer?
We were based at the headquarters in Bothwell and stayed at Airth Castle Hotel near Stirling. The first task was to secure a
pitch to promote Fake Bake, and we were able to do this at
the SECC's Wedding Show.
We also had to put forward a proposal saying what route Sandra could take with the company.
The final task was to promote the company's new Fake Bake At Home, which we presented at the Manchester Beauty Show.
What were the best bits?
The training and development was fantastic and really boosted your confidence.
We also had a great night at the Harvey Nichols fashion show in Edinburgh.
Did you ever think you would do so well?
I did have faith in my ability, but it was hard going.
Around 10,000 people applied for the show and only eight were chosen for the final.
At times I did wonder why I had given up my job as I could have ended up unemployed.
How will the job change your life?
I'm on a different salary, which is obviously fantastic.
It's such a great opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead.
What have you been doing so far?
I'm working on the launch of Fake Bake At Home, which will provide a national network of mobile therapists to work at tanning parties.
It will be great to look back in a year's time and see what I have accomplished.
Where do you see yourself in a few years?
I'm really happy where I am. I'd like to think I could help be part of Fake Bake, not just nationally, but globally.
Getting to know you
First car: Toyota Yaris
First record: I Should Be So Lucky by Kylie
Favourite TV programme: Desperate Housewives
Favourite holiday destination: New York
Book currently reading: Don't read books, but I like Cosmo
Famous person most like to meet: Richard Branson
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Kirkintilloch
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
