PRODUCT ALERT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH KIMBERLY PECORARO CEO – FOUNDER AMENITY LLC NEW YORK, NY

Kimberly Pecoraro is a woman who has a genuine passion for the beauty business and has worked in the industry for her entire career. Having met every professional goal she set for herself, she began 2006 with a new challenge – creating a niche men’s grooming line called a│MEN│ity. As CEO of the company, she spearheaded all aspects of the business; product development, international and domestic sales, marketing, public relations, operations and budgeting. Kimberly set her sights on building a brand that has become a major contender within the men's market. Under her leadership, Kimberly has forged a name for her company as well as for herself. In a tough economy, she launched a│MEN│ity domestically in Nordstrom (2007), followed by the Shave Beverly Hills, the Venetian Las Vegas, Grooming Lounge stores, Fred Segal, Skinstore.com, among countless others. Her goals were not limited to the United States, as Kimberly worked internationally to launch a│MEN│ity in England’s premier beauty outlet SpaceNK. She also brought the line to the other side of the world in 2008 and today, the a│MEN│ity brand can be found in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia. 

 Most recently, Kimberly has launched the brand in Germany's Ludwig Beck and she will be rolling the products into India and the Middle East this fall. With a secondary brand in the works and a Duane Reade launch this summer, Kimberly's goals for a│MEN│ity are set high and, based on her track record, the a│MEN│ity team will continue to benefit from her leadership. Kimberly graduated from Lafayette College in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology & Chemistry. In addition to her passion for the beauty business, Kimberly’s hobbies include dance, travel as well as fondness for shoes and handbags. We are so pleased to present her as our latest Product Alert exclusive interview!

Peachy Deegan interviewed Kimberly Pecoraro for Whom You Know.

Peachy Deegan: What is your first beauty memory?

Kimberly Pecoraro: My mom was a graduate of FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York City and as a little girl I always remember her being dressed in the latest fashions with her hair and make-up done to perfection. My first beauty memory is around the age of 4, sitting with my mom watching her get beautified for a Saturday night out with my dad. I was fascinated by all her make-up, perfumes and skin creams. Of course I wound up experimenting with her things and often times found myself in trouble as a result. If she only knew I was prepping for the future!

What were your initial professional goals, how did you reach them, and how did they evolve over time?

My initial professional goal was to be an orthopedic surgeon and ultimately work for a professional sports team. After graduating with my Bachelors in Biology, at 22 years old, I took a break before starting medical school and on a whim took an entry level position at a New York City based boutique skin care company. Day one I knew I found my true passion. I was making peanuts, commuting 3+ hours per day and doing entry level work (answering phones, running errands, packing boxes, etc.) but I knew this is where I was meant to be. I loved every minute of it.Quickly my new goal was to make it in this industry and one day create my own brand. If I wanted to grow within the industry I would have to spend a lot of time learning all aspects of the business. I decided to be a sponge and learn as much as I could by offering to take on as many roles and responsibilities as I could handle. Luckily I was in a small company where I was able to learn everything from sales to product formulation to packaging design. I also had very encouraging mentors along the way. Without the support of these individuals, the on-the-job education and the lessons I learned from my failures (there were many), I wouldn't have reached my ultimate goal of creating my own brand.

Where did you get the name Amenity from?

The name came from a team effort and brainstorming session.

What are the differences between the primary and secondary brands?

The secondary brand is currently in development, but stay tuned. The major differences will be the ingredient technology, product assortment, packaging, distribution and of course price.

What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?

Hands down, my family. Their love, support and belief in me is endless.

What are you proudest of and why?

Developing a brand that helps men conquer their greatest grooming grievances and in turn making them more self confident, having a company that makes it a priority to be charitable and give back to the community, seeing my brand hit international markets within one year of launch and being able to work with my version of a Beauty “Dream Team” every day.

What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?

Something with shoes and handbags. I see a new brand in my future.

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?

Without fail, at every party I attend someone confuses me with someone else. Probably the funniest moment was when a gentlemen had me confused with his wife. I don't think I can repeat what was whispered in my ear that evening. In his defense, it was very dark in the room....at least I hope he confused me with his wife. 

What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?

Given the nature of my job, I've had the opportunity to travel around the world. And in my opinion, no city in the world compares to Manhattan. I love being able to simply walk out the door and have everything at my fingertips. It's priceless to me and my favorite thing to do is shop at fabulous stores featuring the latest fashions, grab dinner at one of the world's top restaurant and take in a Broadway show, all in the same evening.

Have you drank The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not? 

I haven't tried The Peachy Deegan but its #1 on this weekend's “to do” list!

Other than Product Alert, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?

After this weekend, “I DRANK THE PEACHY DEEGAN”! I love all the columns, specifically MOVERS AND SHAKERS and FASHION ALERTS. I am always on the look out for what is new and gaining new knowledge about the fashion industry. The columns are great for staying “on top” of things.

We see you like shoes have you tried the new Anna Baiguera ballet flats?

I am usually found in a pair of stilettos, however I tried a pair of Anna Baiguera's ballet flats and I'm in love! I never thought I'd have a reason to get out of my stilettos.

What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?

I'm a perfectionist, no matter how early I start to get ready for an event I'm always 10 minutes late!

How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?

E-mail is best! I can be contacted at: kimberly@getamenity.com

Don't hesitate to contact me directly!