Lipstick Lifestyle

Sylvie Poirier looks 20 years her junior. But this bustling editor has the life experience under her belt that - without seeing her gorgeous complexion - would make her seem 20 years her senior. Working as an editor at magazines such as L’Essentiel, Clin d’Oeil and Elle Québec, has garnered Poirier into a household name in the Québec magazine industry. With teaching certificates from the University of Québec at Chicoutimi and the University of Québec at Montreal, a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in French Literature from the University of Montreal, Sylvie Poirier has the patience of a teacher and the creativity of a film producer. It is her experience in these fields that opened her up to the magazine industry. Now, as the editor-in-chief of Vita (More Québec), Poirier has more than 20 years experience behind her and a long road of success ahead of her.

Taryn Weinstock met up with Poirier at the Women of Influence Luncheon in Montreal, and asked her to share with us what inspires her and how she juggles family life while being a leading lady in the Québec magazine industry.

When did you know that you wanted to go into journalism?
At 10 years old I said that I wanted to be a journalist. But I really knew at 25. After pursuing a career in education, I knew that what I really wanted to do was write and edit for magazines.

What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?
The launch of Vita has been a huge adventure and a great experience and definitely my greatest accomplishment thus far.

How did you prepare yourself for the launch of Vita differently from the launch of Elle Québec?
Elle was more focused on researching trends – fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Vita is also focused on trends but it’s main focus is inspiring women over 40, so I was pretty prepared for this task, being a women over 40 myself.

What do you think is the main challenge businesswomen battle each day?
In your 20s and 30s you have a lot of obstacles but women over 40 have more risks – family, career, health concerns.

Based on your gender, did you face any challenges climbing the corporate ladder?
Yes, many challenges. But I dealt with them by keeping my head up high and staying humble. That’s what worked for me.

What words do you live by?
Inspiration.

Who influences you?
Powerful women. The women I work with, my bosses, my friends, the woman who reads the magazines. These are all powerful women.

What makes you smile?
Funny people, love, human kindness, my family and friends.

What inspires you to keep on going and pushing yourself to get to the next level?
Even now, at this stage in my career I have a lot to learn. The drive to push myself to better myself to learn more is what keeps me going.

How do you juggle a career and a personal life?
I’ve made a decision to have a professional career as well as a family. And because this was my choice, I find the inner strength to balance it just fine.

If you could give advice to females aspiring to write and edit and work in the magazine industry, what would it be?
Have confidence and use the resources given to you. Don’t be afraid to use contacts to help you get ahead.

What’s your favourite lipstick?
I love Chanel lipsticks - the texture, the colour and the durability.

What’s your daily beauty routine?
I make sure to wash my makeup off every night before bed and use a lot of moisturizers. I also never go to work without a little makeup. I also try to eat well and exercise.