Models Prefer:  An Interview with Stacey Scheiffelin

By

Deanna

While on another cosmetic review assignment for another Internet based cosmetic review site, I was fortunate enough to have the chance to interview Ms. Stacey Scheiffelin, founder and president of the Models Prefer Cosmetics Company.  This company is the first cosmetics company to be "created and endorsed by international models."  In speaking with her, I was amazed how much we had in common!  We are both members of the National Association of Female Executives.  We both modeled, although Ms Scheiffelin is an "haute couture" model, working for such designers as Yves St. Laurent, Gianni Versace, Azzedine Alaia, Dolce and Gabbana, Jean Paul Gautier, Bill Blass, Anne Klein and Calvin Klein just to name a few.  And, we both have daughters named Sydney, although my daughter's name is spelled Cydney.  Ms. Scheiffelin is a very pleasant, warm, funny person, and needless to say, she is extremely striking. She is very "down to earth" and easy to talk to.  I can only hope you enjoy reading the interview as much as I enjoyed performing it.

Deanna:  I have watched your QVC presentations, probably as long as you've featured your products.  It is always mentioned that you are an internationally know high fashion model.  For whom did you model and for how long?

Stacey:  Oh, I've been modeling for almost twenty years. (Much laughter).  About fifteen different agents worldwide represent me, including Ford Models, Inc and Elite Management Corporation.  I've modeled for many designers, European, Asian and American, and I am a house model and spokesperson for Christian Dior.

Deanna:  Your firm, Models Prefer, is touted as being the first cosmetics line to be founded and endorsed by professional models.  What gave you the idea to start your own cosmetics line?

Stacey:  Well, I'd have to say that it stemmed from my background.  Besides being a model, I have a degree in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing and Retail.  I also studied at Parsons School of Design, New York University for Architecture, and Columbia University of Broadcast Journalism.  It's in my blood.  I have always had a strong interest in educating and assisting others to sort through the maze and confusion of products and to make the best, most logical and most economical decisions about makeup.  I wanted a line that emphasized fashion correct products that met the needs of multicultural women (and men) on the go. I felt that these types of products were lacking in the market, so I decided to start my own company.

Deanna:  You mention many times during the QVC presentations of your products that other models test your products and give you feedback on them.  Are you at liberty to "drop a few names" as to who tests your products?

Stacey:  Unfortunately not.  Most of my models have LARGE makeup campaigns ongoing.  They are not permitted to have their names tied to any other product lines.  I am sure you understand.

Deanna:  Oh!  Of course.  Well, speaking of large companies, what makes your products different from department store brands?

Stacey:  Well, to be honest, it's mostly packaging.  For example, our "Grater Bronzer," and our "Hands Free foundation," allows the consumer to be in control of the amount of product that they need to use.  This eliminates waste and cost to the consumer.  This is also the same of our other products, such as our "Flawless Neutralizing Powder" and our "Flow-through Lipstick."  Where we couldn't eliminate waste, we tried to make the product more convenient to carry; for example, our "Swing-out Blush" has been a "hit" because it's so portable and convenient for touchups. 

Deanna:  So, what makes your products similar to the more expensive brands?

Stacey:  The same manufacturers of other product lines manufacture many of our products.  We use the same top quality ingredients and fillers as the more expensive lines do, however, we do it at less cost to the consumer.

Deanna:  Wow!  I won't ask how your firm manages to do that, I think I already know.  So, why did you choose QVC as your distributor instead of a department store?

Stacey:  Well, mostly because of the speed to market.  We can launch a new product every 45 days or so.  Also, with QVC, I can receive instant and immediate information from the customers, personally and quickly.

Deanna:  Speaking of more information, I personally love your products, however, I am a fairly "light" African American.  Will you be expanding the line to include darker women of color as well? 

Stacey:  Oh yes! We have plans to do so.  It's just that there are so many different shades of color, especially in foundations and powders.  What I really would love is for women of color to contact me and let me know what they are currently using and why they like it.  This would assist me in creating better colors for them.

Deanna:  How would you like people to contact you about your products?

Stacey:  QVC is currently building a web page for my products.  It's not up and running yet, but it's in the works.  I think that this would be an excellent way to send me feedback.  Currently, we do have several Models Prefer Cosmetics specialists at QVC.  Until the site is up and running, they can assist customers with any information about our products or collect data from customers about their current product usage and what they would like to see added to the line.  The Models Prefer Cosmetics specialist can be reached by calling (800) 455-8845.

Deanna:  Great.  Do you mind if I pass that information along? 

Stacey:  No, not at all.  I really want to hear from our customers or people who just have an interest in our line and helping us make it better.

Deanna:  Well, I know our time is short.  Briefly, what would you like to tell people about yourself, your company or your cosmetic line?

Stacey:  Just this:  Models Prefer is driven to bring new ideas and new concepts that simplify and enhance all women's inner and outer beauty.

Deanna:  Stacey, thank you so much for consenting to this interview on such short notice.  I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me.  It's been a lovely experience.  Thanks so much.

Stacey:  Thank you.