Beauty Girl

Buyer, Manager, Nerd

She does what she does best because she loves what she does best.

Annie Do was born and raised in Edmonton, and “knows the landscape well, knows the people well, and knows what they want”.

She attended the University of Alberta Bachelor of Science in human ecology, clothing and textiles program with a minor in business. When she was 19, she started working at LUX Beauty Boutique, the specialty beauty shop on 124th Street, in 2003. The job began as a part-time gig; Annie came into the store three times a week, for three hours to ship out orders to clients.

Now she’s the buyer and manager of LUX. “I sort of fell into the whole buying position while I was still in university. I’d come in between classes and buy and work on store stuff. I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Annie works long hard hours—six-day weeks and 10-hour days. But she enjoys work because of the connection and fun she has with her clients.

“I love my job. I get to do what I love everyday: shop. I love to take care of my clients.” A lot of Annie’s customers have become her friends, and some even drive from Calgary for her personalized service. Her orders are organized months in advance, and she remains mindful of her purchasing budget.

Annie may seem like the typical beauty girl, but she is a self-proclaimed nerd. “On my day off, I love reading. I really love sci-fi books, which is so weird. I have every single book in the Dune series and I love them. I’ve read and re-read them three or four times now.”

Annie is highly involved in donations for events such as ‘What A Girl Wants’ for the Lois Hole Hospital, the ‘Snowflake Gala’ in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital, and ‘Fashion for Compassion’ for Sorrentino’s Compassion House. As a result of her strong relationship with suppliers, LUX is able to receive extra special treatment and deals which are passed onto numerous charities.

Nothing would make Annie happier than to have more LUX locations to oversee. Given her level of dedication, her ability to manage her time effectively, and her penchant for organization, you just know she would rise to the challenge.

- Written by Lauren Henrie, Edmontonians Sept 2009