Women's History Month 2019 Profile: Elissa Mark
Elissa Mark, Marketing Manager at ORLY International
How would your peers describe your personality?
Ambitious, quick-witted and a creative problem solved. I've always been a roll-up-your-sleeves type of person.
When did you consider yourself a success? How did this make you feel?
I don't know if I could ever determine an exact moment in time of when I considered myself a success as I am always motivated to do more, but I can distinctly remember a moment when I looked back on my career path and realized the position and opportunities I have been given. It was this moment I realized how much I have accomplished in such a short time to appreciate this success. It made me feel proud to be able to follow my dreams and end up in a great career that I love.
What is the biggest challenge you have come across in your career and how did you handle this?
My biggest challenge I've come across is being true to myself. My personality sometimes seems so split. I am very analytical, but at the same time extremely creative. I’ve always struggled to find the balance between these two sides. In college I was dead-set on going to law school. I was determined to be a business defense lawyer, but everyone else said I’d be miserable. I tried to convince myself I could be the next Elle Woods, but deep down it didn’t sit right. Eventually I had to make a decision as I had an interview at ORLY the same as my L-SAT test. I obviously made the right decision and chose ORLY, where I have the opportunity to be creative, while also being very analytical.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
I am constantly setting goals for myself, both in my personal and professional life. I once read a quote that said: “You should set goals beyond your reach so you always have something to live for.” I live by this quote because if you don’t push yourself to achieve, you stay static and no one ever got anywhere by staying in the same place for too long!
What are you most proud of?
That I followed my dreams and listened to that little voice inside leading the way. I'm definitely happier because of it!
What inspired you when you were younger?
I've always been inspired by women entrepreneurs. At a young age I always wanted to be a “businesswoman" and at the age of 7 I started by own greeting card business. I took my briefcase full of custom designed cards door to door in the neighborhood selling them; ever since then, I've always been inspired by those who are making a way for themselves and pursuing their dreams. I’ve since retired from the greeting card business, but my motivation and hustle remains the same.
What nail color makes you feel most confident?
ORLY Kiss the Bride - Nude Pink. It is classy and always makes me feel buttoned up and ready to take on the world.
What is a piece of advice you would give to young women?
Always follow your dreams. Never stop pushing yourself to be the greatest YOU.