The Deep End

“To succeed, you have to believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a reality.”–Anita Roddick.

- Vanie Vergara

The first time I saw a dolphin, I was 10 years old and my family was on summer vacation in Florida. In a heartbeat, I became madly obsessed with dolphins and the ocean. Do you remember your childhood dream? I know most of us grow out of it, but mine was to be a marine biologist.

I was conflicted by the passion and curiosity I felt towards the sea. It didn’t help me with academics, but that didn’t stop me. My obsession followed me through my years in school and up to when I started working.

My very first job was in MAC Cosmetics Philippines. Yes, I know, it is the farthest thing from being a marine biologist, but as it always does, life happens. I started as the intern in public relations and marketing for the brand, then worked my way up to be the Head of the Public Relations and Artist Relations department.

I was very lucky; I had amazing mentors and it seemed like the opportunities kept lining up. I was able to pull off many firsts for the country, which included convincing the Miss Universe International Organization to use Filipino makeup artists for the first time as they usually fly in a team to the location. We also convinced MAC Cosmetics’ global office to allow us to hold the Pro Tour event in a beach for the first time and we flew in Gregory Arlt, the makeup artist of Angelina Jolie and Katy Perry. At one point in my career, I was even able to meet Ariana Grande in Japan as she launched her lipstick with MAC Cosmetics. Isn’t this every girl’s dream job?

Five years later, I turned 25 and I was an executive for the number 1 makeup brand in the country. Normally you would feel like you were on top of the world, or at least on the right track—but I felt the opposite. I was getting frustrated with myself, because as the ocean continued to call me, I couldn’t quite commit to it—yet.