Chicks who travel Q&A: The CEO

Shelley Barrett

1. Tell us a little about ModelCo and what your day-to-day role involves?
ModelCo is an Australian beauty brand renowned for premium quick-fix beauty solutions. We are leaders in the tanning category and our products have become ultimate essentials worldwide.
As the CEO, my role includes overseeing everything from marketing to logistics to research and development. My day-to-day tasks change daily and while I might be negotiating publicity or sponsorships one day, the next I will be coming up with new products for the upcoming season.
2. How much travel is involved with your job? What destinations has your role taken you to?
I usually travel overseas two to three times a year as we’re stocked internationally with distribution houses in USA and the UK. We also seek out new destinations for our annual advertising campaigns and I have been lucky enough to travel to several locations for work including Hayman Island, Paris, London, Rome, Norway, USA, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong.

One of Shelley’s fave holiday snaps – Taormina, Italy

3. What are your must-have beauty products for any trip?
• ModelCo’s Face Base – a perfect primer for the face, it smooths out fine lines & pores.

• La Prairie Caviar Balls – I can’t live without them.
• ModelCo’s Jet Set range including Super Tan, Shimmer and the Fibre Lash Travel Set – the ultimate travel collection – so I can TAN, SHIMMER and FLUTTER my way around the globe.
• AVEDA Peppermint shampoo & conditioner – smells like heaven!
• Dermalogica Cleansing Gel and Dermologica Skin Smoothing Cream – love them both.
4. Tell us about your favourite holiday?
I love to travel to destinations where I can relax and visit great day spas! I love skiing in Aspen every year as you have a great mix of skiing, shopping, day spas, the gym and amazing cuisine.

View over Aspen

With the kids, I love to take short trips to the Gold Coast and visit the theme parks and pop away on beach weekends.

Sunny day on the Gold Coast

5. What is your number one piece of travel advice?
Only pack what you need! I’ve learnt from my mistakes. In the past I used to pack four to five different suits, shirts and way too many heels. Now I just pack 2 sleek tailored suits and loads of different tops and wraps. Then I just mix and match earrings, broaches, bags and shoes to create different looks. When I’m not going on business appointments, I’m either in black pants, a shirt and flats or jeans and a three quarter length light-weight trench coat. Simple and classic and leaves more room in your luggage for shopping splurges!

6. Celebrity you’d most like to find yourself sitting next to on a plane?
I would love to sit next to Tom Cruise, Kylie Minogue or Barack Obama.

7. Packing: do you roll, fold or shove it all in there? Any tips to share?
I prefer to pack in neat folded piles which I can easily move around and layer on top of each other when trying to find what I want to wear. All my suits and shirts I leave on hangers and hang on a hook in my suitcase – less creases and when I arrive at my destination I can easily and quickly hang in the wardrobe. All my lingerie goes into two silk drawstring monogrammed lingerie bags that I bought in Italy many years ago.
Now days it’s a given that your suitcase is on wheels but I always take a carry-on bag with wheels too – it’s so much more easier and mine is the perfect size to fit my laptop, business documents and travel bag essentials – that’s it. I really try to pack the bare minimum, so as to not get too weighed down when I’m inevitably running between terminals!
8. Where is next on your travel wish list?
I’m yet to discover the magic of the Caribbean – St Barts, St Lucia with its rugged volcanic landscapes and the Cayman Islands. I’d love to explore the amazing coral reefs, spectacular sandy beaches, drink delicious pineapple & rum cocktails and experience the legendary Jamaican hospitality.

St Lucia

9. Any tips to share for managing jetlag?
Once on-board I change my watch straight to the time at my destination to try and get my body clock adjusted, even before I touch down. I’m also mad for a steam room or sauna– it’s the perfect remedy for weary bones, dehydrated skin and lack of energy. I make sure that every hotel I stay in has one and it’s the first thing I do after checking in. A good 20 minute steam does wonders!

10. Any tips for managing long haul flights?
As soon as I board I change straight into my in-flight pyjamas. I rarely drink alcohol and prefer to re-hydrate with plenty of water and fresh juice. Instead of having three big meals I have three smaller meals, I try to get plenty of sleep and go for walks around the plane every few hours.
And the best in-flight survival technique – when possible always travel with a partner in crime! Family, friend or colleague, it’s always nice to have someone to talk with on a long-haul flight. Failing that, my mini iPod offers a great escape.