A Conversation With…
Keely Gough
1. Tell us a little about yourself. We’d love to know who you are and what a typical day looks like for you.
I’m Keely, Managing Director of LOOKFANTASTIC, mum of two boys, and someone who has spent the majority of my career in beauty. I’ve been with LOOKFANTASTIC for 12 years, so I’ve grown up with the business in many ways from working across ecommerce, marketing and buying to now leading the brand and thinking about what its next chapter looks like.
A typical day is usually a combination of big-picture thinking and a lot of moving parts. I might be talking about our next brand campaign in one meeting, reviewing trading performance in another, looking at a new partnership or product idea, and then rushing to get home in time for bath and bedtime! No two days are particularly alike, which is probably why I still love it.
2. Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious. Curious. Resilient
3. What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence has changed as I’ve got older. I used to think it was about having all the answers and now I think it’s much more about trusting yourself even when you don’t. Being comfortable enough to have an opinion, being open enough to change it and not needing everyone else to validate all of your decisions. That applies in all aspects of life - whether it be work, friendships, fashion or parenting!
4. What’s one lesson life has taught you recently?
That you can be grateful for the life you have and still want more for yourself. I think women can sometimes feel guilty about ambition, particularly when you’re juggling a career and family. I’ve learnt that the two things don’t have to be in conflict- wanting to grow, build something new or challenge yourself doesn’t mean you value what you already have any less. Reflecting on your journey often puts things into perspective but it’s OK to keep pushing forward and dreaming big!
5. Where do you go when you want to feel inspired?
Honestly, anywhere that takes me slightly outside of my normal routine. I get a lot of inspiration from travel- different cultures, environments and simply being away from the daily routine frees up space to think more creatively. Unfortunately for me (and my family :) ) holidays usually lead to a lot of thinking time and idea generation because it instantly removes me from day to day distractions and allows me to focus on the bigger picture. London always feels like a source of inspiration : I go there and come back with about 20 new ideas.
6. What’s your favourite restaurant, café or hidden gem that you’d recommend to everyone?
I LOVE eating, drinking and socialising- it’s quite possibly my favourite thing to do! I am a loyal modern farmhouse customer in our local area which is where you’ll often find us at the weekend for brunch with our friends and the kids. As for restaurants- I would die on a hill for the Gaia frozen yoghurt so I have shout this one out if you haven’t tried. Marbella is home away from home and there are so many beautiful restaurants here we return to time and time again. El boqueron in the old town is a firm favourite!
7. Is there one piece in your wardrobe you’ll never part with? Tell us the story behind it.
I am a self confessed clothing hoarder. I so badly want to be a capsule wardrobe girl but I fear I need professional help to achieve it! That being said, I do hang on to staple pieces for years and I have a black oversized COS blazer which I reach for year after year. Potentially bias, but I’d also say my ANF blazer (the OG). It’s so versatile and a piece I know will elevate any outfit.
8. What’s always in your handbag?
My phone, about six lip products despite only ever wearing the same one or two, a couple of pairs of sunglasses regardless of the weather, something belonging to one of my children, hand sanitizer, a hair brush and a fragrance. Oh and my Chanel hand cream comes everywhere with me- hoping that makes my answer feel a little more chic!
9. What are you currently reading, watching or listening to?
I’m probably more of a listener than a reader at the moment. I love anything that gives me a window into how other people think and build things - founder stories, culture, beauty and business - brand your way to a million, the art of the brand and hot smart rich are some examples - but equally I need something more escapist at the end of the day like Olivia’s house.
10. If you could tell every woman one thing, what would it be?
Don’t wait until you feel completely ready to go for it! Some of the biggest opportunities in my career have come when I could have found multiple reasons why I wasn’t quite qualified enough, experienced enough or prepared enough. You are rarely ready and then take the leap - more often than not, taking the leap is what gets you ready and feeling a little uncomfortable isn’t always a bad thing!
Keely’s interview is a lovely mix of career, confidence and life beyond work. From her 12 years at LOOKFANTASTIC to raising two boys, she shares an honest take on ambition, balance and trusting yourself along the way. Her advice is simple: don’t wait until you feel ready. Take the leap, embrace the discomfort and see where it takes you. Sometimes taking the leap is what gets you there.
This is Women of Atelier. A celebration of the women who inspire us, their stories, and the journeys that make them who they are.