Coming from a family of doctors, Christine Philip attended Emory University with plans to follow in her family’s footsteps. However, she knew deep down that medicine was not what she was meant to do. Instead, she decided to follow her dreams of working in business, specifically in the fashion industry. She worked in many different industries, ranging from owning a brick and mortar fashion and jewelry boutique in Atlanta to working in an investment bank in London.
Fast forward 5 years and five countries later, Philip finally gets to set her own schedule. She launched and manages Global Glam, a lifestyle magazine and online retailer. We got to know her on a more fun and personal level, and she offered some great advice.
How did you know this is what you wanted to do?
CP: I’ve explored different ideas and as a result started a few small businesses. I additionally worked in many sectors to figure out what I’m passionate about. So, I recommend exploring different facets of what you may enjoy doing, and suddenly, it will all make sense. I think my ‘Leo’ persona is very much attributed to this. I’m not the type to sit back and relax; I have to be doing something. I like working, and whenever I can, mixing business with pleasure.
What changes did you make during the pandemic?
CP: Well, when the pandemic hit, my business was affected, like many others. When things started shutting down in New York city, I flew to be with my family in Naples, Florida. Aside from being, for the most part, an open state, my entire family is in healthcare which was scary time; my brother is an emergency medicine physician, my father works in an urgent care, and my mother in the health department, so I wanted to help in any way I could even if it was emotional support while they were slammed.
During this crazy time, I also built an ecommerce arm for Global Glam as the shift was moving toward online. My in-person sample sales became non-existent; no one was willing to go to crowded sample sales in tight spaces. I made a decision to move our sample sale concept online and launched globalglam.shop. Global Glam Magazine actually saw benefits from the pandemic as an online magazine, and our advertisements and sponsored posts took market share from print media.
If you weren’t in the fashion industry, what would you like to do instead?
CP: I like film. I would own a production company and tell stories that I am passionate about. Who knows, it could still be in the cards.
What is your favorite way to decompress after a long day?
CP: Living in Florida lately, sometimes a swim or a tennis match.
You have lived and worked in many different countries. Which were your most memorable?
CP: I will never forget my time in Paris. I lived in the 8th arrondissement, Madeleine. I miss the simple things such as my morning routine where I used to stop inside Madeleine church and bring the local pastor a pastry. I was Emily in Paris before Netflix's Emily in Paris became popular. I was in the center of everything I could ever want, from being in a center of a luxury mecca and at the same time, the most historic district and I'll never forget it. My second favorite was Muscat, Oman, my brother and I used to chase scorpions around our backyard and climb mountains with the goats, people would never believe these stories when I tell them.
What is the latest show you binge watched?
CP: ‘Velvet’ on Netflix. Alberto and Ana are a perfect match.
Any secret talents?
CP: I play the piano and I’d like to think I’m pretty good at the blackjack table.
What is one new thing you would like to master?
CP: Calligraphy.
Any guilty pleasures?
CP: Sleeping in.
Where do you feel most inspired?
CP: In my pilates class, a unique place, I know. My mind is so relaxed, so ideas come to me.
What was the latest inspirational travel trip you took lately?
Ljubljana, Slovenia. You have to do the Postojna Caves; it is mind blowing. Also, the Blue Grotto in Capri is like a dream.
What is some advice that you would give your younger self?
CP: Have a little patience and trust the process.
Lastly, what is your definition of success?
CP: Success is not an end game. It is maintaining what you aimed to achieve in the first place. True success in my personal opinion, is defined in your personal life, something I need to pay more attention to. When I look at my parents or my brother and the family they have built, to me, that is true success.
Visit Global Glam to see more of the empire Christine has built here.
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