Blogs

[#1]

Twenty years ago, my sister suggested I visit her in New York and go to an open audition to be a QVC host. I’d been a fan of the shopping channel since I first stumbled upon it the year before.

I lived in California, was working for a newspaper chain, and had no idea whether I would be any good. But I decided to go to New York and give it a shot.

I called the 800 number and got the details. The auditions were being held at Silver Cup Studios and the process consisted of two rounds of interviews. Only those who made it through the first round would move on for an on-camera audition.

The original note that I scribbled the information on in 1995. I’ve kept it all these years.

When I arrived at Silver Cup, I was surprised by how many people were there. There were TV news reporters, actresses, cab drivers, people from all walks of life. Over 700 total and they all wanted to be hosts on QVC.

Silver Cup Studios in New York

I signed in and was given a sticker with my number -- 109.

My audition sticker -- 109. I kept it all these years too.

The initial interviews were done in groups. And each person was asked a series of questions. Questions like, “If you were a car, what kind of car would you be?” One of my questions was, “What does Q-V-C stand for?” (You’d be surprised how many people got that one wrong.)  When my group’s questioning was done, I was told I would be moving on for an on-camera audition. (Was this really happening?)

I was led into a room with a producer and camera operator. There was a table with QVC products including a T-fal pan, a Craftsman drill, and a 14k gold necklace. I was told that I could select one of the items and then I would do a 5 minute presentation on camera.

The next five minutes were a blur -- but I remember having the most fun time talking about that gold necklace. I left the audition thinking if nothing came of it, I had had a blast.

It was the 90's and I wore my red power suit for the audition.

A week later I got a call asking if I would return to New York for another interview with company execs. So I flew back to NY and then home to California. Two days later I received a call -- I got the job!

I celebrate my 20th year as a host this week -- how time flies when you’re having fun!

Hosting a jewelry show in the early days.

Clippings and articles over the years. How time flies when you’re having fun!

Thank you to all of you for supporting me through the years, especially when I was first getting my feet wet. I am grateful to you, to QVC and for this wonderful opportunity.

I look forward to spending time with you tomorrow morning for three hours of AM Style beginning at 7am.

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Leah Williams