Blogs

Re: Casting Notice: QVC is Hiring Full-time Progra...

My Journey (Mark Charles Story)

by - edited

After working four years in visual merchandising for major retail chains I was suggested by a friend in the industry as an on air personality at QVC.

I remember my first product was a Kuhn Rikon cookie press and I was on air with Jane Treacy who was 8 months pregnant at the time. Unbeknown to me raw cookie dough made her nauseous and when the sell ended she told me that the entire sell made her sick. I thought for sure that my time in TV was over after only one day. All these years later I fondly refer to Jane as my TV wife and we laugh about our first experience together.

I love what I do, but I do put pressure on myself because so many times it takes months and sometimes years to bring a product to the customer and it's always very nerve racking to wait and see if you like the product. Sometimes when things don't go as planned it can be discouraging. But I always try to take the positive from every experience, move forward and continue to learn every day.

My Grandmother, who was one of my biggest inspirations, was a personal chef and everything was about being home and cooking.

That inspired me to always look for solutions and gadgets to make my grandmother's life in the kitchen easier. I dedicated my first cookbook to my grandmother. "Deeg-in" which was the title of the cookbook is how my grandmother, who had a heavy European accent, would let us know that the meal was ready and it was time to eat. I think about her every time I'm in the kitchen.

I am also inspired every day by all the special friends and family that are in my life. I am always thinking about how I can make their lives better with my products and designs.

My journey has taken me to places I would have never imagined and I am always excited to see what new resource, product or inspiration will cross my path next.