| Diana Nguyen 20. Februar 2015 – 21:51
You may know her as the energetic, passionate correspondent on E! News. And while Alicia Quarles is certainly that, little do people know she’s so much more.
Nail art connoisseur? She’s got skills. Workhorse? We think so. Chanel fan? Absolutely. But beyond that, she holds a wealth of knowledge and sage life advice. Get to know Alicia a little bit better—we promise you’ll like her that much more.
What was the first sign that this career path was your destiny?
My father is a newspaper publisher, so I grew up in a journalism family. I may have been the only fifth grader who stayed home on Friday nights to watch Barbara Walters on 20/20.
Who was your first inspiration?
My first inspiration is my family: mom, dad, sister. We moved every three years growing up because of my dad’s journalism career, so I was always the new kid, and my family means everything to me.
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What’s the best piece of advice you ever got?
Two pieces: One came from Beyonce‘s publicist, who is one of my mentors: Don’t question your blessings; own them. Another great piece of advice I believe came from a Roman philosopher: Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity. In other words: Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
Thirty years down the road, where do you see yourself?
Fashionable, of course. On a lighter note, I see myself with a fabulous closet. I’m a Chanel collector. Some people invest in stocks; I invest in Karl and Coco. On a more serious note, I know I will continue on the work of my best friend, Diem Brown, who passed away from cancer recently. She was a patient advocate who founded the site MedGift.com.
What was your biggest obstacle in your way toward fulfilling your dream?
Not getting caught up in cattiness and “running my race.” By that I mean, we all have our own paths. Don’t look to the left or the right when you are in a race, look ahead and focus on what’s for you. It’s so easy to be nasty and try to break people down. I’m all about supporting my fellow journalists, putting in the work and being appreciative of this journey.
If your craft was a song, what song would it be?
“Everyday I’m Hustlin'” by Rick Ross, the Boss.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I do my own nail art. I know this sounds nuts because I have access to some of the best manicurists in the world, who I do use for big events, but I also LOVE doing my own nails. I have an LED light and can create almost any design.
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If you could watch one TV show for a year, what would it be?
Broad City—it’s one of the most underrated shows on TV.
Who or what is inspiring you as a woman and TV correspondent right now?
Katie Couric. Katie saw something in me years ago and became my mentor. She has given me so many opportunities and pushes me to be the best journalist I possibly can. On a personal level, she’s been there for me when I felt no one else would understand. I have so much love for her.
What was your biggest beauty mistake growing up?
Oh, wow, I don’t know if we have time to list them all. One that immediately comes to mind is the fact that I never got my eyebrows waxed until my senior prom. My eyebrows were so thick and crazy, but my mom told me I looked like Brooke Shields with thick brows. Um, no I didn’t. I looked like a hot mess.
What song do you jam out to when doing your own makeup?
The remix to Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love” or “Flawless.”
What is one style/beauty trend you wish would make a comeback?
I don’t know that it ever went away, but I love a strong cat-eye with major fake lashes. I’m talking mod. Give me glamour or give me nothing.
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If you could give the you who was just starting out any advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. There is a difference between harassing someone because you want an internship or a job than asking questions you need to know to grow and progress.
Who has been your favorite person to interview so far?
George Clooney and Hugh Jackman—they are true stars to me. Both are of course talented and handsome, but on top of that philanthropic. They’ve worked hard for their success, could be pompous, but are anything but. Plus, I love when a person is smart enough to answer whatever question you throw at them without having their publicists jump in to try to cut you off.
What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
That this job is easy. It’s not digging ditches or sitting in a boring office doing the same thing day after day, but it’s hard work. Prior to E! I worked for the Associated Press for 10 years. I think it’s important to note all of this because people see you on-air at E! and just assume you are another pretty face, interviewing celebs.
What’s an embarrassing tidbit about yourself?
I’m incredibly clumsy. It’s out of control.
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If you’re stranded on an island, what are three things you would take with you?
Charger, iPhone, Bible.
Who would you love to work with?
It’s a tie between Anna Wintour and Rihanna. Anna blessed my career way back in my AP days and keeps blessing me. I was the only reporter she spoke with at this year’s Met Gala, which was a moment I will never forget. I also say Rihanna because she has been incredibly supportive of my career. What she and Adam Selman are doing together is so needed in fashion.
How are you so comfortable in front of the cameras?
To me, the camera represents the viewers, who are my friends. You don’t turn to E! News to be depressed. You watch to be entertained, informed about celebs, fashion and beauty and to see what we are wearing. Plus, it’s a fun freaking job.
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