Meet The #HauteSquad: Alisha Fernandes
So we’ve turned 1 *yay*! And now, FINALLY, we’ve decided to introduce the geniuses behind Hauterfly… ok, we’ve decided to introduce you to the #HauteSquad! So here’s your inside track into who brings you your favourite stories and the madness that goes on at Hauterfly HQ.
A foodie at heart (clearly, this girl has an amazing BMI!), Alisha Fernandes is the newest member of the #HauteSquad and a true go-getter. Friendly, helpful, a bit of a grammar nerd (which our editor loves!) with a nose for spotting errors, this Goan girl completes the team with her eye for detail, and her rather straightforward sense of humour.
So what exactly is it that you do?
I’m the newbie on the team, but an oldie in life. Currently masquerading as the Features Editor of both Hauterfly and AskMen, I try to keep my Grammar Nazi-ness to a minimum. Because really, no one likes the girl who points out the difference between ‘there’, ‘they’re’ and ‘their’! [Ed’s note: I do!]
What were you doing before this?
I started my career at The Times Of India, where I worked on a couple of different publications from iDiva, Time ‘N Style and Time ‘N Style Beauty to Luxpresso and finally, as part of the team that launched Wedding Times. But after doing that for 5 years, I needed a break, so I moved back home to Goa and forayed into the world of freelance. It was superb being home after 10 long years, but ultimately, the city beckoned yet again and I joined MissMalini, where I got to dip my toe and ultimately dunk myself into cyber space. A far cry from the print world, I suddenly found myself learning to navigate social media (not the same as scrolling through your personal Instagram feed, let me tell you), some new slang (yes, I’m looking at you ‘turnt’) and met some epically fun people who taught me how to Snap. And now, I’m here.
How did you get started at Hauterfly?
Funny story – Aindrila Mitra was my first boss ever, under whom I interned and then worked at iDiva and the rest of the publications under the Times Group. So, when she called to tell me that she was working on the relaunch of AskMen, it didn’t take much convincing considering we even worked on the launch of Wedding Times together. And the thrill of building something up is kind of addictive, in a way.
What’s your favourite part about the job?
The most fun part of any job for me is the people. I find that they always make or break the experience, and so far, I have to say I’m pretty darn happy. Also, it helps that for once in my life there are so many Goans in the same place! Usually, I stick out like a sore thumb with my terrible Hindi, inability to understand Bollywood references, and general non-city vibe. It’s great to have some company.
And the least favourite?
The commute. Ugh.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Content. You know?
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone who wants a job like yours?
Don’t be afraid of putting yourself out there. Be proactive, meet people, network, and most importantly, ask (for you shall receive!)
Tell us something weird about you.
I share my birthday with Garfield the Cat, but he’s 10 years older. Wikipedia introduces Garfield as “a lazy, fat, and cynical orange cat with the ability to speak articulately. He is noted for his love of lasagna and sleeping, and his hatred of Mondays, fellow cat Nermal (sometimes), and exercise.” I am not fat and orange and I don’t know a Nermal. I am, however, lazy AND cynical. I can speak and write articulately, I vehemently hate Mondays and exercise, and I love lasagne and above all else, sleeping.
I am Garfield the Cat. Or at the very least, he is my spirit animal.
