S1, Ep6 – In conversation with Natalie Salmon
26 April 2022
Natalie Salmon, Editor of Hello! Fashion and founder of @TheModems, joins Dr Reena to discuss life at the intersection of luxury fashion and technology. With a background that includes launching Vogue Scandinavia and leading digital strategy at Harper’s Bazaar and the Evening Standard, Natalie shares insights from her career at the heart of the global media industry.
Join the conversation as she covers everything from travel rituals for a fast-paced lifestyle to advice for newcomers—and the tech she can’t live without.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Natalie Salmon’s journey began with strong academic roots—her mother is Brazilian, and her father is English. Growing up, her mother naturally encouraged a focus on academics. Natalie went on to study Politics at university, graduating with a 2:1, but life took a series of unexpected turns after that.
One of the first significant challenges she faced was the recession, which made job-hunting far more difficult than she had anticipated. After a brief stint in recruitment, Natalie realised she wanted to pursue something she was truly passionate about. TV presenting and news broadcasting were early interests, and a friend—an agent for Clare Balding—encouraged her to study journalism. This led to a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.
During her studies, Natalie discovered her true passion: digital media. As Facebook and Twitter began taking off, she found herself drawn to online journalism. Blogging was booming, and the digital world was wide open.
Her first major industry role was at the Evening Standard as Social Media Editor, where she essentially built the digital department from the ground up. At that time, interns often ran social media, and Natalie had both freedom and responsibility. She laughs, recalling interviewing Liam from One Direction as a standout moment.
She was soon snapped up by the digital team at Harper’s Bazaar, where then Editor-in-Chief Justine Picardie championed her ideas, giving her a column dedicated to tech accessories. It was here that her fascination with gadgets and technology really came into focus.
A lifelong lover of tech, Natalie later founded @TheModems, an online platform aimed at making technology more accessible to women. The platform gave her space to share features that didn’t quite fit in traditional magazines but deeply resonated with her audience and network.
After launching Vogue Scandinavia, Natalie returned to London, where she now serves as Editor of Hello! Fashion.
One of her top pieces of advice? Build a strong industry network. “Surround yourself with people who inspire you and support you,” she says. “Don’t always ask for favours—help each other!”
Known for her classic, minimal style and a favourite among street style photographers, Natalie balances a demanding lifestyle with effortless polish. She spoke about her travel routines and how she curates a versatile wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Planning, even down to the most minor details, the day before, is her secret to staying on top of things.
Touching on the impact of tech on mental health, Natalie reflects, “I’m glad I grew up without Instagram.” While she sees digital platforms as powerful tools, she’s also aware of the harm caused by constant scrolling, especially among young women.
So, how does she stay ahead in the fast-moving world of fashion and media? By staying curious. She closely tracks social trends and is constantly impressed by the speed at which companies innovate. “There’s a real skill in identifying the right platform for you and your brand,” she says.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Treat Each Social Media Platform Uniquely: Social media is like having five children – you can love them all equally, but you must treat them very differently to help each one flourish.
Build a Career You Love: If you’re investing significant time and energy into your education, it’s essential to channel that into creating a career you’re passionate about.
Choose Mentors Beyond Your Industry: When selecting a mentor, remember that many skills are transferable. You can gain valuable insights from people in completely different fields.
Leverage the Power of Your Network: Find a strong network and use it wisely. A good network can be just as supportive and inspiring as a great mentor.
Preparation is Everything: Planning ahead is crucial, especially when managing a high-pressure lifestyle where looking flawless is expected.
Know Your Platform: Understand the social media platforms available to you. Identify which one aligns best with you and your industry, then focus your efforts there.
Use Social Media Strategically: Embrace the power of social media, but set boundaries. Use it to your advantage—and know when to disconnect.
Women Thriving in Tech: Although tech remains male-dominated, the barriers to entry for women have significantly decreased. There’s more opportunity and space than ever before.
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