It’s been over three years since I left QVC as a program host following my 25 years with the company.
I look back on my years at QVC with so much fondness. It was a really fun time in my life and I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities those years brought to me.
Working at QVC was an incredible lesson in business.
I went to college for broadcast journalism, but I consider my years at QVC to be the equivalent of a master’s degree in sales, marketing, public relations and merchandising.
And most of all, working as a program host introduced me to some amazing people.
Some famous, some not. But I built a wonderful collection of friendships and memories over my 25 years, and that, more than anything, is the greatest takeaway from my time there.
To give you a closer look at my time with the company. I thought it would be fun to share some photos and stories with all of you.
I hope you enjoy a little trip down memory lane!
Working With Celebrities At QVC
As you might imagine, over my many years at QVC, I worked with a lot of famous people.
I look back and wish I would have taken pictures with all of them.
I wish I had a picture of me and Hank Aaron. Or Kareem Abdul Jabbar. I wish I took a picture with the rock star, Melissa Etheridge. Or Hall and Oates.
I could kick myself for not asking for a picture with singer, James Taylor.
But, I always wanted the guests I worked with to see me as a professional, and I didn’t feel like it set the right tone if I asked for a photograph. So, for many years, I made it my personal policy not to ask.
Of course, with the advent of social media and camera phones, that changed a bit. So, I’m happy I have a few pictures to share with you!
So here’s a fun story about Catherine Zeta-Jones. I loved working with Catherine.
She was really involved in her collections (which isn’t always the case with celebrity lines) and she was simply a lovely person to be around.
During one of her shows, she mentioned to me that her husband, Michael, was going to be in the green room.
If you DIDN’T know, Michael is actor MICHAEL DOUGLAS. And Catherine mentioned that he really liked me (um, WHAT???) and that I’d have to come down to the green room and say hello.
I thought she was being nice.
But then, after the show, Michael’s assistant came into the studio and wanted to know if I had a moment to come say hello to Michael.
I was speechless for a moment, and then Catherine laughed and said, “See? I told you he likes you!”
Needless to say, Michael was a total doll.
Super friendly, and down to earth and I just had a ball chatting with him. It was one of those moments I’ll never forget!
Celebrities Who Become Friends
When you work with the same people over and over again, inevitably a bond forms. And sometimes, that bond grows into friendship.
And that’s what happened with several special people who I met through QVC.
Joan Rivers
Joan Rivers was one of the most special people I’ve ever met.
She took me under her wing from the first time we met. She taught me so much about jewelry, style, fashion, business, and just day-to-day life.
Joan was kind.
When she learned I wouldn’t be able to be with my family over the holidays, she invited me to her home for Christmas Eve.
She was gracious, thoughtful, and always asked me about my family.
It broke my heart to announce to the QVC audience that Joan passed away in 2014.
And I was honored to be on the guest list to attend her funeral, along with several other QVC hosts. She was a wonderful lady.
Lori Greiner
Long before she was a “SHARK,” Lori Greiner was my friend.
She and her husband, Dan, would spend holidays with my family. We would often get together for dinners or impromptu lunches at her home in PA.
In fact, Lori and Dan would occasionally babysit for my son, Trevor!
Lori is one of the smartest gals I know. I love spending time with her.
We haven’t seen much of each other in recent years with her busy shooting schedule, but I still consider her a loyal and trusted friend.
Suze Orman
Let me just say this. Suze Orman taught me everything I know about money.
When I was a young host and finally had some “spending” cash, I spent a little too much.
Suze helped me to get out of debt and put me on the right track to save, save, save. She has been a trusted confidant many times over when I needed financial advice.
Laura Geller
I could write an entire blog about Laura Geller. I love this lady so much.
She is a good person. A really good person. And she has become one of my most dear friends.
I would do anything for her. And I know I can count on her to be there for me too.
Laura was the first person to know that I had been booked for the TODAY show. She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders.
I feel so lucky to have her in my corner. I can’t say enough good things about her! She’s simply, the best.
Bobbi Brown
There was probably no one I was more excited to work with at QVC than makeup artist, Bobbi Brown.
Not only did I use her makeup, but I just thought there was something very cool about her.
I loved watching her segments on television and reading her tips in magazines.
Bobbi and I worked together really well. We were just very comfortable around each other and that made for a great relationship.
I consider her a great mentor.
Whether I need advice or just want to say hi, I’m so grateful to have her on my list of “go-to” people!
More QVC Friends
Of course, I have many other friendships as a result of working at QVC for all of those years.
It’s no secret that from the moment we were hired together, David Venable and I had a very special friendship.
We shared a lot of laughs together!
I’ve also always been close with Mary Beth Roe, one of the kindest women you’ll ever meet.
And then there are some of my closest friends, like Dara Lynn from Philosophy Beauty, Tara Tesher from Temp-Tations, Maria McCool from Calista Tools and jewelry designer, Carolyn Pollack.
These ladies are among some of my best friends… the ones I can call any time, day or night, for support and love.
My Favorite Part Of QVC
Without a doubt, my favorite part of working at QVC for all of those years was putting together the show, “You’re Home With Jill.”
It was my heart and soul. I loved finding products and sharing them with you in those programs.
When I look back on what we did in that show, I realize that it pioneered so many of the programs that became staples on QVC.
And that my vision to create a real “show” where everything was available for you to purchase was really groundbreaking and ahead of its time.
I don’t think QVC really ever understood the magnitude of what that show was doing and the potential it had to do even more.
But hey! That’s what Just Jill is for now! 🙂
Thanks for taking this memorable trip with me!
I’m proud that I was part of QVC’s history for 25 years and I hope to keep watching it grow for many years to come.
Xo,
Jill
And. But. However. Plus.
