Interview with Astrid Fox (Owner) and Warren Wong-Chor (Manager) of Black Echo Coffee & Global Atomic Designs in Yaletown Vancouver

Q:  Tell us a little bit about your Yaletown boutique Global Atomic Designs. What makes Global Atomic Designs unique in Vancouver? 
A: Global Atomic Designs is a curated mix of modern, street style conscious, forward fashion boutique situated in a "NYC, LONDON, BERLIN style" hidden open space.


Q: What inspired you later to open Black Echo Coffee Shop?
A: It is never too late to start a new venture, plus, we are not that late in our lives, we just started young. We foresee that we will be involved in new projects for the rest of our lives. Coffee is commodity that we have always enjoyed and interested in, so we decided now is a good time to explore it. Black Echo Coffee is the new beginning of a transitional idea of operating a lifestyle sartorial experience for the customers. We want to provide an experience instead of "just a shop" concept. You can buy anything online but the experience of 2 to 3 hrs shopping is a true high - try something on and wearing that moment can not be replaced . The whole experience is designed to be dramatic.


Q: What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome in starting up both businesses? 
A: Public recognition and awareness of moving from our 15 years location, struggling economy and other franchises. We love that Black Echo Coffee is a local business and not a franchise or chain.

Q: How does Black Echo Coffee stand out amongst all the other many coffee shops in Vancouver?
A: Our niche for Black Echo coffee is for someone looking for a very different cup of coffee. We had also introduced our hand blended K. Rouge Rooibos tea that offers a cup you will not forget. Here is a little background on our coffee and tea at Black Echo Coffee: Black Echo Butter Espresso begins with a hand-sorted crop of peaberry beans, which is harvested in the Dalat highlands of Vietnam. Grown in a microclimate coffee region since the 1890’s, this unique blend is then roasted in butter to give it a rich caramel flavour. Black Echo Coffee makes an unforgettable espresso with remarkable golden crema. The combination of the roasting method along with the unique crop is favoured in the new niche Asian coffee house culture that aims for a new approach to taste and balance. Black Echo Coffee offers a rich decadent texture, medium body, a hint of cocoa, superb reminiscent of caramel and an incredible natural sweetness in a cup. K. Rouge ROOIBOS TEA is created to compliment our Black Echo Coffee BUTTER ESPRESSO. This custom hand blended rooibos tea has a unique complex flavour and the same rich fullness as her coffee counterpart. The Asian spices with colonial floral scent makes this another cup you will not forget. She will make you dream about her in your slumber. She's caffeine free.

Q: How do you manage the time to look after both businesses, and which one takes up more of your attention?
A: The clothing boutique requires more attention, and our lifestyle expansion will be to present exciting challenges of growth.



Q: What are the most crucial things you have done to grow both businesses? 
A: By providing great customer services, staying in touch with customers via social media or a good old fashion phone call, offering pre-trend products and adding new products in response to the fashion market's demands. We take pride in working with up and coming designers and help local brands expand.

Q: What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs who want to start up a local boutique or food establishment in Vancouver?
A: Passion and persistence. You have to love what you do and have staff and customers who support the same ideals.

Interview with Carmen Tse, Vancouver Make-Up and Hair Stylist

Website: http://www.carmentsemakeup.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carmentsemakeup

Q: What inspired you to enter the make-up & hair industry?
A: I entered the makeup and hair industry as it was more of a creative outlet for me.  I used to always put makeup on my cousins; faces when they were younger and thought it looked good (I'm not sure if it really did though).  It was a place where I could do anything I wanted and not be judged.  There were also times when I was browsing through celebrity gossip magazines and saw 'Stars without Makeup' and thought "Wow, the Magic of Makeup can do wonders!"  After attending SFU in 2004-2005, I realized that "academics" was not for me so I thought I would pursue Makeup and Hair and here I am today.

Q: When did you start your career in this area?  
A: I went to school in 2006-2007 so this is going to be my 7th year in this industry.

Q: Where did you go for your make-up education or were you self-taught?  
A: I went to worldly acclaimed Blanche Macdonald, however I have gone to master classes and workshops through the years to add to my skills while learning new trends and techniques.  As a makeup and hair artist, I believe you can never stop learning as this industry changes so fast.

Q: Which cosmetic line(s) and products do you prefer to use in your kit?  
A: I love Makeup Forever; they are a great brand. It's great for bridal and on film sets.  One of my favourite products from them is "Sens Eyes" which is the only eye makeup remover I use.  Nars is great for the blushes and eyeshadows.  I will admit that I am a sucker for Armani Foundation.  I got introduced to it when I walked into Holt Renfrew during school.  For hair I absolutely love Kevyn Murphy and Moroccan Oil.

Q: Who is your main clientele? (eg bridal, fashion shoots, film...)  
A: I can't really say I have a main clientele as  it varies during different months throughout the year.  Bridal is usually March through September with some bookings in November and even December.  Headshot season is around January through March as pilot season starts up. There are also grads from May and June.  Women and even men request makeup all the time, no matter what the purpose is makeup always comes in handy.

Q: What's your favorite make-up style to do?  
A: My favourite type of makeup would have to be boudoir or bridal.  Its amazing watching  the transformation process.  Some boudoir clients are quite shy in the beginning but after the hair and makeup is done, they are a completely different person (inside and out).  Bridal is great as well because you get to spend one of the most special days for a woman dolling them up and hearing amazing stories throughout your the time your spend together.  Its always very touching and inspiring.

Q: How long does it take to do an average make-up job or does it vary per person? 
A: It really depends however it is a minimum of 30 mins for a quick makeup session, an hour for a bridal/boudoir , and it could go up to 4+ hours for a special effects kind of makeup for tv/film.

Q: Who is your role model in life?  
A: I can't pick one as they would be my parents.  They both moved here from Asia with pretty much nothing and had to start a new life here.  They have taught me always to work hard and there is no such thing as a free lunch in life.  Always be true to your self and to be grateful for everything that is given to you.

Q: What make-up products and colors are trending now for 2013? 
A: Right now I am seeing alot of "Emerald" colours on the eyes, colourful eye liners and this craze of BB Cream ( which I had the chance of trying out in Asia in 2009).  Another one I just came across the other day was " Ombre Lips" which is a nude concealor - all over your lips and in the center dabbing 3 spots of a darker lip colour and blending them together.

Q: What advice would you give to new graduate who are finishing make-up school?  
A: My advice would be to network, always strive to be better then your last job and to check your ego at the door as there will always be someone better then you.  There is an abundance of makeup and hair artists in this city so you can always be replaced.

Interview with Maria Kritikos, Vancouver CEO & Founder of Ladies Who Lunch

Q: Tell my readers in Vancouver what 'Ladies Who Lunch' is all about!
A: Ladies Who Lunch is a movement to inspire and empower women to be fearless and fabulous!  It’s a global premier & exclusive business & social networking group for women entrepreneurs and women with a dream that want to make a difference in the world.  We support and motivate each other to succeed!



Q: What is your background and what did you do before launching this community?
A: I graduated from UBC with a double major in French and Spanish and then went on to complete my Bachelor of Education in Secondary Ed.  I taught high school for the Vancouver School Board in many different schools, Prince of Wales Mini and Lord Byng to name a few.  But my entrepreneurial spirit got the best of me and I took the plunge, left the teaching profession and started my own ESL language school in Downtown Vancouver.  It was so much fun and I learned a lot!  I was living my dream at a very young age.  After the school, my sister and I went on to launch a Teacher Training Centre where we trained individuals who wanted to teach ESL, and helped them with job placement locally and overseas.  Currently I sell residential real estate with Rennie & Associates Realty: www.MariaSellsHomes.ca

 Q: What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome in starting up your business?
A: The biggest hurdle in starting this particular project and community is the fear that no one would be interested in such a group.  But the response has been overwhelming and I am very grateful and blessed to all the wonderful women that have reached out wanting to be a part of this amazing group.

"Girls compete with each other - Women empower one another!" - Maria Kritikos, Founder of Ladies Who Lunch

Q: When did you start Ladies Who Lunch and how did you get inspired to start this business?
A: The group started just a few months ago, and the inspiration came from a book I read last summer called the 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen by Barb Stegemann where she talks about the lack of women in leadership roles in business and government.  It made me angry but also propelled me to actually start this group to essentially show women how truly powerful they can be on their own but also when united.  The possibilities of this group are endless and that's what makes it so exciting!

Q: Who is your life's female role model?
A: I admire all women who are brave enough to take responsibility for their own lives and ultimately their own happiness.  This is a hard one to get for a lot of us, including myself at one point in time, but once you truly understand this it is extremely liberating.  If I had to pick anyone besides my mom of course who is the strongest woman I know, it would be Nazanin Afshin-Jam: intellect, beauty and standing for a cause to make a difference in the world, and Amanda Lindhout, incredible courage and remarkable spirit. These women are true role models.

Q: Describe the women who are a part of Ladies Who Lunch. 
A: The members of this group want to be in the presence of other like-minded women, we want to inspire and be inspired by one another.  We want to share our stories and show women their true power.  We want to make influential connections and get the word out for our business or vision.  We are young entrepreneurs just starting out or we are multi-passionate with various ventures under our belt.  All our members share the common goal of being self-sufficient, independent, and fiercely successful in any endeavour we choose to undertake! We are non-judgemental, supportive, encouraging and inspiring.  We help each other realize that anything is achievable.

Q: How often do the Ladies Who Lunch group get together?
A: We get together once a month and have lunch in a beautiful setting, hear inspirational women share their story with us, and make meaningful connections with each other.  We also raise money for other women in less fortunate circumstances.

Q: What three pieces of advice would you offer new members joining Ladies Who Lunch?
A: Know what your dream is and go after it.  Find out what the constraints are that are holding you back, you are often your own worst enemy.  Start today, don’t wait, the time is never going to be perfect.  Just jump and build your wings on the way down.  Doing something is better than doing nothing at all.  And for God's sake darling, stop comparing your behind the scenes to everyone else’s production reel.  Most importantly, don’t worry what others will think of you, there will always be negative people in this world.  Ignore them.  Instead, surround yourself with like-minded, successful, positive and supportive individuals.  Learn from them, give back when you can, and always, always be grateful for what you have.  My biggest piece of advice: Don’t get to the end and wish you had. A year from now, you will wish you had started today. Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.  Jump.  We’ve got you.  Join us at https://www.facebook.com/LunchWithMaria

Interview with Rafael Escobar, Fashion Photographer and Fashion Blogger of Frock of Ages

Website: http://frockofages.blogspot.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rafael.escobar.52643

Q: What is your background and where are you originally from?
A: I am Filipino-Canadian. (proud)

Q: How did you get the inspiration to create your fashion blog, Frock of Ages?
A: I decided that I needed to be creative. I was living a life of repetition, and wasn't creative at all! I was losing my spirit...in fact I kind of did. So I decided to do what I love. I dropped the dental world and was guided towards fashion, because I have ALWAYS payed so much attention to it. I love music just as much as I love fashion, so why not bring it all together through my vision. My nephew, Aidan came up with the perfect name.

Q: When did you start your career in fashion photography?
A: Photography was always something I wanted to do, but didn't want to learn how. So I just decided to take pictures, with a digital camera which was given to me as a present, of random people on the streets that catch my attention by means of fashion and personal style. I set up a portfolio and met with Steven Shelling of WE and ping.ca.. He gave me some valuable advise and I got my way to Vancouver Fashion Week 2011. It was there when I realized that I wanted to do this. Thank you, Steven and Jamal.

Rafael's fashion photography

Q: Who is your role model in your life?
A: My grandfather and everyone I know who are passionate.

Q: I read that you were once a certified dental assistant, are you still in the dental industry?
A: I am no longer a dental assistant. I loved it, and may still do it part-time, but it can get boring and you have to deal with a lot of "diverse" personalities. Tough skin needed in this arena as well!

Rafael and Evan Biddell from Project Runway

Q: What exciting projects are you working on for 2013?
A: I plan on honing my photography interests, go back to school and continue to learn about every world I wish to belong to. I want to travel... I'm on this ride for awhile.

Q: What advice would you give to new fashion bloggers?
A: Advice? Be yourself, remain humble and to never give up. Follow your heart. Simple as that.

Interview with Vancouver Model & Fire Performer: Vesper Sephony

Website: www.VesperSephonyArts.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/VesperSephonyArts

1. What are your origins?

I was born in Vancouver BC in 1989 (though it seems that 1889 would be more fitting!).

2. It's rare to find a model who is also a fire performer. How did you get into this dangerous but exciting act?
I have always had a fascination with old fashioned circuses, sideshows, travelling caravans, so naturally, once I turned 18, I ran off to train with a circus group in the Kootenays, BC, where I had my first experience with fire! Because I was trained in martial arts when I was younger, I quite comfortable with spinning a staff from the very beginning. As I travelled more and became more involved with art & music festivals, I had more and more opportunities to grow as a performer.

3. How were you discovered? (How did you get your first gig in circus and fire performance?)
I don’t know if I was discovered, exactly  However, my first circus show was in 2009, when I met a group of creative individuals and produced a variety show called The Comic Strip Circus at The Anza Club in Vancouver. There was no fire, only glow tools! As one who loved being in the theatre in school, it was an illuminating moment to return to a theatrical environment and remember how much I loved it!
Following that, I purchased my own fire tools, and began practising at local gatherings such as the Trout Lake burns. My first official fire show was at a guerilla art show at Spanish Banks, where the audience was led through the forest to experience various performance art.

4. What’s one of the most interesting photo shoots that you’ve done?
Being a traveller at heart, and someone who loves exploring strange locations and nature, I have had quite a few interesting photoshoot experiences! Everything from being bodypainted as a mermaid by the talented Catriona Armour, to posing with python and boa snakes, to modelling corsets for Miss Moss Corsets inside an abandoned hospital building outside of Berlin!

5. What inspired you to vary your talents between art performances, modeling, and photography?
To tell the truth, I began modelling because I was originally a photographer who wanted to learn from professionals in the field of portrait photography. I loved it so much that it simply continued since then! As a performer, I most enjoy modelling when it comes to bringing to life extremely conceptual ideas and/or scenery, and when it involves elaborate costuming. Although I started in photography as a travel photographer, and dipped into glamour and lifestyle photography for a while, I now mainly work as a nightlife photographer when I do. I am simply a person who genuinely loves having new experiences all the time!

6. What are you trying to communicate with your artistic endeavours?
With many of my creative projects, I enjoy evoking the vintage aesthetic from a bygone era. Not from any specific time period, but the lost romanticism, sensuality, and aestheticism from centuries ago.

7. Which creative medium would you love to pursue but haven’t yet?
As a child, I was trained in classical piano and flute, and I would love to return to music at some point in my life! I do believe that music transcends all other mediums of communication, and it is a level that I would love to return to.

8. Who is your role model?
Morticia Addams.

9. What advice do you have for new students who wish to enter the circus arts?
Dive in! Purchase a dance hoop, sign up for trapeze lessons (as I did after my first time at Cirque du Soleil), take dance or gymnastics classes, or audition for a theatrical production! One year from today, you will wish that you began today. Being on stage, doing physical theatre, and/or trying something new are liberating experiences that everyone will learn something from – whether it is about the world, or themselves!