5 Minutes 5 Questions: Cupids Cronies

While modern technology has brought us a plethora of matchmaking/dating sites and applications, (where relationships can either flourish or falter depending on upon a picture or text conversation) – one thing remains… you eventually will have to meet the person to have a real relationship. (Oddly enough, I’ve had many conversations about cat fishing in the last few weeks).

Fear not the first meeting because April Davis, (founder of Cupid’s Cronies – a dating coaching/matchmaking service featured on Forbes and CBS) offers Wingmen/Wingwomen to help guide you through the whole dating process. The coaches concentrate on how to put your best foot forward and highlight your positive characteristics and qualities. The coaching has become so popular – new US locations are set to open up this year!

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with professional matchmaker, April Davis:

1) How long have you lived in Minneapolis?

10 years.  Moved here from northern MN for job and to get my MBA.

2) How did you come up with the name for your company, Cupids Cronies?

I knew I wanted something unique and different that would stand out.  Similar to Virgin Airlines or Virgin mobile.  The name makes you think about it.  I also wanted it to be a brand and not April’s Matchmakers or something.  It’s not about me, but about what we do and who we are.

3) How did you meet your own husband?

We broke all the rules and met in a bar.  I was there with a girlfriend.  We were having a drink and discussing her plans to leave her husband.  She had been in a bad relationship and didn’t have much exposure to their financials and I had a finance background so i was trying to help her by telling her what to do in order to prepare to leave him.

There was another table with guys who were having dinner.  Two came over to talk to us (her mostly, because I was standoffish and not interested at all). They were kind of flirting and finally I said, “You guys can’t hit on her, she’s still married.” They responded, “Well, our friend over there is a divorce attorney.” So they went and got their friend and we started talking to him about her upcoming divorce.  He got a client and a wife out of the deal 😉

4) What advice would you give to new women entrepreneurs?

Surround yourself with different people and perspectives.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?

Humility, wisdom, and an honorable person.

Don’t forget to add Cupid’s Cronies on Twitter and Instagram: @cupidscronies!

ELENA:)

Brunch for Better

Remember the 200 Etsy hearts from Heck Yeah Party Shop? Well, it took me a good 8 hours to unwrap and tie the hearts with the USBs to the postcards. It was tedious but all worth it. The postcards were for the Brunch for Better put on by Janine Just and her team for the Creeds Collective final event to build awareness for Global Citizen in Soho. The event was a huge success, and the likes of Phillip Bloch attended!

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Heck Yeah Party Shop

What does 200 felt hearts from Etsy have to do with The Love List?  You’ll soon find out in Dec! For now, check out this interview I did with Lynsey, the owner of the fabulous Heck Yeah Party Shop where you can get everything from cake toppers to balloons. I really love Etsy for bringing artisans together; it’s like visiting a craft fair whenever you want.

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the friendly, crafty and sweet Lynsey Stewart:

1) How long have you lived in Toronto?

I was born and raised in Toronto, leaving only for short periods to attend University in Halifax and then a little later in life when I moved just outside of Whistler in BC. I loved both locations but, for me, Toronto is home. And where my family and friends are!

2) When did you decide to start up your Etsy party shop?

I’ve always been a creative and independent person. I began a career as an Event Coordinator to fulfill my creative side but found it was missing something. I started curating and creating my own products, inspired by items I felt were missing from the market place. Etsy was the perfect location to start my online shop as fees for sellers are minimal and the marketplace concept makes it incredibly easy for customers to find the items they are looking for.

3) What has been your most unique custom order/ custom request?

I was recently asked to assist a fellow Event Coordinator in New York State. She was planning a big Halloween bash for children whose parent(s) were incarcerated. In the past I have felt conflicted over my career path, often thinking what I do is frivolous, but having the opportunity to donate items that may have brought a little joy to children who truly deserve it, was an amazing opportunity.

4) What is your advice for new artists on how to make a successful online shop?

Diversify the products you offer but don’t loose track of your overall goal. It’s natural to adjust from your initial business plan or grow your business with new and different products but it’s really easy to get caught up in it. Ending up with items that may not make sense in the same store can affect your business and confuse your shoppers, especially in an Etsy shop where all of your items are listed together in a basic store layout.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?

The top three things I look for in a mate are sense of humor and adventure, a caring nature, and patience.

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Max Schiano

Instagram is great for discovering talents. Max Schiano is no exception. I’ve been following his IG feed (NewYorkCityVibe) for a while and so it was only a matter of time that I actually got to work with him in NYC. Can’t wait to share what’s in store with everyone. Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with director/editor extraordinaire Max Schiano:

1) How long have you lived in New York?

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I’ve lived in Manhattan for 7 years now.

2) Where is your favorite location to shoot in NY?

My favorite location to shoot in NYC is probably the east village/lower east side area. So many characters and interesting nooks and crannies. Also, it’s still feels like classic New York there with so many different walks of life.

3) If your life was a movie, what would it be and why?

If life was a movie it would definitely be a comedy, the most things that we remember in life is when we’re smiling or laughing!

4) What is your advice for new directors on how to make connections in the industry?

My advice for new directors in the industry is to open to all kinds of work. Most of the time you are so set on what you want to do but you never know that things outside that circle might be more enriching to your career and your happiness. Also, learning to say no and be selective as you begin to get more success- it’s always important to understand how much of an asset you are!

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?

My top 3 characteristics in my love list are pretty simple. Number 1 has to have strong family values. I’m very close with my family and this is very important to me. Number 2 I look for someone who will essentially also be my best friend. It’s so important to have a lot of fun hanging out and have that bond beyond love/sex. Number 3 is a voice. I look for someone that has a strong personality and speaks up about what they believe. I think a women that is tough and independent while also appreciating a shared life is very attractive and my perfect mental partner. I like to share and it’s a turn off to be in a relationship where one of the people is always first, especially myself.

Don’t forget to follow Max on Instagram and Twitter with the handle NewYorkCityVibe!

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Alex DiMaggio

I feel like it’s been a while since my last interview. Off to NYC next week and I can’t wait to see Alex DiMaggio from What’s Bakin’ NYC.  I ordered special cupcakes and I can’t wait to hand deliver them to three companies next Friday! I’ll post pictures of the final product next week. But In the meantime, here is 5 minute/5 questions with the talented and sweet baker, Alex DiMaggio:

1) How long have you lived in New York?

I’m a native New Yorker born & raised, which I like to say kind of makes me a unicorn in this global city!

2) When did you start baking? 

When I was 12, my mom and I took a cake decorating class at a local chocolate shop just to do something fun together. From there, it became a hobby and creative outlet of mine that friends always encouraged me to pursue. In 2012, I got the opportunity to live in Brazil, where I was so inspired by the amazing sense of happiness, optimism and wonder that the Brazilian people inherently posses. It was one of my favorite things about the experience, and something I vowed to take with me. So when I returned to NY with Brazilian optimism fresh in my heart, I decided to take a leap! I’ve been so lucky to have lots of support from amazing family, friends and of course Instagram followers!

3) What is your favourite cupcake/cake flavour and why? 

My favorite flavor would definitely have to be my “Viva Brazil” variety. It, of course, is inspired by my time there and is just irresistible. Besides that, I don’t think there’s anything “vanilla” about French Vanilla!

4) What is your advice for new bakers thinking about starting their own business? 

Don’t be afraid to start small! Sure, it can get overwhelming at times, but when you get to share in the happy celebrations and milestones of others, it’s all worth it!

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?

You know, it’s funny how your priorities change as you get older! Being a single woman in NYC these days can be brutal, but what’s really important to me now is a great sense of humor, good manners and honesty! And if he’s got an English accent, he gets bonus points!

Don’t forget to ‘Like’ Alex on Facebook and follow her on Twitter & Instagram @whatsbakinnyc

ELENA:)

Metro UK Feature with Flytographer

When you read this – you may wonder if in fact I am currently using my fabulous Flytographer photos for an online dating profile – I am not 🙂 But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great idea.

I think it’s funny that I talk about Paris in the article – but these pictures are from New York. Details…

This is from the Life & Style report in the Metro UK for September 4, 2014

How a hot shot can help snap up a date 

Author Elena Murzello talks to Ashley Pearson about boosting her profile with a pro-shot portfolio

Everyone knows you have to look good in an online dating profile. Using a professional snapper and hiring a witty writer to pen your blurb is becoming the norm but no longer content with standing against a white background, singles are hiring photographers to capture them in glam settings in order to attract a lover.

While holiday snaps are nothing new- as Kate Taylor, relationship expert for match.com says “People in summery, exotic photographs are seen as more attractive, sociable and healthier than the same people in wintery shots” – the chances of you capturing the perfect holiday selfie are slim. But hire a pro and you get all the extra pizzazz (and airbrushing) of a professional and capture the adventurous globetrotter vibe as well.

Think stylish shots of sporty looking accountants skiing down mountains, glam PR girls climbing out yellow cabs in teetering heels, curvy divorcees lying on immaculate white sandy beaches and good looking hipsters hiking Kilimanjaro.

No wonder companies like Flytographer are in demand. It’s a service providing professional – quality holiday photos worldwide thanks to a network os skilled snappers, many of who shoot for likes of Vogue and Vanity Fair.

Elena Murzello, dating expert and author of The Love List: A Guide to Getting who you want, is a client. “Having a profile photo that stands out is vital,” she says. “First impressions are key and it’s the difference between a swipe or a second look.”

“Travelling solo to Paris, I booked Flytographer to capture me on the Pont des Arts bridge and at the Louvre. There’s only so much detail and personality a random selfie can portray. I loved the results – my online interest increased exponentially.”

Flytographer founder Nicole Smith is surprised by this new market but couldn’t be happier. “I set up the company so that people on holiday would go home with great photographic memories,” she says. “If clients are using them as a way to find true love after they get home, it’s a bonus.”

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Diana Richardson

I worked with a lot of people in 2013 for the launch of my book. One in particular has been my go-to since then and I’m grateful to call her my friend. Her name is Diana Richardson and she’s an awesome makeup artist and she just launched her own website.

Follow her on Instagram: dianarichardson123 and don’t forget to ‘Like’ her page on Facebook: Diana’s Artistry.

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the sweet, kind and talented Diana Richardson:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver? 

I have lived in Vancouver for almost 3 years now.

2) What is your favorite makeup product and why?

My favorite makeup product would have to be a beauty oil. Beauty oil’s are essential for our skin and will enhance the look of make up application significantly. Beautiful make up starts with beautiful skin!

3) When did you start doing make up? 

I’ve been doing makeup for 2 ½ years

4) Tell me about your favorite characteristic of a person’s face and why.

My favorite characteristics on a person’s face would have to be their eyes. Eyes are the “Mirror of the soul.” You want the main feature on your face to “sparkle.”

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List?

Sense of humor. You can never get bored with someone that will flirt and make you laugh 🙂
Romantic. I love a guy that will go out of his way to make me feel appreciated. It’s so important to keep the romance alive!
Intelligence. A guy with looks is great, but a guy with brains is even better. You don’t want an idiot trying to guide you in life!
ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Joey Armstrong

I’m so excited to be teaming up with this food/lifestyle photographer this summer for my first shoot in Vancouver (go figure!). Her name is Joey Armstrong and we first met when I frequented a local deli to buy beef jerky. I’m excited to see Joey in her element as she captures moments of fun at Soirette for the shoot!

Check Joey out on Instagram/Twitter: @joey_arm_strong and ‘Like’ her Facebook page: joey armstrong photography

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the lovely and creative Joey Armstrong:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

just over 7 years!

2) What is your favourite thing about being behind the camera?

it’s a weird mixture of excitement and fear, to have the power and ability to create images that truly capture the beauty or the feeling of the subject itself (whether it’s a farmer’s market bounty of gorgeous produce, or an adorable family that loves that loves each other so much).

3) What is your most favourite picture you have ever taken?

tough question; i’m really indecisive! i don’t think i have a favourite picture ever taken, but my most recent favourite would be a photo i took of a dad & his young daughter fishing by the river (i love the look of pure joy on her face, and the water splashing everywhere).

4) What is your single best piece of advice for aspiring photographers?

failure, or the feeling of failure, is normal and totally okay – just make sure you move on, learn from it, and don’t take it personally.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?

patience. humour. helpfulness.

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Amy Gilson

You know when you shop too much when you have your favourite go-to sales associates in your contact list.

Amy Gilson, a luxury lingerie connoisseur and writer/blogger has sold me a pair of knickers (or maybe a few) and she’s definitely changed the way I see something as basic as underwear – as well as writing. Her blog posts are raw/honest and I enjoy the candid nature of her storytelling. Overall, I’m super excited, as Amy is the first writer that I have ever interviewed and her work will be featured in an online magazine soon (details to follow). Yay!

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the fun and creative Amy Gilson:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

I will have been in Vancouver 3 years August 1st. I am always flipping back and forth between feeling like a “city girl” and like I just moved here and still get lost on the bus.

2) What is your favorite thing about writing?
My favorite thing about writing is all the places it can take you. I typically post a lot of rant-like material and strong opinions so I love writing because it gives me this avenue to express myself in a calm and thought out way rather than screaming at strangers on the bus.
I also write fiction and I think that is a really great release because you can create something that is an escape from the real world. You can explore thoughts or themes that maybe your real life isn’t going to create for you. I am a pretty big homebody so writing is in a lot of ways how I get “out”.
3) What is your single best piece advice for aspiring writers?
Read! Write! Repeat!
I am not the most talented writer, however I do it constantly and can only hope that will help me improve. I read every single day and I wish I could push that habit on everyone around me.
4) What is your favorite piece of lingerie and why?
I love a good high-waist knicker. I have one pair that is fairly simple, black power-mesh with a silk panel at the center front and the waistband is above my belly button. I have been told specifically that it is a man-repellent number but it is my favorite because I do not wear it to be attractive I wear it because it makes me happy.
5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?
1- Timing: I personally have no interest in finding a partner currently so anyone who would work out needs to be in that place as well. I would not want to meet someone who may be otherwise “perfect” for me only to have them express a desire to be married within the next year.
2- Communication & Passion : These two go together as one for me because though I would want someone who can communicate with me on all things I need someone who is going to not only have strong opinions but who is willing to talk about them. If I cannot have a lively debate with someone I tend to not even do well attempting friendships let alone a romantic path. Indifferent individuals do not tend to last long in my life.
3- Must Love Dogs (and not want children) : I often say that this is actually my only requirement in a future partner. I have never been overly picky when it comes to physical appearance, I have dated everyone from uptight engineers to stoner-types who spend more time skateboarding than actually working (and yes as adults), and I do not require my partner to think like me simply to think. My big deal breakers revolve around dogs and children. . I have small dogs and whenever a guy says they “only like big dogs” I see a giant red X floating above their head. Whenever someone says they want children a similar effect happens except with slightly less resentment. If a man feels the need to tell me I will change my mind about children the red X is accompanied with flashing lights and a siren.
I feel when it comes to finding a partner for myself it isn’t so much what I am looking for in a partner as what I am looking for in my life and what kind of person could fit inside that life. The concept of a “perfect man” is so dehumanizing and puts the concept of a partner on a pedestal. I would want someone to share my life with not someone to be my life.

With that said I fairly recently wrote about how I do not want a partner at this point and genuinely mean that so I may be the worst person to ask haha.

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Ruben Perez

One fun Saturday night in NYC, I found myself at (le) Poisson Rouge dancing away to an 80’s cover band music. In between songs, my friend introduced me to Ruben Perez. Ruben has been an events coordinator extraordinaire for over ten years. Born and raised in the Bronx, he has a vast appreciation of music and a passionate eye for street art.

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the multi-facteted Ruben Perez.

1) How long have you lived in New York?

All my life.  I was born and raised in The Bronx.

2) What is your favorite thing about working in nightlife?  

That it’s not a desk job.  Whenever work starts to feel stressful I just remind myself that I could be working a 9-to-5 in a cubicle somewhere and I immediately feel great about what I do again.

3) If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?  

“The Boss” by James Brown.  A little James Brown swagger has served me well in life.

4) Where is the best place to grab food in NYC at 3 am?  

Before 2:30am, Lucky Strike has been my go-to for well over 10 years.  By 3am I get less picky.  There are a bunch of great places to choose from but I’ll take an egg breakfast at a diner and be content.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)? 

Funny – what is life without laughter?

Adventurous – I’ve had a lot of fun in my life but almost all of it has been in New York.  I’m craving adventure and a desire to take risks in my life now more than ever and I need someone who shares that.

A good communicator – I couldn’t imagine feeling emotionally connected to someone who I couldn’t have honest and open communication with.

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Mrs. Chaplin

I adore Olympia Le-Tan clutches (the workmanship is amazing), but not the price tag unfortunately.  Check them out on Net-a-porter. I found a wonderful lady on Etsy, by the name of Tatiana Kononova. Her shop, Mrs. Chaplin sells handcrafted clutch purses for a fraction of the price.

Through our interactions, I asked her if I could interview her. Here is 5 questions/5 minutes with Mrs. Chaplin herself, the talented, Tatiana Kononova.

1) How long have you lived in Moscow?

For almost 30 years now as (I was born here).

2) How did you start making clutches?

I came across an Olympia Le-Tan clutch in some fashion magazine and really fell in love with the idea. After a shock from seeing its price had passed I started thinking whether there was a way I could make something similar myself. I googled some DIYs but wasn’t entirely happy with the final results they offered. So I decided I should come up with my own method. I had some sewing experience before but frankly speaking it was the first time I tried embroidery)) The first clutch I made was a Russian translation of a Tove Jansson’s book called “What’s next?” (which actually reflected my mood at the time as I was between jobs). It wasn’t flawless but all my friends were amazed when they saw it and suggested I should start a small book-clutch business. I thought “Why not?”).

3) What is your favourite thing about embroidery clutches for people around the world?

I’ve always loved books and not only just reading them – simply holding them in my hands felt a little bit like magic. Now I like looking for interesting covers that I think might look nice as clutches. Transferring a picture onto a canvas with felt and thread is kind of a challenge but really exciting one. And of course it’s very inspiring to know that people from so many different countries are interested in my work.

4) How did you come up with your shop name, Mrs. Chaplin?

I wish I had a nice story about this but the truth is that I simply don’t remember where it came from) I recall that when I was setting up my iPhone a couple of years ago I needed to name it somehow for the account settings and Mrs.Chaplin was a first thought from the top of my head. How I came up with it is still a mystery to me.

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List? (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)

I guess these would be:
– intelligence (I think this is the main quality for two people to have something to talk about if they decide to be together for the entire life and not just for one night);
– tolerance (I can be a real pain in the ass sometimes and I’m grateful to my husband that he is usually wise enough to let my craziness slide without starting an unnecessary fight);
– love of life (I am a kind of person who enjoys simple pleasures in life like finding another good restaurant or seeing an interesting movie. My husband is pretty much the same so it helps us not get bored by the daily routine).

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Anthony Garcia

My awesome makeup for my shoot was done by Anthony at Pucker. He was amazing! So amazing in fact – he attended the MET Ball tonight!

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the talented artist, Anthony Garcia:

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1) How long have you lived in New York? 

– I have lived in New York for two years from Pasadena, CA

2) What is your favourite makeup product and why? 

– My favorite makeup product to use on clients has to be a illuminating highlighter because it creates a beautiful glow and luminous finish which makes your skin appear to be younger.

3) When did you start doing make up?

– I’ve always been an artist and I picked up makeup while doing theater. I was late in signing up for a drama course and the only way to be a part of the production that semester was to take a costume and makeup course. I learned a lot from the class and learned that I was actually good at makeup. It’s always been another way of expressing my love for art and perfection.

4) Tell me about your favourite characteristic of a person’s face and why.

– I would have to say the eyes. I feel like a woman’s eyes can always be dressed up or down with very little effort. I like emphasis on the lashes for daytime and a darker crease for that sultry eye.

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List? (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate).

– My wife definitely needs to be confident, loving and humble.

ELENA:)
 

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Jen Reiher (Flytographer)

These are my two favourite Flytographer shots. The first is from my Paris Flytographer shoot with Pierre Torset from February. The second picture is from Johnny Wolf in New York in April.

I decided I had to interview with Jen Reiher, who is the shoot concierge for Flytographer. Totally organized and personable – you are definitely in great hands when you book a shoot. I should know 😉

Here is 5 minutes/ 5 questions with the lovely Jen Reiher.

1) How long have you lived in Victoria?
My entire life – minus a GAP year spent volunteering in the UK. It’s hard to imagine leaving Victoria! It’s the perfect size, has an amazing food scene and the weather is the best in Canada!
2) What are your top three favourite cities in the world to visit?
So far? Budapest, Hungary; Seoul, Korea & Portland, Oregon. However… since starting to work for Flytographer the top 3 places on my ‘to visit’ list are Placencia, Belize; Lisbon, Portugal & Cancun, Mexico!
3) What is your must need travel accessory?
A very timely question… I’m travelling to Vegas for the first time in a few weeks and just starting to pack my bags and the one thing I need to find still is a great hat…! It’s a super important accessory for fashion as well as practicality for sunny destinations, but in winter a toque is a pretty classic Canadian accessory, too.
4) What’s the best part of reviewing all the pictures from all the photographers around the world?
Just how many authentically magical moments our photographers capture! I always get a little bit chocked up when I’m uploading the photo sets because the personalities and emotions just leap out of the screen. I think this is because we are capturing such meaningful moments and connections between people and places like anniversaries, honeymoons (or second honeymoons!), engagements, birthdays & bucket list trips.
5) Name three characteristics on your Love List? (Qualities that you look for in a potential mate/or your mate has already)
This was basically the gist of my wedding vows…

  1. Nerdiness: My husband and I started talking because we are both Mac nerds, and we’ve never stopped sharing geekery with each other.
  2. Adaptability: openness to change, and the ability to grow together is so key to me to long-term happiness in relationships! I am definitely not the same as I was when I met my husband 10 years ago, and neither is he, but we have definitely grown together and changed each other in small ways for the better.
  3. Compatibility yet independence : My husband and I are a great team, but we are not inseparable… it is so important to have passions to pursue outside of each other! It gives us things to talk about together if nothing else… 🙂

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Johnny Wolf

I had tons of fun with the wonderful Johnny Wolf, who was my NYC Flytographer. We walked along the High line and then we took it to the streets for more pictures and Artichoke pizza.  

This is 5 minutes/5 questions with photographer, Johnny Wolf:

1) How long have you lived in New York? 

All of my life! 

2) What is your favourite thing about being behind the camera?

It removes my self awareness.  I’m generally more of an introvert, but with a camera in my hands, I become much more outgoing and have no trouble directing people and being the center of attention.  The interactions I have and connections I make with people are wonderful!

3) Where is your favourite location in New York to take pictures?

Dumbo, Brooklyn.

4) What is your single best piece advice for aspiring photographers?

Take risks and push yourself outside of your comfort zone.  I’ve found that I learn a lot more from failures than I do from making a good picture.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?

Strong, independent, selfless.  And warm.  And goofy.  Wait, did you say three?

ELENA:)

Flytographer shoot in NYC

Here is another Flytographer shoot I did in NYC for The Love List. This time the photographer was Johnny Wolf and I went for more of a rocker chic look. I went shopping at Zimmermann and found this great dress and coupled it with these Dior shoes, an All Saints leather jacket and pearls from Henri Bendels.

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Rony Walia

Here is a picture of stylist Rony Walia working with Miss World Canada contestant Jasmeen Johal. I also had the pleasure of working with Rony on Valentine’s Day during my signing for The Love List at Holt Renfrew. We had so much fun dishing about fashion that I had to interview him.

Here is 5 questions/5 minutes with stylist Rony Walia.

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

Born and raised in this amazing city.

2) Describe your style in 3 words.

Black, abnormal, and clean.

3) What interests you about fashion?

I love the world of fashion, the hardships, the rewards ect. I LIVE for fashion week. Fashion is truly what helped me become the person i am. I can express how i feel, want to feel, or even how i am going to feel that day just by putting my outfit together. The world of fashion is also forever expanding, there is something new to learn everyday. With my attention span i need a career that keeps me on my toes everyday.

4) Tell me about your favourite accessory and why.

I have to say a watch is my favorite accessory. It keeps you looking put together but, you can also dress it up and make the look very edgy. The watch is a forever piece, its been around and is not going anywhere. I actually advise anyone to own a nice timeless watch. My go to watch right now is a silver / bronze metal mix Breitling.

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List?

I say intelligent, caring, and well rounded. By well rounded i mean someone who is multicultural, and can hold a conversation in most topics. (I am a talker)

 

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Haz Aliessa

On a very early morning I made my way over to Sliders, to devour two great sliders that were hand crafted by Haz Aliessa. Haz, not only is the co-owner of Sliders – but also, co stars on Esquire Network’s Risky Listing. The show chronicles the work of 4 hospitality brokers in the big apple and is hopefully going into second season filming soon!

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with hospitality broker/entrepreneur Haz Aliessa:

1) How long have you lived in NY?

Born in NY on March 3 1989 (lived here ever since)

2) What is your favourite thing to eat in NY?

Pizza

3) When did you decided to take up real estate?

2009

4) Tell me about your favourite slider.

The classic (Slider patty, cheddar cheese topped with caramelized onions).

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List?

Loyalty, honesty, smart and she’s gotta be hot 🙂

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Cookievonster

Two years ago I started working with the lovely and talented Evon Au of Cookievonster. Since then, she has made many cookies for me: nursing week, birthday cookies and of course the cookie to honour my first book, The Love List.

Here is an interview with the gal behind all the cookies.

5 minutes/5 questions with cookie extraordinaire Evon Au.

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

Almost 8 years.

2) When your not baking, what are you up to?

Sleeping!!! Sleep is very rare for me these days LOL!

3) When did you decide to take up cookie making and baking?

About 4-5 years ago?? After this workaholic went from working 7 days a week, to staying at home 7 days a week, had to find something to keep myself occupied and challenged, and feel in love with baking/ cookie decorating.

4) Tell me about your most favourite cookie you have ever made.

Hmm….. almost every new cookie becomes my new favourite as I apply what I have learnt from the previous cookies to the new cookies. But saying that, I think the set of Minions cookies are my favourite because they make me happy every time I look at them.

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List?

Ambitious, hardworking, respectful

ELENA:)

Holt Renfrew Valentine’s Day Book Signing

I posted more pics on my actual blog – not just this events one. Opps. I had such a great time at Holt Renfrew and I got to keep my signs – which will be framed in the near future 🙂 I enjoyed meeting all sorts of people who just wanted to chat. Plus – I can’t complain about my pretty dress and big hair. The best way to spend a Valentine’s Day.

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Pierre Torset

I had so much fun shooting with Paris Photographer Pierre Torset from Flytographer in Paris that i asked him to do a short interview with me:

5 minutes/5 questions with photographer, Pierre Torset

1) How long have you lived in Paris?

Half of my life (the beginning and most recent part of it)

 

2) What is your favorite thing to eat in Paris?

Asian food !

 

3) When did you start photography?

 

While I was studying something else.

 

4) Is there anywhere particular where in Paris that you like to shoot pictures?

 

Impossible to tell, so many great locations around !

 

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List?

 

Independent
Passionate

 

Curious

ELENA:)

5 Minutes 5 Questions: Janelle Burger

I had the unique opportunity to finally meet this talented artist whose CV includes Net-A-Porter! Here is my short interview with the illustrator for The Love List, Janelle Burger!

5 minutes/5 questions with Janelle Burger…

1) How long have you lived in Paris?

I have lived in Paris for 5 years and 5 months and 5 days! (no joke) 

2) What is your favourite thing to eat in Paris?

French butter, sounds weird but the dairy here is so so creamy and delicious. I think the secret ingredient in French cooking must be the butter.

3) When did you start illustrating/drawing?

I’ve always been drawing a painting since I was a little kid, I took it on as a job when I moved over to Paris. I got here just after the financial crisis and jobs were hard to come by, still are too. So I worked for an agency for 2 years then went full time freelance and never looked back.

4) Is there anywhere particular where do you draw your fabulous illustrations?

I do everything at my desk in my bedroom. If I’m watching tv in the other room I’ll relocate everything to my kitchen table. One of these days I’ll have a studio!

5) Name three characteristics (in no particular order) on your Love List?

I love a sane, stable funny man.

ELENA;)

Happy 2014!

Fresh batch of#thelovelist. It honestly doesn’t get old seeing my book. Happy 2014 everyone! I hope you will be as blessed as I am!

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