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:)

Tiggy Ross Review

The art theme continues with the introduction to Vancouver artist, Tiggy Ross. I have to say – Instagram is perfect for connecting people via hashtag.

I’m intrigued by Tiggy’s use of watercolour combo’s and can’t wait to see what other elements of nature Tiggy uses in her art.

I’ll be waiting along with everyone else for the big reveal of her website on July 30!

Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram: @TiggyRoss and ‘Like’ her page on Facebook.

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:)