Hello! I'm originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, but I now live in California and am pursuing my MBA degree at UCLA Anderson. I have a marketing background and a passion for editing and media and have worked in both print and online publishing before coming to Trend Hunter. One highlight: interning at Zink Magazine in New York City (despite identifying with 'Ugly Betty' for most of it).
I love fashion and shopping but probably spend more than I should. Art is something I wish I had more time for. I love movies, trashy reality TV, food shows, sitcoms, and people who like to "suit up." My number one vice: cake. Oh, and pie. You could probably bribe me with a cinnamon bun too.
What is unique that's not in your bio?
I ran a style consultation business in Winnipeg before moving to Toronto to pursue editing. I appeared a few times as a stylist on Breakfast Television Winnipeg where I styled women in local fashions and convinced viewers to buy them (the fashions, not the women).
What's your favorite accomplishment?
I won the gold medal for Marketing at the University of Manitoba. It's my favorite accomplishment because it came as a surprise.
How do you define cool?
Cool is about confidence. Something is cool if you can wear, display, or use it with utter, complete confidence. Bonus points if it's uncommon, though!
What is your secret to uncovering trends?
Being observant--even in situations when it's considered rude to observe!
What do you enjoy most about Trend Hunter?
Before I discovered Trend Hunter, I always thought of fashion trends when I heard the word "trend". The fact that Trend Hunter includes science, sex, the environment--even food--is so refreshing. Also, I've found that when conversations start going down the boring route all I need to throw out is a "There's this really interesting trend..." and it turns right around!
What is your favorite trend?
Mannish blazers. I love big, boxy, almost too-masculine, dinner jackets (probably because I could out-eat any grown man at dinnertime).
What are your tips for writing a juicy post?
I always ask myself when writing: is this something I would read myself? Because if I don't enjoy reading my own writing, who will?
How do you reset to be creative?
When inspiration hits, I grab the nearest mini notepad and jot down what I'm thinking. I usually go back to this notepad when I'm writing to re-focus and flesh out potential ideas. And a piece of cake will reset me just fine.
What inspires or excites you?
A book I can't put down is always inspiring. A can't-put-down book usually has phenomenal writing, which inspires me to write or edit something just as phenomenal. I also love discussing business-related subjects--news, trends, ideas, etc.
Predict something awesome for 2020?
Cars with built-in coffee makers. Not only would they cut back on the number of tardy employees who make Starbucks/Tim's runs on the way to work, they might even result in LESS car accidents as drivers would never be sleepy at the wheel (provided that they prepare the coffee before actually driving).
