My life in P.R

In the weeks leading up to my internship I got the chance to work with an Indian based real estate company, Four Seasons and a local Toronto PR firm on a launch party for a new development project. The theme of the night was Celebrities, Culture and Charity to coincide with the Indian International Film Awards (IIFA) in town and to raise funds for an inspiring charity Jaipur Foot.  

My first exposure to PR life was nothing short of an experience. In my first few days in the role I couldn’t help but be blinded by the celebrities, parties and who’s who world of PR in Toronto. As soon as I met the agency I was offered passes to an exclusive NXNE party to hang with all the band members, meet producers and of course access to an open bar all night (remember I am a university student)  to later be asked to have dinner with some of Bollywood’s big names. PR life sure sounded great and an instant new potential career path in my mind. As the weeks continued, Yorkville soon became my “new spot”, $100 meals weren’t even a question and my name could be added to nearly any guest list in the city in a matter of a phone call. The realities of PR soon followed with the stresses of a lost venue, self centered and high strung celebrities and actuality of going $50, 000 over budget. One of the qualities I felt I always processed was the ability to work under pressure- but this experience was one that surely tested that and made me question if that was entirely true.  I can’t completely dismiss PR as a potential career path but one thing I can conclude is it is definitely not as glamorous as it looks. It is an industry driven by around the clock work (literally it never ends), the need to have connections and work continuously battling against uncertainty. Though this was one minimal experience that had its ups and definite downs, but one I’m glad  to say I experienced. 

Joe Fresh

The story of Joe Fresh is one that really interests me. The launch of a clothing line within retail grocery chains was a bold move both on part of Loblaws Company and as Joe Fresh a clothing company. Who would have expected the day for us to buy our broccoli and blazers side by side? Now this concept may not be completely foreign to us now with stores like Wal-Mart and Costco carrying both, but Joe Fresh stood as a strategic risk for the Weston family to find profitable margins in the ever so competitive Canadian grocery store industry. What amazes me is this stylish, fresh and affordable brand has gained recognition in the Canadian- HIGH fashion industry with it’s looks being featured on the runways of LG Fashion Week in Toronto last April. But mind you, perhaps it’s not so out there given the Galen Weston Family owns Holt Renfrew.

Joe Mimran, the name behind the brand is taking an even bolder move by opening up  a Joe Fresh flagship on 5^th Avenue blocks away from the Club Monaco he established a decade ago. With a shift in low cost fashion leaders like Zara, Forever 21 and HM- such companies succeed of their economies of scale. It would be crucial for Joe to follow the same footsteps by establishing a stronger retail base outside of the grocery retail stores. Steps are already being taken with a semi stand alone store located at Queens Quay and stand alone stores opening this week in Vaughn Mills and Bramalea City Center.

I look to Joe Mimran as an inspiring fashion designer but more so a strategic and wise business man. He took a huge leap of faith in pursuing this brand and till today some question how it works, but by fully understanding his consumers and their buying trends he landed prime real estate for his $1-billion annual in sales brand. 

Congrats Joe on 5 Years well done! 

Singapore

In a few short weeks I will be off to Singapore to complete a three month internship. This opportunity was one that unsuspectingly came my way, but one I am extremely thrilled about. In reality anyone who knows me, knows I would never give up an opportunity to travel. Having never really experienced the Asian continent (except for in India) I am looking forward to not only gain a full life immersion but exposure into the Asian financial industry. In my boredom of the month of May here are 5 fun facts about Singapore:  

1. Singapore consists of one main and 63 islands off the coast of Malaysia 

2. Singapore is the second most densely populated country in the world (given that it is also one of the smallest)

3. Singlish is considered a creole language, a mix between English, and Chinese, Malay and Tamil phrases. 

4. Singapore has the first night zoo in the whole world. 

5. It is a criminal offence to litter, leave still water laying, failing to lock up your bicycle and the import and selling of chewing gum (I am allowed to chew it though).