#elitehotseat: HANNAH SABUELBA

How did you get started at Elite Toronto? 
-- I started at Elite Toronto December of 2012 as an intern when I was studying Fashion Communication at Ryerson University. During my internship, I had a particular interest in social media - my goal was to build Elite a credible reputation on social media and for the agency to be seen as an authority in the industry. I ended up interning for a whole year until I officially joined the Elite team. There's more to this role than just publishing attractive images—our online Elite community is the product of thoughtful strategy, a well-defined brand identity grounded in visual creativity and effective community management. 

What stream of social media do you think is the most influential and why? 
-- In this industry, it would definitely be Instagram. It's layout and design allows companies to share visual content easily. The dynamics of other platforms vary and are for different target audiences. 

Do you have any tips for someone who wants to improve their social media game? 
-- Post consistently and post quality content. Knowing what type of feed you want to curate will help you when you're trying decide on what photos to post. Also, this one is pretty obvious: be yourself. Uploading content that reflects who you are is important and anyone visiting your profile should be able to get an insight into your brand or personality.

Since you work on both sides, can you give us your first hand experience of how the rapidly changing landscape of social media has effected both the fashion and media industry? 
-- The rise of social media has brought connectivity, innovation, and diversity to the industry. Users are building their own brands and finding their own fans and followers. Currently, I work for YM Inc., and oversee social media marketing for retailers such as Urban Planet, Urban Kids, Sirens, Stitches and West49. Social media has made it easy to connect to our consumer and increased customer satisfaction. Fashion used to be a two-dimensional, one-sided industry and users didn’t have a say in what they were consuming. Social media has reframed this structure, allowing people to not only consume fashion but to also contribute to it; the demand for the opinion of consumers and influencers is stronger than ever. Social media has also contributed to pathways for creatives to not only expose their work, but to also book clients and work with brands with such convenience.

#elitehotseat: PETER TAMLIN

How did you get started in video and photography? 

Growing up in the late 80’s and 90’s, I was captivated and intrigued by music videos by David Fincher and Mark Romanek, who directed videos for Madonna, Michael Jackson, Nine Inch Nails, EnVogue, etc. They were dark, aggressive, glamorous, but most of all, inspiring. Without even really knowing or understanding what I was watching, I still knew that it was a world I wanted to be a part of. 

When I was 18, I met my first boyfriend. He was an assistant to David LaChapelle and showed me one of David’s books, Hotel LaChapelle. It was the spark that lit my interest and obsession with photography. 

After graduating high school, I experimented with many different career paths, fashion marketing, retail, hair dressing, all of which I more or less hated. 

Fortunately, though, it was the key for me to learn that I should pursue my passion for photography wholly and completely. At 25, I moved to Montreal and enrolled in the Dawson College Institute of Photography. After completing the program, I moved back to Toronto and began my career as a photographer and video director.

What were some of the biggest struggles you had when you first moved to New York? 

Being new to NY has many challenges, but the most significant challenge has been deciding on what course of action I should take in order to stand out and get noticed. 

The fashion industry in New York City is extremely fast paced and highly competitive. Being based here has forced me to think carefully and be especially strategic about which projects I pursue. In a city with a virtually unlimited amount of models, stylists and hair & makeup artists, not to mention stunning locations, it has been challenging to decide on which concepts to shoot, which magazines to shoot for, which models to shoot and ultimately what I want to say as an artist and photographer. However, this is a welcome challenge.

What artists from the past or present have influenced you the most? 

David LaChapelle, David Fincher, Steven Klein, Chris Cunningham, Alexander McQueen and Mark Romanek.

What would be the most important thing you want potential clients to know about you? 

Since the day I started shooting I’ve always tried to be original. 

The photos that always attracted the most attention were the ones where I did something completely unexpected, unorthodox and outside the box. Even though not everyone liked or appreciated those photos, they were ones that set me apart from the crowd and helped me stand out. 

Even though my work had evolved over the last 10 years, I always try to bring that mentality to every shoot that I do. From my more mainstream commercial projects all the way to my creative editorial projects, I always aim to bring something new and original to the table.

What kind of impact do you hope to make in the fashion industry in the next 10 years? 

Some of my favourite photos from other photographers were campaigns from the 2000’s for Alexander McQueen, DSquared2 and Dolce and Gabbana by Steven Klein, Steven Meisel and Mert & Marcus. 

These campaign shoots were completely original, innovative and had a high level of production. They used multiple models, elaborate sets, extravagant styling, and had strong visual message, but most importantly, they were memorable. 

This is what I want to contribute to the fashion industry. I want to create imagery that is bold, intense and captivating, all while having the same impact as these iconic and unforgettable campaigns. 

I will always strive to maintain my own distinct creative vision and hope to be known and sought after for a style that is unmistakably mine.

#elitehotseat: LIAM CUSHING

How did you get drawn into filmmaking?

-- I’d always loved film growing up but never considered it as a career path. In my teens I pursued photography as a hobby, as it seemed a natural compliment to my love of film, then in university I studied Cinema Studies but still didn’t consider it a professional option. Things started to change during the period that I was working as an assistant in London after working for Mario Testino. It was at that time that video cameras started to become more accessible. I found my love for film taking over from my photography work and I was gravitating more to film work, eventually getting hired more and more for directing.

Why do you think film as a medium works well to compliment fashion?

-- I think because fashion has always been about visual storytelling at its core, and that’s exactly what film does. Film allows fashion to go further, to expand on visual stories and themes that print is limited by. That being said I still love photography and I am shooting stills more than ever.

Can you describe your style to us?

-- I think of my work as having an overall dreamlike quality to it. Falling between the abstract/ethereal world of the mind and the sheer beauty of the physical world. Imagery can exist on a level beyond the confines of the superficial and into something more human and emotive. I see my work almost feeling like a memory, where the emotions feel real but the visuals are otherworldly.

You’ve assisted high profile photographers, such as Mario Testino, in the past. How did that come about?

-- I was looking for an internship in Toronto but opportunities were limited. So I decided to go big and get in touch with photo agencies who represented my favourite photographers, one being Art Partner. I ended up getting the internship and assisting a lot of photographers on Art Partner’s roster, and working a lot with Mario Testino’s Head of Production and agent, who then introduced me to Mario.

Why do you think there has been an increased interest in fashion film in the last decade?

-- I think it’s a natural evolution, and the inherent ability of film to tell a story makes it so appealing to fashion. I think that people are gradually becoming more attracted to moving images in fashion, as film is becoming more accessible and naturally has the ability to elicit more of a connection than other visual mediums.

How do you find or generate ideas for your films or is it a different process for every project?

-- For commercial work a project usually starts with a brief and then I work closely with the campaign creative director and client to bring the concept to life. For personal projects I often have a of couple ideas that I’m building over time. Waiting until I have the right talent and team together before I start to film.

Fashion designers are notoriously picky when it comes to creative output. When you come up with the idea for a film, do you ever have any conflict with the designer? 

-- It depends on how much creative confidence the client or agency has in me. For the most part it’s been smooth interactions, and for some more difficult ones I just try to roll with it and focus on making the best product I can.

Can you tell us about a current project you’re working on? 

-- I have a short film project that’s been a long time in the works, and working on a fashion film with Ezra Petronio.

Are there any other fashion houses you’d like to work with?

-- I’d love to work with Gucci. The work they’re putting out with Glen Luchford is amazing. Off the top of my head Isabel Marant, Acne, Missoni, Bottega Veneta, Missoni, Miu Miu, and Chloe.

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers and photographers?

-- Be true to your own vision, really listen and pay attention to creatives who you respect, and be prepared for a lot of rejection (and I mean a lot!) Other than that it’s a breeze.

#elitehotseat: HANS KOECHLING

1. What was the most challenging part about starting your own business over 20 years ago? 

I think that every new start has it’s challenges. 20 years ago, I had to take the jump – a leap of faith, but also to know I would land on my feet in this industry.

I am very thankful for all and everyone that believed in me, my fashion family, from models, agents, stylists, hair & make-up crews, to established clients and my family. But the biggest challenge was to stand tall and be understood that this is a serious business.

To this day – I can say Thank You for believing in me – and to know that you are only as good as your last show.

I was discovered as a model in the 80’s and worked in the industry for many years with simply with the best and most creative people that the industry had to offer – who in hindsight helped me find my inspiration.

This is the time when fashion shows were sometimes very theatrical fashion shows that cast models that could walk, I mean models that had attitude and expression, that could really bring the runway to life, walk like a cat and sell the designer’s brand down the runway. I worked with some of the world’s top runway stars including Jerry Hall, Pat Cleveland, Claudia Schiffer, Yasmin Ghauri, The IT 4 Super girls, the Versace gals, The Ferre clique, Karl’s top ten… Models made a show and still do!

I was hooked, and so as I worked my way up the ladder from assistant to stylist and artistic director to producer.

I had the great pleasure to work and learn from some of the best lighting designers and sound, stage and make-up – hair artists along the way.

My mother client - the IGEDO Company was the best teacher! I really learned and earned my reputation as a show producer working with the company in Germany, with producing international events in China, New York and Miami celebrating fashion from around the globe.

From very humble beginnings to being honored to work with some of the world’s top designers today, I will always remember where it all started and that you are only as good as your last show.

2. What's an average day for you like? 

My Average day, - Up early around 5:30 AM, coffee and a quick look at the calendar and overnight e-mails, then take our Westie, Sir Wellington Kelly out for morning walk and then a jump into the shower to get the day started…

After some fruit or cereal for breakfast – it’s off to the fashion desk, to review all work in progress shows and also to review next travel schedules with my assistant and check in with my team.

Either I am off to client meetings, site meetings, creative concept meetings, technical meetings, model castings, or budget meetings, or off to the airport to jump to Toronto or other fashionable destinations for work.

My incredible team always makes miracles happen but we all need to be on the same page to keep the constant schedule moving. I rely on them as they do on me,- to keep it all together.

It only comes together when I see the shows come alive.

It’s like the long and sometimes sleepless nights and hours and collaborations with the designer and in house teams, all the creative vision, stage design, lighting, sound, casting, styling meetings, fittings, and hair & make-up tests, tight rehearsals and lots of patience, much love, lots of rush and adrenaline have finally turned into the vision you had from the beginning to a live performance that takes your breath away.

3. What are three skills or traits you must have in order to be a great fashion show producer?

Have the skills and experience to dream big !

The designer or the client is the star – they hired you to make their dreams come to life.

Hard work and showmanship will make your dreams come true. Assist your mentors and bring it on and learn every day and listen, understand teamwork, and can I say be *on time, or don’t bother showing up.

4. What's one thing you have learned from mistakes on the fashion show producer job?

Patience, longevity and be flexible when it comes to your time and budgets.

Follow your gut and heart when making decisions about accepting or quoting on a job.

After all you’re worth all the time and effort, creative vision and years of experience you are bringing to the job.

Know that when working in this industry, you will need to be sensitive to the client’s needs and listen.

Fashion is here and gone tomorrow, as a show producer you have to be flexible and know your place how to lead the team and the client into the show.

5. What's one piece of advice you would give an emerging Canadian Designer?

I have supported and mentored many Canadian Designers directly or through design programs. Christopher Bates, UNTTLD, Dalla, Mikael D., Elama Furs, and many more.

The bottom line is you have to dream BIG and get out there.

Thank You Suzanne Rogers’ Fashion Institute and Studio at Ryerson for stepping up and supporting these fabulous select talented designers to brand themselves internationally.

6. With the changing landscape of Canadian fashion, designers have been tasked with finding new and innovative ways to gain exposure. What do you think the Canadian fashion industry needs in order to thrive? 

Fashion is what we all wear every day. It’s one’s expression of our personality and the time we live in. It defines who we are and where we are going in our daily lives.

It’s also a multi million $ industry in Canada that supports many lives and communities.

Canadian Fashion needs to export itself as a brand!  The world awaits your fashion!

Now more than ever can Canadian Designers be proud of their 150^th heritage and make their way to other global platforms to launch their collections.

#elitehotseat: EMMA SURMON

What is one thing people may be surprised to find out about you? 

-- 6 years of my childhood was spent living in Bermuda. When we moved back to Calgary, Canada, my brother and I were pretty shocked by the freezing weather. 

What was going through your head backstage before and on the runway during your first walk? 

-- I was so nervous that I thought I would even be able to walk. But once I started it was quite exhilarating and the walk passed in the blink of an eye. During the walk I was just trying to enjoy the moment and not fall! 

What do you see yourself doing after your modelling career? 

-- I am currently in school studying advertising and marketing and want to pursue that when I am done modelling. I think it will be really interesting to see and work in the other side of industry. 

If you never needed to work again, what would you spend your time doing? 

-- Rescuing dogs and living on the beach. But more realistically I would like to spend more time supporting important non profits , such as Planned Parenthood. 

Describe your idea of a perfect day. 

-- Going for a hike with my dog in the morning and having a home cooked meal from my mom in the evening. 

What’s one subject you could talk about for at least 5 minutes? 

-- Women's rights, especially now considering the political climate here in the US 

You do a lot of travelling for your job, what place would you say you’ve fallen in love with the most and why? 

-- New York City! Which I am now lucky to now call home. The people and the energy here is unrivalled. 

Any favourite travelling experiences? 

-- Going to Spain to shoot for Zara was so amazing, they shoot in a small town on the coast. Although I only had a couple of hours to explore after work, I found it to be so quaint and beautiful. 

Obviously you're very active on Instagram, do you have any self-imposed rules? 

-- My rule is if I wouldn't want my grandma seeing this photo, I probably shouldn't post it. 

Describe yourself in 3 words. 

-- Idealistic, determined, accepting 

What’s your next career move? Anyone you’d love to work with or a place you hope to visit for work? 

-- I have always wanted to travel to South Africa for work, the photos I have seen of editorials shot there are always so breathtaking. 

Cheers to 2017. What are your goals for the future when it comes to your career? 

-- I want to continue to enjoy work and the opportunities I have been given. This year I am really focused on fitness, and think that will really help to push my career to new levels.

#elitehotseat: MALIK

What designer or team have you worked with that you’ve identified the most with aesthetically, creatively, and/or personally?

-- The designer that I have worked with and identified with the most aesthetically and creatively would have to be George Heaton of Represent clothing, from the UK. I did a presentation for the brand during New York Men’s Fashion Week and the clothes were all totally my style, street and edgy.

What was going through your head backstage before and on the runway during your first walk?

-- I can remember thinking to myself “Don’t look at all of the people in the audience, just stare straight ahead.” As I walked down the runway at my first show I remember being surprised at how bright the lights were and how many cameras were in my face, it was kind of distracting.

When you first began modelling, how did you become comfortable in front of the camera? 

-- The best way to get comfortable in front of the camera for me is by building a relationship with the photographer. Once I have something to talk about with the photographer it helps me to relax and makes things much easier.

Outside of modelling, who is Malik?

-- Both inside and outside of modelling I am a very social person, I love making new friends

and learning life experience from other people. I am also always looking for different ways to

experience New York city.

Can you think of an embarrassing moment that you’ve encountered while modelling? If so what would it be?

-- We had to pretend to play football on set, and I tackled one of the other models and he landed on his finger and fractured it, they had to pause the whole shoot and take him to the hospital.

If you saw yourself walk into a casting, what would your first impression be of yourself?

-- My first impression would be “Wow, that guy has a great smile :)”

How would you say you’ve evolved as a model comparing yourself now to the very beginning of your career? 

-- I would say that I have gotten better at remembering people's names, whether it be casting directors, producers, stylists or photographers. I have found that remembering the names of people I’ve worked with helps to leave a very good impression which ultimately leads to being booked more.

How does your approach change when shooting editorials or campaigns versus walking runway?

-- The biggest difference between my approach for a shoot then for a runway is that I am more focused on getting into character for a shoot depending on who it’s for, some brands are much more smiley than others etc. For a runway I usually just have to focus on keeping a serious expression and walking straight.

Is there anything modelling has taught you that you can say you’ve been able to apply to your everyday life?

-- The biggest things modelling has taught me is how to make meaningful conversation with complete strangers, and being comfortable with working with people I may not necessarily like.

Before you were a model, what did you foresee your future entailing?

-- Before modelling I planned to study broadcast media, and hopefully someday become a news reporter.

You do a lot of travelling for your job, what place would you say you’ve fallen in love with the most and why; any favourite travelling experiences?

-- London is my favourite place that I’ve been next to New York. I love the culture there and I’ve made some amazing friends.

When you’re on location somewhere what’s your favourite thing to do to keep busy during off time?

-- Favourite thing to do during my off time when on location is usually to explore the location.

How has modelling changed how you view the fashion industry and other creative industries involved?

-- Modelling has made me realize that there is a lot more time spent planning leading up to a shoot or a runway show then I thought. Often producers have already planned a shoot for Winter when the one for Summer has only just been shot.

What’s your next career move? Anyone you’d love to work with or a place you hope to visit for work?

-- I would like to start assisting on video shoots so I can learn more about becoming a creative director, as that is a job I can see myself doing after modelling. Also studying however I haven’t decided which courses I will take yet, likely something to do with business management. As far as modelling goes my dream is to do a shoot for Tom Ford, and I hope that I will get a chance to work with Guy Aroch again (my favorite photographer).

What would your top foolproof advice be for taking a good photo?

--Look into the camera the same way you would look at the waiter when your food arrives.

How would you describe your personal style? Has it changed since you started your career?

-- Personal style has always been streetwearish, denim, combat boots kind of deal. Also pretty much all of my favorite pieces of clothing (besides my jeans) are black.

#elitehotseat: JEFF RUSTIA

What inspired you to create Toronto Men’s Fashion Week? 
-- TOM* came out of a dream… a dream that Toronto was ready for its very own men-focused fashion week. Being a lover of men’s fashion, and seeing an obvious lack of representation of menswear in the Canadian fashion scene, I was deeply inspired to take that leap of faith and start TOM*. And the timing was perfect. Toronto, like many fashion capitals, was going through a Menaissance, joining other millennial men around the world in a cultural movement that promoted dressing sharp, looking good and loving fashion because it was intrinsically linked to success.

What was the initial reaction when you started to spread the word about this new undertaking? 
-- From the moment we announced it, you could sense there was an excitement around TOM*. The city and the nation were very excited about it. News spread like wildfire and we received a lot of media attention. After the first season of Toronto Men’s Fashion Week, the reaction was tremendous and we haven’t looked back since. We’ve grown in leaps and bounds in the past 5 seasons, now moving into Maple Leaf Gardens and having recently launched the first men’s fashion nights in different cities across Canada.

Who is TOM*? How would you describe the TOM* man? 
-- We were very lucky that the acronym for Toronto Men’s Fashion Week is conveniently a man’s name, TOM*, and the most common man’s name at that. Immediately, it became a living and breathing brand. TOM* lives here. TOM* eats here. It was a marketers dream. TOM* is sexy, irreverent and unashamed about loving fashion because he knows it is linked to success. He loves to travel, is a proud digerati and enjoys the finer things is life.

What do you do when you’re not working? 
-- I love to travel and see the world. Nothing beats experiencing different cultures, food, sights and sounds, and most of all meeting incredible people and making new friends from around the world. It’s a serious hobby for me. So far, I have visited 122 cities and 40 countries. Right after TOM*, I’m off to Berlin for some R&R.

Who is your inspiration? 
-- People inspire me. My family inspires me. My late son Kol is pure inspiration. They give me strength and are a driving force for my personal creativity.

TOM* is now going into its 5th season. How does that feel? 
-- We’ve definitely come a long way. But we are continuing to evolve and strive to be better every season. I’m so proud of our city Toronto for supporting this initiative I always say it takes an entire village to create an epic event like this, and for TOM*, it is truly the Village of Toronto that has banded together through our staff, volunteers, partners, sponsors and patrons that have made it the roaring success it is. Our teams at Toronto Men’s Fashion Week have done tremendous work to bring TOM* to where it is today, and they are a big reason why we are able to keep TOM* up and going twice a year. I am proud of our executive team members and all 350 volunteers who participate every season and passionately provide their skills and expertise. I am also proud of the winning culture that we’ve created for our team members, whose experience has now reached a new level of education and mentorship. And of course, we believe in our partnerships. We work and partner with some of the world’s leading brands like Samsung, American Crew (Revlon), Town Shoes and Lab Series for Men (Estee Lauder). And, as the men’s scene continues to grow, we believe we will continue to attract big brands that are looking to market to men.

Men’s Fashion4Hope is highly anticipated every season at TOM*. How important is it to have a charitable initiative at TOM*? 
-- It is very important to me and the organization. As Founder and Executive Director, I have been extremely proud of our work to establish the company’s values, namely, creativity, diversity, authenticity, mentorship, respect and generosity. Our Values includes our commitment to generosity that serves as a common thread that connects each initiative we support. We believe in giving back to the community through our charitable initiative, MensFashion4Hope, the only male celebrity charity fashion show in Canada, in support of Kol Hope Fund at SickKids helping children with disabilities. Last season, we raised $27,500, making the cumulative total now at $135,000. Also, Our deep commitment to generosity manifests itself through our support of the fashion industry, specifically, to help the emerging menswear community through the EMDA - Emerging Menswear Designer Awards. EMDA has also played a fundamental role in kick starting the careers of emerging designers with a $10,000 cash bursary. Since its inception, we have already produced two menswear designer stars namely, Joao Paolo Guedes and 3.Paradis. And, we recently awarded Curtis Oland with the coveted title of EMDA Winner SS17.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 
-- Of course, being a part of an initiative that has now become Canada’s most influential and important platform for menswear is very rewarding in itself. But for me, MensFashion4Hope, our charity fashion show has been one of the most rewarding parts of TOM*. Being able to raise $27,500 for the Kol Hope Fund at SickKids last season is extremely moving. As you may know, I have dedicated this fund to help children with disabilities to my late son Kol. It gives much credence that my son’s short life truly had great purpose and reason.

Where would you like to see TOM* in the next 5 years? 
-- We believe in our partnerships. We work and partner with some of the world’s leading brands like Samsung, Revlon (American Crew), Town Shoes and Estee Lauder (Lab Series for Men). And, as the men’s scene continues to grow, we believe we will continue to attract big brands who are looking for a one stop destination to market to men. As men’s fashion industry advances, I believe TOM* has the ability to provide a platform to help the business of men’s fashion, men products and services. I am proud that TOM* is now recognized as the most important and influential platform for menswear in Canada.

Congratulations on your launch of Toronto Women’s Fashion Week FW17 coming in February 2017! Why did you decide to take on Toronto Women's Fashion Week? 
-- Like the rest of Toronto, I was surprised and disappointed when I heard the news of IMG’s cancellation of Toronto Fashion Week. At the time of the announcement, I was working on the next season of TOM*, but the more I heard about it, and the more I spoke with members of the fashion community, I knew that we just couldn’t stand by and let that happen. Our heart and commitment has always been for the fashion designers and for the Canadian fashion industry as a whole. We strongly believe in providing Canadian designers an international platform and showcasing the incredible creative talent we have here from coast to coast.

How will you differentiate the approach from its previous seasons? 
-- We are launching Toronto Women's Fashion Week, with the same fervor and passion that TOM* was founded on. We are proud to be Canadian. We are intrinsically Torontonian, and diverse in our approach. Our heart is first and foremost with the Canadian designer. We strongly believe in providing Canadian women’s wear designers an international platform and to help nurture the incredible creative talent from coast to coast. Our vision is to nurture and support the business of Canadian fashion. We will be injecting the same winning TOM* formula into Toronto Women’s Fashion Week by providing the industry and consumers with events such as designer showrooms and lecture series. The good news is that Toronto Women’s Fashion Week will finally be held at the right time, (February and August) at the right place, and delivering the right content to truly represent the current fashion landscape in Canada. We will launch showrooms, buyers’ days and lectures, and industry panel discussions all aimed at helping the business of fashion.

#elitehotseat: GRACIE CARROLL

What inspired you to start your blog? 

-- I launched GracieCarroll.com almost 5 years ago after returning home from two years of living abroad in London, UK. When I was moving to London I started my very first blog (London Snog) as an easy way for friends and family to keep up with my adventures across the pond. It was while I was working in PR and at British ELLE that I started to realize just how serious blogging was becoming. When my Visa was ending and I was moving home, I decided to launch the blog that I thought was missing in the market (a stylish website that was user friendly) and the rest is history.

With the increase of bloggers in recent years, how do you distinguish yourself against the others? 

-- I think that consistency and unique, authentic content is really key when it comes to blogging. There are a lot of people that pop up out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly. Blogging is a lot of work, and many people drop off once they realize how much time and effort it takes to produce content on a regular basis. For me, standing out from the crowd is about having a unique style, an authentic voice and content that's interesting and helpful to the reader.

Tell us a bit of the backstory of your blog, what kind of brand are you trying to portray? 

-- I'm not sure that I really thought of myself as a brand back when I started. At the time, I really just looked at the blog as a great way to showcase my writing and styling portfolio that would help as I ventured into the world of freelance back in Toronto. To this day, my brand is still 'me' and I try to stay as true to who I am as possible.

Do you feel your personal style has evolved through the lifespan of your blog? 

-- Yes, definitely! For one thing, when I launched my blog I was 23, single, and had just moved back from London. I think my style was a little more adventurous then, but, I still like to have fun with my clothing and always stay true to pieces that are a signature of my style like a good moto jacket. I think now my style is slightly more 'grown up' in an appropriate way for someone who has gone from their early twenties to late twenties.

What posts do you find generate the most positive response with the online community? 

-- Lately I've come to realize that people respond really well to content I share that highlights my life as a young entrepreneur, or #girlboss as we all like to say! It's really flattering to hear from followers who admire my work ethic and my career; if I can create content that helps inspire them to start their own business, or try something new, that, to me, is the most rewarding thing about what I do.

What's the best part about being your own boss? 

-- By nature, I've never responded well to people telling me what to do. It's probably best for everyone that I work for myself! haha. I love having full control and freedom at the same time.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

-- Normally I get the most inspired from talking to people. Especially fellow entrepreneurs. I get really excited learning about people's stories, their careers, and what they're working on. It always gets me fired up to create new content and push myself even harder. I would encourage everyone to take time to meet with people face-to-face.

What blogs are you obsessed with? Are there any blogs that have influenced your work? 

-- Refinery29 is essentially my online Bible.

Who is the most interesting person you've gotten to meet through your career? 

-- That's a very tough question to answer! I've been extremely fortunate to have met a lot of incredible people over the years. I loved getting to interview Giles Deacon a few years ago. He is insanely talented and very nice, and funny. 

What are some of your other career highlights?

-- Getting to travel to Mexico, Portugal and Scotland last year to shoot the FLARE x Air Transat 'Style Jaunt' web series was definitely a career highlight. I always love getting to travel for work! Also, sitting on a plane and seeing people reading about you and watching you on TV is pretty surreal. 

What advice would yo give to someone who wants to start a blog or grow their following?
-- Do some research and figure out what will make you unique, and stand out.

Visit The Chic Canuck or you can view Gracie's personal blog here. 

#elitehotseat: MARK JOHN TRIPP

At what age did you start becoming interested in fashion? 

-- Young, it started with picking out my own clothes 

What was your path that led you to the job you have now? 

-- Designing windows at Eaton’s & fashion design at Ryerson

What would you say are the top three characteristics or skills a person must have in order to be an accomplished stylist? 

-- Organization, strategy & detail

Where do you go when you need inspiration for your work? 

-- Photographers from 1950

How important is Fashion Week for you? 

-- Certain cities more influential than others

You’ve collaborated on set with so many different brands, designers, photographers, creative directors; the list goes on. What sorts of things do you do to prepare yourself for an upcoming shoot and how do you choose what looks work for each individual client? 

-- Understanding the client & research

How important is communication between yourself and the photographer that you’ll be working with? 

-- Essential

What challenges do you face as a stylist? 

-- The disposability of fashion lately

Do the clothing choices you make at work inspire your personal style? 

-- Not very often

How would you describe your personal style? 

-- A phrase my Mom would say, “you paid how much for that?!"

Favourite all time designer? 

-- Rick Owens

What would be your dream shoot or collaboration? 

-- To work with Nadja Auermann

What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself taking your styling career? 

-- Finding the right balance of travel & work

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far? 

-- Working with Carmen Dell'Orefice

Advice for the up-and-coming fashion stylists and fashion editors out there? 

-- Restraint