LADIESFUND®

Calling all Toronto LADIESFUNDers. Must attend event Divas in the City 3 to take place on Thursday, June 14, 2012 from 6:00pm until 10:00pm.

LADIESFUND® and Dawood Global Foundation are media partners for the third year in a row!

Buy tickets at http://divasinthecity3.eventbrite.com/ and get $5 OFF with the discount code DIVAPROMO.

For more details, check out the event website and facebook page.

What is Divas in the City?

Divas in the City is about loving yourself- what we call self-love. We believe Toronto needs a forum for the fabulous females in our city – the movers and shakers who make no excuses for who they are. We present an opportunity to join forces with other women who revel in their strengths and stay true to their values.

Divas in the City is a socially driven, goal-directed event that will feature experts in various areas that are essential to the urban girl lifestyle- beauty, relationships, finance, career, fashion, nutrition and fitness. Our mission is to educate, inspire and connect the new demographic of young, independent, ambitious women in our city, who we classify as Divas.

Click below for pictures of our past events:

Divas in the City - http://www.flickr.com/photos/divagirlinc/sets/72157624220290720
Divas in the City 2 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/divagirlinc/sets/72157627119183973

Here is a line-up of our Presenters for Divas in the City Toronto 2012:

1. Career: Katia Millar- Positive Fabulous Women
2. Beauty: Wendy Crystal- Inspired Cosmetics
3. Relationships: Kimberly Moffit - Kimberly Moffit & Associates
4. Finance: Florence (Flo) Grunfelder – Money With Flo
5. Fashion: Hannah Yakobi - FAJO Magazine
6. Nutrition: Angela McNally – Eating Pretty
7. Fitness: Sandra O’Brien- Bootcamp Goddess

Swag Bags:

- MarieNatie Cosmetics

Vendors:

- AYLA

Divas in the City is all about - thriving in the opera of urban life.

business trends, entrepreneurship, events, women, women leaders angela mcnally, ayla, Bootcamp Goddess, crown bar and lounge, dawood global foundation, Diva Girl Fitness, diva girls, divas in the city 3, Eating Pretty, FAJO Magazine, florence grunfelder, hannah yakobi, Inspired Cosmetics, katia millar, kimberly moffit, ladiesfund, laura furtado, marienatie cosmetics, Positive Fabulous Women, sandra o'brien, toronto, wendy crystal

Best Hostess Gift:

Philosophy’s Mulling Spices

One item we simply adore at DelectablyChic! Is Philosophy’s Mulling Spices.  This duo of Spiced Chai tea shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath and body lotion is tailor made for a Canadian winter.  After working so hard to ensure a perfect holiday party, your hostess will be eternally grateful to you when the guests leave and she can she can pamper herself with this gift in the shower or bath and then put some lotion on by her fireplace or heater.  Simply bliss.

The Body Shop Candied Ginger products

If you would prefer to give a candle, The Body Shop Candied Ginger scented candle is another winner that will warm up any home this winter with candlelight.  This Candied Ginger holiday scent is so lovely, you can also give a nice set such as Candied Ginger Body & Lip Care Collection (lip balm, Shower Gel, Body Scrub, Body Butter),  or make your own set with Soap, Body Lotion, or hand cream.

Best Must-Have if You are Hosting:

Noël ® Set of 3 Votive Scented Candles

Crabtree & Evelyn’s Noel Three Fragranced Candles will not only look stunning in your home, their scent – made up of festive scent of fresh evergreens, bayberry, zesty orange, and warm spices – is unbelievably lovely.  Don’t be surprised by how many of your guests comment with they first enter your home once you light this magical trio.

Noël ® Fragrance Diffuser

If you are not a candle person, then consider the Crabtree & Evelyn’s Noel Home Fragrance Spray or Home Fragrance Room Diffuser instead.

Best Gift for Yourself:

Time off.  Whether it’s a spa day or a fun time at the movies, take yourself out this holiday season solo somewhere for an hour or two.  That “me” time is going to give you peace, relaxation and contentment, to ensure when the big holiday get-togethers and inevitable family mayhem ensues, you will be relaxed, prepared and looking forward to the hullabaloo.

Best Gift for Your BFF:

Pomegranate Body Scrub

This year, Crabtree & Evelyn’s Pomegranate collection has won our hearts and we highly recommend you share it with the person who has been with you through good times, bad times and even the worst of times.  Gift a Pomegranate Argan & Grapeseed Body Scrub and Body Lotion, and your BFF will feel pampered just as she deserves.

Best Gift for the Guy in Your Life Who Has Justin Bieber Hair:

Schwarzkopf Professional 3D Men-sion

Schwarzkopf Professional just came out with this uber masculine 3D Men-sion Hair & Body Shampoo and Strong Hold Gel.  Everything from the neon bold packaging to the scent is high testosterone.

Best Gift to Give Your Work Colleagues:

LUSH Cosmetics Gingerbread House

LUSH Cosmetics Gingerbread House is this adorable tin piggy bank in the shape of a gingerbread house.  It’s filled with four holiday bath products:  Cinders and So White Bath Bombs, Candy Mountain Bubble Bar and, of course, Gingerbread House Bubble Bar, which has a frosty, sprinkled roof and cinnamon stick chimney. The best part of this gift is the smell is divine.  Even before you open the gorgeous tin package, you will be tempted to smell the fragrance every few minutes.  Simply divine.

Best Gift to Give Your Romantic Friend:

Jude Deveraux’s Heartwishes: An Edilean Novel

Jude Deveraux’s Heartwishes: An Edilean Novel is another winner from the New York Times bestseller.  The author is renowned for her witty one-liners, laugh-out-loud moments and compassionate, intelligent writing, all of which is in full form in this her latest novel.

Best Gift to Give Your Single Friends:

The Soulmate Secret: Manifest the Love of Your Life with the Law of Attraction

The Soulmate Secret: Manifest the Love of Your Life with the Law of Attraction by Arielle Ford is one of the best books out there on the topic of meeting the right life partner.  It focuses on readying your mindset for this perfect love by meditating, beginning to love and accept yourself and being open to a partner who will be not just someone who cares about you but a true friend to you as well.

The Art of Living a Flirtateous Life

A more playful book you can gift is The Art of Living a Flirtateous Life by Canada’s own Your Date Coach Christine Hart. This is a fabulous guide to tapping into your femininity.  They say confidence is the #1 most attractive trait a woman or man can possess and that men love playful, independent women.  Hart easily guides readers to revel in their own beauty as woman, helps them connect with their femininity and derive empowerment  through flirtation.

Best Gift to Give Your Neighbour(s):

Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada

Why not celebrate the greatness that is our nation by gifting neighbours Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada: 101 Heartwarming and Inspiring Stories by and for Canadians by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Amy Newmark.  This feel-good, inspiration, patriotic book is a gift you just can’t go wrong with.  The compilation is well thought out, elegantly put together and even something family members can read out loud during the holidays or share their own stories in the spirit of it.

Best Gift for a Friend Who Is Engaged to Be Married:

The Body Shop The Sparkler

The Body Shop The Sparkler, which is an all over shimmer, is a gem of a product.  It is perfect to highlight your best features on any special occasion, but will be a very special gift to a friend for her upcoming wedding day. The packaging is simply gorgeous on this product which features an atomizer which releases a fine shimmery powder to highlight the face.  Available in both Golden or Pink shades.

Snow Woman

If she is planning a winter wedding, then gift her Cake’s Vanilla Snow Woman limited edition glistening all over trio.  This Canadian beauty label which is run by women entrepreneurs is truly a star on the rise.  This set contains glistening body wash, body mousse and lip gloss, all of which hydrate and sparkle.  The minute you open one of the products in this collection, you will be bowled over by the pureness of the scent and the sexiness of the shimmer.

Best Gift for a Child:

Benbat Travel Friends Neck Support

Benbat Travel Friends Neck Support is specially designed to support your child’s neck and chin during travel and was so cute in the cat shape that it won our hearts as well.  If you are planning to travel far for the holidays or have a child guest coming from far to your place, this is one gift he or she will use over and over again, as it is bliss even in a car seat.  Sizes 8+ come with a pocket to store iPod, games and gadgets.

Best Gift for a Tot:

Spoiled Totz Digital Bath Thermometer

We simply fell in love with Spoiled Totz Digital Bath Thermometer. The cute turtle shape is simply adorable.  Readings of the water are taken every second, sensor activated and colours change as per the temperature range (Red is too hot, Yellow is too cold, Green is just right).

Spoiled Totz

If you prefer something fashion-oriented, Spoiled Totz also has a gorgeous white cotton crochet hats with an off-white gerber that is incredible cute and will make the little one an instant poser.  We also fell in love with Precious Peekaboo Boutique’s Maril Jean Mini Divi Hat which comes in a chocolate brown color and with one barrette.  It’s like a little beret and looks tres chic.

Best Gift for a Newborn or Small Child:

Precious Peekaboo Boutique’s Westcoast Baby Organic Bamboo Kimono Wrap

We at DelectablyChic! flipped over Precious Peekaboo Boutique’s Westcoast Baby Organic Bamboo Kimono Wrap and matching Hat.  With open bottom for easy changes, built in scratch mitts, it is made specifically to fit preemies and newborns. The pink and brown colour in particular instantly makes the little one into a star fashionista and the bamboo feels incredibly soft to touch.

Haba Activity/Stacking Ball

If fashion is not your thing, we also really loved the Haba Activity/Stacking Ball which is a 5 part soft stacking ball that rattles, squeaks and rustles for babies above 10 months.  It can be used as a ball for babies to roll around and swat at, and can even be taken apart to stack as the child grows older.  It is very unusual to look at but is a sheer delight of mixed textures and patterns for babies to feel and learn.  Even if you baby bits into it, it’s safe.

This article was originally published on DelectablyChic!

business trends, entrepreneurship, product review, shopping, special occasions, spending money, spending money wisely Amy Newmark, Arielle Ford, Buddy Valastro, cake, cake boss, Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada, Crabtree & Evelyn, Crabtree & Evelyn Afternoon Tea, Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Hand Wash, Crabtree & Evelyn Ruby Orange Marmalade, Haba Activity/Stacking Ball, Heartwishes, iskin, Jack Canfield, Jude Deveraux, LUSH, LUSH Gingerbread House, Mark Victor Hansen, Philosophy, Philosophy’s Mulling Spices, Steve Jobs, the body shop, The Body Shop Candied Ginger scented candle, The Body Shop The Sparkler, The Body Shop’s Born Lippy™ Lip Balm Selection, The Soulmate Secret, TLC, Walter Isaacson, Westcoast Baby Organic Bamboo Kimono Wrap

Stuck at the office trying to placate a difficult client?  Working on your soon-to-be bestselling novel and can’t take a moment out?  Driving around your kids from ballet classes, figure skating classes and Volleyball practice, and just can’t find the time to shop?  Just don’t know what to get for your mother-in-law?  Here are the Best Holiday Gifts for Your Family:

Best Gift for Your Man:

Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs is without a doubt the gift to give this year to anyone who admired his innovation, determination, resiliency and legacy.  Jobs’ life was never quite easy but his gifts could be seen early and his persistence a true inspiration.  Just hand it to your man and whisper in his ear, “Steve Jobs’ genius reminds me of you, but well, even he can’t top the best.”

iSkin earTones

Best Gift for Your Brother:

You can’t go wrong with some supersonic earphones, perfect for his iPod, iPad or cell phone.  We fell in love with iSkin’s collections.  We really recommend the iSkin earTones which has flexible fitting and built-in remote and comes in loads of cool colours.  If you prefer a more comfort fit in the ear, the Cerulean X1 is an upgraded model which comes with three different sizes of silicone earbuds to optimal fit.  The colour choices are Onyx and Blizzard and the earphones have a Matrix look to them.  If you just want to give a token, low cost gift, the Cerulean XLR, which are really gorgeous to look at, are on sale for $9.99.

Best Gift for Your Sister:

Elizabeth Arden’s Pretty Hot perfume is a fabulous gift for your partner in crime or greatest rival.  It lets her know that she has that special something and the gift will make her feel sexy and on top of the world.

Best Gift for Your Mom or Someone Who Loves to Bake:

Cake Boss in the house!  Buddy Valastro, star of the hit TLC TV series has released the incredible cookbook Baking with the Cake Boss. He teaches everything from kneading to rolling, fondant to flowers, and includes more than 100 of his best recipes.  The best part was his inclusion of how to create your own personal trademark cakes, with “a chart that lets you mix and match cake, frosting, and liqueur syrup for cakes the way you like them.”

An alternative gift for your Mom is Prevage’s Day or Night creams.  These anti-aging creams are very …

Best Gift for Your Dad:

If your Dad has an iPad2, possibly no gift can compare to the iSkin aura² for iPad 2.  This case is fabulous to carry, comes with glare protection, built in typing stand, auto-sleep functionality, inner pockets for cards, etc.  If you really want to pamper the man who always pampers you, and he has an iPhone 4/4S, then get him the matching case aura for iPhone 4/4s so he has a very sophisticated set.

Best Gift for Your Grandmother:

Pamper your beloved Grandmother with Crabtree & Evelyn Afternoon Tea and Crabtree & Evelyn Ruby Orange Marmalade.  Advertised as “cooked with the finest oranges from the romantic Italian island of Sicily,” this marmalade is truly out of this world.  Paired with these fine Kenya and Ceylonese tea sachets, this is a gift fit for someone you love.  With old school charm and quality that can’t be beat, this combo reflects a truly thoughtful and caring present that will pamper someone who definitely deserves it.

Best Gift for Your Grandfather:

You can’t go wrong by gifting your grandfather CDs or music that was recorded in his era by artists he likes.  You can also get from Roadside Oldies, older era music on 45s, LPs, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs. Their specialties are 1950′s and 60′s rock ‘n’ roll, doo-wop, Motown, and 70′s and 80′s soul music.

If he does not enjoy music, fishing or golf equipment is usually a winner as well.

Best Gift for Mother-in-Law:

Crabtree & Evelyn has the most fabulous hard creams and these make for very special gifts, particularly with a cold winter coming.  A personal favourite of ours is Rosewater, but if your mother-in-law has traveled far to visit you this season or you think she would enjoy variety, consider the Hand Therapy “Traveller” Sampler which features of trio of scents: Citron, Honey & Coriander, and Rosewater.

Best Gift for Father-in-Law:

Why not gift him a really nice framed picture of your husband and him? Or, if you have any sons, a three-generation masculine portrait.  This is a really thoughtful gift he can put up and that always reminds him of his legacy.

Best Gift to Give Your Niece:

The Body Shop’s Born Lippy™ Lip Balm Selection. This collection of 5 lip balms in fruity flavours is packaged in a too cute to be true lollipop shape.  It’s fun to carry around, show off to friends and of course try on different flavours.

Best Gift to Give Your Nephew:

A board game is a great gift for the young man in your life.  While everyone else might be gifting Nintendo or high tech gadgets or the must-have train set, go old school and give him a gift that gets him away from a machine and interacting with friends and family members in the real world.  DelectablyChic! recommends for kids aged 4 to 8 Pictionary Junior, Guess Who?, the Original Memory Game, Chutes and Ladders and Sequence for Kids.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

entrepreneurship, holiday guide, product review, shopping, special occasions, spending money wisely Amy Newmark, Arielle Ford, Buddy Valastro, cake, cake boss, Chicken Soup for the Soul: O Canada, Crabtree & Evelyn, Crabtree & Evelyn Afternoon Tea, Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Hand Wash, Crabtree & Evelyn Ruby Orange Marmalade, Haba Activity/Stacking Ball, Heartwishes, iskin, Jack Canfield, Jude Deveraux, ladiesfund, LUSH, LUSH Gingerbread House, Mark Victor Hansen, Philosophy, Philosophy’s Mulling Spices, preview your life, Rockside Oldies., Steve Jobs, the body shop, The Body Shop Candied Ginger scented candle, The Body Shop The Sparkler, The Body Shop’s Born Lippy™ Lip Balm Selection, The Soulmate Secret, TLC, tudawood, Walter Isaacson, Westcoast Baby Organic Bamboo Kimono Wrap

In addition to shopping for gifts, there is the beautiful tradition of stuffing Christmas Stockings.  We at DelectablyChic! had a fabulous time selecting some really fun and lovely stuffers for you this year so that you can still do a bang-up job with your gift-giving, irrespective of how busy your schedule gets.

These are 10 of our favourites (in no particular order).

The Body Shop lip balm set

The Body Shop seasonal lip balms.  A limited edition Spiced Vanilla, Candied Ginger and Cranberry Joy lip balms have been released as part of The Body Shop’s holiday collection.  They are packaged in robust tins and are the original 15 ml size their lip balms used to be.  Not only are these scents/flavours really warm and cozy – perfect for winter – the packaging is just impressive enough to be a stocking stuffer and at $6.00 (currently on sale $4.20) a very affordable one at that.  For $10, you can get the Festive Lip Balm Trio a pack of all three packaged in a Christmas cracker which fits perfectly into a stocking.

• Philosophy Marshmallows For Toasting™ Body Lotion.  The look, the feel, the texture of this packaging and product is just tailor made for a stocking stuffer.  Luxurious, this lotion has “shea butter, olive, and macadamia nut oils to help soften skin and aid in moisture retention while antioxidants help protect skin against environmental attack.” Nuf said.

• Schwarzkopf Moisture Kick Shampoo The reason why this gift was a winner is that there is nothing like frizzy hair or a bad hair day during the holidays.  If you know someone who suffers from that, this is the dream Stocking Stuffer to give her.  An alternative for someone with limp hair is LaCoupe Orgnx instant Hair Reviver.  For someone with curly hair, we recommend Schwarzkopf’s OSIS+ Pump My Curls.  For the friend who likes to shape his or her hair, without a doubt OSIS+ Aqua Slide Texture is a runaway winner as it is a high shine pomade with an unexpected water-touch consistency.

OPI The Muppets mini nail laquer collection

The MUPPETS Finger Muppets mini nail laquers by OPI. This foursome consists of a collection of very different shades, all inspired by the new Disney film:  Wocka Wocka (magenta), Designer…De Better (sparkly silver), Warm & Fozzie (shimmery gold) and#Excuse Moi! (sparkly pink). A great fun gift for girls of all ages.  We particularly linked the Miss Piggy inspired Excuse Moi!

• Tweezerman’s Harajuku Lovers collection is too cute.  It includes some charmed Slant Tweezers which we loved, but what truly floored us were the Tweezerman Harajuku Lovers Matchbox itty bitty files. They are tiny in size, easily portable, actually work and make for ideal stocking stuffer for anyone who likes miniature items or wants a collection of designer files in their life.  They will also make for great conversation starters when used.

LUSH Cosmetics Magic Wand Bubble Bar

• LUSH Cosmetics Magic Wand Bubble Bar For the little Princess in your home (even if that’s you), there is no greater delight than to get a LUSH Cosmetics Magic Want Bubble Bar.  A pink cotton candy scented star atop a wand with a bright pink ribbon and a bell.  As it’s a bubble bar, it can be used over and over again as it can be “swirled around in the tub to make mass amounts of bubbles, then put aside to dry for the next bath.”

LUSH Cosmetics Rocketeer Bath Bomb For the young and young at heart.  This product was originally created to try to entice little boys to take baths, but it’s now hugely popular with boys of all ages.  Named after The Rocketeer film, it’s a very masculine boy toy, with a blue rocket shape and colour.  It’s also a fun product as popping candy inside it makes this Rocketeer Bath Bomb fizz and crackle.  It’s designed to “shoot around your tub, leaving a wake of froth, fizz and the sweet scent of candy sticks. “  The water changes from blue to yellow to green and was originally invented to entice little ones to take a bath.  Your man may look at you curiously when he gets the gift, but after one bath with The Rocketeer, he will inevitably have a grin on his face.

• iSkin duet for iPhone4.  This is got to be the sexiest stocking stuffer this year.  iSkin has come up with an iPhone4 protector and belt holster that epitomizes style and functionality.  Slim and lightweight, it’s a show-off piece that your man will be proud to sport, especially at the office or on boys’ nights out.

Recycled Knit Arm Warmers

Ever since Britney made Rachel’s leg warmers the rage by transforming them into arm warmers, a new trend was born.  Recycled Knit Arm Warmers are a great stocking stuffer that epitomizes trends.

• Haba’s Clutching/Teether (… for a baby) which is a colourful rings that rotates and is made out of beech wood, maple.  We thought this adorable little gift would be the perfect little stocking stuffer if you have a new addition in your home.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

product review, special occasions, spending money wisely delectablychic!, Haba’s Clutching/Teether, Harajuku Lovers, iskin, iSkin duet for iPhone4, LaCoupe Orgnx, ladiesfund, lip balm, LUSH, Magic Wand Bubble Bar, OSIS+, preview your life, Recycled Knit Arm Warmers, Rocketeer Bath Bomb, Schwarzkopf, the body shop, tudawood, tweezerman

Women of Influence Inc. organized another winning RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneurship Awards. Held at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, 19th Annual Awards Gala was hosted by Diane Francis, editor-at-large for the National Post, whose warmth and wit added character and charm to the ceremony.

“RBC is proud to honour this group of extraordinary women who have shown passion, discipline and perseverance in their quest for business excellence,” says Andrea Bolger, head, Business Financial Services, RBC. “The number of female entrepreneurs now represents more than half of all small business owners in Canada – it is inspiring to see this growth.”

The statuettes

A record high of more than 3,000 women entrepreneurs were nominated for the Awards. Each candidate was required to complete a thorough application and after a due diligence process completed by Deloitte’s Private Client Services, the winners were selected by the judges.

Carolyn Lawrence, president and CEO, Women of Influence Inc., stated, “Each Winner is an inspiration to professional women across the country.”

The six award winners represented the North, West and East regions of Canada and were selected because of their contributions to the local, Canadian and global economies.

Winners of this year’s awards: Kim Rudd, Gloria Rajkumar, Betty Ann Latrace, Andrea Bolger, Diane Francis (MC), Munira Jivrag, Carolyn Lawrence (CEO, Women of Influence) & Jenny Munford

The Awards went to:

Deloitte Start-Up Award
Jenny Munford – Creative Bube Tube

HKMB Hub Impact Award
Kim Rudd- Willis College – Cobourg

RBC Momentum Award (tie)
Munira Jivraj – Millennium Dental
Gloria Rajkumar – SIMAC Canada Inc.

TPH Sustainability Award
Susanna Carson – BSI Biodegradable Solutions

Bell Trailblazer Award
Gabrielle Chevalier – Solutions 2 Go Inc.

PROFIT Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Betty Anne Latrace – Henderson Airline Hotels

Highlights of the night included a teary and heartfelt speech by Gloria Rajkumar which began with a shoutout to her mother and then told the story of her immigration to Canada and her appreciation for what her adopted country has given her. Rajkumar made $1.2 M in her first year as an entrepreneur and wants to help mentor other women from third world countries.

Diane Francis also shared interesting data with the audience, including the fact that only 1 out of the 75 billionaires she has interviewed for her book Who Owns Canada Now: Old money, new money and the future of Canadian business made his or her money in his or her hometown.

Carolyn Lawrence with Laureen Harper

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Canada’s Minister for Status of Women and Minister of Public Works and Government Services, stated that Canada was the #1 country in the G-20 for entrepreneurship.

The guest included included a Who’s Who of Canadian women in business. Laureen Harper, wife of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, also graced the occasion with her presence.

The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the nation’s leading female entrepreneurs. An initiative of Women of Influence Inc., an organization dedicated to the advancement of Canadian women in business.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

Style, entrepreneurship, events, special occasions, women leaders angdrea bolger, Betty Anne Latrace, BSI Biodegradable Solutions, Canada’s Minister for Status of Women and Minister of Public Works and Government Services, carolyn lawrence, Creative Bube Tube, deloitte, diane francis, Fairmont Royal York, G-20, Gabrielle Chevalier, Gloria Rajkumar, Henderson Airline Hotels, Jenny Munford, Kim Rudd, ladiesfund, Laureen Harper, Millennium Dental, Munira Jivraj, preview your life, RBC, RBC Canadian WOMEN Entrepreneurship Awards, Rona Ambrose, SIMAC Canada Inc., Solutions 2 Go Inc., Susanna Carson, tudawood, Who Owns Canada Now, Willis College – Cobourg, Women of Influence Inc.

Massoud Abbasi, Bay St. banker during the day and founder of Omega Group by night, is determined to lead an evolution in Toronto and transform the city into a world class sophisticated party locale for international jetsetters and fashionistas.

“Our belief is simple,” relates Abbasi in an exclusive interview. “Toronto is undergoing a seismic change in every respect, economically, architecturally, socially and culturally. It is the city of the future in our opinion and many eyes are pointed in our direction.”

Crowd at the party

The Omega Group officially launched this past summer but certainly kicked it up a notch with their sophomore event Black & Gold Soirée held again at Toronto hotspot The Carlu. Over 550 of the T-Dot’s young professional set – primarily Bay St. bankers, lawyers, traders and private equity professionals – came out in their finest cocktail fare, ready to cruise and schmooze.

Movie director Phillip Princeton, Casting Factory Modeling’s Randy White, 1loveTO and MuchMusic’s Tyrone Williams and McNabb Roick’s Jeffry Roick added a VIP vibe. There were also some prominent journalists like Shinan Govani from the National Post and Stephen Henrik of The Globe and Mail.

Small group of attendees

The Carlu has often been the scene of upscale events. It was a favourite spot for the official after-party to the NHL Awards when they were held in Toronto and even the host to some sophisticated European fashion shows.

“As the center of Canada, we feel Toronto lacks that ‘extra’ that New York or London has,” states Abbasi with passion, going on to explain the thought behind the event, “We don’t have sophisticated upscale ambiances and venues like the Carlu where professionals and ambitious people come together to both fraternize and revel. We’ve decided to become that.”

The Omega Group had gone all out with the venue. The ground floor reception had black tie garbed guys and dolls ready to greet guests at every door and entry point. All signing in was down at this reception making way for a seamless elevator ride and entry to the 7th floor venue.

Tatiana Sanghera and Massoud Abbasi

The set-up had two rooms with distinct feel, music and ambiance but that made for easy flow of crowds from one to the other. There was plenty of room for mingling and even having conversation but soon enough the dance floor became quite happening.

As is European style, the event gained momentum quite late compared to typical Toronto party timings and it was past 10:30 pm by the time people started coming and almost midnight before there was a crowd and things only got better as the night went on.

Fashion-wise it was a huge success for Toronto with guests puttin’ on the ritz. Toronto’s pretty crowd came out in haute couture cocktail dresses with some even sporting long gloves. Although there wasn’t quite paparazzi, there were plenty of media snapping red carpet shots to the delight of guests.

“Omega Group represents the new Toronto,” reiterates Abbasi. “We will be putting together a regular series of rolling parties at unconventional venues that are not commonly known where professionals can converge in an exclusive environment that is invite only, enjoy each other’s company, meet new professionals, listen to live music and have a good time.”

By the size and sophistication of the crowd, the world class ambiance of the venue and scene, and the runaway success of the evening, it’s clear the Omega Group is well on its way to leading an evolution of Toronto.

Photography by Janick Laurent, courtesy of The Art of … Public Relations

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

entrepreneurship, events Black & Gold Soiree, Janick Laurent, Jeffry Roick, massoud abbasi, omega group, Phillip Princeton, Randy White, Shinan Govani, Stephen Henrik, The Art of … Public Relations, the carlu, Tyrone Williams

Dawood Global Foundation and LADIESFUND® Women’s Awards mentor Leanne Grechulk of HealthyGirl and Dawood Global Foundation and LADIESFUND® Advisory Council member Laura Furtado of DivaGirl have teamed up for what is likely to be a revolution in Branding training with their launch of Brandapalooza- Symposium for Creating a Rocking Brand.

Unless the more sober branding workshops out there, these two entrepreneurs walk attendees through every element of creating and positioning a brand, from the get go.

Leanne Grechulk

Leanne’s candor and own life experience helped her to create wealth and prosperity through careful and strategic brand position of her HealthyGirl brand.

Laura Furtado

Laura Furtado was originally mentored by Grechulk and they continue to be great friends.  It’s no coincidence that a lot of the branding elements of DivaGirl are quite similar to the strategies of the HealthyGirl brand.

The workshop walked attendees through a powerpoint of key elements to each stage of development of a brand from characteristics of a good brand, knowing oneself, having a seamless life brand, Rock Your Brand and ultimately Rock the Globe, as both women are now taking their brands as well as this Branapalooza workshop global.

The class ended with a throughout 12-Month Personal Brand Plan workshop that attendees were to answer to help them focus on the best way to develop and position their own brands moving forward.

Overall, a useful and well executed workshop that was easy to follow, logical and well worth attending.

business trends, entrepreneurship, events, women leaders Brandapalooza- Symposium for Creating a Rocking Brand, divagirl, healthygirl, ladiesfund, laura furtado, Leanne Grechulk, tudawood

Seth Godin is without a doubt the world’s foremost marketing expert. He is the only blogger I subscribe to daily and read without fail and I was over the moon to hear him speak and meet him at The Art of Sales conference.

Seth Godin

The purpose of The Art of Sales event is to provide the 2500 attendees with cutting edge business information to give them a competitive advantage. Five top-notch speakers were featured. In addition to Godin, Barbara Corcoran, Keith Ferrazzi, Sally Hogshead and Jerry Greenfield were keynotes.

Godin spoke about the importance of facing failure in order to move toward success, permission marketing (Turning strangers into friends and friends into customers), embracing change, approaching your work like art and sincerely leading others.

Barbara Corcoran & Moi

His style of speaking is very engaging, naturally humorous and although packed with loads of information, is easy to understand. Always intelligent, logical and practical, his tidbits always resonate so strongly with my world view that when I hear him say them, it’s almost like they are self-evident and should have been obvious long before he points them out, although of course they are Godin’s personal fresh and insightful take.

He also gifted all audience members a copy of his book Poke the Box.

Corcoran was possibly the best speaker of the day. Although she started off slow and possibly too intimate, soon it became clear where she was heading with her speech and it was non-stop nuggets. She emphasized that perception creates reality and the importance of taking big and rising to the occasion, power of statistics, leveraging the press, how everyone wants what everyone wants, expanding before you are ready, shooting the dogs early, appreciation over money, fun at the workplace and moving ahead during bad times.

Her presentation was choc-a-bloc full of concrete advice and actionable items. As she sincerely shared her approach to business with intimate examples, she really connected with the audience and made all her hard work and great achievements (she started her company 15 years ago with $35,000 and sold it last year for $66 M) seem easy and doable.

Keith Ferrazzi reminded everyone of the importance of cultivating deep, supportive relationships around you. In his words, managing a relationship is not being manipulative, it is simply saying it is important enough to prioritize. He also suggested striving to create sincere bonds with people you admire but may think are out of your reach.

Sally Hogshead spoke of fascination and how each of us has an innate ability to be fascinating that we simply have to tap into. Although quite the stunner and a very listenable speaker, she conveyed the weakest amount of information at the event aside from underscoring that in a competitive environment, the most fascinating option always wins.

Jerry Greenfield, one half of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream

Co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, Jerry Greenfield closed the event with a heartfelt talk about maintaining the core values of your company through a “values-led” business model. He and his partner have always prioritized social responsibility through creative management and made it a strength not a weakness.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

business trends, entrepreneurship, events, women leaders Barbara Corcoran, Ben & Jerry’s, delectablychic!, Jerry Greenfield, Keith Ferrazzi, ladiesfund, Poke the Box, preview your life, Sally Hogshead, seth godin, the art of sales, tudawood

The Honourable Rona Ambrose & Moi

I am totally in awe of The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister for Status of Women in Canada. Not only is she gorgeous, brilliant, a great speaker and full of ideas, she is so much fun! I’m positively delighted that she wants her team along with her to work with the Dawood Global Foundation and LADIESFUND® to serve the goal of helping women in Canada attain their entrepreneurial dreams.

Here is a picture of us at the RBC Canadian WOMEN Entrepreneurship Awards at Fairmount Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Canada.

entrepreneurship, events, women leaders dawood global foundation, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, ladiesfund, Minister for Status of Women in Canada, RBC Canadian WOMEN Entrepreneurship Awards, The Honourable Rona Ambrose, toronto, tudawood

You can’t quite go anywhere in Toronto these days without seeing posters and flyers for the National Ballet of Canada’s revamped Romeo and Juliet, performances of which just ended Sunday night. This advertising campaign even showed up in most online search pages and was a clear sign of the tour de force that is Artistic Director Karen Kain!

Guillaume Côté and Elena Lobsanova in rehearsal for Romeo and Juliet

The extensive marketing campaign for this production was truly worthy of a phenomenal fresh take on a ballet classic and just another example of a Renaissance to Art and Culture in Toronto. To celebrate the National Ballet of Canada’s 60th birthday, Kain approached acclaimed Russian-born choreographer Alexei Ratmansky to reboot the production with completely new choreography to Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved score for a World premiere in Toronto. This creative and exciting idea of Kain’s is just one more in a long line of very exciting and trailblazing moves on the part of the National Ballet of Canada.

In retrospect, it’s surprising no one had thought to revamp this classic before. The story is of course based on Shakespeare’s renowned tale of star-crossed lovers set in Renaissance Italy where they choose love above all and ultimately pay the price with their lives.

The most famous production of Romeo and Juliet was created by John Cranko for Stuttgart Ballet in 1962 and was danced by the National Ballet of Canada from 1964 to 2009. The steps, sequencing and style of Cranko’s version was much more traditional and rooted to an Old World. For purists, truly that version cannot be beat.

The National Ballet of Canada, however, is slowly but surely getting a reputation of a bold, initiative-taking corps. Prokofiev’s 1935 score was ahead of its time and works very well in this reboot where Ratmansky complements it with intricate, intense modern steps that tell the story in colloquial, inclusive way.

Elena Lobsanova and Guillaume Côté in Romeo and Juliet

Ratmansky’s take is much faster paced and perhaps some may say less passionate, or more accurately less melodramatic. It also is incredibly inclusive with lots of dancing for the entire company and opportunities for some memorable sequences from the corps de ballet and a dazzling, dramatic solo from the Romeo’s best friend Mercutio, a secondary character. The choreography at such moments has a spontaneous, free-flowing feel to it. Even Juliet’s Nurse is a delightful character part that brings humour and charm to the story and stage.

The main highlights of this recent production, as they should be, are the pas de deux between our hero and heroine. Heartfelt, emotional and above all passionate, these romantic sequences drove the ballet and underscored the intensity of young love.

Every night the principal dancers changed, as is the principle at the National Ballet of Canada. The choreography was the true tour de force here, however, ensuring that regardless of the night a guest attended, there was a feast for his or her eyes and a love story for his or her heart.

The Nutcracker

Next up for the National Ballet of Canada is The Nutcraker, which will run from December 10, 2011 to January 3, 2012.  Check out the trailer here.  The full list of The National Ballet of Canada’s 2011-2012 season.

This article was originally published in DelectablyChic!

Uncategorized Alexei Ratmansky, ballet, corps de ballet, dance, delectablychic!, John Cranko, karen kain, ladiesfund, mercutio, previewyourlife, romeo and juliet, Sergei Prokofiev, shakespeare, The National Ballet of Canada, The Nutcracker, tudawood