6 minute read
FUSION
news. people. events. PROFILE MASHA SRIVASTAVA
Wedding artist
By Lisa Evans
Masha Srivastava loves beautiful things, and what could be more beautiful than a wedding? After coming to Canada from Russia in 2005, Srivastava discovered she could use her creativity and flare for design and start her own business in event design. In 2008, Srivastava moved to Calgary, and decided to focus her work on another passion — weddings. Through her company Wedding Finesse, she provides event design
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Tell us about your wedding design backdrops. I come from an artistic family and design and fashion was always my passion. This is art. You paint one work and you can’t do this over again. They have a one-of-a-kind look. Even if you try to copy it, it will still be different.
How long does it take you to complete them? One backdrop can take up to five hours to complete.
Do your designs reflect the cultural backgrounds of your clients? Canada is multicultural, so there are all different traditions and a lot of different styles. While in China, red and gold colours are popular, those of Indian descent like bright colours in satin materials. It’s really fun to work in different styles.
What else do you offer your bridal clients? I wanted to expand the business, so I now offer full set-ups with table cloths, napkins, chair covers and centrepieces — everything an event requires.
Do you only do weddings? Although 80 per cent of my business is weddings, I also design corporate functions, birthdays and many other events. I’m now so busy, I can’t even count the number of events I do per year.
What keeps you going? I [act as though] I’m decorating for my own wedding. To see the bride smile and see people happy at the event, that just makes my day … This is my passion, this is my life, this is my dream. I can wake up at five o’clock in the morning and be so happy to decorate an event. I really put my heart into each event.
Any new plans? I plan to open a rental store soon to allow brides with limited budgets to rent the materials and set it up themselves without hiring an event designer.
Any advice for other newcomers looking to start a wedding business? It’s not just about being a designer. You have to be the accountant, the marketer, the boss. But I think Canada has great opportunities. If you know what you want to do and you knock on the door, eventually the door will be open, so you just have to keep knocking.
Canada >> Canada is the country with the best reputation in the world, Canada is the country with the best reputation in the world, according to a 2015 report by the Reputation Institute. Canada received a score of 78.1, putting it in the lead of the top five: Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Australia. The United States was ranked number 22 out of 55 developed nations. Canada ranked the best for having an appealing environment, being a beautiful country, and having friendly and welcoming people.
Ontario >> Bollywood Monster Mashup, the largest South Asian festival in Canada, is coming back bigger, better and earlier this summer at Mississauga Celebration Square on Aug. 7-8! This year includes special Pan American fusion acts, a bigger KidZone, more singers, musicians and dancers, and more interactive Bollywood dance lessons.
Ontario >> The City of North Bay is helping skilled newcomers in the Nipissing district access loans to help them upgrade their credentials so they can get back to work in their field while living in Ontario. The Community Loan Program for Skilled Newcomers can help to alleviate some of the financial burden of upgrading skills by providing access to small loans (up to $5,000 for eligible applicants). No credit history check required. Repayment terms include a seven per cent flat-rate interest over three years, with interest-only payments in the first year.
Nova Scotia >> The Government of Nova Scotia has launched a new immigration stream called Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry after realizing t that well-qualified candidates, with experience working in Nova Scotia, such as recent international graduates, were not being drawn from the federal Express Entry pool. “The new immigration stream is a positive step to ensure well-qualified candidates have a viable immigration pathway,” said Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. “It complements the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream which we launched in January.”
CANSPEAK
These words have made it into the June 2015 update of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Inukshuk An inukshuk is a human-made stone landmark used by the Inuit of Canada and other peoples of the Arctic region of North America. It may have been used for navigation, as a point of reference or as a marker.
Twerk This dance move made famous in pop culture by singers Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke onstage actually has roots in African dance.
Double-double We Canadians know what this means … just head over to your local Tim Horton’s if you need a refresher.
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