We started off 2013 with a modern twist to “The Executive”, and would like to end off with the glamorous theme of fashion! We took a basic approach to this theme, in explaining the foundations of this industry and just how it can impact you. Read on for exclusive interviews with the creators of Damn Heels and Foxy Originals. Check out some tips by the associates on how to dress professionally and even try some DIY fashion. It truly has been a rollercoaster ride with “The Executive” – from interviewing YouTube stars to sleepless nights on Photoshop to holding our last issue, fresh off the printers – this is an experience we will never forget. Until next time!
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t is hard to believe a year has passed already – each day appears to drag on, yet when we look back, we can barely remember what happened the week before. As your Publications Managers, it does not seem too long ago that we were planning out the issue themes, designing a new layout, and hiring our wonderful Design Associate and Associate Writers. Yet here you are reading our final issue for this school year; it truly has been an honour (though a challenge at times!) in working with “The Executive”. As our readers, we appreciate your patience and curiosity in picking up each new issue of “The Executive”. It brightens our day to know that our work has made a difference. Feel free to let us know what you would like to read as we are always revising and editing to make “The Executive” a publication that is truly catered to the UTSC community. Many thanks as well to our tireless team – Anna, who surprises us each time with how creative her designs are, Jeff with his penchant for the strangest yet funniest articles and posts, as well as Vincent whose energy and personality shows through his writing.
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hat a year it has been! These semesters have gone by too quickly. This year our school accomplished many exhilarating developments: the launch of the myBBA program, which aims to help management students develop their career goals, the 8th annual LIVE Competition, where we had our very own UTSC team place first, and the introduction of the co-curricular credit transcript. Every year there is always something new that challenges us to innovate and provoke our thought leadership.
Our duty as students is not to walk in the shadows of the C.E.Os, start-up gurus or even managers, but it's to surpass the previous generation, to challenge the status quo and have the courage to find a new light to call our own.
Our professors have spent the last few semesters inspiring and challenging us to be the best we can be. Our courses are only going to get more challenging and diverse. How our school became an internationally recognized giant was through the leadership of our remarkable staff, professors and students. Our duty as students is not to walk in the shadows of the C.E.Os, startup gurus or even managers, but it is to surpass the previous generation, to challenge the status quo, and have the courage to find a new light to call our own. I had the privilege of leading 28 wonderful executives this year. Personally, I did not come into this role with all the knowledge and experience in the world; it was their selfless passion and hard work that genuinely inspired me to be the leader I am today. I’ll miss the late nights, long meetings, and socials, because these are the moments that have helped us bond as a family. I am proud of what my Executives have achieved this year. Each and every single one of them has surpassed my expectations and I am honored to have played a role in their development. Finally, I can say that I am ready to graduate knowing that the future of our team is in good hands. If I were to leave you all with a few words of advice, it would be: help each other succeed. We go through life feeling the need to score higher, run faster, and work smarter than others. When we are too absorbed in simply winning, we forget what truly made us who we are. We could not have gone this far in our lives without our family, professors, mentors, and friends. They are the ones who cared to invest their time to help us be where we are today. Let’s return the favor and teach the next generation the ins and outs of our successes. Lead by example and be that person your peers can look up to. My career has just begun, but knowing that I have your support, I cannot wait to share with you what is yet to come.
Denis Wu President, MESA 2013-2014
Vivekan has exhibited immense passion for being a role model for others and more importantly, an individual who helps those around him grow to their fullest potential. Since his role as a Student Experience Associate in first year and his current role as an Events Director, he has displayed a strong work ethic, a charismatic personality, and a desire for growth. Entering his third year with his work term at PwC, his visionary thinking and ability to empower others will be a key driving force in leading the upcoming 2014-2015 MESA team. From her role as Student Experience Associate to her current role as Development Manager, Ankita has demonstrated genuine interest in the long term growth of MESA. Entering her third year and completing her work term at Deloitte, her dedication in generating long lasting external partnerships has been a vital component in the continual development of MESA’s sponsorship and Get Heard initiatives. As a committed, hardworking, and ambitious individual, she is the perfect fit as MESA’s Vice President of Business Development. Wendy has proven to be a creative and idea driven individual who takes innovation to new heights. Entering her third year and completing a work term at the Ministry of Government Services, she has demonstrated skillful strategic planning capabilities through her quarterly publications as Publications Manager. Wendy has continuously expressed her desire for bringing new knowledge to the student body and helping individuals bud to their highest potential. With her enthusiastic personality, eye for detail, and creative talents, she will strengthen the relationships between MESA and the student community. As one of the most resourceful and open minded individuals seen on MESA, Sayil demonstrates outstanding entrepreneurial spirit. His strong background in engaging the student body using web mediums tracks back to his Web Associate role in first year. With his current role as the Web Communications Manager, he is enthusiastic and dedicated in making MESA the central hub of resources. As he steps into third year with strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, Sayil will ensure that the MESA Communications team exceeds expectations the coming year. In her current role as Student Experience Director, Amy brings a wide range of talents that has driven her to expand boundaries. With her cheery, open minded, and ambitious personality, she is passionate about bridging the gap between academic studies and student life. Her ability to intensify outreach and think outside of the box has driven her to successfully execute the Accounting Case Competition and a new sports competition, The Rising Stars. Entering her third year and completing her work term at McGovern, Hurley, Cunningham, Amy will surely co-lead the 2014-2015 Operations team to new limits. Carol brings her determined, energetic, and forward thinking personality to all her ideas. In her current role as Events Director, she has proven to be a hardworking, well organized, and analytical individual with a high degree of student awareness. Her commitment in delivering quality and excellence enabled her to execute one of MESA’s most successful events of the year, Marketing Facts Night. Entering her third year, Carol’s outstanding leadership abilities will be a driving force behind next year’s operations.
A Year...
In Review
Written by Inez Huang Publications Manager, MESA
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ow do you measure a year? MESA believes 2013/2014 can be measured on how involved our students have become. As your departmental student association, we hope you have enjoyed the year as much as we have; take a look at how exciting it has been!
Vincent Woo
Associate Writer, MESA
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t's one of the biggest networking events of the year, and you are ready to make some new connections and lasting relationships with your recruiters. You have made sure that there are no flaws in the way you're dressed - but are you truly ready to be the "one"? First impressions are essential when conducting any type of interaction - it is your one chance to engrain who you are to the person you are talking to. Here are some tips to make sure you nail first impressions every time. Stop Talking. As absurd as it sounds, sometimes the key in making a first impression is to not talk - in excess that is. Many people often get nervous or excited because it is the first time they are meeting the person they are talking to. As a result, they drone on and on, giving a lot of unnecessary information. Listeners in this situation do not feel appreciated and end up feeling disconnected as it is largely just a one-sided conversation. It is essential to engage the other party in conversations and a good way to do this is to simply stop talking. Show your flaws. It is no surprise that people want to cover up their weaknesses when talking to someone for the first time; however, this might not be the best method. Most people you talk to in these situations can often tell when you are trying to hide something. This actually does the reverse and gives them a bad impression of you simply because you have now given the impression that you are dishonest! An honest conversation where you show your weaknesses actually helps in developing a better rapport with the people you talk to for the first
time. It shows that you are a down to earth individual. When you behave in this manner, they respond in kind as well. Be Humble. Everyone wants to make themselves sound good during a first meeting, but at what point do things become self-serving? Self-serving is the act of taking credit when things go well and blaming external circumstances when things go badly. It is important to not brag too much during first meetings because it gives off the impression that you are very self-centered. This is not a good trait to have in a team environment and definitely not a trait you want people to think you have. Be humble, be yourself, and let people know that you hold others to the same standard as you hold yourself. Be Impactful. Last but not least, first impressions are all about impact. Try to stand out! If you are at a networking event, as opposed to the people who stand at the side, be the one taking initiative and talking to many people. However, be wary as there is a difference between meaningful conversation and pointless dialogue. Be humorous and outgoing - someone who is in the forefront of all activities is going to make a deeper first impression. First impressions are difficult and are very hard to control. That being said, it really isn't difficult to make a good first impression if you follow these few rules. Next time you are in a situation where a first impression is vital, follow these few quick tips: stop talking, show your flaws, be humble, and be IMPACTFUL.
Anna How, Jeffrey Ma, Vincent Woo Associates, MESA
One word – big. Tall collars were the thing for both men and women. Pin up hairstyles and large hats defined this period; big was better.
The Great War was raging, and the fashion reflected the sombreness. Colours were darker and clothes were made to be practical as opposed to extravagant.
Fashion exploded during the Roaring Twenties. The suits that men wear today are based on their late ‘20s counterparts. Rigid was traded for comfortable and skirts got shorter. Just a bit.
The legendary bell bottoms were immortalized in this hippie era. The late ‘70s saw the rise of disco style, especially in men: Three piece suits, wide lapels, and flared trousers. Icons such as Elvis played a big part in the evolution of fashion in this period.
Traditional fashions were obliterated in the ‘60s. The bikini and the mini-skirt were popularized in this era, and icons like The Beatles exerted their influences on clothes and hairstyles among younger men.
After the war, fashion again became light and carefree. Dresses were fitted at the waist, but otherwise flowing. Due to textile innovations, new fabrics (such as Spandex) were being created.
Leading up to the Second World War and until its end, the fashion of this period was strict...and very formal. Shoulder pads and styled sleeves were a common place and the zipper was phased out for buttons.
Accessories ran rampant in the ‘80s, and punk fashion inspired large, curly, and bouffant styled hair. Torn skinny jeans and black leather jackets were not unusual.
The unkempt look became rather popular in this period, with hoodies, t-shirts and jeans forming the majority of mainstream fashion. Body modification (piercings, tattoos, among others) coincided with the rebellious approach of the ‘90s.
Globalization, among other things, resulted in a period where numerous fashions were present. Most were recycled fashions from the past decades, but skinny jeans and high top sneakers were popularized by hip hop.
Look out on the street! While it’s still early to tell what the fashion is for this decade, already some trends have emerged (hipster, indie-looks).
All Dressed No Ruffles Jeffrey Ma
Associate Writer, MESA
No, this isn’t an eathealthy article – you don’t need to diet to look good. Instead follow these business dressing quick tips to look your sharpest and up your style game.
GENTS
LADIES
Tie Bars. They
Heels.
add to the ‘clean’ look without being too distracting. Make sure they’re not longer than your tie is wide (the golden rule) and should always go between the third and the fourth buttons of a shirt. Remember: the tie bar must actually clip your tie to your shirt! (You won’t believe how many guys don’t know that.)
Watches. Yeah, we’ve all got a phone to tell the time, but watches tell about the person. Leather strap watches should match your shoes. However, watches with bright colors (on the straps or on the face) should be avoided for business formal events. If you decide to wear them with your business casual outfit, try matching the distinct color (eg. blue) with your socks and tie. Finally, try to avoid overly large and clunky watches – it’ll look like you’re trying too hard and compensating for something.
Ties. Ties should be just long enough for the tip to hang around the bottom of your belt. For skinny ties (2-2.75 inches) try to tie a slim knot. My favorite is the four in hand; it’s neither too fat or too triangular, and has a nice asymmetrical look that goes well with the thinner ties. Plus it’s super easy to tie – it makes the half-windsor seem totally unnecessary.
Suits.
Suits NEED to hug your shoulders. Your sleeves should end just high enough so that you show about a quarter to half an inch of cuff. Also, make sure the suit isn’t too long or too short – if you relax and place your arms by your sides, the suit should end around your knuckles. Finally, only button the top button. You should never button both unless you’re going to a funeral. If your button strains against your front, the suit may be a size too small; you don’t want to look like the Incredible Hulk in mid transformation.
Avoid extremely high heels in business formal settings. Heels up to 2 inches are ok, but any more and it starts to get excessive and looks unprofessional. Remember, if you are already tall, try going with flats instead.
Skirts. Skirts are fine as long as they are not too short. They should be hemmed around the knees and should not be any shorter. Save the short skirts for the club. Pant suits also work, but try not to have pants with crazy flares. (This isn’t the 70s.)
Blouses. Blouses should not be see-through.
Cotton and silk are good options and can be matched with a nice blazer for a more professional look. Navy and black are usually good colors but feel free to experiment…as long as the colors are subtle and appropriate. Women have a lot more flexibility in this regard, as most men cannot pull off a plum colored suit. Myself included.
Accessories.
Ah the world of accessories. When in doubt, keep it simple; handbags should be large enough to actually fit physical objects, but small enough so that when you drop your keys in, they don’t get transported into another dimension.
Belts.
In the case of belts, leather is usually the best option. Try to keep them between 0.50.75 inches. And always wear a belt if what you are wearing has belt loops. Common sense in a world where a little sense isn’t all that common.
Jewellery.
Jewellery should be kept to a minimum; avoid dangly things you can play with while talking to someone. Simple is better and less is more.
All in a Day’s Work
How to Fit into Your New Office
“Y
2) Do Not be a Perfectionist
Getting a job offer is a magical moment; there is immediate relief, then excitement (because no more school!), and finally, the anxiety sets in. As students, we put in so much effort towards getting the job that we forget about doing the job! It is only after accepting the job that we begin to question ourselves, “What if I don’t like the job? What is my boss like? How can I fit in?” The majority of companies are down-sizing, and it is crucial to maintain a high performance and good impression to secure your position even after a job offer. The following are common problems new hires have, and solutions on how you can adapt to the office lifestyle.
3) The Office Culture
ou’re hired!” Besides “I love you”, these two words may be the sweetest sounding sentence you will ever hear.
Also, understand that perfection is impossible at work – there is no equivalent for a 4.0! Strive for excellence but embrace uncertainty, as managers do expect interns and new hires to make mistakes. Spending an excessive amount of time on minor details appear unproductive; rather, ask for feedback and take the initiative to apply it in future projects.
1) School to Work
The next obstacle is often the ‘culture’ of the work environment. While HR recruiters use this term excessively, the demographics and mindset of an office can be difficult to understand. The demographics (e.g. age, gender, race, etc) and mindset (e.g. aggressive, ambitious, etc) varies amongst industries. Here are some typical personalities you may encounter:
The first obstacle is the adjustment from school to work. Shifting from an academic focus to an emphasis on productivity requires a change in attitude. At school, performance is graded on exams with set dates. At work, performance is graded constantly. Consistency is key and by following a rigid 9-5PM schedule with no procrastination, you remain prepared for any informal reviews or projects.
The Bully – Manipulative and rude, they are quick to criticize and abuse their authority. Avoid people who manage with negative reinforcement. If the abuse continues, confront them with specific examples, how it impacts your work, and establish boundaries for the future. Document any bullying behaviour and immediately report to HR.
First Week at Work Re-introduce yourself later; they probably forgot your name too! Can’t wake up in time? Coffee is actually 0 calories, just don’t add any sugar or cream!
per hour an employee checks their email
64% of Canadians like their job
Top 3 Sources of Conflict
a day for the average employee
What leads to job satisfaction?
spent in unproductive meetings each month
1. Personality 2. Poor Leadership 3. Lack of Honesty
55% - Salary
33% - Flexibility to work at Home or at Office 29% - Manager 28% - Control over how Work gets done
Sources: 2013 GfK Employee Survey; 2009 Psychometrics - Study of Conflict in the Canadian Workplace; TLNT article “Working From Home: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly”; Atlassian “Time Wasting at Work” infographics
The Messy One – Disorganized but energetic, they often expect too much out of employees or colleagues. Maintain a list of projects, and prioritize. Frequent communication is key so they are aware of any unreasonable deadlines or clashing commitments. Be firm when discussing, and show evidence of any overtime or extra work. The Micro-manager – They provide excessive attention and direction, making it difficult to work independently. Try to physically move to another desk or appear as if you can’t be disturbed (e.g. listening to headphones). Another method is to earn their trust, by being reliable and rule-abiding. Ask to take initiative on small projects, and provide frequent updates. The Self-promoter – Focused on self gain, they may take credit for your work. Be blunt, and show you are aware of their true intentions. Remain honest, ignore them, and document your work to ensure you receive credit for good performance.
You aren’t sure how, but you swear your boss can track your computer. She seems to know exactly what you have been up to. Micromanagement is annoying, so earn your boss’ trust by overachieving and hard work.
Written by Inez Huang
Publications Manager, MESA
The Office Idiot – As clueless as the Office’s Michael Scott, they do not seem to know what they are doing. Try to find a mentor who can provide accurate answers. Be understanding of such ‘idiot’ bosses, since they may just be busy with other high-stress projects. Avoid such supervisors as as they offer little value to your learning or career growth.
4) Now what? After your first week, you will have a general idea of what is required. It is now time to bring back your business cards and continue building your network - it is like job seeking once again. People love talking about themselves, and your colleagues should be willing to share any advice. If you still feel overwelmed, do not worry - everybody begins at the bottom of the corporate chain. Take some time and figure out if this is the job for you.
Ask questions! In reality, NOBODY really knows what they are doing, so just ask.
Real Life Runway Interviewed by Inez Huang Publications Manager, MESA
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s a graduate of Ryerson University and an apprentice of Alfred Sung, David has achieved great success as one of the leaders in women’s fashion design. The David Dixon label is sold worldwide, in countries such as Germany, USA, Kuwait, Switzerland, and Hong Kong. With a theme of quiet elegance, David combines luxury with fantasy and sensibility.
David Dixon
Can you outline the growth of your label from starting as a student to having your designs being sold worldwide? For me, starting a business from the ground up, with very little business experience, made the evolution of my career a true learning experience. Each day as an entrepreneur brought new challenges and new rewards. Being in this industry has been, and now is, very much apart of my DNA. At what point in your career did you feel you had ‘made it’? As a designer, there are many defining moments when you feel accomplished, but it is short lived. Within this industry, one must not rest on a moment; rather, you should be constantly cultivating new ideas and adapting to the changing environment of the fashion industry. Creativity plays a huge role in fashion – what inspires you? Inspiration for me comes from anything or anyone. Inspiration really does depend on what the eye and brain trigger as something that needs to be researched and interpreted - in my case, fashion. I find designing a collection is somewhat of telling a story, or a chapter in my design history.
David’s Collections: - Spring/Summer 2014
- Fall/Winter 2012
Can you walk us through the process of designing? Typically, the design process in a perfect world happens like this: get inspired, source fabrics, challenge myself, start creating samples for the collection-this involves patternmaking, fitting, sample making. Once the collection is complete and edited, it goes into sales and marketing. How would you describe the fashion industry? The fashion Industry is extremely competitive, expensive, and challenging both in spirit and in reality, there are only so many retailers to distribute to. My advice to students, is to find a support structure that believes in what they are venturing into, as well as having a talent for design, they must understand that fashion is a business first and foremost. What are some memorable collections? I have many collections that I remember fondly. Most of them have a personal story attached. However, each collection tends to support the next, as lessons have been learned and experienced. My favourite collections in the past are: Barbie by David Dixon, David Dixon for Town Shoes, The Shopping Channel, The Hudson’s Bay to name a few.
- Barbie Collection
- Fall/Winter 2011
- Spring/summmer 2010
Interviewed by Wendy Tran Publications Manager, MESA
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ennifer Ger and Suzie Chemel began Foxy Originals on their shared love for creating unique jewelry pieces that help individuals find their own way to sparkle and shine. What ignited the spark to start Foxy Originals? Suzie and I met while studying at the University of Western Ontario, and quickly discovered our shared passion for bracelets and baubles. We saw there was a void in the marketplace for affordable high quality jewelry with a brand name. Names like Diesel, Miss Sixty and Stussy were huge at the time, but none of them offered jewelry. We wanted to fill the ‘brand name’ jewelry niche in Canada by offering stylish jewelry in branded packaging at a ‘giftable’ price point. We decided to focus our combined talents on this single vision and we founded Foxy Originals. We sold jewelry on campus and in the summer took Foxy on the road to outdoor festivals and concerts. Our inventive designs caught on, and it wasn’t long before we had a strong following of fans, always anxious to see what we’d come up with next. To what do you most attribute your success to? One of the ways that we've been able to see continuous sales is by ensuring that we design pieces that our customers love to wear. We do this by going to many events and meeting our customers face to face. There really is nothing better than direct feedback. Additionally, we treat every day as if it's our first day in business. We apply the same drive and stamina to Foxy as we did when we set out. Lastly, it would have to be that we both had a natural interest in jewelry from when we were children and that’s why we’ve been able to have the stamina to stay interested and highly motivated in our business for 16 years. What difficulties did you two face with creating Foxy Originals? We have faced a lot of difficulties with our work being copied. We’ve seen versions of our design show up in many wellknown chains and major department stores. It’s been very
disconcerting and frustrating. We’ve spent a lot of time and money in the legal department on fighting these knock-offs. In hindsight, it would have been a good idea to take a course in intellectual property so we would have known our rights. How do you continue to generate new ideas? We love to travel for inspiration. Suzie and I went to Tokyo in an inspiration trip and found the vibrant and buzzing city to be full of energy and amazing motifs. In terms of a future trip for inspiration, we are both big fans of open air markets and would love to visit the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
"You have to be totally in love with your idea, your industry and your work to ensure its success. If you don't have a true natural love for what you do, your interest and motivation will wane." What is the best part of working in a partnership? Recently, the best part of working in a partnership was when we both had children, and we were able to cover for each other while the other took maternity leave. In general, we love being partners as we have a permanent sounding board with each other. Also, Suzie is very practical and sometimes I have ideas that are not very feasible. Suzie keeps me in line. What do you foresee for the future of Foxy Originals? Currently we are producing a line for Target and for Indigo. We really enjoy these partnerships and would love to expand these in the future. Additionally, we are working on growing our American user base on our online store. Online sales are the future growth engine in the retail sector and we love to see the growth of our ecommerce site. We’re adding in new features all the time (such as video content and more photos of our product from different angles) and customers are really responding well to it!
Tomas Romita
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is enthusiasm for men’s fashion precedes him, and his dedication defines him. Tomas Romita embodies everything about being an entrepreneur - a Queen’s University graduate, Tomas founded MADE Clothing in 2010. He hasn’t looked back since.
What is MADE Clothing? What does it do different? MADE Clothing is a Canadian, custom, menswear company. We make tailored suits, jackets, sport coats, ties, pocket squares, and all sorts of accessories for men. We also carry things not necessarily clothing related – but what we really are is a hybrid of a retail store where people can get clothes but also a place where people can get an understanding of their personal style and develop it. I think what really makes us different is that you’re not coming here to shop. Men don’t like to shop. They’re coming here to get an experience and when they leave, they don’t just have clothes like when they get it off the rack somewhere else; they know how to wear them, what occasion they’re most appropriate for, etc. I think that was really important and missing in the market place, so that’s what we set out to do: empowering people to dress better. Not only by giving them better clothes and better style, but teaching them how they can pull it off. Did you always want to become an entrepreneur? Was that your plan throughout university? Yes. I didn’t know much about what it was, but that’s what I knew I wanted to do. It was very much true business. I mean, whatever you study is great – but I loved sports, I still love sports, so I like this analogy a lot: I’m not a professional athlete, but I like that concept of you go to practice, you get coached, you train physically for endurance, strength, speed, agility, and after you create all these skill sets, on the field is where you pull it all together. I think, without sounding politically incorrect, I’m very passionate about young people fully applying themselves. I want them to really understand, and this is how I was raised, that you can learn anything you want to learn and apply it as well. I think I identified that early on. Also, everybody that I met that was an entrepreneur lived a pretty cool lifestyle – the way they wanted to live was congruent with the way they were living.
MADE’s had several big name clients in the past, and one of the most recent ones was Amir Johnson. What was that like? I’m a huge Raptors fan, and everybody on the team is a huge Raptors fan, so it’s just been so exciting that we were able to have him in. He’s a great person to collaborate with, and he was very down to earth. I think he definitely showed that we can measure for a variety of people, which is great. The two main things it really showed was that we can measure ANY body type – it also showed off some of the styles we were able to pull off, like the subtle nuances of the custom experience that we bring to every client we work with. That was the beauty of it, anything we did for Amir, we can do for other people. Even down to the vest, if people want to go down to that extent, people can have one. It was a great. What was it like being a startup in Toronto and what were the challenges that you guys faced? Every single one – I can’t even name one without making all the others seem insignificant. As a startup, you’re going to face challenges; whether it be cash flow, not knowing something, the challenge of facing challenges on a weekly basis or monthly basis and being tired or worked…that’s all normal. Being a startup in Toronto, in Canada, it’s not easy, and it’s not supposed to be easy. Because if it were, everybody would do it. But being in Canada and being in Toronto, I don’t think you could find another place in the world that could give you more of an advantage than here. You have lots of support networks, there’s a huge startup community in Toronto that you can really immerse yourself in and see what other people are doing, and I’ve been able to network with so many people. It’s fantastic what you can achieve, the people you can meet and who will support you. You’re in a hub here; you’re so close to so many universities, so many networks, it’s great. Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? Start early. You’ll find a hundred and one reasons as to why you shouldn’t start or why now’s not the right time. Start early, because everything starts at the beginning. Just get started. I always tell people to ask themselves: When you’ve really tried your absolute best, have you EVER failed? It was a very good friend that asked me
Interviewed by Jeffrey Ma Associate Writer, MESA
that a couple years ago and since then I can rarely find people who can tell me otherwise. That would be my advice.
What do you think is going to be the next big thing in men’s fashion? I don’t think there’s a next big thing. I guess custom is, but not necessarily just custom suits. Another thing, and this is pervasive in terms of fashion, is speed. Look at companies like H&M and Zara. While it might not be custom, the fact that there is a want or a trend, and then you respond to that; they’ve really got it ratcheted down to a science. Nowadays, with all sorts of manufacturing capabilities, whether it be 3-D printing or even generic machinery, you’re able to make more and more products but on an efficient scale so that it brings down the cost to be relatively accessible. The big trend is going to be customization, and in addition to that, how people apply that and integrating technology further and further into the experience. There will be some things that fail. Like your fridge, when they said your fridge could be connected to the internet – yeah, but don’t just put a computer on the front of the fridge. I mean if your clothes could tell you, or track what you’re wearing and be able to provide you with other things, I think that that will be huge. So those are the two things, customization and the integrated technology. Nowadays, everybody can get fashion. It’s very hard for people like Louis Vuitton to keep a margin or maintain some sort of image because it’s all becoming commoditized. That’s why I love what we do; you can’t really commoditize an experience, it’s a much more defendable thing. If you just make grey suits, you’re really only ever going to be competing on price. That’s just basic economics.
What one tip about dressing well could you give students? Fit. You don’t have to wear any colours or crazy accessories; just make sure your clothes fit. It’s symmetry. The eye will pick up on it and it just looks good. So it’s all really simple. Make sure your clothes fit – if they don’t, make sure you can tailor them at a good tailor, or get them to fit when you buy them. Or get them custom.
Interviewed by Wendy Tran Publications Manager, MESA
What does a typical day for the CEO of Damn Heels look like? Every day is a little different because I focus on so many different things. When I started, I was the only one running Damn Heels so my daily activities varied greatly- from designing, to sampling with manufacturers, to production, to marketing and to distribution and sales. It all depends on the selling season and what needs to be focused on. What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis? Organization definitely makes a big difference. It is a skill that you have to learn so you can set your priorities. It allows you to focus on what you need to work on. It was a skill that I really needed to learn. I realized that if I wasn’t organized and if I hadn’t set my priorities, I would feel really scattered brain because there were so many different things that needed to be worked on at the same time. What led you to where you are today? I started Damn Heels right out of university. The day I wrote my final exam was the date I launched Damn Heels to market. Everything with Damn Heels was a learning experience and I learned everyday as I went on. What does Damn Heels do to handle emerging competitors? As soon as we launched, a lot of our competitors hit market as well. There are both pros and cons to having competitors. Through competition, we improved our product and customer service. What’s your greatest fear as an entrepreneur? A lot of energy, time, and money is put into developing a business and the greatest fear as an entrepreneur is not knowing whether or not you’ll be profitable. Persistence and believing in my idea was what made me overcome the overwhelming fear of uncertainty. What advice would you give to students who want to become entrepreneurs? Just go for it, enjoy the process, and surround yourself with great people such as mentors and advisors.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received? Know when it is time to shut it down for a day. When you’re starting a business, a lot of people work continuously because they feel that if you’re not working, you’re not being productive. But you really do need some down time to clear your mind, focus and have time with your friends and family.
Anna How
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Design Associate, MESA
et’s face it – a scarf is a necessity. Not only does it keep you warm during the winter, it also makes you look ten times more fashionable (even if you have no fashion sense). The thing about scarves is that they never get out of style and can be worn in any season. But did you know that a scarf can do so much more than just keeping your neck company? Here are some creative uses for you old-school scarf wearers out there:
With just a piece of fabric and some tying techniques, you can produce a stylish shirt in less than a minute and the best part is that no sewing is required! Another option is to wear your scarf as a skirt. If you happen to have an oversized scarf, turn it into a dress! Just make sure to wear something under your DIY piece in case a fashion emergency decides to present itself (you know what I’m talking about).
Do you own a shirt or dress that is just too plain? Well, don’t give up on it just yet. You can enhance your outfit by tying a scarf around your waist and voilà, problem solved! Compared to a regular belt, you can wear a scarf belt in a variety of styles. The different ways you tie your scarf belt can change your outfit completely and make you look more feminine (especially with a floral print scarf ).
You wake up one morning and your hair is a mess. Don’t fret, there’s a solution to help fix that bad hair day. You can camouflage it by simply tying a scarf around your head or if you want to be even more creative, use the scarf as a hair band or a hair tie. You can also add colour to your hairstyle by braiding your hair with a scarf. This can fool people into thinking that you put lots of effort when you really didn’t!
Perhaps you’re heading somewhere and you realize that you did not bring a handbag with you. You can go on without one or even better, you can create one! To do this, all you need is a scarf (hopefully you’re wearing one at the time) and knowing how to tie a knot. In next to no time, you’ll be able to create a hobo bag out of a scarf. Your new handbag is perfect for many occasions, from shopping to attending a party. If your scarf is large enough, you can also make a sling handbag.
No, you don’t need to be spending money on custom camera straps; instead, consider making one yourself by using a scarf. It can do the job just as well and with a cheaper price too. Your scarf now serves you in multiple ways – it holds your camera, keeps you warm, and completes your outfit. On your next vacation, your new stylish camera strap will surely be turning heads!
Profbook
...with Professor Montes Interviewed by Inez Huang Publications Manager, MESA
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amantha Montes is an Assistant Professor of Organizational Behaviour and HR Management. Her research focuses on the employee-employer relationship. Check www.mesa.ca for the full interview! What is one thing that students would be surprised to learn about you? I am an adrenaline junkie. I LOVE to try any physical activity that makes my heart race—the scarier, the better! I make it a point to do at least one ‘extreme’ type of activity on every trip I take (e.g. spelunking in Australia, ziplining at Bootleg Canyon, quading in the Valley of Fire). What is your favourite course to teach? I am currently teaching the International Organizational Behavior course in our new MIB (Management & International Business Co-op) program. Everything seems to have come together to make this one of the most exciting teaching experiences I have had to date. The students are highly engaged, motivated, and interesting, the topic area is one that I am genuinely passionate about, and the novelty of this course allows for a level of flexibility that facilitates creativity and the opportunity to explore topics in a meaningful way. I’m having a blast with this course. Since our current issue focuses on fashion, what is your favourite store to shop at? Sadly, I’m not much of a fashionista. I was actually quite a ‘tomboy’ growing up. So, I will definitely have to read this issue for some tips! Having said that, my favourite store to shop at is probably Mexx. They tend to have some pretty unique pieces, which is what attracts me to the store.
What is something about being a professor that you did not expect until you began teaching? I did not expect that students would recognize the ‘extra’ efforts that I engage in to ensure a positive learning experience for them. I was fortunate to have some pretty amazing professors when I was in university. I have tried to model their energy, their high expectations, and their support in my own teaching. Honestly, it can be very challenging at times but I believe it is important, so I dedicate a lot to my teaching. Each term, when I get back my student evaluations, I am genuinely touched by student comments about how much my enthusiasm contributed to their learning experience, about how much they appreciated me pushing them, and about their plans to apply what they’ve learned in their careers. I continue to hear from students who are now well established in their careers and have been successfully recognized or promoted because they applied the knowledge and skills they learned in OB. . . I never expected that I would ever have this sort of impact on students; it brings me tremendous joy. What is one piece of advice you feel every student should follow? Take personal responsibility. I cannot tell you how important this is in life. Whether for an accomplishment or a mistake, I believe taking responsibility for one’s actions and situation is essential to personal wellbeing. Too often people lay blame on others for their own negative situation; blaming someone else will not change the situation, nor will it prevent it or something similar from happening again in the future. Likewise, when people fail to feel good about (and yes, I’ll say it, be PROUD of ) their accomplishments or when they attribute their accomplishments to some external cause instead of personal effort, they rob themselves of important opportunities to build esteem, confidence, and personal satisfaction. We all need to take ownership of our choices, good or bad.
Guest Writers UTSC Students
"As soon as the weather gets warm, my summer go-to outfit is a strapless sweetheart dress that hits right above the knee. I always wear a dress like this in one solid colour, allowing me to dress it up or down. Pair this dress with either flip flops or leather sandals to match the occasion. Add a necklace and a light cardigan and you have the perfect date night outfit or simply wear as is and hit the beach. This is a simple and sweet dress that is a must to achieve that natural, classic look." -Tiffany Kwong, 3rd Year Student
"The maxi dress has got to be my favourite summer outfit! Be it a vibrant tribal print maxi for a summer street festival or a strapless sheer chiffon black maxi for an evening party. These versatile dresses are comfortable and attractive at the same time! Spice up these dresses with some metallic accessories like a gold belt, silver bangles or bronze earrings. Becoming a diva can't get easier!" -Simran Manghirmalani, 1st Year Student
"My favourite summer outfit is definitely the floral crop top with skater skirts from the Bethany Mota collection at Aeropostal. I love her style and this outfit is great for any occasion. I would also wear a jean jacket on top to spice up the outfit. A pair of ankle boots will also go well with this outfit!" - Cannise Tang, 1st Year Student