The Next Star

Today I visited the set of the television show The Next Star which is in its second season. It is produced by Tricon Films and Television and airs on YTV. Since the main audience for the show is kids, it was a fun and relaxed trip to the set.

The show’s concept is similar to that of the Idol franchise as a cross-country talent search is held. The 3 judges give golden tickets to those who give the best singing auditions and demonstrate star potential.

I went to the studio in Toronto to coach the finalists on having powerful presence on stage and off. I also gave them tips to help hem prepare for the spotlight and their careers as artists. It was part of an episode in which the young singers are given tips by various experts on the tricks of the trade.

I advised the finalists in a group setting in their rock and roll themed lounge. They were wonderful, personable and it was a pleasure to meet and work with them. Adamo, the host is hilarious and sweet. He helped to make the experience a fun one!

We discussed many topics but I gave them my top 3 keys for making fabulous first impressions and achieving star caliber style. Without elaborating here (more to come in a future article), these can apply to anyone:

1. Always be professional - set goals & hone your communications skills, etiquette

2. Show us your personality – show congruency between on-stage and off-stage messages

3. Have confidence in yourself & be able to communicate this to your audience

The purpose of this is of course to execute your branding well so you can build strong rapport with your audiences.

The Next Star Host: Adamo Ruggeiro
Judges: Steve Cranwell, Suzie McNeil, Christopher Ward

Radio Interview with Image Industry Leader Karen Brunger

Karen Brunger recently concluded her term as International President of AICI (Association of Image Consultants International). She is a true industry innovator and will continue to lead in other capacities.

I conducted her exit interview yesterday on the AICI Live show on Blog Talk Radio. We reviewed highlights of the past few years and Karen shared insights on the state of the image industry today.

LISTEN to the interview online or download it here: AICI Live show page

If you are curious about the industry and the image consulting profession this interview will benefit you.

Karen recently celebrated her 25th year in business. It was a pleasure and privilege to interview her at this time. In my opinion she is one of the very top consultants in the world.

More information on Karen Brunger can be found on her website www.imageinstitute.com

2nd Annual Presentation + Private Shopping Night at BR

Last week I presented at the second annual young alumni event put on in Toronto by McMaster University and Guelph University. The night was sponsored by the Bank of Montreal and held at the flagship Banana Republic store on Bloor Street.

The main feature of the presentation was a brief fashion show during which I demonstrated outer transformations on 4 models from varied professional backgrounds. I also showed the crowd my personal picks for most versatile clothing pieces for the pre-fall retail season.

The event was a great success as we once again had a store full of attendees who watched the presentation and enjoyed a private shopping night. Thank you to the store, the sponsor, the models and the organizers Lori Moulden and Mary-Ann Moroz.

It was a great night, see you next year!

Special Announcement: Zayna Mosam Image Consulting is Moving

I am very excited to announce that I will be moving my office to the Toronto Fashion Incubator on August 1, 2009!

I have loved my time at the beautiful space I had for three years on Duncan St. as well as the most recent office on King St. West. It is time for a change and time to expand the business once again. TFI is the perfect place for me to do this.

TFI is an organization very well known to the fashion community. Members of TFI include Canadian designers new and established, retailers and agencies.

Susan Langdon serves as the Executive Director of TFI. Her reputation proceeds her and now that we have met a few times I can say that I am extremely pleased to know her and to be a part of the place she runs and nurtures so well.

I have many plans for my upcoming time at TFI. For instance, I will be further developing relations with Canadian designers in order to provide more customized style based services to current and future clients.

The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI)