vedsheek-blog

[vedsheek-blog]

Thanking our Women in Business

Now that summer has come to an end and there is crisp breeze in the air I have to say my Women in Business Series has come to an end. We had an amazing summer meeting and getting to know different women entrepreneurs who are all experts in their own field. I was honored more than anything to be surrounded by these boss ladies. To celebrate them all we had champagne filled celebration at the Women’s Mecca, thanks to our friends at Trius Wines we were sipping on some amazing Rose and our ladies sweet tooth were satisfied by lovely desserts by Nugateau located on Queen, the ladies even had their own custom Cotton Candy to take home. After a sugar filled celebration we sent the ladies home with small gifts designed by the ladies at Sheek PR and VedSheek just to show our appreciation.

Celebrating these amazing women is just not enough, keep in mind some of our WIB ladies are local Toronto businesses so make sure you check them out and support these lovely ladies. Some of our featured ladies included the founder of our favourite canadian sandal brand TKEES, The Eyebrow Queen from Rebel & Beauty and ofcourse we cannot forget Bahareh the founder of the Women’s Mecca.

Till the next WIB series.

Ved Sheek

XOXO

[vedsheek-blog]

Women in Business Series

Carly Burnett - TKees

While on vacation asking in the sun an idea sparked her creativity. She decided to start a sandal company unlike any other. Creating a flip-flop so minimal the difference between them on and off would be almost indiscernible. The world of TKEEs is beyond the product. It awakens the feeling of escape, to travel far enough that you meet yourself. Create a life worth living, a life full of moments that are unforgettable.

Q&A

Q. Who inspires you?

Strong confident women.

Q. Where did you get your start?

When I went to The School of Visual Arts in New York, it really solidified my need to be creative in my career. I feel like my life began there.

Q. One lesson you wish you could tell/teach yourself from 5-10 years ago?

Grow a set of balls.

Q. Give one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, in life and business.

Quitting is not an option.

Q. Greatest Challenge you faced as you started out?

Not knowing what I was doing. It was all new territory.

Q.iPhone? Android? Blackberry?

iPhone.

Q. Three things you can’t live without?

My family, Track Fitness, TKEES ☺

Q. Favorite place to dine? Drink? Dance?

At home with my family.

Q. What unwinds you/or disconnects you from the crazy world of your business? (can be a place or activity, or both)

Track Fitness everyday, foot rubs, and Tito’s with soda.

Q. Starbucks or Tim Hortons?

Starbucks

Q. Fun Fact about yourself that others may not know.

I love walking on my hands.

Q. What’s playing on your iPod/playlist right now?

Dead Prez,  Beastie Boys, Coldplay

 Q. what makes your business stand up and stand out? (how/what you kept your business running and expanding)

We’re authentic, always staying true to our core values. Building an amazing team/TKEES family.

Q. The story behind TKees is almost like a fairytale, what truly was your favorite part of creating TKees?

There have been so many special moments. At the beginning it was all about creating this perfectly barely there sandal that took away all distractions. Creating the first TKEES and seeing the excitement other women felt over the product was a pretty amazing feeling.

For more on Tkees, visit https://tkees.com/, find them on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/TKEES/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LOVETKEES and email them at info@tkees.com .

Xo- 

[vedsheek-blog]

Women in Business Series

Natasha Geddes - The September

The September is dedicated to making your online shopping experience exceptional. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means that shipping and returns are complimentary within Canada. The September also proudly frees its Canadian clientele from the burden of additional duty charges. Moreover, it offers the convenience of browsing an expertly curated selection of the designers you know and love, as well as up-and-coming brands destined to become new classics. Shop The September just once and you will see how it transforms your shoe shopping experience.

Q&A

Q. Who inspires you?

I draw inspiration from many different channels… My travels, my kids and other creative/entrepreneurial woman are always on the top of the list.

Q. Where did you get your start?

I was hired at Holt Renfrew in  2005 as an Assistant Buyer to Christine Carlton (now CEO and Founder of  The September), who was a Senior Buyer at the time!  So much had happened in between then and now but and we  circled back to working together 2 years ago and here we are!

Q. One lesson you wish you could tell/teach yourself from 5-10 years ago?

The honest answer would be: don’t have too many credit cards and work in fashion at the same time! BAD combination.

Q. Give one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, in life and business.

Talk to people, have the coffee meetings and ask the questions.  Get a good accountant and if you are lucky enough to find one, a mentor.

Q. Greatest achievement within your business?

Christine and I were featured in Footwear News last month but it’s really our everyday achievements (big and small) that keep us going.

Q. iPhone? Android? Blackberry?

iPhone come on ;)

Q. Favorite place to dine? Drink? Dance?

The Fifth everything.

Q. What unwinds you/or disconnects you from the crazy world of your business? (can be a place or activity, or both)

I love to cook and I workout every window I get (sometimes there is no window but I try!)

Q. Starbucks or Tim Hortons?

Neither, I make butter coffee at home in the morning and carry it with me all day.

If I’m in market and don’t have access to my beloved coffee, I would go Starbucks (only because they have almond milk)

Q. Fun Fact about yourself that others may not know.

I would love a part-time gig as a mascot. The type that are in full gear where you would never know it’s me.

Q. What’s playing on your iPod/playlist right now?

I’m a hip hop girl so anything from Nas to Drake but I love a good house track when working out.

Q. What makes your business stand up and stand out? (how/what you kept your business running and expanding)

Christine and I are extremely experienced and know the Canadian retail landscape inside-out. We’ve also both worked in the luxury industry our entire careers. These are two things that a luxury retailer cannot live without (contacts and experience is everything in this game).  What makes The September stand out, is the attention to detail in customer service and our beautiful product offering. There’s really nothing like shopping with us, if I do say so myself!

Q. Who is your go to designer for shoes that you find everyone loves, and what celebrity shoe game do you envy most?

I am a huge fan of Aquazzura and Alexandre Birman but I think Stuart Weitzman has done a great job in taking a classic, old school brand and gradually reinventing it into a must-have, celebrity/fashionista go-to. Love them all! But that’s my job.

For more on The September, visit https://www.theseptember.com, find them on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theseptemberinc and email them at customercare@theseptember.com. 

You can also find Natasha at https://www.instagram.com/tash_geddes/

Photos by: Eric Moniz

Xo-

[vedsheek-blog]

Women in Business Series

Olga Onulov - Rebel & Beauty

Olga Onulov is a brow and makeup artist based in Toronto with over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. As a self-taught artist, Olga’s work has been published and recognized internationally, which has allowed her to build and grow her prestigious clientele in major cities across North America.

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Focusing on precise guidelines and fine detailing, Olga gives each client a customized brow shape and design based on their unique features. Her technique ensures that regrowth can happen where necessary without disruption, giving the client the best brow as soon as possible.

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But the experience is about more than makeup and brows. Olga uses her art as a conduit for empowerment by educating, teaching and training beauty professionals across the country with her expertise being held as one of the most reputable in all of Canada.

Q&A

Q.  Who inspires you?

Inspiration lies everywhere for me.  Every corner I turn, every  window I look into I see means for inspiration-but most importantly I have to say my clients inspire me.  I have such an array of different types of women and men who come see me who push me, support me and inspire me along the way.

Q. One lesson you wish you could tell/teach yourself from 5-10 years ago?

I started to do brows 5 and a half years ago on a whim a few months after I moved to Toronto.  Makeup was my artistic background so when doing brows I was able to use the basic knowledge of facial structure and creating balance to help create the perfect brow on each individual.

Q. Give one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, in life and business.

I don't know if I would tell myself 5-10 yeArs ago anything.  I truly believe all of my lessons came as they should and when they should in order for all the dots to connect

Q. Greatest Challenge you faced as you started out?

My greatest challenge starting out would have been trusting in myself and believing in my value as an artist

Q. iPhone? Android? Blackberry?

IPHONE all day every day.  

Q. Three things you can’t live without?

3 things I can't live without would be

1) Music

2) Pizza

3) My circle of family and friends

Q. Favorite place to dine? Drink? Dance?

This is a hard question.  I love to dine and I love to dance and our amazing city has so many cool places to do both.  I love trying little independent restaurants around the city - obviously.   3 Hands is an awesome new spot on Dundas with amazing unique food and AWESOME beats. I will always love BENT, also on Dundas.

I love a good dance party at parts and labour - I've never had a bad time.

Q. What unwinds you/or disconnects you from the crazy world of your business? (can be a place or activity, or both)

Unwinding is a huge part of what makes me able to perform my best on a consistent basis.  My unwinding consists of being ALONE. Candles, incense, and some hip hop is trio of things I need to get let unwinding begin.  

Q. Fun Fact about yourself that others may not know.

Fun fact - there is. Literally not  enough black pepper in the world to satisfy me.

Q. What’s playing on your iPod/playlist right now?

Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Nas

Q. What makes your business stand up and stand out? (how/what you kept your business running and expanding)

Focusing on precise guidelines and fine detailing,  each client gets a customized brow shape and design based on their unique features. R+B's technique ensures that regrowth can happen where necessary without disruption, giving the client the best brow as soon as possible.  We make sure to discuss potential, best brow shapes for each individual as well as solutions going forward.  

For more on Rebel + Beauty, visit https://www.rebelandbeauty.com/, find them on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rebelandbeauty/ and email them at og@rebelandbeauty.com

Photos by: Eric Moniz

Xo-

[vedsheek-blog]

Women in Business Series

Priscilla Medeiros & Melissa Virdo  - All Dolled Up TO

All Dolled Up knows that true beauty comes from inside — with the help of a little hairspray and lipstick. While Coco Chanel was all about glamour, the modern gal doesn’t always have time for that. A fabulously one-stop mobile beauty shop, All Dolled Up brings the glam squad to you with class and sass.

All Dolled Up founders Priscilla and Melissa have a combined 20 years in the beauty industry and have been best friends for just as long. The dazzling duo left successful careers (Priscilla owned a busy downtown Toronto hair salon, Melissa was a popular make-up artist and educator) and combined their talents to launch All Dolled Up. 

Q&A

Q.  Who inspires you?

P - Motivational Speaker such as Jack Canfield, Wayne Dyer, Abraham Hicks

M - When it comes to makeup and style I have so many influences.  But my biggest is Audrey Hepburn because she is classic and timeless.  And also Chiara Ferragni, The Blonde Salad, she always has her pulse on the trend of fashion.

Q. One lesson you wish you could tell/teach yourself from 5-10 years ago?

P - To always trust your inner self

M - To not sweat the small stuff.  I am still teaching myself that.  Things will happen no matter how much planning you do so learn to go with them.

Q. Give one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, in life and business.

P - Collect as much information as possible and follow your passions

M - NEVER GIVE UP.  No matter how many time you feel defeated just keep pushing and things will work out somehow or you will learn from it and be able to use that the next time.

Q. Greatest Challenge you faced as you started out?

P - Fear of Failure

M - To make our name stand out from the rest.  We wanted ppl to know we where more than just a hair and makeup team we what ppl to resonate with our style and feel our passion for what we do.

Q. Greatest achievement within your business?

P - Coming from little knowledge of being an owner, manager to growing my business and my mind set to a better me

M - Having your work published and credited

Q. iPhone? Android? Blackberry?

P - Android

M - Iphone

Q. Three things you can’t live without?

P - My daughter, friends, family (coffee) lol

M - Mascara, chocolate and my mom lol

Q. Favorite place to dine? Drink? Dance?

P - The Drake Hotel upstairs patio 

M - I love Canoe in Toronto.  Pinot G.  Anywhere with good music

Q. What unwinds you/or disconnects you from the crazy world of your business? (can be a place or activity, or both)

P - Going somewhere warm. Being with Nature

M - Singing and listening to good music.

Q. Fun Fact about yourself that others may not know.

M - I have an elf ear lol

Q. What’s playing on your iPod/playlist right now?

M - Goo Goo Dolls and Harry Styles

Q. What makes your business stand up and stand out? (how/what you kept your business running and expanding)

M - Priscilla and I are all about making the client feel like a queen on their big day. We are not just your glam team we are your complete head to toe styling team who keeps up on the latest trends and fashions within our industry.

Q. What are some up and coming or unique hair trends and make up trends that are coming our way?

M - For Makeup there is so many coming our way this summer.  The naked skin is huge right now.  The fact of having foundation on but without looking like you are.  Glitter is also coming back and hard! On the lips the eyes.   And the classic bold red lip is always in fashion.  You will also see a lot of blush colours coming into play not just on the cheeks but lids too.

For more on All Dolled Up, visit http://www.alldolledupto.com, find them on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/alldolledupto and email them at info@alldolledupto.com

Photos by: Eric Moniz 

Xo-

[vedsheek-blog]

Women in Business Series

Bahareh Azimi - The Women’s Mecca

The Women’s Mecca is a shared  work space, event space and community for women to come together, share ideas and work toward furthering career goals. The Mecca is a stepping stone towards the right business direction.

Q&A

Q. Who inspires you?

All of my girlfriends. They are exceptional women who kick every obstacles ass, make their own paths, support any women who needs it, while always looking amazing.

Q. One lesson you wish you could tell/teach yourself from 5-10 ago?




Just one?Patience Iago- (From Aladdin)

      Q. Give one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, in life and business.


Celebrate every single win, from the tiniest ones to the massive ones. As entrepreneurs the main reward is seeing your vision come to fruition, if you don’t take time to notice that you’re making it happen that vision becomes blurred.

 Q. Greatest Challenge you faced as you started out? 


When experiencing a setback I would question myself and whether I could do this. It played with my confidence- ultimately they made me stronger & even more sure of my purpose.

    Q. What is the greatest achievement within your business?

Hearing that people are benefiting from what I’m putting out there.

Q. Three things you can’t live without? 




Family (chosen & biological), my fur baby Harlow & Designer shoes.

Q. Favorite place to dine?

My absolute favorite place to go is this somewhat hidden gem, F’Amelia.

Q. Favorite place to drink?




Colette used to be my favorite but all my fave bartenders are at the Chase so I guess I have to start going there.

Q. What unwinds you/or disconnects you from the crazy world of your business? (can be a place or activity, or both)




So horrible but reality t.v, it’s like novacane for your brain. Other than that spending time with my Goddaughter Ava, really makes me appreciate things like the how amazing strawberries really are.

Q.  Fun Fact about yourself that others may not know.


I am quite the general contractor.

Q. What’s playing on your iPod/playlist right now?

Lo-fi hip hop & Trap mixed with a dash of Frank Ocean type vibes.

Q. What makes your business stand up and stand out?


We make it personal.  

Q. What is the concept behind the Women’s Mecca and why did you start such a space?




Like every great concept it came out of need. My girlfriends and I needed an office space so we could separate home/work life & craved an inspirational space. More than that we loved the infectious energy that is created when great women come together in the same environment. Two weeks later I found a space that spoke to me and the rest is history as they say. It certainly evolved from where it started & that stemmed from really listening to what women needed, wanted, liked, & disliked. I believe one of our strongest tools is listening to what our audience has to say, after all you’re doing it for them.

For more on The Women’s Mecca, visit http://www.wmecca.com/, find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/womensmecca/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/womensmecca/

Xo- 

[vedsheek-blog]

Women in Business Series

When people ask me who inspires and motivates me, I always say my hard working mother; however recently I have been surrounded by some beautiful, strong and entrepreneurial women that I am happy to have in my life and call my friends. They are the reason Ved Sheek is launching the Women in Business Series, #SheekWiB

These women are bold, sexy, motivational and so much more, they may all come from all different career paths but one thing they all have in common is they are BOSSES.  Every week from May into June we will be posting about one of our amazing ladies, you will get a chance to read about their companies and get to know them and I am sure all of our readers will be able to relate to them.

We can’t tell you exactly who will be in our series, (that’s our surprise!!), however, you should know we have a mix of women in the world of Fashion, Hair, Beauty, Events and maybe even someone who I look up into in the PR industry.

This is going to be one of my favourite pieces to launch on the Ved Sheek platform and can’t wait for you get to know these lovely ladies.

Xo- 

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Ved Sheek Travels - City of Angels

(Wearing Dita Talon Two Sunglasses from Spectacle.)

Most recently the SHEEK GIRLS travelled to sunny Los Angeles for a little bit of work and a little bit of play (or maybe a lot of play).

(Luggage C/O Rimowa)

Before any work trip I always have a regime; the hair needs to look right, the skin needs to be glowing and I have to make sure my luggage is always stylish. Thanks to my ladies at HAIR BY BANKS,  they put some loving in my locks and made sure my hair was ready for the sun. They gave me one of the best hair washes I have had a in a long time and glossed it up with a Hair Mask by a company called ColorProof, which is vegan and sulfate, gluten and paraben free. 

(HAIR BY BANKS, 783 Queen Street West)

Brittney, the owner of HAIR BY BANKS, asked if I had tried a spray tan, and although I was a little hesitant at first, Emily from Bronzed by Bloom gave me that natural glow California glow. Emily explained her products are also vegan and organic. All-in-all Hair by Banks was the ultimate place to go to be ready for this trip.

While in L.A. our team was getting ready for the grand opening of Beauty Bar - West Hollywood, but we had to make some time to check out some of L.A’s “hot spots”. Dinner at The Nice Guy and one of my favs Cecconi’s, drinks at Delilah and of course amazing music at Sky Bar located at the Mondrian Hotel, which was our home for the week.

Our home away from home for the week, the Mondrian WE-HO, was the perfect location with what became my favourite brunch spot, Ivory on Sunset (and yes I did have breakfast here EVERYDAY! Why go anywhere else?).

One of the highlights from this trip has to be us walking along Melrose and visiting the beautiful Restoration Hardware store that had a hidden gem - a roof top patio with a view that will truly take your breath away.

With all the fun we were having it was time for the big event, which is why the Ved Sheek and Sheek PR team were in L.A. We had the chance to work with Melissa Andre Events on the opening of Beauty Bar West Hollywood. It was the first time my PR agency had done an event in Los Angeles and it was a night to remember! Cocktails by Titos and Virginia Black, the best food, gorgeous guests, beautiful décor and a lot of fun. 

With a successful trip to La La Land a fabulous event for our clients at Beauty Bar this is just a taste of whats more to come for the ladies of Ved Sheek and Sheek PR. Be on the look out for more travels and expansion as we travel to New York, Miami, Florence and more surprises to come.

Xo-

[vedsheek-blog]

New York! New York!

Recently I was in the big apple for the Liberty Fairs Trade Show. Work is always the reason I travel to New York; this time the city brought a smile back to my face which was lost a little.

After 3 days of meetings, walking the show, showcases and appointments I got some time to myself in a city that I adore;  I walked around the city for hours, going to different cafes, visiting different areas and enjoying one night alone at the Time Hotel.

I woke up and said to myself why don’t I live here?

The city truly never sleeps and that’s what I love. There is so much hustle and bustle here, which some people don’t like, but I get an adrenaline rush from it. The high energy, the fast paced environment, the fashion, the lifestyle, it’s something I can see myself adapting to. There is such diversity and aspiration in New York, people really do come here to follow their hearts and their dreams.

I have always had positive experiences in the Big Apple, not once have I come back and said anything negative about NYC. I have made some amazing friends in the city, made some clients and am slowly starting to make a name for myself there. I have a long list of my favourite places but I wont bore you all with my directory, however some of my go-to’s are Carbone, which is one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to, The Blond at the Howard Hotel for some drinks with friends and a great vibe. My favourite place to walk around and shop has to be Soho, I could truly spend hours walking into Helmut Lang, Del Toro and end my day by getting a box of macaroons at Lauduree.

From the moment I started working in PR, I knew New York would be a place I would want to establish myself one day. Toronto was always a stepping-stone for me and a good one at that but New York has always had a special place in my heart. I want to be able to establish a name for my agency in New York for sure, I want to be able to call it home one day and yes, it’s a big goal but that just means I need to work harder, probably sleep less, be seen there more and one day say I am a New Yorker…

A message to the concrete jungle where dreams are made of.. I am coming for you…

Xo-

[vedsheek-blog]

What’s your love language?

On the day of “Love” it’s only fitting I am writing a post on finding out your love language and discovering your partners love language. This seems like an easy task, however, from experience it is definitely harder than it looks. Recently friends of mine told me about a book called The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman and I was fascinated by what I discovered about myself. (and past partners!)

I can sit here and say I wish I read the book before or wish I did things differently for my past relationships to work, but the world does not work that way. I will be honest, the book came into my life at the perfect time, because I need to realize my love language before I can figure out his. If you can’t express your own feelings, it will be very hard to appreciate someone else’s feelings in your relationship.

You may think you know your partners love language, however, I made the mistake of assuming. Then I made the mistake of trying to figure it out on my own which caused frustration and lead to fights, negative energy, and in the end a separation. For a while was ashamed in talking about this, but I realize one of my issues was not communicating in a proper way and now I recognize that.

The book talks about expressing & experiencing love in different ways, and how people feel loved in different ways. These different ways are the five “love languages”. The five “languages” are:

Words of Affirmation

Quality Time

Receiving Gifts

Acts of Service

Physical Touch

I never really looked at love this way in my relationship. I now realize that your partner feels loved when the other partner expresses love in the language that is natural to him or her. I failed to do this and expressed love how I wanted to and the message was not received, which led to failure of a relationship.

I don’t just have one love language, I have a two - Words of Affirmation and Receiving Gifts. The words can be as simple as I love you and gifts can be as simple as a flower picked from the garden. Why was it so hard for me to express that? Why was it so hard for me to understand that his love language was Quality Time and Acts of Service? I now know my and my past partners language, because I think about all the past times there was a complaint or argument and realize, “Wow all he wanted was some quality time with me” and I needed to express I wanted to hear simple words like “Vedika you’re amazing”.

Self knowledge and the reflection of yourself must be understood. This is crucial, before entering into any relationship, especially when you want the relationship to grow. You cannot understand your partners language if you do not even understand your own. 

So on this day of love I hope everyone can express to their partner what their love language is. 

Xo-

(Photo: Pedro Marques)

[vedsheek-blog]

Inside my Beauty Travel Bag

PR girls are always travelling and most of the time we need to pack light for events like trade shows, a quick fashion week trip or to  visit a client in a different city. We have to be organized and remember to never OVERPACK!! (I know I know for fashionistas this can be hard.) This time I was heading to Liberty Fairs in New York  and I managed to pack all my beauty needs in one small Christian Lacroix toiletry bag. Bear in mind I never leave without these essentials.

Starting with my skin care, one thing we always forget is making sure our skin stays hydrated and glowing at all times. Starting with my hands; I am constantly shaking hands and typing away on emails so my hands get dry, however I can count on my Deciem Hand Chemistry to keep them feeling soft.(http://chemistrybrand.com)

Before application of my makeup I use these go to products: The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil (http://ordinaries.com/), Belif The True cream (www.belifcosmetic.com) and The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer. (http://ordinaries.com/)

Now for makeup, girls always think you have to take everything in your vanity on a work trip, but remember you are working you don’t want to over do it and you want to look natural. This time around I had my top 4 products that were a must on this trip, and yes ONLY 4.

The Perfect CC Cream- The Luminessence CC cream by Armani (http://armanibeauty.com), which also acts like a moisturizer for your skin. I use the NARS Radiant creamy concealers (www.narscosmetics.com), which comes in a range of colours 

One of the best products in my make up collection right now is the Charlotte Tilbury Seductive Palette (www.charlottetilbury.com). This has everything from eye colours, a bronzer, highlight and a blush colour. Last my fave mascara on the market right now is the Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes (www.charlottetilbury.com), and yes it comes in a Travel Size ;).

Now ladies I know its hard when you have to pack everything into a carry on and there are all these “rules” for bottle sizes. The best purchase I ever made was my Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne (www.jomalone.com) and yes it comes in a 30ML, perfect for any short trip!

I have said it before and I will say it again the best carry on and the one I cannot leave without is the handy Rimowa- Topas Cabin MultiWheel.(http://www.rimowa.com)

I’ve always been a victim of overpacking, but on this trip I think I finally have my beauty regime down pat, and might leave most of these products in my toiletry bag for my next adventure.

Xo-

[vedsheek-blog]

Ved Sheek Guide to YVR

(Photo: Sayde Burgers)

It is official! I am once again in love with Vancouver. I had such a wonderful time travelling back to the city that I was raised in; I just see it in a different light now. People always tell me how gorgeous and stunning Vancouver is, however, I never saw it that way untll now. With all the amazing restaurants, boutiques, and hotels, Vancouver is a destination for the explorers.

Should you want to head to the west coast, get some fresh air and be able to see the mountains from your window, here is my guide to Vancouver:

Even though I am from Vancouver, I had the chance to experience a short and sweet stay at The Loden Hotel, situated in the gorgeous Coal Harbour. From the staff to the décor and of course the beautiful rooms this is going to be my new home away from home. Also for those of you traveling with your fury friends The Loden welcome pets with open arms.

(Photo: One Sip at a Time)

If you are in the search of a quiet, well-designed and private location The Loden is perfect and for those of who are looking to stay a little longer, I recommend the Halo Suite. 

Dining at The Loden: Tableau Bar Bistro  

Located in the hotel lobby, this award winning bar bistro  has now become a favourite of mine. The menu offers todays take on traditional French Bistro cuisine.

What we ate:

To start we had an amazing charcuterie board, the cheese melted in our mouths and the cured meat was perfection. I then had the Steak Frites and Moules Frites and of course we had to try the Risotto feature for that evening which was made with butternut squash and lobster.  I wanted to say I was full but with our main dishes being exceptionally delicious we had to try the dessert …. I think the Ginger Crème Brulee was gone in 3 bites.

What we drank:

My drink of choice was a dirty vodka martini with extra olives. Vodka of choice: Kettle One (They knew exactly how to make it).

Growing up in Vancouver I never really ventured out to Chinatown, however this time I got a chance to dine in this historic part of the city at Sai Woo. Sai Woo had a casual vibe with delicious Asian fusion dishes, which were made for sharing and the perfect place for my ladies and I to dine and catch up.

What we ate:

To start we dived into the Wok Fried Chicken Wings ($14.00) and Woo Dumplings ($13.00)

We then were served Wok Fried Beans + Mushrooms ($13.00) and The Fried Cauliflower (Which was one of my favorites) ($13.00).

One of Sai Woo’s ‘Staple’ Dishes we could not get enough of was the Szechuan Ginger Beef ($18.00) and who doesn’t love Noodles…and at Sai Woo the Hakka Noodles are a perfect dish to pair with your veggies and meats ($16.00).

Now since we all know I especially have a sweet tooth we couldn’t leave without trying the Amaretto Chocolate Mousse ($10.00)

What We drank:

(Photo: Sai Woo)

Sai Woo Sour  

The Ann May

The Smoking Gun

(Photo: Sai Woo)

I have to be honest shopping in Vancouver was always a hit and miss however things have changed in the last 5 years. I was strolling down Alberni Street, which reminded me of 5th ave in New York, any high-end boutique you could think of had moved into this high-end street. Saint Laurent Lovers say no more the new Saint Laurent Store is breathtaking. On this luxury strip you will also find Chanel, Tory Burch, Monclear, Escada, and many more are rumoured to open up. This is a street facelift I can get used to.

(Photo: Laduree)

Could not leave Vancouver without visiting my all time favourite Laduree, to get a taste of Paris.

Every macaroon lover knows Laduree, every girl who dreams of their delicious desserts knows of Laduree and everyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE Laduree.

I jumped for joy when I found out they were opening up one in Vancouver!  I think the first thing I did when I found out was call my mom and told her to wait in the crazy line and ship me 100 macaroons - I’m still waiting...

Laduree opened their doors to their first Canadian location in Vancouver located on Robson Street (1141 Robson St, Vancouver BC V6E 1B5). Right before heading back to the 6ix I made it a point to get a dozen macaroons.

(Photo: Laduree)

Flavours you must try:

Pistachio

Rose

Salted Caramel

Blackcurrant Violet

This trip was just perfect and the weather wasn’t bad either... till next time Vancouver.

(Photo: One Sip at a Time)

Xo-

[vedsheek-blog]

Holiday Packing Guide

Love it or hate it, you aren’t going anywhere without packing your bags first and one of the most important things to pack is your carry-on. I love packing, especially when I know I am going home (watch out Vancouver) for the Holidays. It has been far too long since I have travelled to a city I used to call home once and this time its extra special as I get to celebrate the holidays with my friends and family.

Packing comes naturally too me after all our work trips, fashion weeks and trade shows and one thing you always need to remember is never forget in your carry on are the ESSENTIALS. Chargers, winter gloves, and some fun reading material, iPad and a few other goodies you can all read about. The most important tip I can give you after travelling for many years is always dress comfortable yet be ready for anything once you TOUCH DOWN…

My Travelling Outfit:

Sunglasses: Celine 41391/S Mirrored Aviators - Available from Spectacle 

Coat: HSG Furs

Sweatpants: Lazypants – The John Super Drop Crotch 

Carry On: Rimowa Topas Titanium Cabin Multiwheel

Purse: Prada Tote

Shoes: Adidas NMD

Hair Styled Courtesy of: Spark’s Salon on King

One of my favourite holiday memories is wrapping gifts; I love all the different wrapping paper and ribbons and this year I am thankful to Palettera for these custom cards for my friends and family. While on the plane I will be writing out my holiday cards to my loved ones ;) I do have 4.5 hours of flying time.

Getting a little bored of all the plane movies? I hear you! This is why I always pack some good reading material.  Courtesy of Chapters Indigo, I will be reading Capture Your Style by a fellow fashionista, Aimee Song.  

Having the perfect carry on is key to any successful trip, for me that perfect carry-on is the Rimowa Topas Titanium Cabin Multiwheel. I am all about the multiwheel, its easy to roll around in busy airports and it looks good too ;)

A carry-on is always where I store my essentials, and any last minute items you may need during your trip. All my chargers are packed here, my Givenchy bag that goes everywhere with me, my winter accessories (since someone told me Vancouver got snow - oddly enough), my iPad and my beauty products (You will get to know I am a PRODUCT JUNKIE!!)

In the winter you need to keep your skin hydrated and your hands moisturized. Thank god for my 24 KT Gold Face Mask by Radford Beauty, my Hand Chemistry from Deciem and my Calming Peppermint calming spray by Miyu Beauty.

I don’t leave anywhere without my medium Goyard clutch, I use it for my iPad mini and it can be used as an evening clutch.

Who says you don’t need sunglasses for the winter, these new Celine’s are what I call my Winter Aviators (Celine 41391/S Mirrored Aviators - Available from Spectacle ). 

Every girl needs that perfect black purpose and my current bag obsession is my mini Givenchy Antigonia.

Last but not least I never leave without a fresh cut from the master cutter himself, Matthew Ingraldi at Medulla & Co and my ladies who always have me covered at Sparks Salon on King for this killer blow out, now I am ready to get back home and ring in the Holidays with my loved ones.

All Photos by Elaine Fancy

Xo -

[vedsheek-blog]

The Ultimate Ved Sheek Holiday Gift Guide 2016

This year Ved Sheek and her team share the ‘sheek’ things they are hoping to give and receive this holiday season

The Ved Sheek team has chosen the perfect gifts for her and we never want to forget the guys in our life so we have some choices for the men in our lives.  We hope this guide will help you chose just the perfect gift for the people in your lives this season.

Happy Holidays

LuMee Duo iPhone Case - $69.95

Available from www.lumee.com

ChicBuds Luv Buds Earbuds - $14.99

Available from www.chicbuds.com

Apple Gold  Macbook -  $1649

Available from www.apple.com

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation - $68

Giorgio Armani BeautyEcstasy Lacquer - $43

Giorgio Armani BeautyEyes To Kill Mascara - $41

All available from www.armanibeauty.com

Le Labo Santal 33  Eau de Parfum - $175

Available from www.lelabofragrances.com

Rimowa Topas Titanium  Multiwheel 29″ - $1560

Available from www.rimowa.com

Apple Watch Hermès Series 2 Double Tour 38 mm - $1300

Available from www.hermes.com

Ban.Do Large Spiral “Very Busy” Agenda  - Ice Blue - $35

Available from www.chapters.indigo.ca

(Photo: Elaine Fancy)

Lazypants Geoffrey Drop Crotch Pants in Granite - $135

Lazypants Noah Hoodie in Granite - $149

Available from www.shoplazypants.com

(Photo: Elaine Fancy)

Christian Lacroix  Gold Paseo Pocket Notebook - $16

Christian Lacroix Neon Blue Paseo Midsize Notebook  - $12

Christian Lacroix Scarlet Paseo Large Notebook - $24

Available from www.galison.com

(Photo: Elaine Fancy)

Celine 41391/S Mirrored Aviators - $440

Available In Store from www.spectaclelovesyou.com

Jack Black Power Pack - $79

Available from www.getjackblack.ca

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau De Parfum - $225

Available from www.tomford.com

Bose SoundLink® Colour Bluetooth® speaker II - $149.99

Available from www.bose.ca

Garrett Leight California Optical Brooks - $475

Available from www.spectaclelovesyou.com

(Photo: Elaine Fancy)

Xo-

[vedsheek-blog]

Welcome to VedSheek.com

(Photo: Pedro Marques)

Welcome to VedSheek.com. Some of you may know me as the PR girl behind SheekPR and some of you know me as VedSheek, but today I want all of you to know the real me! With the love I have for fashion, style, beauty, and entertainment I want to now bring my knowledge to other young men and women in the industry. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to build my network with amazing designers, influencers, and media outlets and today I am sharing it all with you. Read below to learn all about the real VedSheek.

Why did I start blogging? 

Lets be honest, I am not a blogger. I just wanted a platform to talk about my experiences, my career, and my passions; hopefully my experiences and my knowledge can be a way for other young women (and men) to get into the fashion industry. I am all about keeping it real and this is a platform where everything will be authentic

Who is my greatest inspiration?

None other than my Mother

What are three things I can't live without?  

My frenchie Dolce. Coffee (Always need coffee). Friends & Family, these are the people who keep me going

Where is my go to brunch spot? 

Portland Variety 

Who are my 3 favourite designers? 

Alexander Wang. Givenchy. Helmut Lang.

What is my favourite colour? 

Black, every PR girls colour of choice

(Photo: George Pimentel)

What is the one piece EVERY girl needs in their closet?

Every girl needs the perfect little black dress in her closet

How did I become interested in fashion and why is it important? 

I’ve always had a passion for beautiful clothing, whether it is couture, runway or everyday style. I was exposed to fashion first hand at an early age when I attended the shows with my mom, I found it magical... I knew one day I wanted to make something of myself in this industry by helping other designers and young fashion personalities break through in this business. Here I am now years later working with local designers, young talent and making sure their designs are seen.

Stay tuned for more from VedSheek.com and follow me on Instagram 

@Ved_Sheek

xo-