Today’s Notable Young Professional is blogger Renee Gold, whose writing for penchant insightful trends and entertainment writing is matched only by a profound level of sass. We caught up with her to find out what inspires her work and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
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WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
A pop culture juggernaut spreading the gospel of trends and entertainment all under the umbrella of my sassy-mouthed blog and social media platforms.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
I was creative straight from the womb but eventually started a career in entertainment and music journalism in my 20s—based on my passion for the music industry and its players. I was a contributing editor at Elle Canada, a stringer for People magazine, and have freelanced for everyone from enRoute to Black Book, Spinner.com, Huffington Post Canada and Hello! Canada.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
That’s like my Sophie’s Choice?! I have so many wonderful milestones; my work with Elle Canada where I got to interview Leonard Cohen, Gwen Stefani and Justin Timberlake, for example. Travelling to New Zealand to interview Peter Jackson and the cast from Lord of the Rings. Acting as Editor-in-Chief for Naked Eye magazine, a national pop culture magazine I started in Canada in 2007. Most recently the success of The Pop Culture Rainman and all of the collaborative opportunities I have with brands like Chapters Indigo and Breville. I see everything as a stepping stone to the next milestone.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I like to live in the moment so I will give you the five-year plan. I see The Pop Culture Rainman as a multichannel brand with a line of kitsch merchandise; I’m currently working with Fulton Umbrellas on a line of exclusive PCR Studbrellas. I foresee my own satellite radio show and a published memoire breaking the fourth wall on everything I’ve experienced in my career in media and pop culture.
Also, there will be lots of hummus and hot, doughy naan bread dipping in between – guaranteed!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Do what you love and the money will come. That’s not to say that you won’t have to pay your dues before you’re able to do what you love. We live in a culture of quick fixes, but anything worth having takes time and sacrifice. That’s why I love this diagram so much.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I’m an avid supporter of animal charities, puppy mill rescue operatives, and promoting animal adoption. These creatures give us such unconditional love and comfort and I try to be a voice on their behalf.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I think just being able to be resilient and adaptive to change is a challenge I’ve overcome time and time again. Reinvention is key! Coming from the tactile, printed world of writing and publishing and adapting to the digital space was a challenge. To be honest, I wish I had adopted all things digital earlier, but even so I’ve still managed to establish myself as a substantial player in the blogger/influencer space despite having only been active for two and half years.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
It kind of reminds me of the word “seasoned”– which reminds me of a well-dressed leafy salad or a pot roast.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Union on Ossington never ceases to be anything less than an opulent culinary experience. I love sitting at the bar with my beau and conversing with the chefs as they make our meal and watch their process. All the produce is local and organic and their service unparalleled. I always start off with a glass of red wine and a plate of oysters and go from there…
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
Dlisted.com is part of my daily media diet. No one does Hollyweird commentary more hilariously or fiercely.
The most played song on your phone?
I’m obsessed with three Miguel songs off of his Wildheart album: Leaves, Coffee and Waves. All are utter perfection that stand the test of manic repeated plays!
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
If they aren’t already, Kelly Oxford. A fellow scribe. Intelligent. Funny. Canadian. Also, everyone should be following me.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I would love to tour South America next; Costa Rica, Brazil and learn the tango in Argentina.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I’d be a liar, liar pants on fire if I didn’t admit that social media info hemorrhaging can create a lot of unwanted envy and aversion to others’ thirsty behaviour, but I think I navigate those feelings of wanting everyone to die by fire quite well.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
The most hedonistic thing I do these days is eat well or enjoy an exquisite glass of champagne. Oh, and I cage dance at the local alley on cosmic bowling night – for kicks.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
That’s none of your business and how did you get this number!?
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success is being able to work and create in a field in which I am madly passionate about, where the learning curve is never-ending, and the work never done. Also there must be cats. Several cats.
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