Today’s Notable Young Professional is Belle Owen, whose a-bit-of-everything role covers everything from social media to studio work for one of Toronto’s most exciting fashion designers. We caught up with her to find out what inspired her career route and what advice she would share with other young professionals…
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WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
A bit of everything, including but not limited to social media, customer relations and creating mischief around the studio for fashion designer Izzy Camilleri.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I was freelance writing/travelling/studying for a long time, so when I moved to Toronto from Australia I really wanted something steady and reliable with a bit more routine. A lot of luck played in, and here I am!
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
I’ve been lucky enough to cover a lot of big music festivals/huge artists around the world while writing. A memorable moment in my new career direction was covering a talk Izzy did with Jeannie Becker as part of her ROM exhibition. I’m also really excited about my first Toronto Fashion Week event coming up.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
This is really hard to answer. Long-term plans have never really been my thing, but I’m also kind of in the middle of applying for Permanent Residency in Canada, so fingers crossed I’ll still be here!
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be kind – to yourself, your colleagues and your clients. Everyone could do with a little more kindness. Know your limits. Don’t give more than you have, don’t take shit you don’t deserve, don’t forget to enjoy the sun while it shines.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I’m overwhelmingly proud that through work, I get to be a part of our Access10 and #FashionIZFreedom campaigns, which contribute to StopGap, an organization that aims to make the world a more accessible place through installing ramps. As a wheelchair user, this could not be closer to my heart.
On a personal level, I also support UNICEF. They do a lot of important work.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Being a woman with a physical disability, I face unique career challenges often; some big, some small. While it’s not something that will ever completely be a thing of the past, perseverance, positivity and self-belief along with the support of some amazing people have brought me a long way.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
A person, an object, or a moment worth remembering and sharing.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Depends on my mood. Some days you’re Soho House, some days you’re Disgraceland. I’m pretty happy wherever there’s good Irish Whiskey and a good vegan burger.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
My most used app is absolutely Tweetbot. I’m a bit of a social media addict. It comes with the territory of my job, I guess. My most visited website is probably Need Supply Co.
I don’t actually have songs on my phone as I made a rookie mistake and got an iPhone with not nearly enough storage. The most played artists on my trusty iPod Classic is probably Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, or Jay Z.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Aside from myself (@bellavenom), my work (@IZadaptive) and two BFFS @DangerZoe and @Emerrr, my “celeb” follow recommendation has to be Louis Theroux (@LouisTheroux). I adore him and his work.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Japan is my ultimate happy place. It’s beautiful, and incredible, and fantastically unique.
I haven’t been to France in years and want to go back as soon as I have time. The next new place I want to visit is the Netherlands. There’s a tattoo artist there named Angelique Houtkamp I’ve been saving space for.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I’m usually content with my choices and never really had FOMO, but moving to the other side of the world means seeing family and friends celebrate Christmases, birthdays and weddings through social media, and that’s tough to adjust to.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
As a rule, I don’t feel guilty about things that bring me pleasure, but I am most publicly mocked and shamed for my infatuation with Harry Styles.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Watching my rent check leave my bank account every month generally makes me a little bummed, and thinking about the fact I could visit home with that money. But I love my apartment, so it works out.
I wish I had more money to spend on friends, charities and, if I’m being selfish, more McQueen bags and scarves.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
I equate my personal success with happiness. If I’m happy and I’m doing my best to bring happiness to people around me, I’m doing alright.
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