With the three-year anniversary of Everleigh, one of Toronto’s favourite clubs, coming up on May 12, we’ll be featuring Owner and CEO Ralf Madi’s top five young professionals to know in Toronto. Today we’re talking to GUESS Marketing and Events Project Manager Jessica Pecora, who is hosting an event at Ralf’s other Toronto venue, Maison Mercer, on Friday, June 3rd…
[ad_bb1]
WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am the Marketing and Events Project Manager for GUESS Canada. Our events include everything from market-specific fashion shows, to VIP client events, to country-wide shopping events.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
I would have to say my inspiration for my career route was my passion for the industry. There’s never a dull moment in retail, let alone marketing and events. You’re constantly being challenged to spark interest and differentiate yourself. I’ve never been one for routine.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
The most memorable milestone in my career was hitting the five-year mark with GUESS. It’s not often that you find yourself so lucky to be working for a brand that you love!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
To me it’s really exciting thinking about the future; there are so many different paths life can take you down. Career-wise I hope to be still working in marketing and events, continuing to bring new and innovative ideas to the table. In my personal life, I hope to start a family – including a few puppies of course.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Work hard, stay focused, and always do what makes you happy! There are rough days in any profession, but they aren’t so bad when you get to do what you love.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I support multiple charities in any way I can. The Heart and Stroke foundation is closest to me as there is a history of heart disease in my family.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I think that as a young professional, it’s very easy to get caught up in that “wanting more money” mindset. It’s always hard to start at the bottom of the totem pole, and that can really steer you off path. Staying determined, racking up experience ,and putting myself out there as much as I could has helped me push through and reach my goals!
What does the word notable mean to you?
Be different; be confident in yourself and your abilities, and make your mark.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I enjoy places that are a little bit more casual. I’m a HUGE fan of The Porch on a nice sunny day. The atmosphere is amazing and it has an incredible view of the city.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Working in fashion, it’s super important that I’m keeping up with the latest and greatest trends and what’s happening in the retail industry. If I had to pick a few sites I’m always on, they’d be Refinery29, Who What Wear and Elite Daily.
I’m a big fan of country music; anything by Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban will always be on repeat. That said, I’m a sucker for 90s hip-hop too – Ja Rule and Ashanti’s Always on Time is my jam.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I think that everyone has their go-to people where they find inspiration, ideas, or just a good laugh. I usually lean towards following people who give me a good laugh.
In terms of celebrities, Chrissy Teigen is one of my favourites. Her bubbly personality along with her sense of humour is a killer combo. I think her and I could be great friends.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Scotland all the way! I visited there a few years ago and I fell in love. The landscapes and history are so beautiful and the people are so friendly.
Next on my list is Costa Rica. I’ve been dreaming about going for years and finally need to make it happen!
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Missing out on great adventures. Social media is the creator of all FOMO. I’ll be scrolling through my feed and all of a sudden, BAM!, I’m wondering why I’m not the one skydiving somewhere of the coast of Amalfi.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Really cheesy scary movies. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Freddy Krueger kind of cheese. I could binge-watch cheesy scary movies all day and be perfectly content.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Just like any 20-something working in fashion, I spend way too much money on my wardrobe (I’m not sure that I regret it though). If I could spend more money on something, it would probably be travel. I love new adventures and experiencing new things.
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
I think success comes in so many different forms. For me, success is making myself happy. If I’m happy with who I am as a person, where I am in life and where I’m headed, then I consider myself to be successful.
[ad_bb2]