Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneurs are Jessica Thomas and Hilary Chan-Kent of Wanderlust Management, who launched their agency to connect influencers and bloggers with some of Canada’s biggest brands. Here’s where they see the company five years from now…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
J: I recruit and represent Canada’s top online influencers.
H: And I build relationships and partner our influencers with brands they love.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
J: When I lived in Sydney, Australia, the first management company for online influencers opened to much success. When I moved back to Vancouver and saw all the amazing talent in this country, I knew I had to open the first agency for online influencers in Canada.
H: I noticed a shift in how brands were spending their marketing and advertising dollars – they were moving away from traditional avenues and investing in prominent online personalities with a loyal, engaged (and large!) following. When Jess asked me it be a part of Wanderlust, it was a no-brainer: creating partnerships and building relationships is my passion. Oh, and I get to work with one of my best friends!
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
J: The best part is networking and being able to meet new and exciting people on a daily basis. There is literally no limit to the type of people we can work with! The most challenging part is rejection; no matter how often you hear it, the word ‘no’ can still sting.
H: The best part is being able to connect with interesting and inspiring people. From the Marketing Manager at a local dealership to the CMO of an A-list designer, no day is ever the same. The most challenging part is managing expectations.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
J: Answering emails at midnight and wondering why no one is answering me back. It’s called sleep, Jessica, people do it.
H: When the customs guy remembers you by name!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
J: In five years all brands will be incorporating online influencers in their marketing budgets and Wanderlust Management will have permanent offices in all major hubs of Canada. Weeeee!
H: I hope to be juggling a very successful business while expanding my family. In heels, of course.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
J: Letting someone go. As personal and sad as it may make you feel, you have to trust your instinct. It is a tough experience and the only way you can overcome it is with time.
H: My biggest challenge was building a brand and then realising that I can’t micromanage every aspect if I wanted it to grow. I overcame this by surrounding myself with a dream team.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
J: Success to me is having a perfect work/life balance; waking up in the morning to get in your exercise, having a blast at work, and going home to chill out. All of that equals bliss – oh, and some wine!
H: What Jess said.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
J: Starting Wanderlust Management with extremely minimal overhead! We have a long way to go, but so far we have been able to succeed without huge expenses. Also, convincing my partner Hilary to get on board.
H: Growing Blo to be the largest Blow Dry Bar chain in the world with 46 locations in four countries. Oh, and that day that Gwyneth Paltrow and David Babaii became Blo Partners. Definitely the most memorable day of my career.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
J: Meet a new person every day; surround yourself with people that motivate you in friendship and in business. If someone is unintentionally standing in your way, reassess his or her value in your life.
H: Embrace opportunity and change. Don’t be afraid.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
J: The Flying Pig is my go-to spot for after work drinks. Two words: happy hour. The Farmer’s Apprentice is my favourite place for a leisurely lunch. I’m all about the long lunch.
H: I love The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim. Great people watching, a sweet raw bar, live music and yummy cocktails. Plus, it’s full of good memories – I got married there!
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
J: I’m a bit of a TV junkie, so you will find me on the couch binge-watching a series (currently The Mindy Project).
H: Shaking at Barre Fitness or reading a good book.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
J: Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. My in-laws have a home there that allows us to sit by a pool, relax on the beach, and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.
H: Miami – the weather, the food, the shopping, the people.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
J: It’s Hip to be Square – Huey Lewis and the News
H: Who Run the World (Girls) – Queen Bae
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
J: Trying my best to land a gig on Saturday Night Live.
H: Naming nail polish colours – honestly!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
J: I’m obsessed with animals and support the SPCA but I also help fundraise for the Breakfast Club of Canada, as 1 in 7 children go to school without breakfast.
H: Yes! I am on the Board of Face Of Today, a charitable foundation. I am passionate about FOT because it supports underprivileged youth – it is so important to support youth, they are the leaders of tomorrow.
What to you is notable?
J: Notable is something that stands out, something that not only catches my eye but makes me do a double take and want to find out more.
H: Integrity.
iPhone, Blackberry, Android or Other?
J: I’m Apple everything; desktop, laptop, tablet, iPhone. Sometimes I find myself on my couch surrounded by Apple products and think, “oh girl, you’ve got a problem.”
H: I’m an iPhone girl!
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