Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneurs are Nettika Berthelot and Jessica Lewington, who combined their collective skill sets to launch Toronto-based talent agency Coup & Co. We caught up with the duo to find out what inspired their business and where they love to wine & dine in the city…
[ad_bb1]
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
We represent a roster of very talented artists, including photographers, directors, DOPs and stylists. We strive to exceed our clients’ expectations. In other words, we tackle anything that comes our way!
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
We both come from photo, motion and production backgrounds. This allowed us to recognize what direction was best suited for us. By having the experience of client relations, management, and organizational skills, it became clear to the both of us that this was the next step to take in our careers. We have very different personalities, therefore we both bring different qualities to the table that complement each other. This makes working together a fun and successful environment.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Just the fact that we’ve been up and operating for a year and a half has been quite a milestone for us. To see the new clients our artists are working with is such a reward.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
We hope that Coup & Co. will continue to grow in conjunction with our artists. As the industry changes, it’s important that our roster remains at the forefront of current creativity. We’d love to eventually expand into new cities and grow the roster when the time comes… who knows what could happen!
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Just go for it! You’ll never know if you don’t try.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
We happily support The Stop, The Grocery Foundation, and Second Harvest Food Rescue. Seeing as we shoot with a lot of food-based clients, all these charities help those in need of food around both Toronto and Ontario.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
One major challenge thus far would be the daily challenge of promoting our artists and getting their work out there for the industry to see. As a new agency, it’s really important for people to get to know our name, as well as the quality of work we can offer.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
Someone (or something) that deserves to be noticed and/or recognized… so thank you!
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Jessica – Squash poutine at Odd Seoul. Enough said.
Nettika – 416 Snack Bar. My friends work there, and anytime I walk in there are at least five people I know sitting at the bar. It’s my version of Cheers!
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Jessica – Pinterest DIY projects is the website I visit most. Anything can be homemade with some paint, a few power tools, and a little imagination. My most played song is “Shoop” by Salt’n’Pepper… I know every word.
Nettika – Let’s be honest here: Netflix! I get really drawn into TV series, and then I have to finish the entire season. It drives me nuts, though, because it’s so time consuming. I can listen to The Stones and Nina Simone alllll day.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Jessica – National Geographic, @natgeo.
Nettika – I love the photographs on @magnumphotos, but without a doubt @thefatjewish makes me laugh each and every day.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Jessica – Egypt, for the culture and the street food. Next place I’d like to explore would be the Philippines.
Nettika – This is a tough question for me to answer. I don’t think I have a favourite; I’ve had so many great experiences in each country I’ve visited. Next up is Nicaragua to surf and drink coconuts.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Jessica – Watching soccer while I’m sitting on the sidelines.
Nettika – Watching someone eat a bowl of pasta when I’m trying to be “healthier.”
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Jessica – Yo Quiero Taco Bell.
Nettika – Pasta.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Jessica – I should spend less money on my coffee addiction, and more on frequent oil changes for my car considering my mechanic is located directly next door to our office.
Nettika – I definitely know I should be spending less money on eating out and I should probably be spending more money on grooming my dog. Half the time he looks like I found him in an alley, but I think it really adds to his wacky character! #rudejude
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Jessica – Waking up every morning with a smile on my face, feeling content with what and who I have in my life.
Nettika – To me, success really means being well balanced. I strive for a life that consists of both work and play in my day-to-day. It’s very important that I maintain this, and I try my best not to take anything too seriously. Stress only leads to negativity, and I enjoy being a positive and happy individual.
[ad_bb2]