Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is editorial powerhouse Patricia Gajo, whose roles range from editor-in-chief positions to managing her own copywriting and custom content media company. You might recognize her as the recipient of our Notable Award for Best Personal Brand/Blogger in Quebec…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I own a boutique agency called KIOSK MEDIA where I direct a team in the production of custom editorial content. It’s similar to being the editor-in-chief of a magazine, except I cater to corporate clients. I’m known in the industry for covering mainly lifestyle, fashion, travel and luxury, which has lead me to enviable clients such as Maison Birks, L’Oréal Paris, Globe and Mail, France Tourism and The Cadillac Fairview Corp. Ltd.
Otherwise, I like to involve myself in more personal creative projects, such as my roles as Montreal Editor at FASHION magazine (covering Paris Fashion Week is a highlight), Style Expert on Global TV’s morning show in Montreal, Vlogger (video blogger) for Montreal Buzz by SID LEE and guest judge for the Mercedes-Benz StartUp fashion competition. In the past, I have also enjoyed magazine assignments and doing interviews with personalities like Jean Paul Gaultier and Michael Kors. Last but not least, because my life and work are fully intertwined, I’m planning a lifestyle blog that I hope to launch later this year.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started KIOSK Media to contain and manage the demand for professional copywriting and custom content. I had been fortunate in the beginning of my career to have cut my teeth in senior editing positions at several highly recognized publications, including Jet Set Editor (fashion and lifestyle) at enRoute (the in-flight magazine for Air Canada), Special Projects Director at LOULOU, Senior Editor at Adventura and iPad Production Manager for Reader’s Digest Canada.
These combined experiences were a great training ground for team management, editorial workflow, marketing and advertising strategies and, of course, high quality and current editorial content. I had a history (and a talent, I suppose) at starting new magazines from scratch or revamping existing ones. Clients were approaching me to do the same type of work for them, so I decided to establish a solid freelancing team and make it an official business.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Nothing beats seeing your byline in print. I have to pinch myself every single time.
The most challenging part?
Dealing with writer’s block.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
The possibilities are endless, but I’ll probably be in front of my laptop with both hands on a keyboard, as is the scenario right now.
What does success look like to you?
When waking up in the morning is a joy.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
There have been many milestones in my career, but I am most proud of the following three:
Co-authoring two books for FROMMER’S – Montreal & Quebec City (22nd edition) and Far & Wide.
The documentary short “IN THE DESIGN BUBBLE” that I wrote and produced out of pure passion.
My P&G Beauty & Grooming award for Best Male Fashion Feature “DOWN TO BUSINESS”.
Oh, and I can’t forget my award for Best Personal Brand/Blogger for Notable Quebec!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I’m not big on advice, but the following words have served me well: “A ship is safe in harbour, but that’s not what ships are for.”
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
The Shoebox Project. [http://shoeboxproject.com] It’s a highly personal way of showing someone that you care. Basically, individual donators fill a shoebox with little gifts, such as chocolates, candies, toiletries and/or makeup. Around Christmas, the boxes are distributed at shelters to women in need.
What to you is notable?
A life that is fuelled by passion.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone. I’m a serial Instagrammer.
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