Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Ascent Behave owner Tamara Moore, who’s one of Canada’s leading authorities in luxury travel and lifestyle public relations. We caught up with her to find out how she hopped aboard this career path 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.
I own a boutique agency (Ascent Behave) that promotes luxury lifestyle and travel brands. The concierge arm of my business creates bespoke experiences for affluent clientele.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
It’s more of a who than a what – my father. Although I didn’t realize it at the time. He semi-retired when I was young, but he had been in the hotel business in the earlier part of his career and my core business is based around my hospitality clients. He also instilled in me a love for travel and a passion for adventure. I started my career thinking I was going to be an actor, and instead I ended up working in the very same field as my father.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Helping to bring the Gansevoort Hotel Group to the Turks and Caicos Islands is probably the most memorable milestone in my career. It is the first (and really only) modern boutique luxury hotel brand in Turks and Caicos Islands. It was a very exciting time and experience.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I believe it is important to have an end game. In five years I’d like my company to have reached a level of success where larger companies are offering to buy it. I’m not saying I’d sell, but it would be nice to have an offer on the table!
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
To quote Heather Reisman from Indigo Books and Music (particularly for women), “Stay at the table.” Find mentors to serve as the unofficial advisory board of your career. Be respectful of their time and counsel. I’m fortunate to have several. Be fearless. My mother used to say, “There is nothing to fear, but fear itself.” We stop ourselves from achieving greatness when we allow fear to stop us from taking that next step. We often tell ourselves we shouldn’t be doing this or that, that it’s not the right decision, when really we are just afraid. Don’t procrastinate. Rise.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment) Foundation. Their vision is to change lives through the spirit and the power of sports and their mission is to improve the lives of youth by building facilities, giving to sustainable programs, and empowering youth through sports and recreation. I believe passionately that sports can change childrens’ lives by building their self-esteem and teaching them valuable life lessons. MLSE Foundation has been integral in the revitalization of Regent Park, which is important to me for personal reasons. I’m honoured to be the first female member recruited to their Presidents’ Club team. Other charities I support include 3to6team.org and nellies.org.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
Something of importance; significance.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Toronto has such an incredible and constantly evolving food scene, so I can’t pick just one spot. The Chase is a favourite. The lobby bar at Shangri-La, Soho House, Eleven, Sher Club at the ACC, and Fring are also all top of my list.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
Probably my own, as I’m always updating it.
The most played song on your phone?
That’s a tough one. I appreciate many different genres of music and listen to a variety. “Hotline Bling” by Drake and the soundtrack from Empire, as they are my son’s favourites.
“All Of Me” by John Legend. The lyrics, the piano… it has special significance to me.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media
I think you should follow the one person who champions a cause that you are passionate about.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I don’t have a favourite; there are too many beautiful places in the world for me to pick only one. South Africa is the next country I’d like to visit.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
My friend Carryn recently introduced me to the term FOMO. I suppose an interesting event. I’m a very social person. I love dressing up, going out, seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Champagne. That’s an easy one. It gives me equal measures of pleasure and pain.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on?
Parking and car service
What’s something you wish you spent more on?
Administrative help.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
That my child (or children; I’m hoping to have one more) is happy, healthy and safe. That I am improving the lives of women and children in need; and that I am continuing to learn and grow while having a successful, fulfilling career.
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