Whirlwind Meetings with Women of the Web

What a month of crazyness! I appologize for my lack of posts of late. I have been rushing like mad from event to event being spoiled, networking and learning. The best part has been caffeinating myself (yes, I've relapsed) with some of the best young web chicks in the country - and even my favorite Dragon!

If you don't know who Arlene Dickinson is, you're probably not watching much TV... or spending much time on the web. She's the CEO of Venture Communications, has won a slew of awards in Canadian business, is a Dragon on CBC's hit show, Dragon's Den, is an expert on Fortune Hunters, and in fact was the expert for our segment, and is just on all accounts a force to be reckoned with. I contacted her shortly after our show aired in January, and have had the pleasure of meeting with her in person this past month. This is a huge deal for us as Arlene is one of the most powerful women in the Canadian media scene. Despite her enormous success, she is extremely grounded and kind. Not to mention beautiful. I believe she may have the nicest teeth in the business...

In the last two weeks I met Erica Tam, the bubbly and vivacious founder of The Style Spy. We met over lattes at Starbucks and learned how much we have in common. It's amazing how parallel our experiences are on opposite ends of the country! Later, we joined Jen McNeely and Olga Barsky from She Does the City on the noisy patio at Le Gourmand. Olga and I have been rubbing shoulders at events across the city for the last little while and it was fun to get to know her better and to meet Jen, the founder. Both women have impeccable style and it was immediately arranged that we would go shopping in the near future.

Jen and Olga

Ellen of Lipstick Powder 'N Paint and Joy from Makeup Junkie and Anita from I Want I Got have been part of my posse since we started covering the same events ages ago.

photo by David Wile

Joy has been working with us on our new show, doing an awesome job with my makeup, and yesterday she did it again for a photoshoot with David Wile. Joy did not disappoint and her makeup application was flawless, which we celebrated afterwards with a drink at Lusso.

Joy and Ali

David was a genius at getting some really great shots of me. I am one awkward dork when it comes to getting my photo taken. You would be embarrassed by association. But more on that later.

Janine (2nd from left), Krisia, (3rd from left), Gail (middle), Susie Love, Anita, Ali

I have been bumping into Gail McInnes so often in the last two weeks, you'd think we were stalking each other. It began with the filming of our new show three weeks ago, when she happened to be walking down the street looking stunning with a friend of hers. Both were camera ready and more than willing to appear on the show. I then saw her nearly every other day at a series of events. Girl is connected!

Yvonne Kai and I shared breakfast at the Beaver earlier this week. The stylish party maven and I discussed events, some new ideas and ways we might be able to work together. Yvonne has worked all over the world and has impeccable style. We agreed Canada has a ways to go yet, but we're getting there. Slowly ;)

Christa Jean (L) Photo credit: Petitefashionista.com

Christa from the Petite Fashionista threw her first event last Sunday. The petite blond threw a 250+ person bash at the Proof Lounge on Bloor. It was quite impressive and for the first time, I actually felt tall. It was pretty cool looking out over the stylish shorties that amassed for the event. I don't know how she manages, but I guess I'll find out later today. We're meeting up for a coffee. At this point, I expect some shares from Starbucks for my investment!

Ellen (Lipstick Powder N Paint) and Krizia (My Beauty Match)

Janine Falcon from Beauty Geek and Krizia from My Beauty Match have both been a pleasure to get to know these past couple of weeks. Janine is much more comedian than geek and she knows the secrets of the magazine world.

And finally, I had the pleasure yesterday of meeting Lainey from Lainey Gossip and Candace Bushnell at a back to back P&G Beauty event and the Cover Girl Gotta Have it soirée at Forever 21.

Ali and Candace Bushnell

I saw Candace Bushnell at the Modwomen party recently and made a video from it. Yesterday was a more intimate affair and a chance to meet in person and snap a picture. Despite her enormous success, she's very gracious and kind. She's also very feisty, which explains how she is able to keep up with her jet setting lifestyle. We were pleased to hear she does on occasion leave the house with track pants and no makeup. There is a lot of pressure for women to look perfect - especially if your mug is constantly on display, so going about without the zillion dollar wardrobe and professional makeup can be sort of incognito.

Lainey was hilarious. She does not hold back. She is her blog in the flesh. It was such a treat to be able to sit down with her at Forever 21 to get the smut in person. I was more fascinated with how she is able to write 3,000 + words/day plus all of her appearances and media obligations with Etalk. She just shrugged. When you love what you do it is amazing how much you can accomplish.

Ali and Lainey

It's really exciting to see what these women are accomplishing and I feel truly inspired!