Meeting Pros Archives - Page 2 of 4

Meeting Pros: QUALENA ODOM-ROYES, CSEP, CMP with EventEssentials, LLC., Russell Lopinto, CMP with Tech Rentals, LLC

August 29, 2013 by angishields

Meeting Pros Radio

Meeting Pros: QUALENA ODOM-ROYES, CSEP, CMP with EventEssentials, LLC., Russell Lopinto, CMP with Tech Rentals, LLC

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On this Episode of Meeting Pros:

QUALENA ODOM-ROYES, CSEP, CMP with EventEssentials, LLC.

EventEssentials’ Principal Event Planner and owner is Qualena Odom-Royes, CSEP, CMP. Ms. Odom-Royes has over 18 years of experience in event and meeting planning. Accredited from The University of Georgia in Conference Planning and Meeting Management, she also holds the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designations. Prior to opening her own event planning business, her background was in event management and marketing at MCI Telecommunications/WorldCom, handling corporate sponsorships and business to business advertising, and MTV Networks (MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, TV Land, VH1).

Recognizing her talent for detailed organization and the need for a company that could plan meetings and events from start to finish with an emphasis on return on investment for the meeting organizer, Ms. Odom-Royes opened EventEssentials ten years ago. Since that time, the award-winning company has provided planning and facilitation services to organizations in a variety of different industries. The meetings and events have ranged from high-end executive gatherings for 12 people to large-scale business conferences for over 7,000. EventEssentials’ past and current clients include Cox Communications, The Coca-Cola Company Georgia Supplier Minority Development Council (GMSDC), Piedmont Hospital, Manheim, Scholastic and Taste of Atlanta. EventEssentials is a certified minority business enterprise and was named the 2011 Class 1 Supplier of the Year for GMSDC and earned the 2012 GMSDC Eagle Award recognizing their extensive partnerships with other minority business enterprises. A fervent advocate also of teaching, Ms. Odom-Royes developed the coursework and has taught the continuing education course (Event & Meeting Planning Certificate) at Clayton State University for the past ten years. In addition, Ms. Odom-Royes joined the online adjunct faculty at Argosy University in February 2012 where she teaches Business Administration courses.

In 2012 Ms. Odom-Royes was awarded the prestigious Dale Riggins Humanitarian Award for her outstanding professionalism in their service to the special events industry and the community at large during the Allie Awards Nite Gala hosted by the Atlanta chapters of ISES (International Special Events Society) and NACE (National Association of Catering Executives).

Ms. Odom-Royes’ past positions on the International Certification Committee as well as the Executive Board of Directors of ISES Atlanta, Lambda Epsilon Omega Foundation, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta and current appointments at Plan Your Meetings Magazine and Allie Awards have required analytical and technical skills; people management and liaison; meticulous record keeping and accountability. Her capabilities and dedication have earned her tremendous respect; and her general friendly demeanor has expanded her network of business contacts exponentially.

FOLLOW HER ON TWITTER – @EVENTESSENTIALS

FACEBOOK – EVENTESSENTIALS

BLOG – THEQSPOTBLOG.COM

LINKED IN – QUALENA ODOM-ROYES, CSEP, CMP

Russell Lopinto, CMP with Tech Rentals, LLC

Russell LoPinto CMP is the Vice President of New Business Development for Tech Rentals Inc. Aftergraduating from The University of South Carolina with a BA in broadcast journalism in 1984 Russell came to Atlanta and worked at CNN, WSB and a number of local production companies running camera, lights and sound. In 1989 Russell went to work for Total Audio Visual Services as a sales associate. At the time, TAVS was one of the largest A/V companies in the country. In 1993 Russell took the position of DOS & M for Tech Rentals Inc, which at the time was a relatively small A/V company. Since that time, Tech Rentals has grown to become one of the top 10 audio visual staging companies in the United States, as recognized by Rental and Staging magazine. Russell has served on the Georgia Meeting Professionals International, International Special Events Society and Professional Conference Managers Association boards, as well as the Hospitality Helping Hands board Executives.

Meeting Pros: Rodney Mims Cook, Jr. & Sarah O’Brien with The National Monuments Foundation, Leah Stephens Economos with EEP Events, LLC

August 16, 2013 by angishields

Meeting Pros Radio

Meeting Pros: Rodney Mims Cook, Jr. & Sarah O'Brien with The National Monuments Foundation, Leah Stephens Economos with EEP Events, LLC

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On this Episode of Meeting Pros:

Rodney Mims Cook, Jr. & Sarah O’Brien with The National Monuments Foundation

Rodney Mims Cook: President of the National Monuments Foundation, graduated from Washington and Lee University, initiated the process to save the Fox Theatre, founding Trustee of the Prince of Wales Foundation for architecture. Constructed multiple monuments, buildings etc…

LinkedIn at Rodney Mims Cook

http://rodneymimscook.com/curr.html

Leah Stephens Economos with EEP Events, LLC

Leah Stephens Economos has been a part of Atlanta’s special events community since 2006. A series of sales roles with Atlanta’s most prestigious special events organizations have provided Leah with a 360-degree preparation for her current role as Event Planner at EEP Events. Leah proudly served on the original staff at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, where she worked in catering and venue sales. Leah then accepted a role in catering sales with A Divine Event, and went on to work as a catering and design sales manager at Tony Conway’s A Legendary Event. Leah’s event experience spans a broad scope, from award-winning weddings to political rallies to corporate awards galas. Her clients consistently compliment her remarkable work ethic, creative problem solving abilities and top notch vendor network. In 2011, Leah was awarded the Tim Lundy, CSEP Rising Star Award, presented by the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) and the International Special Events Society (ISES).

Leah can be reached via e-mail (Leah@EEPEvents.com) or phone (678-874-7107). Find reviews from her clients at: http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/eep-events-entertainment-lighting-planning-and-multimediaproduction-dunwoody/15e75dab064656e9.html.

Meeting Pros: David Samdperil with Track Seven Events, LLC., Jessica Williams Dorris with Jessica Williams Studio, Lou Guzzo with Spectrum Entertainment

August 8, 2013 by angishields

Meeting Pros Radio

Meeting Pros: David Samdperil with Track Seven Events, LLC., Jessica Williams Dorris with Jessica Williams Studio, Lou Guzzo with Spectrum Entertainment

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On this Episode of Meeting Pros:

David Samdperil with Track Seven Events, LLC.

David Samdperil is founder and co-owner of Track Seven Events. Beginning in 1999, David built a business that started as a DJ service and quickly grew it to a total event design and production company. Today that includes large-scale props, sets, lighting, theme decor, special efx, audio, video and more. Since the first NYC-themed design that consisted of a ten foot Statue of Liberty, David has continued to push boundaries to make his clients’ dream visions become reality designs. He is there with you every step of the way to ensure your vision has been heard, interpreted and executed. David loves that in this industry and with his clients there is unlimited creative potential. He believes that often times, that which seems the most “outlandish” can end up being the most amazing.

Jessica Williams Dorris with Jessica Williams Studio

Jessica Williams Studio prides itself in capturing memories and special moments through timeless lifestyle photography that tells the story of your day without words. Lifestyle photography is all about capturing the real emotions we display throughout everyday living, as well as the big moments in our lives, and using those images to tell the stories of who we are and how we feel throughout those moments. This is best done by getting to know and love our clients. I feel that the more I know about a person the better I can speak for them through the lens and I believe I have the ability to adapt my shooting style to tell your story, your way.

Twitter: @jwilliamsstudio

Instagram: jwilliamsstudio

Facebook: Jessica Williams Studio https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Williams-Studio/121678211201228

Lou Guzzo with Spectrum Entertainment

Louis is the DJ Manager at Spectrum Entertainment. He has over 24 years of wedding experience. Averaging over 150 events each year, Louis has fine- tuned his skills and will be a definite impact on your next event. He is an exceptional Emcee with natural instincts to get everyone comfortably involved in the Fun! Originally from New York, Louis competed among the best in a very saturated DJ market. He has a broadcasting degree from The Center for the Media Arts in NYC, and can provide any level of interaction from an outgoing personality to a more reserved service. He has performed for all types of events including Wedding Receptions, Corporate Events, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s, and other Private Parties. He carries a huge library spanning from the 1920’s to current play with all ethnic backgrounds covered.

Meeting Pros: Cindy Harter Sims with Cindy Harter Photograhy, Yona Benstock with Flowers by Yona, Rebecca Gerber with Rebecca Diane

August 7, 2013 by angishields

Meeting Pros Radio

Meeting Pros: Cindy Harter Sims with Cindy Harter Photograhy, Yona Benstock with Flowers by Yona, Rebecca Gerber with Rebecca Diane

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On this Episode of Meeting Pros:

Cindy Harter Sims with Cindy Harter Photograhy

Cindy Harter Sims

Cindy Harter Photography 25 West Main St Cartersville, Ga 30120 770.547.1018

www.facebook.com/CindyHarterPhotography

Yona Benstock with Flowers by Yona

Yona Benstock, owner and designer of Flowers by Yona, received formal floral design training and experience in Israel and Holland—quickly latching on to the European concept of “celebrating the subtleties of flowers.” This means designing with a purpose, tailoring designs to show the natural form of the flowers and the best part of the flowers being used, paying close attention to the details and proportionality and, most importantly, designing with the bride and groom in mind.

Each client, venue and wedding has a distinct personality and feel. Your wedding flowers should complement all of that, and at Flowers by Yona we will ensure all of that is taken into account as we turn your dream vision into a beautiful reality.

Rebecca Gerber with Rebecca Diane

Treat yourself to the Rebecca Diane experience! Rebecca Gerber is the owner and Creative Director at Rebecca Diane, an invitation and stationary boutique that specializes in the design of couture, as well as 100% custom invitations, announcements and decorative paper accessories that are truly unique, unforgettable, and very you. Rebecca Diane believes that invitations should be PART of your guests’ experience, not just and invitation to the experience. A fabulous invitation sets the right tone for your special event, and coordinating paper accessories carry the design throughout the entire event.

Rebecca Diane creates custom designs for all types of social and corporate events, including weddings, mitzvahs, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, baby announcements, bridal showers, baby showers, dinner parties, social gatherings, fundraisers, galas, and more. Talented designers and artists create exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces including but not limited to invitations, menu cards, programs, escort cards, place cards, dessert table and food signage, custom monograms, monogramed runners, custom designed napkins, favor boxes and tags, and paper flower, and intricate die cut shapes.

Rebecca Diane’s hallmark is their boundless creativity and unique usage of materials and techniques to create an end product that is very you and totally unique. As a true innovative custom design studio, no material or printing technique is off-limits, and designers will personally shop all over the world for each and every job.

When you hire Rebecca Diane, you will experience true concierge service! A designer will collaborate with you and/or any of your other vendors to make sure that every Rebecca Diane piece is tightly coordinated with everything else at your event, and no detail is left unturned. Your guests will notice the difference, and appreciate it!

Meeting Pros: John Brown with Monte Carlo Production, Geri Sims with Geri Sims Weddings & Events, Kirkley Hennessy with Hennessy Transportation Inc.

July 31, 2013 by angishields

Meeting Pros Radio

Meeting Pros: John Brown with Monte Carlo Production, Geri Sims with Geri Sims Weddings & Events, Kirkley Hennessy with Hennessy Transportation Inc.

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On this Episode of Meeting Pros:

John Brown with Monte Carlo Production

Monte Carlo Productions has been around since 1977. With 30 years in the business we lead the competition with innovative ideas that continue to entertain company’s and family’s across America. Our inventory of games and theatrical props combined with our in-house graphics, and lighting departments makes us one of the largest theme party companies in the U.S. Servicing Fortune 500 Companies, Meeting Planners, Associations, Charities/Fundraisers, Church Groups, High Schools, and Neighborhoods we quite simply have something for everyone.

With over 50,000 square feet of inventory including a variety of games, unique theme props, lighting, and special effects, we can create any atmosphere you can dream or imagine. Our experienced staff of event planners and production personnel will work with you to offer unique ideas that are guaranteed to make your party a success.

Monte Carlo Productions has been featured in Cobb Life Magazine.

www.facebook.com/montecarloprodATL

Twitter.com/MCP_ATL

montecarloprod.wordpress.com

Geri Sims with Geri Sims Weddings & Events

After graduating from The Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida, I began my career by designing for the private clubs of Miami and South Beach. Now, after more than 20 years in the Wedding & Event Planning industry, I reside in Atlanta, Georgia, where I have turned my passion into a successful business. My primary medium is Sheer Fabric. With this fabric, I can create ceiling and wall treatments, backdrops, entrance ways and much more, depending on your needs. Through your personal consultation and my talent for threedimensional design, I am able to convert an ordinary space into a stunningly beautiful atmosphere.

Kirkley Hennessy with Hennessy Transportation Inc.

Kirkley Hennessy’s entrance into the chauffeured ground transportation industry evolved out of his first business venture, Avalanche Entertainment, founded in 2001. Avalanche offered DJ services to brides, grooms, event planners and venues throughout Atlanta and the Southeast, establishing a large footprint in the wedding industry. With the increasing success of their DJ and videography packages, Avalanche expanded their offering to include a DJ, video and limousine package for weddings. Shortly after this addition, the limousine aspect spun off into its own company in 2011, and Hennessy Transportation was born.

Hennessy has grown into a full-service company for airport transportation, corporate planning and leisure travel, dedicating themselves to logistics and manifest management for groups throughout the world! Hennessy services over 1,200 airports in 500 cities across the globe, making them a brand trusted by Fortune 500 companies to manage their group transportation needs. With an in-house team of professionals dedicated to great customer service, backed with the state-of-the-art technology, you can count on Hennessy Transportation to manage, execute and oversee any project with your group’s manifest. And with reservation processes built with the client in mind, you go wherever you need to, 24 hours a day!

Today, Kirkley is directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the company: “We are a company that truly recognizes grass-roots marketing and customer service. Our clients continually support our model with feedback, and they deeply appreciate and admire our attention to detail. We work hard to keep our vehicles safe, clean and enjoyable. Whether it’s the smoke free environment, chilled water or Wi-Fi onboard, you’ll quickly realize we offer much more than transportation.”

Kirkley holds a seat on the Board of Directors for the Greater Atlanta Limousine Association (GALA). This association, comprised of approximately 20-30 limousine companies in the Atlanta area, aims to be the best reflection of the chauffeured transportation industry, as they service over 80% of Atlanta’s limousine and black car fleet.

Hennessy Transportation has been a finalist for “Best Operator of The Year” from Limousine Digest for the past 2 years and is once again nominated in 2013. Hennessy Transportation has also been voted “Best Transportation: Atlanta” from the Wedding Industry Experts organization.

Finally, Hennessy is a company dedicated to giving back to the community. They continually support non-profit organizations of all sizes, including this past weekends event for Tripp Halstead with the Sunshine on a Ranney Day charity!

Meeting Pros: Ashia Sims with Women Interactive/Art of Genius, Alex Lassiter with Gather, Patrice Washington with Seek Wisdom Find Wealth

July 17, 2013 by angishields

Meeting Pros Radio

Meeting Pros: Ashia Sims with Women Interactive/Art of Genius, Alex Lassiter with Gather, Patrice Washington with Seek Wisdom Find Wealth

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On this Episode of Meeting Pros:

Ashia Sims with Women Interactive/Art of Genius

Ashia R. Sims is the Chief Transmedia Officer of Art of Genius Creative Technology Series and Founding Curator of Women Interactive Creative Technology Festival. She is also the Chief Content Manager at Friday Girl TV, a web station for women. Ashia has worked in the field of television and film production for over 10 years. She has worked on television projects for BET, Fox, Peachtree TV, Starz in Black and NBC as well as several feature film projects. She is passionate about empowering women to be their best selves and stepping outside of the status quo. She represents one of the early generations of kids to grow up sitting in front of a computer and enjoys tech talk about the latest smart phone, coolest app and other tech devices.

Ashia resides in Atlanta, GA and loves attending festivals like Comic Con and Dragon Con and making time to read and write horror and science fiction stories.

Twitter: @ashia LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashia/

Alex Lassiter with Gather

My background is comes from the corporate planning side. I worked for a strategy consulting firm (Bain & Company). Among my day-to-day analyst responsibilities, weekly team dinners, holiday parties, & sales dinners also fell under my umbrella. It was really at this point that I realized the challenges of booking venues. We thought finding a venue to host your dinner or event should’ve been as easy as booking a hotel on Orbitz.

I left my job about a year ago with a colleague of mine (Nick) to start a company in the restaurant industry. We spent about 6 months working with all different types of restaurants before we fully developed the idea behind Gather. Now we’re in over 50 restaurants in the Atlanta area with venue sizes that range from 10 to 250 guests. We created Gather to connect meeting planners to hundreds of restaurants & event spaces, facilitating hassle-free event planning.

Patrice Washington with Seek Wisdom Find Wealth

Patrice C. Washington is the author of Real Money Answers, a series of sensible, straightforward, question and answer style, personal finance books written to address the most common financial questions of targeted groups of individuals. The first installment, Real Money Answers: College Life & Beyond is the ultimate guide to creating a wealthy mindset, skill set and overall personal finance success in your 20s.

Patrice is also the founder of Seek Wisdom Find Wealth, which provides one-on-one personal finance and entrepreneurship coaching to professional women who are overworked, yet underpaid and desire to profit from their passion. A frequent speaker at business, college and women’s events, Patrice’s wisdom on money matters has been featured by national brands such as NBC, Black Enterprise, The Huffington Post, Upscale Magazine and more.

@seekwisdompcw

Meeting Pros: Jordan Glastetter & Denise Rindsberg with Let’s Celebrate, Vanessa Parker with PinkBoss, Inc

July 9, 2013 by angishields

Meeting Pros Radio

Meeting Pros: Jordan Glastetter & Denise Rindsberg with Let's Celebrate, Vanessa Parker with PinkBoss, Inc

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On This Episode of Meeting Pros:

Jordan Glastetter & Denise Rindsberg with Let’s Celebrate

company name in the blog post. Since 1991, Atlanta based Let’s Celebrate has garnered numerous regional,national and international awards for their winning designs. Seven Allie Awards have been presented to the company in nine years for “Best Balloon Décor.”

Let’s Celebrate was amongst the top three companies nominated for a prestigious award in the industry by International Special Events for Best Balloon Sculptures.

Let’s Celebrate has been written up in the BellSouth regional newsletter and numerous articles about the company have appeared in newspapers, and magazines. CNN invited Denise as a guest speaker on the “TALK BACK LIVE” show. About the President: Denise Rindsberg has been president of Let’s Celebrate for 20 years. She is very recognized within the industry, and works on a local and international scale.

Denise has written numerous unique Centerpiece design books, and has lectured at many seminars, including The Atlanta Mart. She qualified as a CBA (Certified Balloon Artist) and won a scholarship to do a Leadership Program with Qualatex at their corporate Head Office. She served many years on the board of ISES (International Special Event Society) and won special recognition as Director of Programs.

Specialties:We are a dynamic event design company that will turn your special event of any size into an experience you will never forget. We will transform any idea into a dazzling setting, with ambiance that embraces every guest.

Our capabilities are extensive and feature award-winning balloon sculptures, distinctive theme décor ranging from backdrops to props incorporating floral designs, decorative linens, chair covers, and special lighting effects for both private and corporate functions.

Vanessa Parker with PinkBoss, Inc

Vanessa Parker balances family and entrepreneurship with flare and a style all her own. Her mission and purpose is to empower women to use their passion and skills to generate income that will allow them the flexibility to do what they love every day. Parker has taught several entrepreneurship workshops and currently teaching her Jr. CEO curriculum in the metro Atlanta area. She credits her success to community involvement and her drive to help women become economically self sufficient through entrepreneurship.

Facebook: Facebook.com/thepinkboss

Twitter: Twitter.com/thepinkboss

Meeting Pros: Atlanta Street Food Festival Special- Alisha Nesbitt with Enchanted Events of Atlanta, Mixed Up Food Truck, Yumbli Food Truck

July 2, 2013 by angishields

Meeting Pros Radio

Meeting Pros: Atlanta Street Food Festival Special- Alisha Nesbitt with Enchanted Events of Atlanta, Mixed Up Food Truck, Yumbli Food Truck

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On This Episode of Meeting Pros:

Alisha Nesbitt with Enchanted Events of Atlanta

Alisha Nesbitt, owner of Enchanted Events of Atlanta, began planning weddings, dinner parties and birthday celebrations for her friends and family in 2005. After continuing to receive an overwhelming amount of request for her services, Alisha decided to officially launch Enchanted Events of Atlanta. In addition to being an expert in the field event coordination & interior design, she is a licensed Occupational Therapist. Alisha maintains a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Masters in Occupational Therapy from Temple University. She is also the co- owner of Enchanted Blu Events. Enchanted Blu Events is a full service event planning, fundraiser organizing, and corporate meeting/team building planning company all in one. Enchanted Blu Events is dedicated to assisting non- profit organizations and or charities in their fundraising efforts. Enchanted Blu currently produces two signature events that each benefits a local charity. Through these events, Enchanted Blu has been able to donate over $6000 to the community in 2012 alone. The events include the Atlanta Chef’s Expo (Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Greater Atlanta) and the Atlanta Street Food Festival (Atlanta Community Food Bank). Her events have been featured on; CBS Better Mornings, in Jezebel Magazine, Southern Living Magazine, Daily Candy, Deep South Magazine, Uptown Magazine, Upscale Magazine, MSN.com, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Thrillist, Creative Loafing, Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, Crave Atlanta and Essence.com. When Alisha is not planning fabulous events, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her son Nicholas.

Atlanta Street Food Festival

Mixed Up Food Truck

Yumbli Food Truck

Meeting Pros: Chris Yellina with Graceology Photography, Andrea Kidd with Zoo Atlanta Special Events, Kelli Flournoy with Kelli Flournoy PR

June 13, 2013 by angishields

Meeting Pros Radio

Meeting Pros: Chris Yellina with Graceology Photography, Andrea Kidd with Zoo Atlanta Special Events, Kelli Flournoy with Kelli Flournoy PR

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On this Episode of Meeting Pros :

Chris Yellina with Graceology Photography

Established in early 2005, Graceology Photography, has recently exploded into the global wedding photography market. Known for our unique approach to photography, our witty charm, and our detailed touch to editing, Graceology Photography is one of the most sought after photography studios in Atlanta.

Chris and Heather are young, adventurous, and willing to do anything to get the perfect photo. Our photography team is simply the best in Atlanta and our passion for capturing the perfect photo makes us the perfect choice for you. Call us, we would love to talk to you! 404.395.9041. We are available for travel worldwide, please call for details. Browse our site and our galleries to see why we are the top choice for Atlanta wedding photography.

Andrea Kidd with Zoo Atlanta Special Events

Andrea has her degree in Hospitality Management from Georgia State University’s Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality. While earning her degree, she began managing venue sales, day-of event coordination, vendor relations & logistics planning in the Special Events Department at Rhodes Hall, Atlanta’s Castle on Peachtree Street. After two years at Rhodes Hall, Andrea moved into her current role as Catering & Special Events Manager at Zoo Atlanta, where she worked for over four years managing venue and catering sales, coordination and execution of both corporate and social events ranging from 20 to 5000 guests.

Kelli Flournoy with Kelli Flournoy PR

Kelli Flournoy is the owner of Kelli Flournoy PR, an boutique public relations firm specializing in the representation of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands.