Today I wanted to do something different. I was trying to think of a curve I could throw this site, and what better way of doing that than an interview with an amazing woman. She is my brand manager, she runs her own design studio, Bloom & Brilliance, and as of late has started an apparel company with her equally as talented man. This lady that I so highly speak of is of course, Janelle Desrosiers and I have gotten this very busy gal to answer a few questions for you lucky readers. You’re going to fall in love with her candidness as much as I am.
Stephanie: Being your own boss means you have to put a certain face on for the world. What is your idea of a great business meeting outfit?
Janelle: I think it has to be reflective of your own personal style, but yet still be appropriate for the industry or client you’re dealing with. For example, if you’re meeting with a creative type or someone in the fashion industry, you can have a bit more flair in your outfit. If you’re showing up on a job site where everyone else is wearing hard hats, that’s not the day for some sexy stilettos.
Stephanie: You’re also a plus sized model. Do you have any fashion tips for highlighting your features?
Janelle: Personal style is like everything else in life. It takes effort. If you’re not sure how to go about creating your own personal style, look for women that have a similar look whose style you admire. Start from there. Don’t be afraid to try anything on that catches your eye. Eventually you will learn what cut, what colors and what fabrics work for you. You’ll also learn what doesn’t. Don’t be intimidated by “fashion rules”. If something makes you happy then wear it. That’s the most important thing about fashion.
Stephanie: Be honest, I know this question will be tough. What’s your favorite karaoke song?
Janelle: (laughter) Can’t you make this at least a top ten?
Stephanie: Fine…….difficult. Lol.
Janelle: Angel Of The Morning by Juice Newton, These Eyes by The Guess Who, I Touch Myself by The Divinyls, Fortunate Son by CCR, What’s Up by 4 Non Blondes, Who Do You Love by George Thorogood, My Baby Loves Me by Martina McBride, Hot Blooded by Foreigner, Something To Talk About by Bonnie Raitt annnnnnd Fever by Peggy Lee.
Stephanie: Thanks for that, that’s a serious song list. No fucking around when it comes to karaoke for you. Your voice is like the love child of Waylon Jennings and Pat Benatar. Besides music, what makes you feel feminine and sexy? And if you say dildos or something I’m hanging up hahahaha.
Janelle: (laughter) I didn’t know it was this kind of interview.
Stephanie: Well, you should have lol!
Janelle: I think that it really depends. There are times I feel sexy and feminine when I haven’t showered for a couple of days and I’m tooling around the house with slippers on and no bra. Sometimes I feel sexy when I’ve gotten my hair and makeup done, rocking a pair of heels. And then there are times at work where I’m killing it and I feel alive and powerful and like a grown fucking woman. I think it’s about being in the moment and being authentic.
Stephanie: Who is the style icon you rely on the most?
Janelle- I truthfully don’t have one. I have a fondness for a variety of styles from different eras and I’m just as likely to rock a pair of cut offs with a vintage tee as I am to wear a pencil skirt and a sexy top.
Stephanie: How about beauty wise? Do you get any of your makeup inspiration from anyone? And if so, who?
Janelle: Lord knows I love me some biiiiig hair and eyeliner. So, Priscilla Presley obviously tops that list. I also love Mila Kunis’ natural, girl-next-door look.
Stephanie: So you and Nyco have recently started the apparel line Canadian As Fuck. How is it working closely together and sleeping together every night?
Janelle: I’ve been told we are pretty special snow flakes. By that I mean, we spend three quarters of every day together, have loads of fun and don’t get into too many fights. We are still psyched to go to bed together every night. One of our secrets is that we each have our own thing going on during the day. We’re focused on our own work. So we do get a mental break from one another, even if we can look up and see each other from across the room. We also make sure to take quality breaks, so we will make lunch and eat together. The final secret would be (and I can’t stress this enough) is that we both really enjoy 90’s dance music. You try to be angry during some Rhythm Is A Dancer. Can’t happen. At any given moment Nyco will break out into some enthusiastic hip thrusting… and the dance party is on.
Stephanie: You’ve also recently asked me to model for your apparel line. That’s pretty ballsy considering I’m not a model and that you know I’m Insecure Sally. What look were you going for and what was the feeling you were going for? If it was tears….then amazing choice lol!
Janelle: Our primary goal is to celebrate and represent Canada and it’s incredible diversity. We love everything about this country and it’s people— including small town girls living in a lonely world…
Stephanie: That’s me lol
Janelle: Haha, yes it is! For each photo shoot that we did, we wanted to showcase our model’s individuality. We know you are a chameleon of sorts, which is why we gave you a free pass to stylize your own shoot. We knew it would turn out pretty hot.
Stephanie: Well thank you so much for the opportunity. That public washroom will never be the same. Now let’s talk some more about me hahahaha. You put my site together beautifully. I couldn’t have asked for more. Is it a different experience for you when you work with a friend?
Janelle: Absolutely! The most important part of what I do is to represent a person and their business in an accurate and attractive way. When you’ve known someone for eleven years, you have a shortcut to their personality. There are thousands of decisions in the design and planning phase, but when you know someone so well it becomes more of an intuitive process. That being said, I have tools and strategies to help me pin point who my clients are, so even if we have never met I’m still able to get a full picture of your brand personality.
Stephanie: Recently, I have received some negative comments on my site. You’re very quick to delete said comments and have warned me about replying to the negativity. As my brand manager could you explain why you prefer this route?
Janelle: It really, really sucks to get negative feedback. Especially on something that’s so personal. Sometimes the criticism can be valid, sometimes its a matter of taste, but either way you feel like you’re going to puke when it happens. I suggest that my clients adopt a “No Drama” policy. If someone can’t communicate with you in a public forum with respect, there’s no point in engaging with that person. You’re probably not going to win, it will bring down the tone of the page and it can actually discourage other people in the community from participating.
Stephanie: Well thanks for talking me off of that ledge. It was like taking a bullet and it made my heart hurt. But you DID warn me when we started. So what can ya do lol. Anyway, when it comes to your home, what aesthetics do you prefer?
Janelle: I live in a very small space. So cohesiveness in terms of style and color is very important. I really love grays, blacks and whites with a mixture of high polished silver and warm gold. Oh, and a ton of crystals everywhere. I like to mix more masculine pieces, like furniture, with feminine accessories usually in the form of lamps, decorative pillows and knick knacks. Any color in my home usually comes from books or floral arrangements.
Stephanie: Thank you so much for your time and for answering my questions. It was a pleasure as always. I just have one more quick question. It’s very important, probably the most important out of all of them. So please think about your answer first. Janelle, wanna make out? Hahahahahahh.
Janelle: I guess you’ll have to find out what my answer is during our next interview… 😉
My dad pointed out that I forgot Landslide on my top ten karaoke list!!!
I am so ashamed. 🙁