When we first interviewed Chanel to join our team and she went on and on about how much she loved rollerskating, we knew this was gonna work out great. Our suspicions were confirmed when, on one of her first days in the office, she played hours of disco jams and has the moves to match. Get down tonight! Chanel has brought so much fun to the office and it touches everything she does, from the layouts she designs to the shoots she oversees. This roller girl is goin’ places!
What do you do at fredflare.com?
I work in the Creative Department. As the Assistant Art Director, you can find me helping create our store windows, e-cards, postcards and more. We just completed one of the most exciting projects ever, our holiday catalog! It was so much fun. We did it all right here and everyone at the office pitched in. Vanessa in Customer Service even did all the hair and makeup. It was a whirlwind of activity but it came together great.
How long have you been in New York?
I'm a newbie New Yorker! I moved here from Toronto just 5 months ago. I lived in the T-Dot for 5 years! Originally I'm from Pomona, California but I went to college up North. If you love cities you should definitely take a trip there. It's like a mini NYC, so diverse and bursting with über talented artists, musicians and designers such as Floria Sigismondi and David Cronenberg.
Is it true you had your own radio show while you lived in Toronto?
Yes! 88.5 CUIT's college radio is where I put on my very first set of radio-hosting headphones. I worked a radio show called Mega City Vibes. It was a hip-hop show. I did a segment called Miss Betty's 60 Second Update. I would research all types of current events, gossip and news and ramble them all together really fast. We would then discuss them in detail. That always took place before our nightly song battle. We would battle any thing from Care Bears vs. My Little Pony to Pete Rock vs. Premier.
Are you enjoying New York so far?
I must say that I've had some crazy train days – Once I took the N train instead of the Q train and my trip home became my trip to Coney Island! – but, overall, I love it. The people are really nice and there is always fun stuff to do. fredflare.com has been a huge part of my adjustment period. Everyone here is so helpful and knows all the fun places to go! I've become quite attached to public events like the parties in the park with DJ Spinna or free concerts at Central and Prospect Parks. And I can't forget about First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Art Museum. It’s like a big art party with music and performers. If you go, you have to dance!
You’re a vegetarian, right? Can you recommend some good veggie spots in NYC?
Oh my, there are so many! Okay if you are feeling a killer salad you must go to Vegetarian Paradise in Greenwich Village. If you need a diner joint – even us veggie heads have to get greasy some times – Kate's Joint in the East Village is the place. My ultimate favorite is Ital Shak in Brooklyn. It's all vegan and vegetarian Caribbean food. Mmmm... Jerk tofu!
Tell us about your photography.
I heart photography! I majored in photography in University and it has always played a major part in all the things I create, from graphic design to personal collages, shoots and illustrations. I'm currently working on a collage series called “Good Housekeeping” which focuses on media-rooted stereotypes.
What's spinning on your iPod?
Fall is here and what better way to bring in the season than with some Stereolab, Nina Simone and Duke Ellington? I'm getting pumped up for the Holidays, too, so lately I've been in a disco feva mood! Lots of Rose Royce, Gloria Gaynor and KC and the Sunshine band. I recently got this crunked-up mix by DJ Ayes that is out of control!
Anything else you’d like to tell our customers?
Yeah! Holla at your girl! We can exchange some vegetarian recipes. Drop me a line or two or 3 or 4! I’m at info@fredflare.com You inspire us and I'd love hear from you!
