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In The Hot Seat – Nisa Tiwana

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Blogger Nisa Tiwana of nisatiwana.com talks to Team TMN about her blog and impressions of media in the UAE, as well as the advice she would offer graduates looking to begin a career in media…

Name: Nisa Tiwana

Age: 25                      

From: Pakistan     

Current Job Title: Blogger/Guest Editor

When did you first arrive in Dubai?
I was born in the UAE and have been living here since.

Where did you work prior?
I worked for Thomson Reuters in their financial sales department. I love the corporate environment and fast-paced jobs – you never get bored. The hustle and the bustle of the sales environment keeps you motivated.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
It seemed small. I remember when newspapers were the only source of fashion and entertainment news in the UAE.

Has your opinion changed much?
Oh yes, for sure! The industry has come so far. Now we have access to a huge range of international magazines, covering topics from fashion to business and lifestyle. There has also been a huge advancement in online media.

Is blogging your full-time job or a part-time passion?
A part-time passion 

Tell us about your blog…
I started off interning for Grazia in 2012 while I was studying at university. Working at Grazia provided a great opportunity for me and it meant I was well exposed to the fashion and media industries; I met so many people and worked with some amazing brands. When I left there, I started my own fashion and lifestyle blog as I was so inspired and wanted a way to express my personal opinions on fashion as well as my own style. I now work with brands on styling projects, blogger collaborations, lifestyle projects etc. It’s a fun blog that covers everything from fashion to lifestyle.

What’s the most rewarding part of blogging?
I love receiving feedback from my followers. They have so many nice things to say and you get more and more inspired everyday.

Which international bloggers inspire you?

There a few I really admire like Aimee Song of songofstyle.com, Marianna Hewitt of lifewithme.com and my dear friend Maria Alia of mariaalia.com. 

What advice would you offer to someone looking to start a career in media in the UAE?
I think it is one of the best industries to work in, especially in the UAE. I would recommend that young graduates get as much work experience as they can, as it really does help. People think that working in media is easy and with loads of perks but there is so much work that goes into forging a career in this community.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
I think there is an on-going improvement in the quality of media publications in the region and things appear to only be getting better. 

How do you find PRs in the region?
Dubai has some amazing PR agencies, with very professional teams who know what they’re doing and can come up with incredibly creative ideas whereas some agencies can make you question PR altogether! 

What’s your pet PR peeve?
A lack of research from their side – annoying calls to confirm attendance or sending the same, irrelevant press releases a thousand times.

Do you accept press material from PRs?
Yes. I do. 

Would you rather be contacted by phone or email?
Email preferably, I think that phone calls are only for urgent issues and I would always rather get a work call on my mobile.

Describe yourself in five words…
Optimistic, energetic, friendly, driven and creative

What’s your most overused saying?
“Honestly” 

Five things you can’t live without?
My family, friends, mobile, tea (Yes, I’m a tea drinker!) and movies.

If you weren’t in your blogging, what would you be doing?
I’d be a lawyer or a TV host (I love to talk).

What would be the next step for you as a blogger?
Having already worked successfully with brands such as All Saints and Charles & Keith, I definitely hope to continue these kinds of collaborations. I’m always keen for opportunities to take the blog further and would definitely be receptive to ideas for collaborations on style features or style/street style campaigns.

Matrix PR welcomes Anthony Caton

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Anthony Caton has joined Matrix Public Relations as PR Account Manager. Before joining Matrix, Anthony ran his own agency in the UK for 10 years, during which time he worked on a series of on and offline projects for brands such as the NHS, Ed Hardy and EVISU. In his new role, he will be responsible for handling the agency’s retail clients.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Matrix PR for seeing my potential and making me feel welcome in my new role as PR Account Manager,” says Anthony.

Lion MEC launches

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Darine Hounaine, Co-Founder of Mother, Baby and Child magazine at CPI Media, has moved on to launch Lion Media, Events and Consultancy (MEC) firm in Dubai. The firm aims to meet the needs of companies that require marketing and digital consultancy as well as events work. Lion MEC will launch its own set of events such as the International People’s Festival which will celebrate and flaunt the different cultures that the UAE has to offer in a carnival setting, as well as the Women’s Entrepreneur Awards and the Health and Wellbeing series of events.

The media arm of the firm will also be launching new publication Family Tree, targeting parents with children from 0 – 18 years of age with an initial print run of 15,000 copies distributed around supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, schools, hotels and more. The magazine will be available online and have its own app which will feature events, articles, news updates and a chat room. Family Tree will also have its own monthly network of events alongside a yearly channel of events.

“Success comes in a can, not a can’t; I believe that whatever you set your mind to, with persistence, passion, devotion and commitment can be possible if executed correctly,” says Darine.”I’m proud to be launching Lion MEC and to be incorporating all of my networks and talents under one roof to offer businesses the best possible service and ROI .”

Stylist Social Media Awards UAE winners announced

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The first ever Stylist Social Media Awards UAE, presented by The Apparel Group, took place last night at the Palazzo Versace Dubai. Curated by Stylist Arabia, part of APP Media Group, the Awards recognised digital innovators in fields of fashion, beauty, food, vlogging and travel and the winners were chosen by a public vote. The event was hosted by Kuwaiti social media star and make-up artist Fouz Alfahad and notable winners included Joelle Mardinian, who won Beauty Social Media Star of the Year as well as Most Inspirational Social Media Star; Taim Al Falasi, who won Travel Social Media Star of the Year and Vlogger of the year and Natalia Shustova who won Fashion Social Media Star of the year. Nominees for awards included Aiisha Ramadan, My Custard Pie, Mona Kattan and The Mothership.
“This is the first time that the UAE’s social influencers are being properly recognised, with the winners chosen by over 11,000 members of the public who voted for their favourite social media stars,” says Sue Holt, Executive Director, APP Media Group. “The growth of social media influencers has been phenomenal across the world and these awards honour the individuals making the biggest waves in a range of sectors.”

InsideOut Awards winners revealed

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UAE-based homes and interiors magazines InsideOut, part of Gulf News Publishing, revealed the winners of its second reader awards at a gala dinner held on Sunday, May 14 at the Music Hall, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Over eight weeks, 18,421 individual reader’s votes were cast over 12 categories and winners this year included; Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery, Rattan House, Home Centre and Dubai Garden Centre. This year’s Editor’s Choice Award was presented to RAK Ceramics, in recognition of the UAE company’s successes in the region as well as on a global scale.

“These awards were established to give our readers – the industry’s customers – a voice,” says Sharon Parsons, Editor, InsideOut. “We know from the solid relationship that we have with them just how passionate, discerning and smart they are when it comes to their homes. This knowledge has allowed us to refine the awards this year, introducing new categories to reflect how and where our readers shop. The fantastic results speak for themselves.”

 

 

Fashion Weekend

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Team TMN chat with Zahirah Variawa, Managing Director of Think Liquorice, to discuss this week’s Fashion Weekend event at Souk Madinat Jumeirah…

Tell us a bit about Fashion Weekend?
Fashion Weekend is a concept created by Souk Madinat Jumeirah to celebrate fashion in Dubai against the backdrop of the Souk and showcase what the venue has to offer.

Tell us about the concept behind Fashion Weekend …
Souk Madinat Jumeirah has historically been viewed as a destination to visit by tourists or guests from out of town. By working with the management team we were looking for a way to change that perception and showcase the establishment’s many other offerings to not just tourists but with a focus on residents as well. Fashion Weekend is only one of the initiatives that will allow people to see the diverse range of shopping and dining available. We also hope to grow this concept each year alongside the retail spread of the Souk. Fashion Weekend, along with other projects planned for the upcoming months, will open up the Souk to residents through collaborations and events to allow Dubai’s community to rediscover what is on offer. 

What makes this event unique?
Unlike traditional fashion shows, Fashion Weekend takes place in the walkways of the Souk, as opposed to a catwalk. There will be interesting elements that bring the show to life and emphasise key components of the Souk Madinat Jumeirah brand.

Models will be interacting with the live entertainment and the guests as well. The show’s format is designed to make the clothing, as well as the event, a pop up feature during the day. Our focus is not to repeat the standard fashion show format, but rather offer a snapshot show that is fun, interactive and enjoyable without taking away from the other activities you may have planned at the Souk or in the city over the weekend.

How will Fashion Weekend be marketed differently from previous events at Souk Madinat Jumeirah?
The event marketing is focused primarily online. Thursday’s showing is aimed at press, bloggers and invited guests, but still open to the public. Souk Madinat Jumeirah receives great interaction globally across it’s social media pages and we wanted to use these events to build on that. Live feeds, video content and interactive posts before, during and after the event will be the key drivers. Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a lifestyle brand, and with that we want the events to be inclusive and enjoyable for all ages and nationalities.

It’s difficult to compare the marketing of Fashion Weekend to the marketing of previous events as it’s the first time the Souk brand is branching out and hosting events like this under it’s own banner. 

Do you think it’s more difficult marketing Souk Madinat Jumeirah to UAE residents than it is to tourists and, if so, how?
I don’t believe it’s more difficult, it is just different. Tourists generally go looking for iconic locations ­–  everything from the Arabesque architecture, style and traditional stores as well as the retail offerings within the souk. Residents are familiar with the Madinat but, given the many other choices available across the UAE market for shopping and dining, we need to work at reminding them of what’s on offer; and look to create unique experiences such as Fashion Weekend.

Can anyone attend Fashion Weekend?
Yes, it’s an informal ‘pop-up’ show in the walkway outside Costa.

How can media companies get involved in Fashion Weekend?
Easily! We love collaborating and are always open to ideas and partnerships to help build on this concept and others. To get involved, even in next week’s event, just drop the team an email at info@thinkliquorice.com

Could you tell us more about who/what we can expect to see at Fashion Weekend?
Interactive runway shows with warm and friendly models working the walkways, live entertainment with a DJ and sax player as well as a free-to-attend fashion workshop with Kelly Lundberg talking about this season’s trends and how to travel smart while looking fabulous. 

Are you planning to make this an annual event?
Yes. We’re starting small and intend to build on the concept each year.

What can media visitors expect to gain from Fashion Weekend?
Fashion Weekend will allow media and influencers to rediscover the Souk through the medium of fashion. They will not only get a good overview of the retail offering on the models and the runway, but by traveling through the walkways of the food, fashion, gift and signature stores. Through exercises like these we want to open up the souk to the media and remind them that it still is one of the most beautiful shoot locations, event locations and able to offer a unique mix of culture, shopping, dining, entertaining and more. It’s one of the only theatres in the city and the entire team are keen to welcome the media to consider and utilise these spaces. Coupled with the showcase of fashion, it will make for a short and sweet but enjoyable Thursday afternoon out of the office! The media show takes place at 12pm on the Thursday, May 19. 

How do you think Fashion Weekend can/will be developed in the future?
As an agency we always strive to build on everything we do. A concept like Fashion Weekend has endless possibilities for growth, extending into and including the food and beverage sectors, as well as expanding the fashion workshop into an exhibition, panel discussion or series of events – the sky is really the limit. The concept is very malleable at this stage and as we work through the first few seasons I hope it will develop into a calendar highlight and take on a personality of its own.

Tom Paye goes freelance

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Tom Paye has made the move to freelance journalism from his role as e-Content Specialist at Hilti Middle East, Turkey and Africa. Tom brings over six years of experience with him and has worked for companies such as ITP Publishing, CPI Media Group and White Fox Media on publications such as Arabian Computer News, Network Middle East and Computer News Middle East. He will continue to work on covering the IT industry in the Middle East for various clients, as well as taking on projects that involve covering the luxury lifestyle sector and motor industry. 

“I think it’s every journalist’s dream job – to go freelance, to work on your own time, on the projects you really want to do,” says Tom. “I’ve been lucky in that a few things have fallen into place and now I’ve got an opportunity to make it work. I’m really looking forward to taking on the challenge and hopefully I’ll be building great relationships with great titles for years to come.”

Lekha Menon promoted at Masala! Magazine

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Masala! magazine, part of ITP Publishing, has promoted Lekha Menon to the role of Editor. Having worked with Masala! for the past five years as Deputy Editor, Lekha has over 15 years of experience in journalism and has previously worked in India on publications such as The Times of India, Marwar and DNA. As Editor, she will now be responsible for overseeing the production of the weekly Bollywood, fashion and lifestyle magazine, sourcing exclusive content and interviewing Asian celebrities for features. Lekha will also be assisting in events, building relationships with prominent personalities and representing the Masala! brand at high-profile events.