Women With Ambition - Issue 6

A TRIBUTE TO FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FASHION STYLIST & TV PERSONALITY,

ERICA WARK

MARCH/APRIL 2018

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“ Find something that fuels your soul. That energizes you. That feeds your passion.

Find something that inspires you and inspires others. Find what brings you joy, and discover ways to bring it into your work life. That’s what I did, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

” - Erica Wark 2

editor’s

LETTER “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” One of my all-time favourite quotes by fashion icon, Coco Chanel. It is such a liberating feeling when we are able to remove the layers and labels and be truly happy with who are we are inside. In a world that demands so much from us, it’s not always easy to feel like we’re enough. We often hear the phrase: Step into your true self. But what does that really mean and where do you begin? I believe that in order for someone to become their most authentic self and to live a life they are most proud of, they must first visualize the person they want to become.

How do you want to feel, look, act, speak, be received, communicate and serve? Once you begin to visualize your best-self, you can begin to work towards living up to those standards. Think of it as a guideline; a daily checklist that reminds us of what we need to do in order to become the person we desire. More often than not, we tend to look to others for inspiration when all along, we have the power to become our own role-models. We don’t need a new day to start over, just a new mindset; one that reminds us that we have the power to style our minds and our lives to support our betterment. So, the same way we choose our outfits and our shoes, we need to become just as selective about our thoughts and actions. That is what stepping into to your true-self is all out. It’s being able to look in the mirror and love the you that you are. And if you happen to be standing in a pair of dazzling stilettos, well, that’s just fabulous!

Step into who you are meant to be; into what makes you feel good on the inside, not just the outside.

Some people hide behind the labels, while others choose to define themselves by their own brand.

Decide who you are first, and everything else becomes an accessory.

When it comes to fashion, no matter what you’re wearing, pair it with confidence. Authenticity never goes out of style.

With love,

LISA AQUILINA Editor-In-Chief of Women with Ambition™ and Founder of Stilettos and a Stroller MARCH/APRIL 2018

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the

INTRODUCTION Erica Wark is a nationally recognized stylist, TV personality and fashion expert who loves helping others find their true style-selves. With frequent appearances on CTV’s The Social, The Marilyn Denis Show, Etalk and Your Morning, Erica talks all things fashion while giving us a sneak preview of the latest trends and must-haves. With a roster of celebrity and media talent and collaborations with various brands, her work has graced the pages of several magazines and commercial campaigns. Her styling aesthetic is all about marrying unexpected pieces and inspiring others to look at fashion in new and unique ways. Erica’s passion is evident in all that she does; creating fun and affordable looks that are fresh and fabulous! Her goal is to not only help women look their best but to feel their best from the inside-out.

Read on to learn more about this multi-passionate entrepreneur as she shares advice on fashion, life, and how being in love with what you do is always in style.

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Who is Erica Wark and what is your business?

I’m a stylist and fashion television expert.

What made you pursue a career in fashion?

What is your why?

I started modeling when I was 13 years old and quickly fell in love. Although when I think about it more deeply, I think I’ve always loved fashion. As a little girl, I used to sew my own Barbie clothes; I designed my own prom dress; I also remember playing dress up with all of my mom’s clothing and grandmother’s jewelery.

What do you love most about fashion?

Apart from the creative side of it, it’s constantly moving, evolving and changing, so it never feels stale. It’s always exciting! I love it ultimately because it has the power to build people up. It can make you feel confident, beautiful, sexy, and comfortable in your own skin.

Who are some of your favourite designers?

Oh my God, I could go on forever. I really don’t have ‘favourites’ because one season might really draw me in, while another might not do it for me.

That’s what makes fashion so exciting; it can be full of surprises.

How do you stay up-to-date with current trends?

Other than the fact that I live in malls (Ha!), I’m also constantly online reading and watching. With social media, it’s all available right there at your fingertips!

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What fashion items could you not live without?

I love a great bag; one that goes with everything and that’s functional. I also appreciate a great pair of stylish runners. The perfect skinny jean. A beautiful coat. You know, the basics!

What are some of the fashion staples every woman should own?

I always recommend the following staples to my clients: a beautifully tailored coat, a great pair of jeans, a chic blazer, trousers (I love cigarette pants personally), a classic pump, a great pair of kicks, and a classic bag.

What are some of your top tips for looking fab for less?

There are so many amazing stores that carry fabulous, affordable pieces. I think the key is taking those affordable trendy pieces, and pairing them with classic, well-made, good quality staples. You’ll not only look great, but you’ll also be able to really highlight your personality through your wardrobe.

Which celebrities do you feel have the best style?

Another tough one. There are so many amazing celebs with great style. I personally love Olivia Palermo’s style, Diane Kruger, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Rihanna; women who take risks on the carpet are always a fan of mine!

Tell us about one of your most memorable career highlights.

I would say one of my most memorable moments was when I was offered the role to be one of the fashion experts on The Steven & Chris show. I remember watching their show while I was still in school, and was such a big fan of the boys, so meeting them in person and having them select me was a dream come true. It was also my National debut, so it’s something that I’ll never forget. Another career highlight was joining the team of The Social; 6

MARCH/APRIL 2018

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photographer CHRIS NICHOLLS

working on an all-female talk show has been so empowering

You have to fail in order to succeed, and everything I’ve experienced has helped build a path to where I am now, and ultimately where I’m going.

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working on an all-female talk show has been so empowering, and the entire crew, both on camera and off, are just a joy to be around!

If you could change anything about your business journey thus far, what would it be?

Without sounding cheesy, I wouldn’t change a thing. Life is all about the journey: some days are smooth while others aren’t. You have to fail in order to succeed, and everything I’ve experienced has helped build a path to where I am now, and ultimately where I’m going. I’m incredibly grateful for all of it. I’ve learned so much along the way, and as my career continues to evolve, I look forward to learning more.

What are your future business plans?

I just re-launched my website and blog: www.ericaonfashion.com so I’m really excited about that. It will focus on style tips and tricks, industry news, outfit inspiration, and fun travel destinations - and what to wear while you’re there of course! I would love to write a book someday, maybe even have my own clothing line! Dream big right?

What advice do you have for up and coming fashion stylists?

We live in an age where it’s easier than ever to create and showcase your work. My advice would be to start a social media platform or blog (both won’t cost you a dime) where you can post some of your styling work – whether it be on yourself, your friends or even family members. I remember when I was first starting out in television; I had my mom and my cousin’s model for me.

Do your homework: find other up-and-coming photographers, makeup artists, and models that you can work with to build your portfolio. Not only is this beneficial to you, it’s also helpful for them – win, win!

Find out what fashion events are taking place where you live, and get in touch with the organizers MARCH/APRIL 2018

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to find out how you can get involved. Experience and network as much as possible. Trust me, people WANT to help. There’s no way I’d be where I am today, without the support of mentors and my peers.

AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO PICK UP THE PHONE. We live in a technological world, and a lot of people have lost the touch of person-to-person contact. Don’t be that person. Reach out, go for coffees, and pick up the phone.

bring it into your work life. That’s what I did, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Where can we get more of Erica? Which platforms are your most active on?

I’m active on ALL the platforms! You can find me on www.ericaonfashion.com as well as my social media.

What do you like to do outside of fashion? What are some of your favourite “Little Luxuries?”

I love to travel. My husband and I live in separate cities due to our careers, so we only get to see each other on weekends and when we take a vacation, so travel is VERY important to us. We love to explore and after we got married, we made a pact to try and visit one ‘dream location’ a year.

This year, it’s South Africa! We can’t wait!

I’m also a bit of a homebody. I love throwing on my sweats and watching a great movie or television series, or getting together with friends and family.

What is your life motto?

Life is soooooo short, and we spend most of our life at work and away from our loved ones, so do what you love. Find something that fuels your soul.

That energizes you. That feeds your passion. Find something that inspires you and inspires others.

Find what brings you joy, and discover ways to

It was truly a pleasure interviewing Erica and learning about her journey in the fashion industry. It’s always so energizing meeting someone with a genuine love and passion for what they do, and to see how their work empowers women to put their best foot forward. As the saying goes; “Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway…”

Walk with poise, dress with style, and love the you that you are without the labels. Confidence looks good on everyone.

To learn more about Erica Wark, visit her new website, and be sure to tune into your CTV daytime favourites to discover Erica’s latest tips and tricks on all things fashion.

STAY SOCIAL WITH ERICA

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www.ericaonfashion.com

@ericaonfashion

@ericaonfashion

@ericaonfashion

MARCH/APRIL 2018

photographer CHRIS NICHOLLS

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