TFI Outreach Members receive 120 minutes of consultation time with an industry consultant as part of their yearly membership.
The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) offers an exclusive opportunity for members to meet with our industry experts:
Nina Budman, Budman & Associates: Nina Budman has more than 20 years of communications experience and has headed up her own PR firm for more than 17 years. Nina, who was formerly in television production, is an expert in strategic media communications. Currently Nina is chairman on the Advisory Council for the Ryerson University School of Fashion, is on the Advisory Committee of the Toronto Fashion Incubator as well as continues to advise Fashion Design Council of Canada for L’Oreal Fashion Week. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University and did post-graduate studies at the University of Toronto. She is also a member of CPRS and Counselors Academy. http://www.budmanpr.com/
Kathy Cheng, Wing Son Garments. Ltd.: Shortly after graduating from the University of Toronto in business management, Kathy developed her marketing skills in various posts, including managing the Canadian Education Expo in Taipei, Taiwan. In 2000, Kathy took on the position of director of marketing and business development for Wing Son Garments Ltd., a Canadian activewear manufacturer, which specializes in customized programs for international brand-name clients. Kathy serves on the board of directors for Fashion Group International, Toronto Chapter, as well as the Toronto Fashion Incubator's Advisory Committee.
Wanda Ho, Business Consultant: In the 1980's, Wanda worked as a Chartered Accountant for KPMG LLP, the Canadian member firm affiliated with KPMG International,a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services. At the time, many of Wanda's clients were based in the retail sector. In 1986, Wanda opened her own practice whose clients included fashion designers, apparel manufacturers and sales agents.
Wanda is a consummate volunteer who serves, or has served, on many Boards and Committees including: Chair of Development, North York General Hospital; Chair of Finance, St. Clement's School; Chair of Finance, Royal St. George's College; President, Condo Corporation #1740; Campaign Cabinet, Royal Conservatory of Music.
Mary Jo Looby, MJL Retail Consulting: Mary Jo Looby holds a B.A. from The University of Western Ontario and a Diploma in Fashion Merchandising from The International Academy of Merchandising and Design. Her 15 year retail career includes senior buying positions at The Bay and Holt Renfrew. She has also taught Buying, Retail Business and Presentation Skills and The International Academy of Merchandising and Design. Mary Jo recently launched “MJL Retail Consulting” a business that focuses on merchandise expertise.
Clara Northcott, Northcott Communications: Clara Northcott is a senior public relations/communications professional with over 15 years of experience in marketing, public relations, special events and sponsorship. As President of Northcott Communications she has successfully handled public relations for an impressive list of international clients including, Diageo, Smirnoff, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Phantom Industries, Sara Lee Hosiery and Mondetta. Northcott handled the Canadian launch of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin's "La Grande Dame" PR Program recognizing Canadian women in the arts and business fields. In addition, she played a pivotal role in popularizing the Smirnoff International Fashion Awards in Canada and abroad--Canada hosted the International Final twice, it won two international titles between 1992-2002, and in 2002, Smirnoff accepted an Industry Award from the City of Toronto, for its contribution to Canadian Fashion. Earlier in her career, Northcott held positions at Estee Lauder, Eaton's, Ryerson University and Sanger Harris in Dallas , Texas . Northcott's current client list includes: Painter/Sculptor Thi Tram Vo, Pianist/Vocalist Allison Crowe, Arthur Mendonca, Lulu B Wines (Sopexa Canada) and The Canadian Multicultural Hockey Championships. http://northcottcomm.com/
Pheinixx Paul, Creative Director, NAFA: Pheinixx specializes in fashioning the artistic and graphic look of a brand. This involves her in design, art direction, marketing and communication planning: leading other creative professionals to realize branding and marketing goals throughout Canada, United States, Eastern Europe, China, Korea and Western Europe by supplying a unique and innovative vision.
As the daughter of an accomplished painter and fashion designer, Pheinixx grew up with a paintbrush or camera in her hand at all times. She studied communications arts and creative advertising at Seneca College where she won awards for media planning, copy writing and graphic design. She has lectured on web design for the Design Exchange and taught creative thinking and graphic design at the college level.
With over a decade of experience within the entertainment and fashion industry, Pheinixx is currently the creative director for the international fashion marketing group NAFA, for whom she initiates and steers all creative projects on a world wide scale: providing artistic direction to such fashion labels as Gianfranco Ferré, Badgley Mischka and Michael Kors. Pheinixx is also Regional Director & Communications Chair, Fashion Group International, Toronto.
Wendy Wong, Designer, House of Spy: A science lab couldn’t contain the creative prowess of former biology student Wendy Wong who burst onto the fashion scene in 2000 with her clothing line, House of Spy. While studying biology at the University of Toronto, Wendy took a part time job as a receptionist at the International Academy of Design and Technology. Discovering that one of the perks of the job included free classes, Wong enrolled in the pattern drafting and clothing construction courses. Although she completed her biology degree, upon graduation she immediately went straight to work making clothing samples.
Trading in her test tubes for fashion design was a bold move which paid off. House of Spy is now being sold in many stylish boutiques throughout Canada and the US and the list of countries yearning for House of Spy style keeps growing. Wong’s bold use of colours and prints make for a sweet, playful, quirky line. The edgy feminine shapes have garnered this brand a loyal following among hip young women everywhere.
Wendy is a former TFI Resident member who has been named in Sportswear International’s prestigious ‘Who’s Who’ list for two consecutive years (2006 and 2007).
Join TFI today to take advantage of this exclusive membership opportunity!
