I'm an accomplished award-winning Designer, Creative Director and Event Producer. Upon completing studies at Ryerson University in Toronto I launched a career focusing on commercial and high-end residential interior design, gaining an impressive client list. I then expanded into the commercial design industry focusing on retail, restaurant and office,work environments.
During that time I was recognized in the medical Journal of Canada for “Most Innovative Medical Office Design”, which also honored me with the distinction of heading the design team for a medical Arts complex in Victoria B.C. However, entertainment being my first love, I followed opportunities to direct my career into the event-planning industry where I soon became recognized for my ability to merge great design with quality entertainment.
From gala fundraisers, prestigious affairs, to international fashion runways, I have created some of the industries most dynamic and progressive entertainment. In 1993 I relocated to Vancouver and founded “BAM Entertainment," a special-event and talent-management company. After a successfully building, directing and producing large scale destination events throughout North America, I shifted my focus to the creative side of the film/ television industry as a set designer.
In 2005, I had an opportunity to work with HGTV as a television personality for one of their national design programs and jumped at the opportunity to be in front of the camera, allowing me yet another perspective into the entertainment industry. Love It or Lose It is in syndication worldwide. In 2010, I was commissioned to direct/style a photo-shoot for Mr. gay world which earned me a prestigious double page spread in the international lifestyle magazine DNA.
I met Dean Thullner around 2000 when we co-produced a successful event benefiting the Vancouver Pride Society called Recreation at the Commodore Ballroom. Recreation offered Vancouver's first international 60 foot runway. Dean and I went on to work on many fashion projects together after that.
You are part of the SHINE2018 team. What is your position on the Shine team and what does your work entail?
I feel passionately that mental illness effects all of us in someway. I have personally dealt with depression. I have witnessed friends deal with various issues from addiction to depression to anxiety disorders. I am proud to do what I can to shed light on this important cause.
Yes it absolutely is! Stigma has played such a large role in people not seeking help, being ashamed, feeling alone and helpless. I am so proud of the work being done to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. There is no shame - we are all affected one way or another. We cannot overcome the issues we personally face or the issues we see in society if we are unable to talk open and freely about them without stigma and without shame.
We are all human on this journey, We must all embrace compassion and empathy for others and for ourselves. We should all strive for happiness and know that we are all not so different from each other, we all have love to give and a light to shine.
From gala fundraisers, prestigious affairs, to international fashion runways, I have created some of the industries most dynamic and progressive entertainment. In 1993 I relocated to Vancouver and founded “BAM Entertainment," a special-event and talent-management company. After a successfully building, directing and producing large scale destination events throughout North America, I shifted my focus to the creative side of the film/ television industry as a set designer.
In 2005, I had an opportunity to work with HGTV as a television personality for one of their national design programs and jumped at the opportunity to be in front of the camera, allowing me yet another perspective into the entertainment industry. Love It or Lose It is in syndication worldwide. In 2010, I was commissioned to direct/style a photo-shoot for Mr. gay world which earned me a prestigious double page spread in the international lifestyle magazine DNA.
How did you meet Dean Thullner?
I met Dean Thullner around 2000 when we co-produced a successful event benefiting the Vancouver Pride Society called Recreation at the Commodore Ballroom. Recreation offered Vancouver's first international 60 foot runway. Dean and I went on to work on many fashion projects together after that.
You are part of the SHINE2018 team. What is your position on the Shine team and what does your work entail?
I am in charge of the event room and staging decor for Shine 2018.
What is your "why"? Why were you drawn to offer your talents in support of this specific charity fundraiser?
What is your "why"? Why were you drawn to offer your talents in support of this specific charity fundraiser?
I feel passionately that mental illness effects all of us in someway. I have personally dealt with depression. I have witnessed friends deal with various issues from addiction to depression to anxiety disorders. I am proud to do what I can to shed light on this important cause.
SHINE2018 has the hashstag #nostigma, and the funds raised are earmarked for programs servicing those struggling with mental illness and addiction. Was this a part of your reason for volunteering?
Yes it absolutely is! Stigma has played such a large role in people not seeking help, being ashamed, feeling alone and helpless. I am so proud of the work being done to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. There is no shame - we are all affected one way or another. We cannot overcome the issues we personally face or the issues we see in society if we are unable to talk open and freely about them without stigma and without shame.
What are you most looking forward to at SHINE2018 in terms of the amazing show being created?
I always feel a sense of pride that with every year we are one step closer to our objectives of overcoming stigma and bringing mental illness into the light it deserves. I am also so proud of all the talent our community brings to the stage every year.
Any last thing you'd like to share - a quote, a thought, an encouragement for people to attend and/or donate.
We are all human on this journey, We must all embrace compassion and empathy for others and for ourselves. We should all strive for happiness and know that we are all not so different from each other, we all have love to give and a light to shine.
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Get your tickets as early as possible as this is a SELLOUT every year. They are available on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/shine2018-tickets-41429908973
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