Today wasn’t any ordinary #MusicMonday. Today was the first time I woke up early to be one of the first people at Yorkdale. Today I met Carly Rae Jepsen, the woman behind the hit single Call Me Maybe!
I arrived ten minutes before the tea shop opened and was the first fan to receive a wristband. Once I talked to the staff about what to expect when Carly arrived, it was time to shop. It’s interesting to walk around a mall on a weekday morning. There’s no crowds, noise or garbage. I picked up my friend’s birthday gift at the newly renovated Hudson’s Bay, did some window shopping and then went to the food court for lunch. I love ordering salads from Chipotle Mexican Grill, even though they’re a bit too spicy.
After a quick visit to Indigo, I joined the line of about 30 fans. I was surprised that DAVIDsTEA didn’t play any of Carly’s music while we waited. In fact, I deliberately didn’t listen to her music before the event because I expected to hear it on repeat during the meet and greet. Nevertheless, fans seemed to be entertained by Microsoft retail employees dancing and playing Xbox. When was the last time you saw employees have a mini dance party during store hours?
I think this was the most laidback celebrity autograph signing I’ve ever attended. Nobody made a big deal when Carly entered the store, except for a few moms who told their daughters to go up to the store window for a closer look. No applause, no ruckus, just smiles all around.
Much like most humble Canadians, Carly was super sweet in person. This afternoon was definitely the first time a Juno Award winning singer greeted me with a hug! She was charming, bubbly and friendly. After she signed her name (not her number), I got a hand massage with new güd by Burt’s Bees lotion, which she’s promoting. My hands still smell like a pear and I’m not complaining.
The singer-songwriter is off to New York in February to play Cinderella on Broadway, where she’ll share the stage with Fran Drescher. The show’s family-friendly and G-rated content make it a good starring role for the talented star. Hopefully she’ll return to Toronto soon to meet more fans and share new music!
Carly’s favourite DAVIDsTEA flavours are Read My Lips? and Oh Canada! I liked the Saigon Chai flavour I sampled today. Apparently that’s Oprah’s favourite. What’s yours?