Looking back on my previous blog anniversary posts, I still feel the same way about Hot On The Street. It’s my piece of the Internet that I can proudly call my own. What’s more, it’s not just a website or my Instagram handle — it’s a brand with a visual identity and a long-term investment. Today is Hot On The Street’s 8th anniversary and I’d like to take this opportunity to show you how I built my brand in the last year.
I still remember how excited Unilever’s team was when they announced that Axe was going to send some lucky guys to space. My peers shared their enthusiasm when we watched a teaser video together at Queen’s University in 2013, but that was the last time I really thought about the brand.
Axe just released a new ad that challenges common stereotypes about young men, which I love. This video makes me rethink what Axe stands for and I admire how it has the power to change consumers’ views about gender. In a way, this ad is long overdue. It’s 2017! Of course it’s ok for guys to wear pink (and not just on Wednesdays). So what if a boy doesn’t like sports?
I wish Axe didn’t have to include a question about depression because it should be obvious by now that guys have mental health issues too. The best article I read on Bell Let’s Talk Day was written by a local male marketer and that was one of many stories.
Photo Source: Brent Kore
My first ever experience with virtual reality (VR) happened at TIFF 2014 thanks to Ford. They had a cool setup that allowed you to pretend you were shooting a movie in Hollywood while sitting in a new car. The footage of me inside their car still makes me laugh.
As VR continues to become more prevalent, it makes sense that another automotive brand wants to leverage it to connect with drivers. Toyota has created brand galleries at a few Canadian malls to show shoppers the features of their new cars. At the “Towards Tomorrow by Toyota” exhibits, people can use VR to learn about Toyota’s commitment to safety technologies without even going outside. Or, you can take one out for a spin to see for yourself – the choice is yours!
Adulting is hard work. I graduated from Western 3 years ago, but paying the bills doesn’t get any easier. Between OSAP and credit cards, it isn’t fun. I’m too broke to commit to any real estate, let alone an expensive monthly cell phone plan. That’s why the idea of not being tied down to a contract is appealing – more freedom, less legal jargon and less headaches.
Public Mobile has launched a new campaign called “SIM Swap” that offers Canadians a free useful SIM card in exchange for a useless item. So before you toss out that coffee cup, read on to find out how you can participate.
Name: Crissi Giamos
Position: Director of Public Relations
Professional role model:
Mary Symons, luxury publicist and president of Mary Symons Communications. Everything this lady touches in PR is done with perfection. She oozes elegance and class. My nickname for Mary is “VVVIP”.
In 140 characters or less, what is your favourite part of your job?
The fast paced environment and how each day differs. The best part? Shoe shopping of course—one pair for the photo shoot, two pairs for me.
What are your daily responsibilities?
Fuelling the business of the Town Shoes Limited banners by consistently garnering meaningful targeted media impressions and driving sales, of course. This is ongoing daily, working with media, influencers, stylists, television stations, fashion shows, events, photographers, shopping centres and the country’s tastemakers.
Which tools or software do you use at work?
Microsoft Office 365, Cision, Meltwater, MRP Data