Interested in the world of film, animation, creative arts, or production? Look no further, Vancouver Film School (VFS) offers a wide variety of programs in these areas. We’re so happy to have VFS as a sponsor for this year’s Side Hustle Bootcamp. To learn more about current program offerings and how to get involved, we caught up with VFS recently.
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Getting to Know Brittany Wong
Brittany is a passionate and ambitious person who comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. During our conversation I could not help but be enthralled by her focus, drive, and positive personality. As I got to know her more I was not surprised to find out she had started her own fashion magazine during her undergraduate degree at UBC and has been an instrumental player in forming the Lipstick Project a not-for-profit organization. Her dream is to make an impact in this world, so it doesn’t surprise me that her mantra is “be the change you wish to see.”
Involvement with Young Women in Business
Brittany’s exposure to Young Women in Business came through Jen Sung, whom she has been a good friend with since grade 3. Being involved in her sorority, school, and other extracurriculars took up a lot of her time but she knew she wanted to contribute to the organization at some point. After starting Style Canvas, her fashion magazine an opportunity presented itself to meld her passion for fashion and help Young Women in Business. Brittany both produced a fashion show for Beyond Pink and spoke at the closing dinner.
Learning from Young Women in Business
Now working in the Event Production industry, Brittany mentioned how organizing the Fashion Show for Beyond Pink was her first big event and was her springboard into the events industry. After graduating with a business degree from Sauder she had been accepted to the Parsons School of Fashion in New York but decided to change paths because of her recent event experience with Young Women in Business. Taking part in Beyond Pink opened a new door in her career and she took a large leap forward and never looked back.
Three words to describe her experience with Young Women in Business
Inspiring, motivating and authentic.
Fun Young Women in Business Memory
Two weeks after Beyond Pink, Brittany was at a coffee shop on a first date and a person working there asked, “Are you Brittany Wong? I am so honoured to meet you, I remember you from the conference.” Brittany was very flattered to say the least and delighted to have been a role model and made a positive impression.
Growth Opportunities
Brittany wants to continue working on her leadership skills that she believes are never ending, an answer I loved. Also, Brittany does not ask questions, as she always likes to solve things on her own. She is working on asking for support and being aware that no question is dumb!
Brittany’s Advice to others
“Don’t be afraid of failure. Aside from being one of the best possible learning tools, it’s fantastic for character building.” - Brittany mentioned she is actually more scared of success at times.
“It’s ok to feel vulnerable – in my opinion; it’s actually one of the best states of mind to be in. Amazing, incredible and wonderful things are born out of vulnerability – so embrace and lean into those moments!”
“Time is limited and life is short. So practice gratitude, do what you love and have confidence that the dots in your life will connect you to your path to success.”
- After working with a wide spectrum of clients, brands and having produced a diverse range of events, Brittany sought to fill a gap in the industry and has recently started her own event design and production studio, BASH + FETE.
Hardest decision she has had to make
Brittany decided not to go to Fashion School two weeks before school started although she had an apartment and classes selected. She was really thankful that the dean was so kind and told her that her acceptance will always be standing. To this day, she does not look back and is happy with her decision.
val litwin is a ywib kinda guy! he doesn't shy away from anything different, which has led him on varying career paths - from non-profits to co-founding blo blow dry bar to operations guru at nurse next door. we had the chance to chat with val about surfing, ice cream and everything in between.
name three people you'd like to have a dinner party with. First would be Dane Reynolds, my favourite surfer. Then I suppose we’ll need a good chef for a good dinner party, so naturally I think Gordon Ramsey would have to join us, for the food and spicy conversation. My third guest would be British philosopher Alain de Botton. I know there are a lot of dudes at this table, but all three of these guys are really opinionated, hedonists and enjoy good drinks, so I’m sure we’re have some pretty interesting discussion. Afterward...well, I’ll leave it at that.
so, english lit major - what's the last classic you read? Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. It’s a brilliant story, a classic for a reason. I'm into gothic thrillers as a genre, and I think everyone's human nature has that kind of dichotomy that we see in Jekyll and Hyde. I like books that kind of make us see ourselves in the story.
fill in the blank: i wish i could stop eating ice cream but i just can't! I just discovered toasted coconut at whole foods, and i’ll tell you...it’s delicious. Because it’s not just coconut. It’s toasted coconut.
what kind of advice you would give to someone wanting to make a major career switch, like you did (ie. from brand to operations)? Be fearless! Even if you’re not, act like you are. And if you’re hesitant about it...just do it! Of course, that said, you need to be as prepared you can. You would be foolish not to plan for it. Perfect your craft and stay supple and flexible in your learning. Your mind needs to stay stimulated to grow. Keep stretching yourself. Always keep stretching yourself.
favourite vancouver moment? That's an easy one! There is a little yellow boat anchored off Jericho Beach, and in the summertime, I swim to it and back, every day. That’s my little daily ritual, and that would be my favourite Vancouver moment. Actually, last summer, there was a mother and baby seal that would follow me out whenever I swam out there.
what's the hardest decision you've ever had to make? how did it turn out? Well...I grew up on the island, and only moved to Vancouver 5 years ago – that may not have been the hardest decision I ever made, but definitely the most significant one. And obviously it’s turned out well, because if I didn't, I wouldn’t have been able to have the career I have now.
what do you wish for your future self? Happiness and lots of physical adventure (tons of surfing, lots of time in the water). I’d like to be able to look back and say that I've taken care of the people that are close to me, as well as had a stimulating career in which I’ve grown something and made a difference.
want more on val? check out this year's Business in Vancouver's Top 40 Under 40 list: he made it!
Young Women in Business is a community for emerging female leaders and young professionals who want to create their own success.
We believe every woman and young professional stepping into the workforce or growing in their career should be well equipped with the proper set of tools and knowledge to reach their fullest personal and professional potential.
We provide young women and professionals with events, programs and an engaged network of ambitious women, to help them become successful in their careers, take on new challenges and develop skills.
