Category: FEATURE STORY

Introducing FOMA 2022 On The Cover Of The February 2023 Issue Of Sassy & Co

Posted on by Jenny H

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Diplomacy has always been more delightfully stylish at Fashion of Multicultural Australia (FOMA) 2022. As social distancing restrictions began to ease up and events came back in full force – 2022 saw the return of FOMA with its culturally immersive showcase of foreign governments.

The event featured a range of exciting initiatives comprised of activations, panel discussions, cultural exhibitions, and runway shows celebrating diversity and inclusion in Australia. Patrons witnessed a diverse showcase of 36 traditional dresses, including countries; China, Australia, Fuji, the Philippines, Armenian, Russia, and India. In addition, FOMA brought together 43 artists and designers who collaborated to make fashion runaway come to fruition.

Artists, politicians, foreign ministers, and fashion designers gathered at the Powerhouse Museum. It’s not every day a fashion show takes place underneath the Powerhouse’s iconic objects; the Catalina flying boat, famously piloted by Sir P G Taylor, where he undertook the first return from Australia to South America.

The Director of Gandhi Creations and India Australia Business Awards, Sonia Sadiq Gandhi, conceived FOMA after she saw the opportunity to foster social cohesion amongst foreign governments and strengthen the trade and goods between foreign governments.

Some of the notable designers who showcased at FOMA 2022 included one of the most celebrated fashion designers Vivian Chan Shaw, who is known for her detail-oriented designs made from jersey and silk. Her career started in the 1960s as a designer and fashion coordinator at leading bridal fabric specialists Rene and Cannes at the House of Merivale. 

There was also Colleen Tighe-Johnson’s fashion label, Buluuy Mirrii, which produced elegant silhouettes where she transformed traditional Gomeroi artworks on fabrics.

Another brilliant designer who showcased at FOMA 2022 was Lena Kasparian She built her label from the ground up and designed clothes to empower women. Her designs are inspired by the timeless Parisian style and old Hollywood glamour and have been adorned by many celebrities, actors, and tv personalities.

Like a Bowerbirds’ nest where you can find all sorts of scraps, trinkets, and materials that create cohesive structure, Australian designer Sally Jackson delved into the process of deconstructing used garments and making them intricate yet beautiful clothing. In her collection at FOMA 2022, she imagined a world where vintage and waste textiles were reimagined into a new design language. Prints, patterns, and embellishments pushed the limits of sensory overload and blurred the line between waste and high fashion. 

The comeback of FOMA was definitely a smashing success! Congratulations, Gandhi Creations, for organising this fabulous event – more power to you and your team.

Swarovski’s Valentine’s Day Campaign Sets Love Alight

Posted on by Lex A

Swarovski’s Valentine’s Day campaign delivers a bold representation of love, with crystallised jewellery that center stage in all the images. Whether it’s through self-expression, a celebration of friendship, or a revelation of deep emotion, Swarovski invites you to express yourself through its creations.

Symbols of Love

Tying Valentine’s Day together with a ribbon-inspired theme is Swarovski’s glittering Volta family. At once, the familiar shapes of love are brought to life, including delicate bows and radiant hearts, all exuding undeniable attraction.

These unique pieces are crafted with true passion:

  • Volta heart pendants, bracelets, and earrings deliver a twirling pavé of clear crystals
  • Volta bow necklaces, chokers, bangles, and earrings wrap love in elegance and grace, each featuring bright crystals set in place using the chattonage technique.
  • A Volta LOVE necklace delivers emotion in full effect, with a floating ribbon that unfolds before your eyes.

From the Matrix family, heart-shaped rings and earrings complete the adorable range, providing multiple layers of Valentine’s style.

Passion Turns Pink

To vividly colour the Valentine’s Day campaign, Swarovski has imagined an evocative pink design which runs through every touchpoint. Most prominent are the metallic busts that are positioned in retail locations across the world. Although classical in form, they celebrate real people in real world situations, and wonderfully demonstrate the captivating look of the season’s jewellery.

This same sense of magic has been translated in the campaign’s imagery, which is ignited in pink with head-turning portraits set in contrast against the bright metallic jewellery pieces. 

The collection is available in-store or online at swarovski.com.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Medianet / Photo supplied

In Pictures: All The Glitz And Glam Of The Australian Golden Sash Awards 2022

Posted on by Jenny H

The 2022 AGSA (Australian Golden Sash Awards) was recently held on Saturday at Sir Stamford in Mascot. The cream of the crop in the beauty pageant world attended the high-profile industry event in their beautiful sashes and glittery crowns. If you want to see all the glitz and glam at the 2022 Australian Golden Sash Awards, then scroll down below. The photos are courtesy of George Azmy:

Meet The Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The November 2022 Issue Of Sassy & Co: Stella Bella

Posted on by Gary A

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A serial entrepreneur, Stella Bella is currently a managing partner of Rice Remedy Group. She has built a career taking startups to multimillion-dollar success stories as a former director and the first female lead of SoGal Sydney. This venture firm is one of the largest global platforms for diverse entrepreneurs and investors. She was also a trained radiographer in Sydney until she decided to quit and buy a one-way ticket to Thailand. After some much-needed deep soul searching, she eventually decided to establish a factory that manufactures natural skin care and herbal supplements. Fast forward to today, and she has grown the business, eventually selling it for a 7-figure sum.

Stella wears many hats as an entrepreneur. She was a brand ambassador for women’s activewear and workout clothes retailer Lorna Jane. She has hosted TV shows for Tencent (the largest tech company in Asia and owner of WeChat), founded the Thailand Farmers Market, worked with Celebrity Chef Mathew Kenny consulting about Thailand Resorts, and her marketing initiatives have led to news video coverage from CNN and BBC resulting in millions of views.

Stella is currently referred to as ‘Stella Rice Girl’ – a managing partner of the Rice Remedy Group, where she manages its day-to-day operations. She’s currently pitching for a fund with Country Road. When she’s not working, she is out in nature, trekking the mountains, kayaking the oceans, getting stretchy on a yoga mat, or cooking in the kitchen.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Stella to discuss her journey in the fashion industry, and here’s what went down:

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

Word-of-mouth referral. People talk. Getting new business via referrals is easily the most profitable strategy for new business, as consumers referred by a friend are four times more likely to buy. My latest venture Rice Remedy Co. offers a monthly skincare and personal subscription. I only make 1000 kits per country per month. Have you ever purchased something just because your friend told you that you should? I know I have! So, ensuring I do everything possible to encourage my clients to recommend my product to others is vital to the growth of my business. So I am focused on top-end quality service and products that people can rave and talk about. Thus leveraging my current client base to drive referrals and grow this venture.

What social media platforms do you usually use to increase your brand’s awareness?

Facebook and Instagram were the first two social media platforms I grew up with and am familiar with. I used to joke that I stopped at one static Instagram post. However, I have to catch up with the times and am currently learning TikTok and reels.

What is your experience with paid advertising, like PPC or sponsored content campaigns? Does it work?

I made some expensive mistakes and learned some costly lessons. It can give you immediate visibility; you can target your specific market, track and have data sets to understand and know what is working and not working. Traditionally you might not, for example, retail on a brick-and-mortar; you would have these data sets. In my experience, paid advertising like PPC or sponsor campaigns allow me to test the marketing message and gives me data to make informed decisions about what is working and not working. It also allows me to set a tight budget and ad spend, which is helpful. So does it work? It depends on the KPI and your goal for doing it. You have to know your KPI and performance metrics. Marketing and sales are two different things. Marketing is about building awareness, and sales turn that viewership into profits by converting potential customers into actual customers. So you have to work out the return on the investment.

What form of marketing has worked well for your business throughout the years? Word of mouth.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

Culling my contacts and circle, setting boundaries, and saying no to things and people not aligned with my value vector. Tough when I am a nice YES girl at heart.

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

Not learning financial 101, basic profit/loss statements, and balance sheets, and investing time in learning it and being the expert at it, reviewing it monthly and quarterly and knowing where there is a hole in the pocket, and coming back to the numbers. Money is energy and is like a tree. You need to understand your business financially for the tree to be healthy and reap the fruit; you need to know what it needs to grow, what nutrients, and when to water it. That’s how I see the money. Understand the nature of your business and what is required to make it grow into a healthy money tree for you.

What new business would you love to start?

I love cooking. It is like my therapy, so rice remedy co. For rice lovers, a coffee/florist/ healthy Thai street food.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Listen to my gut and not let the noise of others distract me from my inner voice.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

When all the money is taken from you, real wealth is what you have left.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Getting it done is better than perfect. If you’re not embarrassed by the first launch, you have launched too late. Ditch perfect! Do and learn; practice makes perfect.

Photo Credit: Studio 49

Must-See Event Of The Week: Cover ModelQuest 2022

Posted on by Jenny H

What: Cover ModelQuest is one of the most prestigious modelling competitions in the land down under to date. It’s the quest to discover Australia’s most promising models where contestants compete in their own choice of beach wear, theme costume, and after-five fashion. There are no height or size restrictions. The top 3 models selected during the finals will be shot exclusively for the next issue of StarCentral Magazine, with the male and female winners becoming the cover of the next issue.

Where: Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel (241 O’Riordan St, Mascot NSW 2020)

When: November 12, 2022

Tickets via this link: Cover ModelQuest 2022

Meet The Global Man Behind The Cover Of The September 2022 Issue Of Sassy & Co: Jojo Almazora Sebastian

Posted on by Krissy

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Jojo Almazora Sebastian is a Filipino-American from Kapolei, Hawaii, based in Sydney, Australia – he’s a devoted and compassionate frontliner and nurse who works in the Operating Theatre at a busy Metropolitan Hospital in Sydney. However, on weekends, this orthopaedic nursing unit manager transforms into a charming and dashing tuxedo-attired fashionista, singer-entertainer, and master of ceremonies.

Jojo has been an awardee in Sydney’s Best Dressed for the last two years due to his excellent dressing sense and confident personality. For 2021, Sydney Best Dressed Organisation has awarded him the Top Male Fashion Icon of the Year. This landed him an award for the Inaugural Ceremony of World’s Best Dressed. He was nominated for Manila’s Best Dressed for 2020-2021 to represent Australia in the prestigious Annual Event in 2022 and was awarded at the 2021 Australian Modelling and Fashion Awards. He was also named as an ambassador for Sassy and Company Clothing in 2020-2021, which endeavours to teach everyone in the community fashion sustainability and to breathe new life into old clothes through recycling and repurposing.

Jojo been quite busy in the Catwalk for the past 2 years – he participated in the runway at the Sydney’s Best Dress 2020, Australian Multicultural Fashion Festival 2021, Sassy and Co Fashion Runway 2021, Australian Modelling and Fashion Festival and Awards 2021, Australian Fashion Preview 2021 and 2022, This Is Me Fashion Show 2021 and 2022 and Miss Earth Australia Fashion Show 2020 and 2021 amongst other. Jojo recently walked for Trinity Dawson – a Sydney Designer, in the New York Fashion Week last February 2022, LAKME Fashion Show in June 2022, and the Australian MultiCultural Fashion Exhibition in August 2022. He has been invited back to grace NYFC in September 2022. The Australian Multicultural Fashion Exhibition 2022 is a concept that Mr. Rox Molavin – the CEO of RGEM Promotion and Jojo, came up with, which aims to promote social awareness and cohesion in the multicultural community through fashion.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Jojo to discuss his journey in the fashion industry, and here’s what went down:

Where do you usually shop? Are there any hidden gems when it comes to snapping up some awesome designer clothes?

There are three types of places where I shop.

1. Op shop – This is my favourite place to shop. This is where I can find hidden gems such as shoes, tops, jeans, and jewelry.
2. New and Local Designers Shops – I love supporting new designers and wearing their creations in various events I attend and host. I also love collaborating with them.
3. Shopping Centers – For me, there is still a great deal of experience you can gain by going to a shop at a centre or mall. The workers who have vast experience in fashion could undoubtedly make a massive difference between buying the correct piece that suits you perfectly.

What are your top tips when it comes to fashion for the cooler months?

When it comes to fashion during cooler or winter months, here are my tips.

1. Layers are a must, so don’t ditch your trendy jackets for heavy-duty coats until it’s absolutely necessary; just buy them a size up so you can fit a sweater and down vest underneath or just simply accessorize with scarves or hats.
2. Winter Fashion and Style are not complete without great shoes. May it be boots or leather shoes.
3. Experiment with hats and trendy scarves.

However, never lose your individuality and uniqueness.

Where do you look for creative inspiration?

As a young man, I always find ways to become creative. My parents were my first creative inspiration, especially my mother, Josephine Almazora Sebastian – who is a very creative person.

Although, creativity came easy to me because I love to sing, dance, act, paint, host, fashion, and everything in between. At a young age, I always raised my hands whenever there was a chance to do anything that allowed me to flex my creative muscles, especially in fashion. Creative inspiration can come from and be seen everywhere, so my inspiration comes from all different aspects of my life, including fashion.

Is it hard to stay fashionable?

Honestly, NO it is not hard to stay fashionable, although it can be challenging at times. However, staying true to your fashion, passion, and yourself should not pose any problem. Another thing is to keep self-reinvention a part of your routine when keeping in fashion.

How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?

There is a very thin line between keeping your uniqueness and still having that commercial appeal. Personally, I always go for what I would like first before thinking about its commercial appeal because, at the end of the day, my luxury, comfort, and style are at stake. For me, commercial appeal and viability become secondary. When I walk out with an out-of-the-box piece of clothing, I just give it my own unique flare of confidence and attitude, thus, providing it public appeal. So far, that has not failed me.

Are there any key trends you’ve seen for this year?

For 2022, I find that bright colours and comfort are going back in trend. So many designers are going back to basics, which are great for commercial and public consumers.

What do you think about the state of fashion today?

In general, I believe fashion is in an excellent state today. But there is definitely a lot of debate regarding the state of fashion. And I believe that actually what makes it great. So many new designers are coming out with new ideas of what fashion should be. Well-known designers are making their creations more affordable for the public to gain access to. I guess we can consider this the new golden state of fashion, as everyone can access fashion in the manner they would love.

What are the clothes we can rid our wardrobes of that are considered very ‘last season’?

As we all know, as we enter the new age of fashion, we are also dealing with fashion waste which is relatively related to one another. Personally, I do not believe getting rid of wardrobes just because it was considered last season. One of my advocacies is to endeavour to teach the community about fashion sustainability and to once more breathe new life into old clothes through recycling and repurposing. Only when I find that I could not do anything else with a piece of clothing, I get rid of it by sending it off to my relatives in the Philippines. NO WASTE HERE.

What fashion advice would you give an emerging fashionista?

I would advise them to keep their uniqueness and passion together whilst exploring and discovering their true selves in terms of their fashion.

Photos By: Jay Gaerlan / HMUA: Marilou Bautista / SkinCare: Chocolate Day Spa / Model: Jojo Almazora Sebastian

The Psychology Behind Virtual Dress-up in Gaming and Web3

Posted on by Krissy

With digital fashion on the rise, consumers are presented with more opportunities to express their sense of style onto virtual avatars. By being able to curate their image and surroundings, a new way to build confidence and express oneself emerges.

With the pandemic resulting in a 30% increase in reported anxiety issues in young adults, many have turned to virtual worlds as a coping mechanism. A study conducted last year at the University of Glasgow discovered that 71% of respondents have increased their gaming time during the lockdown, and 58% of them indicated that gaming has improved their well-being.

Both mobile, digital games and the metaverse provide the ability to be whatever one wants using an avatar, in a location where they have complete control over what they look like, who they interact with, and how safe they feel.

Research has shown identification with the avatar boosts intrinsic motivation, which may impact how players act. One example is that users behave in accordance with the behavior they stereotypically connect with their avatar’s appearance, such as bargaining more vehemently when represented by a taller avatar.

As a result, virtual platforms that allow users to create a technologically enhanced self-image could lead to higher confidence and lessen consumption rates.

Designers and developers hop on the trend

“The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the main driving factors for virtual clothing. In the absence of social interaction, many people turned to video games as a form of distraction and self-development,”  said Viktoria Trofimova, CEO of Nordcurrent, an international developer and publisher of mobile games.

“This came as a newfound opportunity for the fashion industry, as production lines halted and runway shows were canceled over restrictions. Consumers could still interact with their pieces in the confines of a virtual world,” she continued.

For example, Louis Vuitton released a League of Legends capsule collection featuring character skins (outfits worn by playable characters). At the same time, Moschino created a collection for The Sims that could be bought and worn in the game.

However, the trend has not disappeared with the lifting of pandemic restrictions. Character customization has become a crucial aspect of an immersive experience in video games, which has continued this trend. Pocket Styler, for example, allows the player to completely modify their avatar’s appearance with real-world clothing and accessories.

With over 10 million users in just a few months, the app allows users to try on clothes and develop their distinctive styles without straining their wallets. Players participate in limited-time events, where they show off their take on a given theme or style outfits around specific items.  It also provides a slow-paced atmosphere, removing the tension that comes with trying on new clothes.

The psychological impact of experimenting with virtual clothing

Styling a virtual avatar — a stand-in for one’s real self — enables users to discover their sense of style. Digital clothing eliminates the excessive financial means and constraints of physical reality needed to do so.

“By experimenting with their avatar’s look, players can feel a strong sense of empowerment. On the one hand, a person may come to understand themselves, their interests, and personality better by making their character reflect what they feel inside,” noted Trofimova.

“On the other hand, items they have tried on may fuel their wardrobes in real life. As users buy items they fell in love with digitally, they may become more confident in their overall appearance,” she explained.

In addition to a diverse range of digital style choices, virtual clothing also helps to save roughly 3300 liters of water and emit 97 percent fewer carbon emissions for each item.

About Nordcurrent

Nordcurrent is the biggest Lithuanian video game developer and publisher, known for such games as Cooking Fever,  Murder in the Alps, Airplane Chefs, Sniper Arena. Focusing on freemium and casual games, the company created over 50 games since 2002, attracting more than half-billion players  worldwide.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Lukas Pereckas of blueoceanspr.com

Introducing The Brand Behind The Cover Of The July 2022 Issue Of Sassy & Co: Rootless Fashion & Accessories

Posted on by Gary A

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Based out of Germany, the concept behind Rootless Fashion & Accessories was established in 2012 when Thorsten Weingaertner, its founder and CEO, decided to create a brand that seamlessly blends his love for the outdoors and stylish utility. He wanted to establish a connection between outdoor enthusiasts, sports lovers, and fashion enthusiasts. Although he was running a premium camper manufacturing company at the time, fashion has always been at the back of his mind since he has always been very enthusiastic about fashion. When the idea of ​​starting a fashion label eventually entered his mind back in 2012, he decided to go with his gut and instincts and pursue his passion for fashion, and thus, Rootless Clothing was born.

Rootless has become synonymous with the effortlessly cool men and women who need to maintain an athletic yet wearable wardrobe that can drive an unconventional lifestyle full of adventure with a hint of attitude. Their debut collection, “Rules Breed Rebels,” carries a new millennium of urban wear for everyday men and women with an emphasis on slick and purposeful design. Rootless designs are ones that make a statement through a monochromatic swath of essential pieces that can work well together on stage, on the streets, or even in the mountains to flatter and empower their clients. It caters to men and women who showcase effortless style – very slick… and very cool! The brand also supplies striking gear like gym bags, watches, and even shoes, along with fantastic threadwork to support the client’s next conquest.

Born in Germany in 1988, Thorsten is a fashion enthusiast who combines the best materials in his creations at the most reasonable price – creating a timeless approach to urban wear distinguished by compelling threadwork, luxurious materials, and couture-quality attention to detail. He is poised to change the perception of urban wear into something truly unique and irresistible. Rootless also aims to champion freedom seekers who inhabit unique quarters of society, driven by a passion for fashion and a need to defy archaic systems.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Thorsten to discuss Rootless and here’s what went down:

Please tell us your full name and something about yourself.

My name is Thorsten Weingaertner; I was born in 1988 in Germany and am the CEO of Rootless Fashion & Accessories (www.rootless.fashion). I’m a fashion enthusiast and lover. I love designing clothes with my team and then bringing the designs to life! “Rules Breed Rebels” is not just a collection name; it’s actually a lifestyle.

How did you get started with Rootless Fashion & Accessories?

My team and I actually came from two completely different directions before Rootless was born. We ran an individual premium camper manufacturing company that can convert vehicles individually at the customer’s request. Fashion has accompanied me for years because I am personally very enthusiastic about fashion. However, the idea of ​​a fashion label as a second mainstay came up quite early after founding the first company in 2012. Since then, we have been designing and building the brand. Last year we decided to finally launch the brand and get started. We wanted to create a connection between outdoor enthusiasts, sports lovers, and fashion enthusiasts. All this is paired with premium quality, understatement, and rebellious design. In addition, there is also our extensive range of accessories, which are always designed to match our fashion. Rootless is rebellious/new/black & white/stylish, made of the highest quality at a reasonable price. Our debut collection, “Rules Breed Rebels,” definitely reflects these characteristics. We are here to shake up the fashion industry and make a statement!

What do you want to achieve personally with your brand?

Just like any other entrepreneur, I want to establish a successful company that will not only revolutionize the fashion industry but also gives our customers a lot of satisfaction. We want our customers to be happy and satisfied with our products so they will always keep coming back for more.

What is the industry doing right?

The industry is now doing some things right. It’s not just about size zero now; it’s about fashion for everyone. In my opinion, moving away from fast fashion is very important. Customers are giving more importance to quality, and the industry is adjusting quite well accordingly.

What has been the biggest hurdle you have faced as a fashion brand?

I think that’s essentially the reach of being known as a brand. Especially as a start-up, there is often a lack of funds to finance this reach. Magazines/influencers are usually too expensive, so the road to getting to the right people is quite rocky. However, I think you can achieve a lot if you have the time and enthusiasm. In my case, I have never given up on my vision and belief in my products, so we have been able to land amazing collaborations moving forward.

What steps is your brand making to ensure the process is as high-quality as possible?

Compare-Compare-Compare! First, the manufacturer is important. Because if your manufacturer is no good, you are often left with empty promises. Secondly, comparing and studying other manufacturers is the best way to get the best fabrics and the best possible quality. We have had countless samples created by numerous manufacturers to ensure the quality of our products and get the best possible result for our customers.

As you see it, what are the main issues in the fashion industry today, and how does your brand subvert them?

A lot is going towards completely overpriced or, in return, too cheap fast fashion. We had to find a good middle ground in order to be able to offer our customers the highest quality at an affordable price. I think we managed this quite well with Rootless.

What are you most excited about for the future of fashion, and where do you see it headed?

I’m very excited about the about-face required for fashion for everyone! Furthermore, we are already working with 3D models and videos, which could be of interest for our own NFT’s in the Metaverse in the future. There is a very clear trend in this direction, which is why many VIPS and large manufacturers are jumping on this bandwagon.

What advice would you give to those wanting to start a fashion brand?

Do your research down to the smallest detail. Don’t just run at it. Check the market for what is needed and what is not. Where are the trends heading, and above all, plan everything in advance, so you know what budget is required. Figure out how to reach your customers etc. Lastly, be informed, be hungry and never give up!

What are your future goals for your brand and fashion in its entirety?

As I also mentioned above – we want to offer high fashion to everyone, grow steadily and, above all, keep surprising our customers with new ideas, new items of clothing, and accessories.

Introducing The 2022 Afterpay Australian Fashion Week On The Cover Of The June 2022 Issue Of Sassy & Co

Posted on by Krissy

To celebrate the 2022 Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, Sassy & Co went on the ground at Sydney Fashion Week to capture some of the most fabulous collections and notable street style photos outside the shows. We captured some of the best and most promising designers at Carriageworks – Check out our exclusive fashion show coverage featuring Torannce, Gyre the label, and Iordanes Spyridon Gogos’.

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Introducing The Brand Behind The Cover Of The March 2022 Issue Of Sassy & Co: Medusa Hire

Posted on by Krissy

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Medusa Hire is the world’s first and ONLY Versace tableware and decor hire company. It adopts the embodiment of Versace’s DNA that is defined by the emblematic Medusa head and gold tones, they each truly capture the essence of luxury.

Medusa Hire translates the Versace allure into a Versace experience by servicing the exquisite demands of high-end events and special occasions. It injects a touch of luxury Italian glamour into your event with signature Versace statement pieces.

Sassy & Co caught up with Medusa Hire and here’s what went down:

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

Given our business is word of mouth, we have poured a lot of time into social media assets to lift its awareness. We have partnered with social media influencers as well as international celebrities in the entertainment industry like The Jacksons and Boyz II Men just to name a few. We have also established partnerships with world-renowned brands such as Eighy5 Cigars based in Florida in America which has given us the opportunity to cross-promote and grow our following to overseas markets.

What social media platforms do you usually use to increase your brand’s awareness?

Instagram has been a great platform for our brand awareness as it allows our content to easily be shared by our followers. We also feel like our target demographic spends most of their time on Instagram.

What is your experience with paid advertising, like PPC or sponsored content campaigns?

It works to a certain extent but it can only take you so far. For us, what has been the most effective is creating content that can be organically shared by our followers and customer base. As mentioned in the previous question, the best form of advertising is word of mouth – and it’s free! Brand collaborations have also been effective and opened new doors.

What form of marketing has worked well for your business throughout the years?

Since upgrading our website, we have witnessed an abundance of quality leads surface. 80% spend on social media and 20% spend on editorials. Predominately, our marketing is via social media which has given us the best return. However, your social media marketing is only as strong as the content you create and what has set us apart from the rest, is our ability to create great content that is shareable by our followers.

What sort of people usually hire your venue?

People from all walks of life as Versace has no boundaries. From corporate events to birthdays, anniversaries, and everything in between.

How is your business staying afloat during this pandemic?

We have been quite resilient during the pandemic where customers are spending more time than ever online so our sales division has remained strong.

What’s the toughest decision you had to make in the past few months?

Putting our expansion plans on hold with purchasing more venues.

Where do you see Medusa Hire in the next 5 years?

The future of Medusa Hire lies with purchasing multiple venues and adopting all the Versace Home ranges.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Do your research! It’s all in due diligence. Continue to always persist no matter what and don’t forget to be the hardest worker in the room.