Title is advice from Mum. She said that to me a few years ago when I was trying to sort out where I wanted to go with my life. I always thought I wanted to work in fashion, then I did. After that, I thought wearing a suit, working long hours and being part of the downtown financial district was my dream. I stayed in that job as an IT recruiter having meetings at 8am (yeah omg, it was hell) and 2pm every single day. I hated it so much (job not the people!). One day my boss said “Casie, it doesn’t seem like you are having fun?” I replied “No, I’m not having fun at all. I badly want to quit but I need two weeks pay”. I left at the end of that very day, cheque on the way and started a job at Toronto’s most famous Kiwi restaurant shortly after. I knew the owner (HI MARTIN) and that because of my Kiwi citizenship I had a bloody good chance of getting hired. Working in the bar gave me the freedom (and same money TBH) to do what I wanted with my time. It was stress free and I loved chatting to the regulars and new customers. I worked at Hemingways for a few months and met some really rad people, it was like a family there. One of my recruiter friends sent me on an interview and moved into a job in IT. I worked for an online casino (it was cool, we had catered lunches) for two years and despite almost getting fired for doing it, worked on my blog A LOT. If my old boss reads this he will totally be shaking his head. Thanks Mike! When they caught on to all my blog activity, I decided I wanted to be in media full time. I left the IT job to do what I thought was my dream doing the social media for MuchMusic & MTV Canada. 299 Queen Street was a really fun place to work and the people were unique. It’s been over a year and a half working for myself and I must say that THIS is by far my most favourite ever job. It is sometimes the hardest and but totally the most fun.

Notice a pattern? I never stopped chasing my dream, although it is/was always changing. Nothing really great comes easy and if you work hard it will pay off. If you are in a job you hate and are reading this from your desk or something, realize you have the ability to go and find your dream too. You can’t fly with the eagles if you’re with the seagulls. Find the eagles you wanna roll with and make a decision to SOAR HIGHER. You only live once. 

Turned off the awards show last night to watch one of my fav films, Closer feat Natalie, Clive, Julia and Jude. I love it. Natalie says she’s a ‘waif’ at the start of the film and The Waif’s are one of my fav Aussie bands. Turns out they’re from Perth like Sam. Today is a busy day shooting two things for two different tv networks (just my luck they’re both on the same day). These photos were sent to me last night from Javier Moltó in Madrid. We met last week in Detroit for the International Auto Show.

I loved this song when I lived in Australia and was happily reminded of it last night. I really want to go to London. Attending & covering the Olympics would be a DREAM come true.

Have a wonderful Monday. It’s nice to be back in town but I love that my international friends never feel that far away. Looking forward to tonight & hibernating. How many days till summer?

I started thinking about my first job after reading Neil Pasricha blog 1000 Awesome Things. You know it? It’s awesome. He wrote some funny stories about people things they say in their first job interview. Here’s one I quite enjoy:

Me: Can you tell me about a problem you had while working with a group and how you resolved that problem?
Her: Um… (giggle)
Me: It’s okay. Take your time.
Her: Okay. (30 seconds pass) Okay, one time in marketing class I didn’t like my group so I did something else.
Me: You mean you left the group?
Her: Yeah. I asked the teacher if I could leave the group and she said yes. So I did some report or something.
Me: Oh, okay. And how did the rest of the group feel about it?
Her: I don’t know. They all stopped talking to me.
Me: Oh… okay. Well what didn’t you like about working with them?
Her: They were just ignorant.
Me: Can you tell me more about the project?
Her: Well, we had to make up a product and then advertise it. And we got cereal. But they wanted to make a cereal that was made out of rocks.
Me: Rocks?
Her: Yeah, I know. That’s why I left the group.
Me: They wanted to make a cereal out of rocks?
Her: Yeah.

#125 Your First Job, 1000 Awesome Things

Toronto blog What Women Want asked me about my first job earlier this year, read the interview here.

First job ever? I was a Sales Associate at Gap Canada Inc. (Fairview Park Mall). I wanted so badly to work there. I was 16 and I called and called and dropped off resumes and went in there all the time until they finally hired me. I worked there for about two years during high school and to this day it’s one of the most wonderful jobs I’ve ever had.

First “real” job? Personal Assistant to the Director of Product Purchasing, YM Inc. (Suzy, Bluenotes).Was kinda Devil Wears Prada-ish but more North York than New York. Learned lots during that time.

Feeling real sunny today. Thinking there are a few reasons…

Let’s start with a song & I’ll tell you.

Just emailed my new hire some tasks, please welcome Kate Killet to team Casie Stewart. I hope she is ready for my intenseness.This is the true test of my crazy, I am super organized and strict. I have lots of fun but I take this internetting/blog thing very seriously.

Customized life FTW. Best ever. Saw this at the Converse shop on Newbury in Boston. They had a screen press for shoes upstairs fully equipped with ipad stations for designing. I Love THE FUTURE.

One of the reasons I feel so sunny is I’m attending a movie at the Bell Lightbox this evening for the first time. It is the Textuality premiere and… I am bringing a date.  I never bring dates. Well, I took a dashing young Brock Mclaughlin out as arm candy  during TIFF last September and look at him now. It started his socialite career, I kid I kid. Actually, you know it’s true.

I was sitting in this shop while Ellen was picking up some things, aren’t I just the cutest. Look at that smile, I bet someone just tweeted me something silly.

Just kidding, I was making this. I wanna be Casie Stewart when I grow up.

I know you have seen them already but I love these shoes. They are so snug and little like ballet shoes. I found them at Newbury Comics. Comic shops have really cool stuff, I have so been missing out. Duh.

Anyone know someone at Vans? I would really like to see about becoming friends with these shoes. Like in every colour and 20 pairs for my BFF’s. Then we can all wear them and do a dance number. My sister can choreograph it and we can film it with the Olymus PEN. It will be magical, I can see it now. Can’t you?

Then I went to my Apple store to stalk my future boyfriend, 11″ of pure macbook air greatness.

There was a beautiful staircase and a live performance on the 4th floor.

I think of of the other reasons I feel sunny today is that I am getting busier and really loving my work. Each day is new adventure in entrepreneurship, I make things up as I go. I’ve been waking up earlier than ever simple because I can’t wait to start my day.

I recently wrote an article for Levis about Crafting Your Persoal Brand. It came out this week and I’m pretty proud of it.  I shared some tips that will help you (or anyone) to build and showcase their talents online. I hope you will check it out.

“Casie Stewart knows a thing or two about leaving an online footprint. Recognized by Klout as one of Toronto’s top tweeters and bloggers, she has plenty of tips on how you can leverage social media channels as an invaluable element to your personal brand.”

Here are some tips on building your personal brand to help  establish yourself online:

1. Set a goal: Make a plan for your brand. What are you passionate about? What do you want to be known for?
2. Start a blog: Use WordPress, Tumblr, Blogger or Posterous to create a free home for your online activity.
3. Find a mentor: Find someone who is doing what you want to do and introduce yourself, learn from them and get inspired.
4. TGIF: Twitter, Google, Internet, Facebook: Create profiles for yourself online and update them regularly with things that align with your brand.
5. Get Involved: Seek out events related to your passion and get involved by volunteering. This is a great way to grow your brand, meet others and learn from experts.

I’ve been building my personal brand online for over five years. At first, no one read my blog, and I had no followers on Twitter. We all have to start somewhere but have the potential to go anywhere. In the words of Napoleon Hill, “What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

See job posting here casiestewart.com/jobs.

If you have ever thought about being my intern, starting a blog or wanna make a few bux, this is a great place to start.

Leather jacket, sweet ride.

I rarely ever take TTC. I noticed that today. I pretty much walk everywhere. I stay in my neighbourhood heaps. I need to tune up my bike. Anyone have a hook up? I have a varity of talents for barter.

Seeing a pack of cops will forever remind me of the G20. Google “casie stewart riot girl“. I hope I never have to be in a situation like that again. Running through the streets soaking wet, people were being detained and arrested, cops everywhere in riot gear, riots. No,  thank you.

Last time I was here I was in American Pie Beta House. I like this campus. It’s really pretty and old. I walked home after. It was pretty warm out.

You are beautiful Jessica.

sunshine | motorola milestone | me to we beaded heart | capezio cowboy boots | steve madded dress (raymi) | nella bella change purse | motorola milestone telus | jean jacket, queen west clothing swap | jessica’s scarf (she has mine) | rabbit fur, ruby NZ | leather jacket | smile

ipad | moleskine style bamboo dodo case | croissant | americano

this view is very creepy to me. haha.

hey there jessica and some speakers. one guy looks like he’s late, eh?

It was really fun talking to all the students and other speakers at U of T Mississauga. Thanks for having me. Remember kids, BE AWESOME, and follow me on twitter.

Today I am at Centennial College in the morning and St. Lawrence Market for St. Patty’s day in the arvo. Kinda feel super busy but then I think I would be bored if it was any other way.  I so often wish I didnt have to sleep so I could work on stuff all the time.  Things are moving along really great with japanquakeTO. Mark your ical or google with the date of March 31 and plan to have fun. Tomorrow I am getting a new camera. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

xo CASIE

I was sitting on the couch last night and I caved, I purchased the official replica of this ring. Fan girl, crazy, call me what you want. I love her and the Royal Wedding is one thing I really love. I will 100% be up watching despite the time difference.

One of the best things about having a blog is keeping memories. I found this one post title “you wouldn’t believe me if i told you” from 2009. I had been asked to go to this fashion show for Puma and in my post after it I wrote:

I’d love to do something else for Puma downtown or online please! I’m thinking something that involves me and clothes/shoes/accessories. Thank you, love Casie.

Pretty neat I’m doing something with them now. Found this old post from May 2009 when I worked in Liberty Village. The title is a quote I was happy to find “the trouble with jogging is the ice falls out of your glass”. I like this video. Our Puma Social video from last night will be done this week. Stay tuned, you’ll see it here.

Where am I, do you know?

Oh, did you hear? DB & Posh Spice are having a baby girl. Breaking news via twitter. That kid is gonna be the most awesome, well, potentially. Let’s hope she get’s the right mix of both their looks.

Speaking of looks…looks skinny & sexy to me.

The SXSW launch of iPad 2 today must have been really fun. This is the Mashable video. I’d like to do more reporting. I really enjoy that.

I’ve got a heart on for a new iPad2 and I think Andy knows already. After reading all about it, I’m not gonna rush out for it since I’ve got first gen already. I’ll be ready for up upgrade when iPad3 comes out. Maybe I’ll be an iphone user by then too.

In other more important news, THIS situation in Japan is crazy.  The explosion:

It seems unreal like in a movie, like something I saw in 2012. Scary. Scary that it is real, really happening right now.

I added a DONATE banner on tumblr.casiestewart.com where you can make donations directly to the Red Cross.

I’ve been following the CNN liveblog:

[3:08 a.m. ET, 5:08  p.m. Tokyo] An explosion has been reported near a nuclear plant in northeastern Japan’s Fukushima prefecture, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported, citing the country’s nuclear and industrial safety agency.

[2:19 a.m. ET, 4:19  p.m. Tokyo] A small amount of  radioactive Cesium has escaped into the air surrounding a nuclear plant in northeastern Japan’s Fukushima prefecture, Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Agency said.

There’s a meeting Saturday afternoon 3pm at Darkhorse on Queen for a fundraising event. Come if you want to get involved. Makes you really appreciate each day, family, and the safety of Canada. I’m thinking of you too Mum. I know you are in the other side but please be safe. I missssssssssssssss you.

I need to get some spray chalk for summer.

This was me at 6am these are my new Moovboots. Best ones yet. Siberian Huskies.

And now for something special, Street Style/Unstyle: You Decide!

Rarrrr…

WoRD Up.

Yesterday was my first time on the mic in Dundas Square.  There was a cute boy painting a mural all day, was pretty.

I thought I would have been more nervous but I wasn’t, I was just like “ok lets do this”.  That’s a good sign. I have more anxiety now that it’s over. Been there so many times, seen peeople perform, danced, celebrated Olympic wins, it always seemed like such a huge space and now it feels smaller.

One of my fav performances was John Mayer, I know he’s a bit of a dick but I really like him. I wanna do something big there. The whole place is Virgin Mobile sponsor/branded. My mind was thinking abut Virgin America…can we get a plane in there somehow and have a party on it?

It was pretty chilly out. Winter is coming. It snowed today, so pretty. I quite love the winter. The sun is shining so bright in our place this afternoon. I’m watching “I hope They Serve Beer in Hell” the Tucker Max movie, VERY offensive and very funny. Some people really wont like this movie and find it quite inappropriate, good thing I’m not friends with many of those ones. Haha. Lots of swearing.

Did you see this? It would be great if you txt “armyourself” to 898475 (reg txt rate whatever your plan is) and for every txt received GlaxoSmithKline Inc. will donate $5 to Look Good Feel Better. Hope to reach $25,000. Pretty rad that GSK donates for you and to a great cause.

This Tucker Max movie is something else? Have you seen it? What did you think? I need to rest up before the Broken Social Scene Show at Parts & Labour w/ Virgin America tonight. Happy Halloween

It’s true. No, I’m not looking for dates but I am looking to get together to talk with cool smart people who like to work with other cool smart people. I’m finishing up a contract this week and available as a consultant.

I like to create fun campaigns that engage people online and connect them with cool brands.  I also like to get people off the couch and create experiences. I’m not camera shy or afraid of public speaking and I love having my picture taken.

Since leaving CTV as MuchMusic & MTV‘s social media guru/content writer, my life has been really exciting.

Over the last two months…I did red carpets and celebrity soirees during Toronto International Film Fest (TIFF). I spent 10 days in New Zealand with as an International VIP sitting front row at NZ Fashion Week (NZFW).  I hopped on a plane to San Francisco and met with the Virgin America team as their cheekly-little-rabble-rouser in Toronto. This week I am the spokesperson for the Arm Yourself campaign with GSK and for the next year, I am your Virgin America Provocateur.

I’m young, smart, creative and a bank rich w/ ideas. If you would like to talk email me!

P.S. If you ARE really cute and smart and good at stuff, you can email me too. heh heh

Oh, I am so funny

Creep me on LinkedIn here.