Helen Siwak, CEO & EIC
A passionate storyteller and an obsessive digital content creator with a knack for repurposing, Helen arrived in Vancouver in 1989 and quickly launched the seminal underground magazine ‘In Hell’s Belly.’ The city’s first hybrid arts, culture, and activism magazine. Two years later, she was firmly entrenched in underground publishing, artist management in music, tv/film, and contracting in entertainment law.
In 1998, having written, produced, cast, directed, edited, and music supervised for tv/film with Canadian icons, she toured NA as a band manager and walked red carpets at VIFF, TIFF, Cannes, and SXSW.
Over the years, she has sought out and interviewed icons (Giorgio Armani, Pamela Anderson, Martin Sheen, Bryan Adams, Andrew Gn, Stefano Ricci, Thierry Manfred Mugler), and the infamous (Larry Flynt, Raif Adelberg, Ron Jeremy, Marilyn Manson), and more.
A renewed interest in publishing came in 2015 when she acquired BLUSHVancouver digital magazine and re-built it into a lucrative asset with 1M visitors in its first year. Creating a women’s mid-market lifestyle brand funded with sponsored content was new and exciting. After a year of events, travel, personality spotlights, sales and web development, she was ready to move on and sold the company.
Doors opened at VancityBuzz (now Daily Hive) and multiple Toronto-based digital lifestyle magazines. Through her network, Helen extended her reach into the print world as Editor-in-Chief of the now-defunct HLM Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and a senior contributor to Boulevard Magazine (English & Chinese) before returning to digital as West Coast Correspondent of Retail-Insider, a contributor to Montecristo Magazine, and numerous others.
In December 2019, seeking to fill a void in the local market for effective, eco-friendly and distraction-free content, she launched EcoLuxLifestyle.co and Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle (flippable and digital versions) as marketing vehicles for her latest venture – EcoLuxLuv Communications and Marketing. ELL Comms specializes in guiding small BC-based businesses with ethical and eco-friendly mandates to success through digital solid foundation development and comprehensive marketing strategies.
In August 2023, Helen launched PORTFOLIO.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, a partner publication to Folio.YVR, showcases the stories of 10 Canadians who are creating, innovating, and making waves in their industries. Using storytelling to create connection with the reader, each story shares three aspects – overview, biography, and the journey ‘In Their Words.’
For over a decade, Helen has worked with brands to tell their stories through content creation, publishing, and digital marketing. She has never been one to shy away from a challenge; she is an expert-level problem-solver and an unorthodox troubleshooter with an extensive network of international connections honed from decades of entrepreneurism.
Reach Helen at helen at folioyvr.com or by cell 778-847-3011.
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Marianne Strang, Digital Marketing Strategist
As a recent business graduate with a strong interest in marketing, Marianne Strang is not just excited but also eager to share her journey and aspirations in the dynamic world of digital sales.
Marianne’s academic background has provided a solid foundation in business principles. Still, her hands-on experience as a marketing coordinator this past year truly ignited Marianne’s passion for marketing.
During her time as a marketing coordinator, she had the opportunity to work on various programs that not only were challenging creatively but also honed her analytical skills. Collaborating with a talented team, she learned many digital marketing strategies, from social media engagement and newsletter releases to website development. This experience solidified Marianne’s desire to pursue a career in marketing, where she can harness her skills to drive impactful results.
Marianne is not just passionate about marketing, but also about continuous learning and adaptation. She is eager to enhance her knowledge and expertise in digital sales, recognizing it as the future of marketing. With the ever-evolving landscape of technology and consumer behaviour, she is committed to staying ahead of the curve and embracing innovative strategies that resonate with audiences. She looks forward to connecting with fellow marketing enthusiasts, industry professionals, and influencers who share her passion for this exciting field.
Reach Marianne at info at folioyvr.com
Dawn Chubai, On-Air Ambassador & Agent
Dawn Chubai is widely recognized as a longtime host on Vancouver’s Breakfast Television and as a National TV Home Shopping host on TSC (The Shopping Channel). In addition to her on-screen roles, she is the founder of King Willow Management Inc., where she specializes in media and on-camera performance coaching. Through her Live Selling School programs, Dawn is also actively shaping the future of the live commerce industry, collaborating with both small businesses and emerging talents to navigate this evolving space. As the host of Port/Folio.YVR Podcast, Dawn will be taking to the air to interview the people, personalities and businesses that make our West Coast community tick!
Reach Dawn through her IG (@dawnchubai) or send a message via her website HERE!
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Ritchie Po, Tech Ambassador & Agent
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Aradhna Singh, Lifestyle Ambassador & Agent
Arriving from Kuwait, new Vancouverite Aradhna is a creative/art director, marketer, and social media professional. Her multi-faceted experience in media and communication (luxury lifestyle and retail, hospitality, food and beverage, and entertainment) makes her a fantastic fit for our team. After the completion of her intensive course in Fashion Image and Styling at Istituto Marangoni in Paris, she took commissions for lookbooks, model portfolios, and portraiture, resulting in numerous placements in respected publications such as PhotoVogue Italia, Ellements Magazine NY, and Elegant Magazine. As Associate Editor, she will be a vital bridge between the personalities and businesses that operate in the luxury lifestyle market and our digital publications – Folio.YVR and PORTFOLIO.YVR.
Reach Aradhna at aradhna.singh at folioyvr.com or by cell 672-514-6486.
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Jade Massie, Beauty Ambassador & Agent
With over 15 years immersed in the dynamic realms of beauty and fashion, we welcome Jade Massie as a new ambassador for Port/Folio.YVR. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the ever-evolving trends in beauty and wellness but actively contributed to shaping them. As a connoisseur of aesthetics and an ardent advocate for embracing one’s unique style, her journey in the industry has always celebrated individuality. Beyond the allure of the runway, she is deeply passionate about events and the unforgettable moments they create. Whether it is curating experiences that captivate or supporting emerging talents, she finds joy in every facet of the industry.
Jade’s commitment extends beyond beauty and fashion; philanthropy has been a cornerstone of her values. She is dedicated to giving back to the community, particularly championing small and women-led businesses. Empowering entrepreneurs aligns with her belief that strength is found in diverse voices and perspectives.A people person at heart, Jade thrives on building connections. Whether fostering relationships with clients or establishing partnerships within the business landscape, she finds fulfillment in the shared journey of growth. Jade looks forward to amplifying the magazine’s ethos, contributing to its vibrant community, and celebrating the beauty of diversity and the power of collective success.
Reach Jade at theambassador at folioyvr.com or by cell 778-829-7123.
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Michelle Phaneuf, Theatre Ambassador
Michelle Phaneuf is a highly accomplished sales leader in the beauty industry, known for her exceptional track record and interpersonal skills. For years, she has achieved significant sales milestones and expanded international beauty brand La Biosthétique‘s market presence by anticipating trends and building and maintaining strong client relationships. But that is not all – she is also a passionate adventurer, having visited more than a dozen countries (and counting) – and is an advocate for the arts and theatre – loving live productions most of all. As a Folio.YVR Ambassador, she looks forward to sharing her theatrical pursuits to showcase and support artists and local productions and introduce our readers to exciting night-out options.
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Bikki Singh, Social Ambassador & Agent
As a dynamic fashion and social ambassador, Bikki Singh is a key style and influencer in the luxury niche – from culinary to travel/adventure. With a keen eye for the latest trends and a passion for social impact, he seamlessly blends fashion and advocacy to create a powerful voice in the world of style and culture.
Whether attending exclusive fashion events, collaborating with renowned brands, or spearheading impactful social campaigns, Bikki brings an elevated perspective and a touch of elegance to everything he does. With a minimalistic approach to visual storytelling and a dedication to promoting positivity and inclusivity, he serves as a true ambassador for fashion and social progress, inspiring others to embrace their individuality and make a difference in the world.
Follow Bikki on Instagram!
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Jan Van Vianen, Luxury Hospitality Ambassador
Known for his fierce style and the founder of Too Femme 4 Them, Jan Van Vianen is new to the city from Vancouver Island, a West Coast creator, model, actor, and influencer. As an ambassador for Folio.YVR, Jan can be found at luxury hospitality and fashion events representing. As part of his influencer journey, this fashionista has partnered with Viktor & Rolf, Mine & Yours, Vintage After Death, and Hotel Zed.
Follow Jan Van Vianen on his Instagram!
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Kate Pickering, Writer & Research Assistant
An experienced writer and journalist, Kate Pickering brings to the Folio.YVR team a fresh perspective on what is happening in the world of eco-luxury and elevated retail experiences, and to share the legacy of legendary designers who have made fashion in the 21st century what it is. From the oft-celebrated to those whom history has forgotten, watch for her monthly pieces that will surely ignite interest in the stories of the visionaries who have paved the way for the designers we covet today.