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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Aradhna Singh, Associate Editor
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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Giovanna Lazzarini, Assistant Editor & Sales Agent
Giovanna is an Assistant Editor and Sales Agent for Folio.YVR and PORTFOLIO.YVR, and the new Editor-in-Chief of EcoLuxLifestyle Magazine, where she showcases and shines spotlights on Canadian brands and women-led businesses that promote sustainable lifestyles through innovative products and offerings.
Reach Giovanna at gio at ecoluxlifestyle.co
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Jan Van Vianen, 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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Rachel Moore, Lead Writer
Rachel lives in North Vancouver but she is completely convinced that she belongs on a beach in California. In her spare time, Rachel can be found walking the trails with her rescue dog, planning her next wine-tasting adventure, or sipping on a glass of bubbly in the sunshine. Despite living in monochrome sweat suits, she dreams of a wardrobe filled with Mara Hoffman and Tove. She enjoys writing about sustainability in the luxury world, food, wine, fashion, beauty, travel, and health. Connect with Rachel at Strong Copy here.