Publications of all types require great marketing and representation for their brands. In this case we have HERLIFE DC Metro Magazine that caters mostly to women in the DC area. In this interview we will focus on Talya Vikram, Lead Ambassador of the Brand Ambassadors of HERLIFE Magazine. Their mission is to spread the vitality and scope of the magazine with fabulous fashion and flair at various events in and around the Washington, DC area.
Talya Vikram - Lead Brand Ambassador for HERLIFE DC Metro Magazine (Photo Credit: Senia Maye Tru Graphix Photography)
"Talya"
Photo Credit: Marcus Bennett
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Photo Credit: Truong Lee
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Photo Credit: Marcus Bennett
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By Rodney Wayne Branche
Young Talya
Copa: Where are you from?
Talya: I was born and raised in Northern VA, in Fairfax County to be exact. Both of my parents are Indian, and both immigrated to the States from India, but they come from different regions (my mother speaks Bengali and my father speaks Hindi). So I'm Indian-American.
Talya: I was born and raised in Northern VA, in Fairfax County to be exact. Both of my parents are Indian, and both immigrated to the States from India, but they come from different regions (my mother speaks Bengali and my father speaks Hindi). So I'm Indian-American.
Copa: What schools have you attended?
Talya: I am currently wrapping up my studies in Communication at George Mason University.
Talya: I am currently wrapping up my studies in Communication at George Mason University.
Copa: How did you become the Lead Brand Ambassador for HERLIFE magazine?
Talya: I was initially brought on to the HERLIFE DC Metro team as an intern. However, I do have past experience with several other health and beauty companies as a Brand Educator. As HERLIFE DCMetro was still fairly new at the time, the first issue having been released in July of 2014 while I was recruited in August, it was the perfect opportunity for me to put my past relevant experience with Branding and building a brand image to good use! I have slowly worked my way up from being a Brand Ambassador, and as my involvement with the publication has increased over the past 9 months, I have been so lucky to have my dedication and efforts be recognized by our awesome Publisher, Patricia Watts and the amazing Nancy Alert, my Editor-In-Chief. Actually, in a more recent development, I'm currently transitioning from a Lead Brand Ambassador role to taking over a PR Specialist position with HERLIFE, so I'm absolutely elated about that!
Talya: I was initially brought on to the HERLIFE DC Metro team as an intern. However, I do have past experience with several other health and beauty companies as a Brand Educator. As HERLIFE DCMetro was still fairly new at the time, the first issue having been released in July of 2014 while I was recruited in August, it was the perfect opportunity for me to put my past relevant experience with Branding and building a brand image to good use! I have slowly worked my way up from being a Brand Ambassador, and as my involvement with the publication has increased over the past 9 months, I have been so lucky to have my dedication and efforts be recognized by our awesome Publisher, Patricia Watts and the amazing Nancy Alert, my Editor-In-Chief. Actually, in a more recent development, I'm currently transitioning from a Lead Brand Ambassador role to taking over a PR Specialist position with HERLIFE, so I'm absolutely elated about that!
Copa: How will they be representing the magazine?
Talya: Our HERLIFE Brand Ambassadors essentially are HERLIFE. They represent our HERLIFE brand, objectives and, most importantly, our overall mission: Connecting and Empowering the exceptional women of the greater DC metropolitan area. We want our Brand Ambassadors to not only serve as the face of our brand or our brand image, but extend beyond that to truly embody the persona, ambition, confidence and influence, emblematic of HERLIFE. While most of our HERLIFE Brand Ambassadors are models, they are not only beautiful on the outside, but have beautiful hearts, and are looking to truly make a difference in the community through their involvement with all of our HERLIFE endeavors. They'll be representing us directly in our publication, as I'm sure you'll recognize many of the faces you see in each monthly issue, and at any of our HERLIFE events or partner events.
Talya: Our HERLIFE Brand Ambassadors essentially are HERLIFE. They represent our HERLIFE brand, objectives and, most importantly, our overall mission: Connecting and Empowering the exceptional women of the greater DC metropolitan area. We want our Brand Ambassadors to not only serve as the face of our brand or our brand image, but extend beyond that to truly embody the persona, ambition, confidence and influence, emblematic of HERLIFE. While most of our HERLIFE Brand Ambassadors are models, they are not only beautiful on the outside, but have beautiful hearts, and are looking to truly make a difference in the community through their involvement with all of our HERLIFE endeavors. They'll be representing us directly in our publication, as I'm sure you'll recognize many of the faces you see in each monthly issue, and at any of our HERLIFE events or partner events.
Patricia Watts, Publisher HERLIFE DC Metro. Photo credit: Stime Dickerson
Copa: The photo shoot and video for the Brand Ambassadors was absolutely fantastic, who’s idea was it for the project?
Talya: My Publisher, Patricia, and I sat down one day and we were strategizing and discussing ideas, and we came up with the concept of incorporating some of the best and brightest young women (and men too!) in the DMV area in a collective photo shoot to garner support for our publication from a larger demographic, and begin the process of recruiting capable individuals for our HERLIFE Team. In December of 2014 we had the chance to collaborate with a talented videographer David Blanco of Sovereign Films, and we couldn't have been happier to have him work with us again for the videography and behind the scenes footage from our big Brand Ambassador shoot! He did such a wonderful job with the video, as did all of our talented photographers: we worked with Marcus Bennett, Senia Maye of Tru Graphix Photography, and Mr. Spencer Peace. And then who can forget the beautiful ladies on our Glam Squad, Makeup by Deb Williams of Life & Beauty Rehab, and our two hair stylists, Shamika Pratt and Nikki Curry. A really great crew, with so much talent and positive energy, it was such an amazing experience!
Talya: My Publisher, Patricia, and I sat down one day and we were strategizing and discussing ideas, and we came up with the concept of incorporating some of the best and brightest young women (and men too!) in the DMV area in a collective photo shoot to garner support for our publication from a larger demographic, and begin the process of recruiting capable individuals for our HERLIFE Team. In December of 2014 we had the chance to collaborate with a talented videographer David Blanco of Sovereign Films, and we couldn't have been happier to have him work with us again for the videography and behind the scenes footage from our big Brand Ambassador shoot! He did such a wonderful job with the video, as did all of our talented photographers: we worked with Marcus Bennett, Senia Maye of Tru Graphix Photography, and Mr. Spencer Peace. And then who can forget the beautiful ladies on our Glam Squad, Makeup by Deb Williams of Life & Beauty Rehab, and our two hair stylists, Shamika Pratt and Nikki Curry. A really great crew, with so much talent and positive energy, it was such an amazing experience!
Copa: Are there any special activities or events scheduled for the near future?
Talya: We actually do have something big and exciting coming up! On June 13th, HERLIFE is hosting our huge June issue Celebration of "Women of Excellence" at the Manor DC. We'll be showcasing our June Cover Girl, Kristina Tanasichuk (CEO of the Government Technology & Services Coalition; Exec VP of IntraGard Nations Capital Members Alliance, Inc., and President and Founder of Women in Homeland Security); our Spotlight feature, Syanne Centeno (Miss Maryland World 2015); and Tamara Barnes ( Air Force and Coast Guard veteran, entrepreneur and community leader). I invite you to come join us for this celebration of HERLIFE's Wonderwomen, and the 6th edition of the Fashion and Art series,“Echoes of the South", co-hosted by our new partners, Black Knight Events! So mark your calendar for the evening of June 13th, you definitely don't want to miss out on our big event, at DC's newest and hottest venue, the Manor DC. Should be a great night!
Talya: We actually do have something big and exciting coming up! On June 13th, HERLIFE is hosting our huge June issue Celebration of "Women of Excellence" at the Manor DC. We'll be showcasing our June Cover Girl, Kristina Tanasichuk (CEO of the Government Technology & Services Coalition; Exec VP of IntraGard Nations Capital Members Alliance, Inc., and President and Founder of Women in Homeland Security); our Spotlight feature, Syanne Centeno (Miss Maryland World 2015); and Tamara Barnes ( Air Force and Coast Guard veteran, entrepreneur and community leader). I invite you to come join us for this celebration of HERLIFE's Wonderwomen, and the 6th edition of the Fashion and Art series,“Echoes of the South", co-hosted by our new partners, Black Knight Events! So mark your calendar for the evening of June 13th, you definitely don't want to miss out on our big event, at DC's newest and hottest venue, the Manor DC. Should be a great night!
Copa: We see a wonderful group of people who are Ambassadors, how were they chosen?
Talya: I actually had the great task of hand-picking all of the models/Brand Ambassadors, glam squad, and shoot staff for this project. The lovely young people are all models from the area, that I've either been introduced to at various fashion events, (i.e. DC Fashion Week, Runway Benefits, Fundraisers etc...) I was going for a distinct look, but diverse individuals to carry it out. I tried to pick young men and women that had demonstrated their bold talent on the runway or in photos I'd come across, and then decided on an all black wardrobe, with slight red accents, to capture an up-scale, high fashion look. Our glam squad, photographers and videographer were all people I had worked with in the past, and all of them consistently produce quality work, so it was a no-brainer collaborating with them again. Overall, I was thrilled with every single person who was involved, everyone did such a fabulous job!
Talya: I actually had the great task of hand-picking all of the models/Brand Ambassadors, glam squad, and shoot staff for this project. The lovely young people are all models from the area, that I've either been introduced to at various fashion events, (i.e. DC Fashion Week, Runway Benefits, Fundraisers etc...) I was going for a distinct look, but diverse individuals to carry it out. I tried to pick young men and women that had demonstrated their bold talent on the runway or in photos I'd come across, and then decided on an all black wardrobe, with slight red accents, to capture an up-scale, high fashion look. Our glam squad, photographers and videographer were all people I had worked with in the past, and all of them consistently produce quality work, so it was a no-brainer collaborating with them again. Overall, I was thrilled with every single person who was involved, everyone did such a fabulous job!
The HERLIFE DC Metro Magazine Brand Ambassadors
Copa: Will there be special appearances at events around the DMV?
Talya: Our Brand Ambassadors can definitely be seen out and about, at some of the best events in the area. We are always looking to expand and branch out in regards to the events we attend and promote, but you can definitely catch up with some of our HERLIFE hotties at any of our monthly events, so I encourage you to attend !
Talya: Our Brand Ambassadors can definitely be seen out and about, at some of the best events in the area. We are always looking to expand and branch out in regards to the events we attend and promote, but you can definitely catch up with some of our HERLIFE hotties at any of our monthly events, so I encourage you to attend !
Copa: When will the next video be produced?
Talya: Don't worry, our next big video/photo shoot project is in the works! You can expect big things from HERLIFE coming soon, so stay tuned! To stay up to date with all things HERLIFE I recommend following us on all of our social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Our website also has valuable information, and is the best way to subscribe: www.herlifedcmetro.com .
Talya: Don't worry, our next big video/photo shoot project is in the works! You can expect big things from HERLIFE coming soon, so stay tuned! To stay up to date with all things HERLIFE I recommend following us on all of our social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Our website also has valuable information, and is the best way to subscribe: www.herlifedcmetro.com .
HERLIFE Magazine Ambassador Photo & Video Shoot
Copa: What does the future hold for Talya Vikram?
Talya: Well life right now is one big adventure for me! In addition to transitioning, and beginning work in the official PR capacity for HERLIFE, I will also be competing in Pacific Culture International's huge Pacific Miss Asian American Pageant this year! Preliminaries begin in July and the final is in October, so that's definitely something significant that I'm currently preparing for and working towards. It's especially exciting for me, because not only is this my first pageant, but I will be the first official contender to represent India in the pageant; so it's really special that I will have the privilege of serving as an ambassador for my Indian community. I hope that I can count on your support through my pageant journey, I can't wait to see what else the future holds for me!
Talya: Well life right now is one big adventure for me! In addition to transitioning, and beginning work in the official PR capacity for HERLIFE, I will also be competing in Pacific Culture International's huge Pacific Miss Asian American Pageant this year! Preliminaries begin in July and the final is in October, so that's definitely something significant that I'm currently preparing for and working towards. It's especially exciting for me, because not only is this my first pageant, but I will be the first official contender to represent India in the pageant; so it's really special that I will have the privilege of serving as an ambassador for my Indian community. I hope that I can count on your support through my pageant journey, I can't wait to see what else the future holds for me!
Photo Credit: Tru Graphix Photography
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Photo Credit Marcus Bennett
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~Copa
