"Whatever this season has in store for you, may this issue graciously remind you that there is solace in the promise of tomorrow, no matter what may be hidden from your view today!"
~ Liana, Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Liana: What has been the most memorable part of your career so far?
Chef Jinhee: I believe that every moment I have embraced a new challenge in my career has been memorable. These challenges include events like the Stampede Chef Challenge, Gold Medal Plates competition, Canada Culinary Championships, PEI International Chef competition, Top Chef Canada, Wall of Chefs, and the opening of Jin Bar. I have faced numerous challenges in my career, and I am committed to continue doing so.
Liana: On September 28th, Jin Bar partnered with FABEFO and City & Country Urban Winery to host an exciting event called 'Slaysians Soiree: Hangawi Dine & Wine.' This event is in celebration of Korean Thanksgiving and aims to bring together fashion, beauty, and food, all under one roof at Jin Bar. What does this event partnership mean to you?
Chef Jinhee: Korean Thanksgiving (Hangawi) is one of the most significant family events. We feel incredibly fortunate to host the 'Slaysians Soiree' event, and our participating partners have shown us tremendous support, much like a family. We are deeply grateful to Liana, the driving force behind FABEBO, and to Chris Fodor, the Winemaker & Owner of City & Country Urban Winery, for their generosity and unwavering support.
I eagerly look forward to collaborating with them to bring to life the exclusively curated five-course menu, which will include dishes like 'Cornish Hen Dumpling' with Samgyetang broth, dates, scallion, and 'Gujeolpan' featuring pork tenderloin, carrot, egg, shiitake mushroom, cucumber, shrimp, zucchini, and a soy mustard sauce. Let us celebrate this special Korean holiday together!
Liana: There is this quote that once said, “Chefs don’t just cook with ingredients, they cook with passion and humor too.”. How does this quote personally and professionally relate with you and why so?
Chef Jinhee: I believe it goes beyond a mere passion for cooking; it encompasses understanding and possessing the knowledge of how to appreciate and handle ingredients to enhance or elevate their flavors. It is also about deriving enjoyment from the process and taking pride in the dishes you create.
Liana: Could you describe the setup of your studio and walk us through a typical day spent there? Additionally, do you adhere to any specific guidelines or rules while working in your studio?
Cassie: My studio is located in nvrlnd. Arts Foundation, a magical shared space in Calgary that houses many diverse artists. The vibrant environment ignites my creativity as I draw inspiration from fellow artists.
My personal studio space is a structured chaos, which serves as a metaphor for the artistic side of my brain. I like to do a big clean at the end of each project to help reset my mind and space, but then I am right back to it, making a mess!
Liana: In your capacity as an artist, what aspirations do you hold? Moreover, what type of recognition holds the utmost significance for you?
Cassie: The most valuable validation for me is witnessing people light up with positive emotions when they encounter my art. Their reactions affirm the emotional connection my work fosters, transcending words and reflecting the impact of art on the human experience. This genuine appreciation fuels my passion and motivates me to keep making art that touches people's hearts and brings them together.
Liana: What role, in your opinion, does an artist like yourself have in society; and how would you translate some of your masterpieces to bring pockets of laughter in the hearts of your followers and/or clients' homes?
Cassie: My role in society as an artist is to unite people and ignite happiness. Through my creations, I aim to foster connections, spread positivity, and create moments that resonate with shared joy. My art, depending where my clients hang it in their home, often serves as either a playful conversation starter (living room), or an intimate connection between a single human and the piece (bedroom). I am absolutely in love with the idea of both of these.
Liana: Being a sports therapist and a former national athlete, could you illuminate your professional duties and engagements concerning Olympic, Paralympic, and elite athletes - which includes your involvement with the Toronto Titans, International Swimming League, and SMC Sports MTR?
Stephanie: In my professional journey as a sports therapist, I have had the privilege of encountering truly unique opportunities. Given my background as a former national athlete, I felt a strong calling to give back to the community that had once supported me.
My journey began in Calgary, where I crossed paths with Morgan Bird, a Paralympian swimmer. Our collaboration was highly successful, opening doors for me to work with Team Canada's Paralympic team. Subsequently, I had the honor of collaborating with Brent Hayden, a multi-Olympian, who brought his expertise to the inaugural year of the Toronto Titans.
The emergence of the International Swimming League (ISL) marked a significant shift in recognizing and rewarding swimmers as professional athletes for the first time. It was a moment of great honor when the Toronto Titans, representing twelve nations, approached me to lead their therapy team. This endeavor coincided with the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. However, despite the obstacles, we had the unforgettable opportunity to compete in Budapest. It was a surreal experience, witnessing athletes from twelve different countries, who typically competed against each other, unite for a common purpose.
As their therapist, my primary responsibility was to facilitate their swift recovery and enhance their performance. The sense of unity and camaraderie among these elite athletes was unparalleled and underscored the significance of team spirit over individual achievements.
Liana: Your career is adorned with numerous accomplishments. Could you share the most valuable lessons you have garnered and provide any advice that you would impart to the succeeding generation in pursuit of their profession and passion similar to yours?
Stephanie: Through my journey, I have realized the importance of being true to oneself. I may not fit the conventional mold of a fitness model, but I have embraced my uniqueness, from underwater photoshoots to breaking stereotypes. Always be genuine, and do not shy away from showcasing your individuality. Life will throw challenges, but they are merely stepping stones towards growth. Believe in yourself, stay authentic, and remember, being different is your superpower!
Liana: What inspires your distinctive aesthetic, and how do you stay relevant in a rapidly changing world of trends and algorithms?
Naaz: My distinctive aesthetic is a fusion of influences, primarily stemming from my mixed heritage and cultural background. This unique blend shapes my preferences for colors, patterns, and styles, providing a platform for me to celebrate both aspects of my heritage while creating content that is authentically mine. In a swiftly changing digital landscape, staying relevant necessitates adaptability and authenticity.
Amid the ebb and flow of trends, I remain committed to my personal style and values. I selectively embrace trends that align with my aesthetic and audience, while also creating timeless content capable of transcending momentary trends. Navigating evolving algorithms is undoubtedly challenging, but my approach encompasses consistency in posting, active community engagement, and data-driven insights. By discerning the content that resonates most, I can refine my strategy, ensuring that my creations continue to reach the right audience. It is a delicate balancing act, but one that fosters a strong connection with my followers while evolving within the ever-changing digital realm.
Liana: Outside of your role as an influencer, where else do you believe your voice as an empowered woman of color holds significance?
Naaz: In addition to my role as an influencer, my voice as an empowering woman of color is significant in various aspects of life. Professionally, I break barriers in content creation and advocate for diversity, aiming to inspire confidence in other women of color.
Within my community, I engage in discussions about the unique experiences of women of color, fostering understanding and unity. I also address misconceptions and stereotypes to broaden perspectives and promote inclusivity. Ultimately, I aspire to be a positive force for change, uplifting and amplifying others' voices and working toward a more inclusive world.
Liana: What made you decide to transition and pursue a "new chapter" with Chef Jinhee Lee, when she decided to open Jin Bar and how has this contributed to your culinary passion since?
Chef Hyungjae: The foundation of our partnership lies in the trust Chef Jinhee and I have built over our years of working together in the culinary world. She has been an invaluable mentor and teacher throughout my journey in the kitchen. My aspiration was always to become an integral part of Chef Jinhee's team, so I dedicated myself wholeheartedly, hoping that she would recognize my dedication and talents.
Then, one day, she approached me with an exciting new project - Jin Bar. I eagerly embraced the opportunity, knowing that we could achieve remarkable things together. To this day, our collaboration remains strong, driven by trust. Sometimes, I complement her with my culinary skills, and at other times, I contribute my ideas and insights. I firmly believe that our working relationship creates a powerful synergy that enhances our culinary endeavors.
Liana: What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career so far? Is there anything you would like to pursue in your bucket list?
Chef Hyungjae: To be honest, I still consider myself a chef on a journey of growth. Along the way, I have been fortunate to experience some incredible moments in my culinary career. I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to appear on a TV show, or that I would embark on a business trip to another city for a cooking event.
Yet, one of the most significant achievements for me has been becoming a chef at Jin Bar, where we are currently enjoying success. I derive immense happiness from my work, and I am deeply grateful for the fantastic opportunities that have come my way.
Looking ahead, in the not-so-distant future, I have a dream of opening a small business where people can come together to savor great food and drinks while enjoying each other's company. It is a goal I am passionate about pursuing.
"Liana and I met because of @chunkd, back when we shared the kitchen together with the latter. Through our meeting when we discussed our brands and visions, Liana taught me something that I'll always carry with me: what it really means to support a local business.
It's one thing for a business to simply say that we support locally and use it as a marketing tool to promote ourselves; it's another to act on and live by it. @fabefo_com is by far the latter.
Their latest digital spring issue is the culmination of the awesome work and effort that Liana and her team have put in to highlight Calgary businesses, with each issue superseding the previous one in quality. The stories, the interviews, the pictures, the editing..I'm stunned by it.
I hope you subscribe to their digital magazine as they've helped many small local businesses (especially Ma Pies) gain more exposure."
"Liana and her team did an amazing job putting together this FABEFO digital magazine with its flawless design, and user-friendly platform. It is truly an honour to be featured in a magazine full of talented creators and influencers.
FABEFO has continued to impress us in making an impact on Calgary's fashion, beauty, and food communities with its incredible events and blogs. This digital magazine is just the cherry on top; which is really a compilation of local creators, restaurants, and news about the latest fashion - seriously worth reading!
Looking forward to the next issue. Thank you Liana and team!"
"First of all, we wish to congratulate FABEFO's amazing publication! We find the Calgary Issue 2 (Spring 2021) very well put together, written, and focused with organized flow of contents. The issue has a good build up from introduction of the individuals, to their lifestyles. At a glance, we can get the vibe of the incredible women featured.
The Singapore Issue 1 (Spring 2021) showed a consistency of FABEFO's main mission, all under one roof. It is very heartwarming to know how the Editor-in-Chief, Liana, brought different people from all walks of life (including those starting a new venture), while introducing each to the world without prejudice; rather with an open heart and mind.
It is such an honour to be invited, and featured for Singapore Issue 2 (Summer 2021). Thank you so much for creating such a huge platform for us to share each of our specialties to the world. Wishing only the best on FABEFO's incredible journey around the world!"
"I am honoured to be featured on FABEFO's digital MAGazine twice (including once for Expatasia), and found working with their MAG FAM to be seamless; nothing short of professional.
That is one passionate group of movers, and shakers that Joel and I are proud to be associated with. They are very creative, and extremely generous with offering guidance and support, to ensure that the outcome for both parties are of an excellent quality.
I love their latest Spring 2022 issue which has been recently re-conceptualized. It is their best work to date. Liana, well done girl - so so cool!"
"I had an amazing time reading the FABEFO digital magazine. Calgary Issue 2 was an all-women feature in celebration of International Women's Day in March. Those who were featured into two categories - Women With A Mission, and Women On A Mission; where we had behind-the-scenes look of their lives outside of their business, etc. I was also fascinated by the release of the Singapore Issue 1, and how FABEFO has expanded into Asia. Reading that issue from halfway around the world, I was touched by all the stories shared by the entrepreneurs. I am now excited to travel to Singapore and support the featured local businesses, when the pandemic ends.
It is wonderful how FABEFO has connected us together across the globe. Both issues were stunning and strong in supporting the local community of bloggers and entrepreneurs. I really enjoyed reading and learning about the stories behind their successes. It's amazing to see Liana and her team put together a digital magazine that bridges the gap between fashion, beauty, and food; which is truly worth reading and supporting. Looking forward to the next issue!"
“FABEFO’s Spring 2022 issue perfectly showcases what a “community” is like. Lorilei and Howard's photography exuded the different personalities of each MAG FAM, and the happiness that radiated from their smiles. I love how Liana chose all of them to show up at the photoshoot dressed to the themed OOTD and in the makeup they are comfortable with, to present their genuine selves.
The featured editorial reviews were from real foodie experiences, making it all the more engaging; which truly compelled me to try the local restaurants for myself! The advertorials are a great way to share their appreciation for local businesses such as Agu Athletics, Kahxi, Jaiho Accessories, Madeup Beauty, JJ Media, Prevail Beauty, Ma Pies and Allegory Chai; and invite their readers to purchase the products (or engage services) with exclusive perks.
You can truly see all the effort and passion put into this bespoke digital magazine by their MAG FAM, giving spotlight to remarkable stories from noteworthy entrepreneurs and talents."
Bespoke digital MAGazine and community socials bridging
FAshion x BEauty x FOod all under one roof!
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