When you look through the archives of our “Women We Love” features, you’ll notice one thing that should be plainly obvious: the women we feature are driven, high-impact personalities who know that personal power comes when you seize opportunity and make it work for you. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the model of modelling success, Emily Lyons. Aside from being a professional in front of the camera, Emily has stepped up to run one of the most successful agency organizations in Canada, which now features a number of extremely well-positioned boutique agencies to cover a host of staffing requirements. “Driven” doesn’t even come close to cutting it for Emily. She’s insatiable for success, and she’s got the smarts, the energy, and the laser-sharp focus to make it all happen. Her way.
…oh, what did you think we meant by “obvious?”
Name: Emily Lyons
Occupation: Business owner and model
How did you get started on your current career track?
I started off working as a promotional model and quickly realized that agencies were failing to provide the brains behind the beauty. I recognized an industry that was full of potential and saw a need for an agency with higher standards… So I decided to take it upon myself to create one. In 2009 I started Femme Fatale Media & Promotions, this passed year I’ve worked on expanding the brand and adding an umbrella company, FF Corporate, incorporating several new specialized boutique agencies under the FF Corporate umbrella. It’s been a wild ride, but I’ve loved every second of it! Well, maybe not EVERY second…but almost.
What gives you the most satisfaction as an artist?
I get a lot of satisfaction from showing people that most models have a lot more to offer than just outer beauty, many are highly intelligent go-getters that work well under pressure and have an incredible ability to deal with… shall we say “difficult personalities” (to put it nicely).
What motivates or inspires you in your work?
I can accredit a lot of my success to the fact that I use every hardship I face as an opportunity to overcome. Hardships are just inspiration in disguise.
Do you have a personal work philosophy?
I love the Aristotle quote “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” I have built my business around that idea, and I only hire the absolute best to ensure that I am honouring that philosophy daily.
If you weren’t doing this, what could you see yourself doing?
I’d definitely still be in the same industry. It’s cut-throat, and not always fair…but I love it! If I wasn’t modeling and running my own business, I’d probably be a makeup artist or fashion designer of sorts.
What are you working on right now?
I pretty much always have a million things on the go. Thankfully I’ve got a great team to help me manage all of my projects. Right now, we’re working on the development of a few boutique agencies that we’ve recently launched; amongst them, corporate staffing agency Trends Staffing, Fantasy Stags, prestigious modeling & talent Empyr Agency, and of course we’re continuing to expand the award winning promotions & media agency Femme Fatale.
What do you first notice about a guy?
His smile.
What gets you interested?
A man who genuinely listens, and appreciates what I have to say.
What keeps you interested?
See above!
What’s your number one deal breaker?
Someone who is intimidated by my ambition.
Turn-ons: Someone who makes me feel special, every woman loves to feel like she’s the only woman in the world.
Turn-offs: I hate arrogance and jealousy. Both qualities are major turn-offs for me…for most women, really.
What’s next for you? What’s your next big idea or project?
Recently launching the boutique agencies under the FF Corporate umbrella has kept me really busy lately–I definitely have a few exciting things up my sleeve for 2012, but you’ll have to stay tuned to find out. Like us on Facebook to keep yourself in the know! We’re also constantly posting pictures of our gorgeous models, so if you don’t care to know what we’re up to, feel free to ‘like’ us for that reason.
www.facebook.com/femmefatalemedia
Favourite workout tip: Motivate yourself by offering a reward for a job well done (cupcakes are my personal fave)… and never be afraid to look at yourself naked and think positively, if YOU don’t find yourself sexy, chances are, no one else will either.
Favourite recipe: Sushi! … Oh, wait, do I have to know how to make it myself?! … ummm, then I’m gonna go with microwaved popcorn – Step 1) Purchase from store, Step 2) place in microwave for 3 – 3.5 minutes Step 3) serve and enjoy!
iPhone or Android: I have a love/hate relationship with my Blackberry, my friends are constantly telling me to get an iPhone – but I’m in a committed relationship with BBM.
What are you driving: I live in Toronto, so it’s easier to get anywhere via subway than it is to deal with all the traffic and horrible drivers on the road. (Depending on who you ask, I miiiight be one of those “horrible drivers” :s )
One thing guys should know when talking to a beautiful woman: All women are beautiful, so when talking to any women, remember that! Be humble and sweet, every girl is looking for her Prince Charming.
Absolute WORST experience on set/shoot: I did a fashion show for PETA years ago and my theme in it was “fire.” I had a red, spiked up wig and red & black makeup all over me. It’s hard to be confident when you’re done up like a troll doll.
I’m a bit of a hypochondriac, and a total internet junkie–which is a pretty dangerous combo… anytime I think something might be wrong with me I immediately take to the net to investigate just what it could be. Did you know that a headache and a “general feeling of discomfort” are the onset symptoms of RABIES!?
Femme Fatale Media: www.femmefatalemedia.com
FF Corporate: www.ff-corporate.com
Femme Fatale on Facebook: www.facebook.com/femmefatalemedia