Jumping from an early reality TV stint on The Bachelor and Bachelor Pad might give a TV personality a bit of a rep for trash TV. But when handled properly, any attention can quickly become useful attention, and in the hands of someone as media-smart as Jessie Sulidis actually becomes a tool for directing one’s own fate. The 2004 Miss Indy Canada has moved up the ranks of reality and info television to become a major feature on ET Canada and E!, and the Bachelor series correspondent on eTalk’s “Rose Report.” But she also knows enough to keep her irons hot enough for striking, and has parlayed her media presence into a successful column career with TV Guide and Oakville.com, and most recently with her new blogging project, Chandeliers and Champagne, providing fashion, image, and lifestyle advice along with fellow Mizz-Biz pro Leah Freeley, taking reality out of TV and simply making TV part of a bigger reality.
Name: Jessie Sulidis
Occupation: TV Personality / Beauty Guru
Education: Media Foundation, Public Relations Degree
Stats: Miss Indy Canada 2004, Bachelor/Bachelor Pad Contestant
How did you get started on your current career track?
Ever since I was a child I have been acting and dancing. I appeared in several movies and commercials growing up so I was natural when it came to take leap into the broadcasting world recently. I’m also an airbrush specialist and train the art in several of the colleges across Canada.
What gives you the most satisfaction as an artist?
Seeing your work and hearing the feedback. I always like to critique my work so I learn ways to improve for the next project. I’m always learning. It’s always great when someone recognizes you on the street from a piece of work you’ve created and compliments you.
What motivates or inspires you in your work?
Jumping into a new project that I know little about. I love a challenge. This past summer I tackled a new sport to cover. I knew nothing about Pro Skateboarding but after a day with Chip and Pepper I felt I had so much more appreciation for the sport. I was like that with motor racing too. I entered and won the Miss Indy contest in Toronto in 2004 and from there started working with the actual IndyCar series. I like creating new opportunities.
Do you have a personal work philosophy?
Leave your attitude in the bedroom when you wake up in the morning. You must be able to listen and take directions to improve in all aspects of your life.
If you weren’t doing this, what could you see yourself doing?
Growing up I wanted to be a teacher or a dolphin trainer. I almost moved to the Bahamas one summer to follow that dream. Now my fascination is with penguins.
What do you first notice about a guy?
Confidence and a nice smile! They go hand in hand!
What gets you interested?
Sense of humour. If a guy can make me laugh within the first minute of conversation he’s more likely to get my number.
What keeps you interested?
Sense of humour and intelligence. I need to be with someone that motivates me just as much as I will for them.
What’s your number one deal breaker?
Cockiness, disrespect, and bad body odour.
Turn-ons:
The smell of aftershave! It has the same effect on me as those AXE commercials.
Turn-offs:
Laziness, too much body hair, neediness.
To stay in shape, what’s your basic diet look like?
I try to eat as healthy as possible. I have a lot of food allergies so it’s a bit easier for me to stay away from bad fatty unhealthy foods but I have a really big sweet tooth. Especially for chocolate. But it’s all about balance and eating. So many girls starve themselves to lose a few quick pounds but it’s the worst for you. Any slim, fit person will tell you the first thing they do if fuel their body. I eat something small every 2 hours. Keeps your metabolism working and gives you the energy to exercise.
What sort of fitness plan do you follow?
I don’t go to the gym. I do fitness dance classes at Flirty Girl Fitness. I was a dancer growing up and that’s I think the best form of exercise to keep slim and toned. My favourite classes are Zumba, Triple Threat and Booty Beat! Sometimes I mix a little chair tease. It’s an all women’s club so the instructors know how to specialise classes for a woman’s body.
I’m super hyperactive so I’m always working on new projects. I’m currently writing a TV show with my best friend Leah and our writer Andrew, and also starting a new beauty lifestyle blog. You can follow me on twitter @jessiesulidis for all my updates!
Favourite workout tip: Mixture of cardio and resistance training. Burns the most calories.
Favourite recipe: Spaghetti Squash as a replacement Pasta dish. Mix spaghetti squash with grilled chicken, homemade tomato sauce and grilled veggies topped with chili flakes. Tastes just like a pasta dish but with half the calories and triple the health benefits.
iPhone or Android: iPhone of course!
What are you driving: Mustang Convertible
One thing guys should know when talking to a beautiful woman: Confidence!
Absolute WORST experience on set/shoot:
When I first started off in broadcasting I used to have mini panic attacks before going on set. I would literally almost pass out I would get to nervous! I learned to relax myself before shooting with yoga and breathing! Now I’m a pro!
One quirky thing about you that never turns up in interviews: I like to dance like Beyonce “Dance for you” video in my apartment with the curtains open!
Jessie Sulidis’ website: http://www.jessiesulidis.com
Jessie Sulidis Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jessiesulidis
Jessie Sulidis on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jessiesulidisTV
Jessie’s new lifestyle blog, Chandeliers & Champagne: http://www.chandeliersandchampagne.com