Meet Shnane, public relations and social media maven and ultimate boss babe. After working in the fashion industry with Brunette Founder Miriam Alden, Shnane discovered her love for marketing and began to pursue it as a career, over time building up her own client base. Initially focused on contractual work, Shnane eventually decided to take the plunge and started her own business: Vive Social + PR.
Vive Social quickly grew to become a highly regarded agency in Vancouver, B.C., working with a variety of industries including lifestyle, food, wellness, fashion and real estate.
Now, Shnane splits her time between Vive Social’s two head offices in Toronto and Vancouver, where her team provides social media and public relations strategies and management, influencer partnerships, photography, videography and graphic design. Originally giving herself six months to turn her business venture into a success, Shnane has now been leading Vive Social for over six years – enjoying every step along the way.
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
Babes supporting babes is about helping one another be and feel our best. I think it’s important to be a cheerleader, a sounding board, and a source of transparency. Personally I am so thankful for the women that stick by my side not only through the celebrations, but through the times that call for honest feedback, even when it’s not the easiest to do so. I think it’s one of the best ways we learn and continue to grow.
Do you have a life mantra/motto that you live by?
“Will this matter 6 months from now?”
My oldest sister said this to me about 10 years ago and I never forgot it. I tend to beat myself up and think about how I could have done things better. “I shouldn’t have said that” or “I wish I had done this” is a dangerous and pointless path, so whenever I start to go down it I check myself by asking that question. Nine times out of ten, it won’t matter 6 days from now, let alone 6 months.
What does an average day for you look like?
It depends where I am. If I’m in Toronto, I’m basically going from meeting to meeting from morning to night. However, when I’m home in Vancouver I definitely have a more relaxed schedule. I wake up at 6:15am and head to Kondi Fitness for a workout. I love listening to podcasts on my way to work — My Domaine’s Second Life, The Skinny Confidential and Jillian Michaels are currently on rotation. Once I get to the office, it’s typical work stuff: emails, meetings, phone calls, etc.
When I get home, it’s sweatpants immediately. Then I make dinner with my husband, watch a little TV and typically work some more. Reading before bed is a must; it relaxes and helps me shut off. I’m part of a book club my friend @deebibliophilia started and we’re always reading some sort of thriller. Recent favourites include The Woman in the Window and Sometimes I Lie. She has the best taste in books!
What’s your most used app?
Instagram (for work) and the Podcast app (for myself).
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling anymore?
Don’t judge but it would be mayo.
What emoji best describes you?
Red dress lady + vodka martini 💃🍸
Who should EVERYONE be following right now?
@brunettethelabel obvs!
Did you always want to start your own business?
Yes, always. I had just quit my third full-time job in two years when my Mom said to me, “I think you should stop working for a boss and be one.” That was all the motivation I needed.
When I dance I look like….
Hmm… ignorance is bliss?
What is your go-to karaoke song?
Hold On by Wilson Phillips.
Tell us about a Babe who has supported you?
My mom and four sisters. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by strong women from the get-go. They’re all amazing cheerleaders and have been there for me through thick and thin. I’m very lucky.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Vancouver?
I love having the seawall, my office, and our home all within a 20 minute walking distance.
What is the most fulfilling part of your career?
When a client is happy with the results our team has achieved, there’s no better feeling. As an agency, we’re lucky that we get to choose who we work with. When you believe in what a company is doing, it’s easy to feel invested and bring campaigns to life. Also seeing our team progress so much in their skills and expertise. They teach me new things all the time!
What inspired you to start pursuing the marketing industry?
I’ve always loved writing and being creative. Everyday you are challenged to cultivate a brand that connects with their community.
Do you have a morning routine?
I workout at 7am, either in a class or at the gym. I always put on SPF, rain or shine. I’m obsessed with Glo’s Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30. I love listening to podcasts to get the day started with a matcha latte in tow.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
The Real Housewives. Beverly Hills, New York and Potomac are my faves.
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
I’m a terrible networker and prefer to hang behind the scenes. In the past six months, I’ve really tried to push myself to start putting myself out there. It felt very uncomfortable at first, but now I’m really starting to enjoy it. I’ve met some incredibly inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives with invaluable advice.
What is the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Setting boundaries and saying no. In the beginning I would say yes to every opportunity. While this is important, I’ve learned there is real value in knowing your worth. When you don’t set boundaries, some people will take advantage of you. That means calling you in the middle of the night and expecting you to work 24/7. I realized that this was hurting my growth, not helping it, and no dollar amount was worth the constant stress and headache it brought to my day.
What advice do you have for those trying to break into your industry?
If you’re looking to work for an agency or start your own, do the backend work. Start a portfolio, making sure your social presence is professional and consistent. Have writing samples ready and stay on top of what influencers, niche and global brands are doing.
Also, put time into cover letters or introductory emails. I can’t tell you how many times people have applied for a job, and they’ve just copied and pasted our name into a generic cover letter. When applying for a job, ask yourself, “What will make me stand out?”.
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Keep up with Shnane on Instagram @vivesocialpr
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.