Cocktails With – Chantelle Fraser
The Scotia Private Client Group Jamaica Open polo tournament last Sunday at the Kingston Polo Club was a veritable hive for the global fabulocracy. In the mix was the lovely British-born (of Jamaican parents) Chantelle Fraser, CEO of Flawless NYC in the United States. Fraser’s company specialises in providing fashion models and creative talent for events and promotions. Fraser broke from watching the polo matches to chat with SO over cocktails.
What are you sipping today?
Taittinger Champagne with orange juice.
What kind of day are you having?
A fantastic one! It’s great to be here at the Scotia Private Client Group Jamaica Polo Open. Jamaicans are such beautiful people. I love it here. I love playing and watching outdoor sports! This morning, I played golf at the Constant Spring Golf Club with my amazing coach Ian Christie. This is a perfect day!
Socialite or homebody?
Can’t you tell? Socialite, of course.
Flats or stilettos?
Flats in the day, stilettos at night.
Jeans or LBD?
LBD.
In a sentence, who is Chantelle Fraser?
A positive and creative person, who believes that all things are possible, and that’s really how I live my life.
Describe a normal day in the life of Chantelle.
I start the day with my morning run, with my cute little dog Milkshake, then off to my office in Soho, where the madness starts. The phones don’t stop ringing, and we have models coming in for castings throughout the day. Then after work, we go to the events and oversee the models and talent, and to make sure things are running flawlessly.
What was it that drew you to your current career?
It combines all the things that I enjoy most: people, fashion, events, and travel.
As CEO of Flawless NYC, how do you strike a balance between events management and the modelling aspect of the company?
First and foremost, it’s about building a strong team that understands the vision of the company, which is flawless execution. I find that having open communication amongst team members and having a creative exchange of ideas ensure that all of our goals are achieved.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
The most fulfilling aspect of running Flawless is that I get to travel and attend exciting events and meet interesting people. For instance, every year I bring a group of models to Africa to participate in a fashion show at a charity polo tournament. This combines having fun and helping others; that’s what truly fulfils me.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
I started my company Flawless from a tiny bedroom, with no money and no website. Just a laptop, a phone, a vision, and the core belief that I am the architect of my own life. Within one year, I had a great brand, a flawless office and an amazing staff. Considering I was in my 20s, I guess you could say I mastered the art of creating a dollar from a dime and doing what I absolutely love. It really is an amazing feeling to create something from nothing but a dream.
Who are some of your top clients?
MAC Cosmetics, Yves Saint Laurent, Armani,
Venus Williams Tennis wear, PlayBoy, Converse,
T Mobile and CW TV network.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Hmm. Don’t tell anyone… it’s Usain Bolt.
Describe your perfect man.
I enjoy being around men who are super funny and witty. I just love to laugh and enjoy life. The one who really gets my attention, though, is a smart and opinionated man; I enjoy a good debate.
Describe your perfect date.
Being outside on a warm night, at a restaurant on the water, watching the sunset and drinking beautiful red wine.
Who does your hair?
Mecca, at Tatianna Hair Salon in Manhattan.
Who does your nails?
Anyone! We have great nail salons on every corner in Manhattan.
What is your must-have accessory?
I love classic leather Chanel handbags.
What is it that draws you to Jamaica?
I love the energy and spirit of the Jamaican people.
What is it that you wish to accomplish for the rest of 2012?
I have started another company this year, called DJs By Flawless, which focuses on providing stylish and innovative DJ talent for corporate and fashion events. I am really focused on bringing more celebrity DJs onto our roster, and building the brand name.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
To always have an attitude of gratitude, in order to attract more of the things that you are grateful for in your life.
What’s next for you?
I want to open branches of Flawless in international locations, like London, Dubai, and Jamaica, of course.
Who or what inspires you?
My mother simply because she embodies inner strength, and perseverance, as well as grace and beauty. I am trying to be more like her.
When you are not working, where is the best place to find you?
I am an activities gal. I love riding horses, and going to the driving range to work on my golf swing, and playing tennis.
Where is your favourite place to hang out in New York?
Soho House in Manhattan.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Married with a family of my own (fingers crossed).