Ania Basak is one of the most influential women in fashion and beauty industry in the province of Alberta. She immigrated to Canada just over eight years ago from Poland. She is now a proud Canadian.
Ania is the president and co-founder of Fashion Calgary. She is a makeup artist, image consultant, and personal shopping assistant.
Ania has been a Beauty Ambassador for Giorgio Armani, a Beauty Advisor for Yves Saint Laurent, and Education/Training Coordinator & PR/Media Representative for Guerlain Paris Canada in Alberta.
Ania received her training from Maestro Image Academy in Poland held by the International Champion of Makeup and Style – Olaf Tabaczynski, becoming a certified makeup artist that allowed her the position of Regional Makeup Artist for Christian Dior in Alberta in 2013.
Ania Basak is a music graduate and taught piano for students between the age of 5 to 45 in Calgary for over three years. Ania also holds an MBA in Law and Administration Department from a University in Poland. She has been the recipient of numerous scholarships presented by the Prime Minister of Poland.
One of Ania’s most significant accomplishments is co-founding Fashion Calgary Portrait Campaign which started in 2012. After a successful 2012, Ania linked the campaign with Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra which saw her raise funds for the non-profit organization – Musical Camps for Kids.
In 2015, Ania, along with a partner created a partnership with one of the biggest children hospitals in Canada – the Alberta Children’s Hospital. It was to raise awareness and funds for Brain Health Division through the annual campaign and exclusive gala event in memory of her younger brother who passed away at age 15 because of a brain tumor.
Ania was a guest speaker for BPW – Business and Professional Women’s Foundation – Calgary Chapter, where she shared her story and women empowerment.
Ania represented Canada and Europe at the New Jersey Fashion Week and also at the biggest fashion expo in Poland.
Believing in giving back, Ania proudly volunteers at YMCA and has been doing so for over six years. She also volunteers at Bikram Hot Yoga.
Ania truly believes in Karma – when you give, it will come back sometime.
In 2015, Ania became a new mom for baby Olivier while continuing to work fulltime, highlighting what the city of Calgary has to offer.
Ania promotes and inspires individuals as well as organizations to be and feel their absolute best! From the initial evaluation to a complete image makeover, her mission is to help people define and refine their image by their unique personalities, lifestyles, and aspirations.
With an ongoing commitment to value and excellence, Ania brings in-depth knowledge, broad experience, and a professional approach to services such as:
- Image Consultation
- Wardrobe Analysis
- Personal Shopping Assistance
- Makeup Lesson
- Total Makeover (includes professional photoshoot of “new” You)
- Corporate Image Consultation
Interview with FCM
FCM: How did you get started in the fashion world?
AB: I came from Poland 10 years ago. I graduated in Poland with an MBA specializing in marketing, management, and business. But when I came to Canada my diploma wasn’t recognized. I decided to follow my passion, and I started working as a make-up artist, mostly for weddings and special events. Then I started donating my services. I did personal shopping assistant an image consultant by donating my services to silent auctions on charitable events. That’s how I promoted myself. I don’t put out advertising on myself. I’m a supporter of causes. And then afterward whoever wants my services became my clients.
I’m very fortunate to have met amazing individuals in my journey here in Canada. Many times these people became a driving force of the possibilities for me.
FCM: Tell us about Fashion Calgary?
AB: Fashion Calgary started about eight years ago. It’s a platform for fashion, design, and lifestyle in general so that for people traveling and staying in Calgary can find the necessary information on what to do, what to see, where to go, where to go shopping, and so on. But then we want to do it more as a blog because I love working with people and we do a lot of videos. We do a lot of media coverage such as promoting events, promoting boutiques, restaurants and so on. We also write reviews. So Fashion Calgary became more of a media outlet, promoting all these things in the city. Then in 2012 we started Fashion Calgary Portrait Campaign – our company’s biggest project.
FCM: How did your business change you in 8 years?
AB: I developed and grew as a person because this business is in a people-oriented industry. It’s a people-oriented business. I work with people every single day. I learned how to communicate. I learned how to negotiate. I learned how to listen and to respond to people. Obviously, it’s all about creating partnerships.
My writing skills developed because I came with almost no English when I came to Canada. I took English courses in University back in Poland, but it’s different when you come to Canada with two suitcases and no family. You have to start your life over. We almost had no Polish friends because I would have to speak Polish and my English would not develop. I had to surround myself with Canadians. That way I can practice my English.
I was also a piano teacher. I had over 20 students at one time. It was a diverse group of people. Not only did it develop my skill as a teacher, but it also improved my English skills.
FCM: What insights can you share to women looking to start their own business?
AB: Learn how to deal with the public because the more your company grows, the more public you become.
I would say it’s very challenging right now after becoming a mom. When you have a little one, and you have a business that you care about seven days a week, I find that it can have a significant impact on your personal life. These are the side things that people don’t think about. They only see the finished product.
You need to have a thick skin to grow and to be resistant to negative feedback.Follow your instinct and follow your passion, and work towards that. Nothing comes for granted. You have to do the work, and it will take sometime before you start seeing the results. I tried working for someone else, but I know that working was not for me. I have an entrepreneurial spirit. I want to bring change in the community. And I’m grateful, but obviously business requires hard work.
Set your goals. Set a plan of action. Be consistent. Consistency is the key. To reach any goal, you need consistency, and you have to work harder and harder because consistency creates progress and progress creates development. And development brings experience which adds to your personal growth. And this will take you closer and closer to your goal and what you want to achieve.
Photo Credit: Armand Flores of Profolio Photography
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