What brings you to life? *Part 6* The Sassy Stylist

The final feature of my Passion Q&A series from my blog post titled What brings you to life?

RANZA BAY

Marketing & Events Specialist / Stylist

It's not every day you immediately hit it off with someone but it was "love at first sight" when we first met in 2012. Though we haven't known each other for that long, I know I've found a friend for life. From our late night antics to our chill stay-at-home weekends, it's never a dull moment with this one. Apart from my mother, she's the one that taught me proper domestic etiquette. I shall not serve chips in the bag and dip in the jar it came in for fear that Mama Ranza will disapprove. She is a smart, focused, compassionate, and brilliant woman. Need some styling and DIY tips? Visit Ranza's blog at www.thebaystyles.com and check her out on Facebook and Instagram.

What brings you to life?
I come alive when I create--I am an Event Marketer by profession which means conceiving new ideas, breaking them down into intricate plans, and executing them with impeccable precision are all part of the job (that I love). I've also recently taken the plunge and started a Lifestyle Blog <thebaystyles.com>, that features unique lifestyle content. The blog provides a platform for me to aid, engage, and inspire others by sharing quick tips, DIYs, recipes, and stories that help shape one's personal Lifestyle Design. This gives me an opportunity to get my hands dirty and take on exciting projects during my free time.

What do you love most about it?
I'd like to believe that I'm a balanced left-right brain kinda gal, but when I do tap into my creative side, I'm taken to a place where I'm able to tune out the rest of the world and focus on one singular task. I guess you could call it my "outlet". But what I really love most about what I do is the sense of fulfillment I get after the job is done. You know, that moment when you step back, take a second to admire what you've created from scratch, and can't help but give yourself a fist bump or do a little victory dance.

Canapes for a friend's birthday

Tea time bites

Doodling!

How long have you been in events and styling and how did you get into it?
Since I can remember! I've always been drawn to the arts and, thanks to my parents, I took up every class you could imagine (no sitting in front of the TV for this kiddo). My mom has always been a very strong influence on me--I grew up watching her design (and re-design) our home, cook meals without taking a peek at a recipe book, and even pick up an old piece of driftwood and manage to transform it into the most striking table centrepiece. That said, I've continued to hone my skills in the arts and dabble in new things now and then. 

Making portobello and haloumi burgers

A garden in a jar

Experimenting with new art techniques

What advice would you give someone starting out in the same field?
I've had people tell me that they can't do what I do but I've proven them wrong. I've instilled the art of organisation to the messiest of the lot, taught folks that used to burn toast how to cook a meal that would be served at any top restaurant, and given a lesson or two in home decor (you know who you are). Everyone has a creative side! So, sit and listen to your inner Martha Stewart and just do it! At the end of the day it boils down to this--you've got to LOVE IT because there's no faking it when it comes to Events Marketing (or even Lifestyle Blogging). 

Putting organisational skills to work

Fondue night at home

How do you keep your passion alive?
My passion is everything I do, big or small, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So there's no real risk of it "dying" but there are times when I need to shake things up a little by trying out new techniques, keeping myself updated on the latest trends, and even sign up for an odd class or two. This keeps it interesting, fresh, and fun. Everyone still has room to pick up a new skill or two, right? 

Batik painting class in Bali

At this specific point in time, where would you want to be and with whom?
That's a tough question. If I could be in two or more places at once I would, especially since my family and most of my closest friends are spread across the globe. But right now, at this very specific moment, I'm happy where I am. (Ask me again tomorrow, I may change my mind when I wake up). 

On holiday in Switzerland

*All photos provided by Ranza Bay.