Blog
Introducing… Kandy with a K!
What could be better than eating candy… for a cause?
When planning our 10th anniversary initiatives, we knew we wanted to include something fun and unique that gives us the opportunity to give back. An integral part of our mandate, NKPR has championed cause-related initiatives that have helped to raise 10 million dollars for various charities and organizations since day one. Now at year 10, we wanted to create a fun and sweet way to give back!
Combine our passion for social responsibility with an office sweet tooth, countless event candy bars and the concept for Kandy with a K was born!
Kandy with a K is a cause-driven candy store offering an assortment of nostalgic candies. Think Popeye Candy Sticks, FIZZ, Tootsie Roll Pops, Gumballs and Pop Rocks! Are we bringing back childhood memories yet?
Starting May 14, Canadians can purchase an assortment of ‘kandy’ in the amounts of $25, $50, $75 or higher in support of 10 Canadian charities that hold a special place for NKPR and our clients – Camp Oochigeas, Musicounts, Paws for the Cause, Artists for Peace and Justice, Partners for Mental Health, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Girls on the Run and Can Fund!
We have already placed our first order! After all, how could we have an unlimited supply of candy in the office without indulging a bit ourselves?
Now we need your support! Please visit kandywithak.com for a sweet way to give back! The Kandy with a K bar will also be set up in the NKPR office so come visit us at 312 Adelaide St. W. to pick up your candy in person!
NKPR is incredibly excited to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary this year! Check out NKPR’s timeline, a look back at our 10 years in business!
XO!
The NKPR Team
NKPR Turns 10!
“Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.”- David Frost.
I can’t believe it! It’s been 10 years since my namesake public relations agency, NKPR, was born. At the beginning, it was just me, Director of Operations Cat Richens and my newborn puppy Decoy, working out of my home. The goal was to create an agency that highlighted stories and issues that mattered. We received our first business license on June 12, 2002.
Since that date, our agency of two employees has grown to 30 incredible and talented staff members, with dedicated PR, talent, digital media and creative divisions!
NKPR’s client roster has also risen, from two to over 31 exciting brands that we feel passionate to work on every day.
To celebrate 10 years in the amazing world of PR, we are thrilled to launch NKPR’s timeline, a fun way to look at the agency throughout the years.
From the first client roster, two moving days, the launch of NKPR’s digital media division, the opening of our New York City office and the IT Lounge that started it all, we invite you to share in our most memorable moments!
Stay tuned for an upcoming 10th Anniversary blog content and an exciting initiative that we can’t wait to share with you. Hint: It’s a sweet way for us to give back, an ongoing commitment that has always been fundamental to NKPR’s core beliefs!
Thank you all for your amazing and continued support over the years. We wouldn’t have reached 10 years without you!
XO Natasha and the NKPR Team
Cast your vote: BizBash Toronto Readers’ Choice Awards
We were recently incredibly honoured and excited to find out that NKPR President, Natasha Koifman, has been nominated for the BizBash Toronto Readers’ Choice Awards as PR Professional of the Year!
As an agency, we are always thrilled to receive recognition for the work we do. The level of PR talent in this city is extraordinary and we feel humbled to be included among such amazing professionals!
Voters can PLACE THEIR vote in each category every 24 hours UNTIL Thursday, May 17th at 11:59 pm EST.
Thank you for your support!
XO
The NKPR Team
Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival: Photos of the Week
One of our favourite cultural events in Toronto is the internationally acclaimed Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival! Every year it is incredibly inspiring to see all of the amazing art and photography displayed at almost 200 venues throughout the city! To celebrate this year’s theme, “Public”, we are counting down our top five photos every week!
Glass Ceiling by Jill Greenberg. On display at O'Born Contemporary.
Photo Montage, 1932 by Berenice Abbott. On display at Art Gallery of Ontario.
Photo Albums by Dean Max. On display at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Nightview by Berenice Abbott. On display at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Weiwei Study of Perspective (New York City) by Ali Weiwei. On display at the University of Toronto Art Centre.
Meet the Interns: Brooke Woolnough
Interns are an integral part of the team at NKPR – we’re always grateful for a few extra sets of hands especially during a busy season of spring previews!
Next up in our spring Meet the NKPR Interns series? Brooke Woolnough.
With a background in hospitality, Brooke heard about NKPR’s initiatives during the Toronto International Film Festival. After applying, she landed an internship here and the rest is history!
Part of the team for over 2 months now, Brooke has had the opportunity to work on a number of clients concentrating on strategic media relations, social media and event coordination!
Think you’re up to the challenge? Get in touch to learn more about our internship opportunities.
What are you studying and where?
“I graduated from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario form the Hotel Management program. After working several years in the hotel industry I had a change of heart and decided to leave hospitality and join the exciting world of Public Relations!”
Why PR?
“I decided to get into PR because I really enjoy working and meeting new people. In PR you get the opportunity to gain great relationships not only with your colleagues but with clients as well. I also really like putting on events and you get to do a lot of that as well.”
Salty or Sweet?
“100% sweet!! I always need a little sweet treat after every meal!”
Daily must-read:
“I really enjoy reading newspapers like The Globe and Mail on my way to work in the mornings. Keeps me updated on what’s happening in Toronto, around the world, as well as a bit of entertainment gossip.”
What’s the most exciting/bizarre thing that’s happened to you at NKPR?
“Just a few days ago was when I came into work, checked my e-mails and the first e-mail I saw was from one of the mangers thanking the team for all our hard work and treating us by bringing in two manicurists to give us all manicures in the office! Such a nice treat!”
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? How about now?
“When I was little I always imagined myself as a nurse. After realizing I don’t react well to blood I soon crossed that off. Now I am really enjoying learning the exciting world of PR and intend to stick with it!”
Facebook or Twitter?
“If you asked me that a month ago before working here I would have said Facebook, but now I am totally all about Twitter! Love how much information you can find out in only 140 characters!”
What company, brand of product would you love to work on?
“I really love researching recipes for food items as well as beverages so I’m really enjoying working on the PMA brands. I think Kiehl’s would be fun to work on as well.”
Favourite song-of the moment?
“I’m really into Florence And The Machine right now.”
What’s your idea of happiness?
“Family and health! As long as I’m healthy and have my family close by I’m a happy girl!”
TV Guilty Pleasure:
“I’m addicted to the Food Network but I also do catch myself watching things like; The Real Housewives, The Bachelor, and Keeeping up with the Kardashians from time to time.”
Love: So much more than 3 little words
Have you ever complained that the love in your life doesn’t say “I love you” enough? Did it ever occur to you that they might actually be saying it, but in ways you weren’t receptive to hearing? I recently read the book “The 5 Love Languages” and it really drove home that love is a lot more complicated than those 3 little words!
I found myself wishing I’d read the book a lot earlier in my life as I might have avoided several dead-end relationships!! The book made me think about how I express love, but also about all the ways people tell me they love me back. We all crave more love in our life… not just romantic love, but friendship and familial love too. So isn’t it a small tragedy to think that people are telling us they love us in ways we’re too “deaf” to hear?!
The idea that we may not be speaking the same language with our significant other has been visited many times. Books like “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” and even “He’s Just Not That Into You” have touched on ideas that we may have different styles of communication – usually drawn down gender lines. Even Lizzie Bennett and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice had their troubles communicating. I just always thought, that as I was in the field of communication for work I would automatically be a good at ‘communications’ in my personal life.
We mistakenly assume that if our partners love us they will react and behave in certain ways – the ways we react and behave when we love someone. – John Gray “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”
You can take a test on this website to find out what your dominant love language is. The languages break down as follows:
For some people, the love language is Physical Touch. It’s a gesture; laying a hand on the arm or the shoulder as they pass by or plenty of hugs! For others, it’s much more practical Acts of Service – they’re the ones who help you move or bring over soup when you’re sick. For some, it’s Receiving Gifts, whether regular small treats or big-ticket items. Some are looking for Words of Affirmation – they need to say “I love you” plain and simple. And all some people want is Quality Time. They want you to put down the blackberry, give them your full attention and carve out dedicated time and space for you.
The “The 5 Love Languages” really made me reflect on how I express affection to others, but also how I need to be told I’m loved. Your love language is not just the one you use to express love to those in your life – it’s also the language you’re most receptive to “hearing” when it’s spoken to you. Somebody who needs to say “I love you” out loud every day, may not pick up on the fact that a partner taking out the garbage or walking the dog is just as much an expression of love as those three words.
“Many husbands and wives who had spent years struggling through marriages they thought were loveless discovered one or both spouses had long been showing love through messages that weren’t getting through.” – Dr. Gary Chapman “The 5 Love Languages”
Thinking about all of this also made me realize how useless it is to compare people: One boyfriend might shower you with big-ticket gifts but never give you the quality time you need. Another might hold your hand always, but find it more difficult to say “I love you” out loud… but the depth of feeling may be the same in each case. The book also helped me understand how my own behaviour might actually hurt somebody or make them feel unloved – when I might be sending a message that I’m “not that into” somebody when I really AM!!
That said, relationships are STILL a minefield of misread signals, crossed wires and subconscious nuances and past baggage. The book “He’s Just Not that Into You” may seem to say the opposite of “The 5 Love Languages” – if you’re not hearing the message loud and clear, then odds are he’s not that into you. Of course (even in the movie version of the book!) it wasn’t always that clear-cut.
I think there’s wisdom in the middle ground between these two books. First, establish that there really is mutual affection. BUT!! Make sure you’re open to all the different ways he might be expressing affection – NOT just the one you want to hear.
“No matter how powerful and real your feelings may be for someone, if that person cannot fully and honestly return them and therefore actively love you back, these feelings mean nothing.” - Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo “He’s Just Not That Into You”
And, of course, love isn’t the only emotion that comes with its own language. Indifference may be a subtler language, but trust me if he’s NOT that into you, he’s communicating that too. And there are definitely different ways of saying “I don’t love you” as well. It can be said through meanness and passive aggression, through a lack of touch or withholding.
Enlightening as these ideas are, I admit to still having moments when I really just wish somebody would tell me exactly what I want to hear – that it could all just be so MUCH SIMPLER. But I’m learning that the mode of expression is not as important as what’s actually being expressed. The feeling of security knowing somebody really does care for me is much more valuable that the wrapping it comes in… because only when we feel secure will love truly bloom… it is Spring after all!
XO Natasha
The IT List: April 4
This week’s IT List is all about spring! Things we’ve missed from the warm weather months? Colour, running outdoors, relaxing summer tunes and of course, our favourite patio beverages!
Jelly bean tea? Sign me up! DAVIDsTEA’s spring collection is perfect for an after-dinner drink or a morning pick-me-up! [Hello! Magazine]
Tupperware parties may not be our cup of tea, but we love how lia sophia’s home jewellery parties can empower women and allow them to run their own business! Not to mention, their Zingara collection is incredibly stylish and affordable! [Vitamin Daily]
Bouncy dresses and bright colours were abundant at the RACHEL Rachel Roy spring/summer preview! Now if we could only have a bit more of that warm summer weather from mid-March… [Vitamin Daily]
The NKPR office has started training for the Sporting Life 10K in support of Camp Ooch on May 13th! Our running shoe of choice is the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity HPi Ws! Light and comfy! [Sweetspot]
Looking to rock neons on your nails this summer? Essie’s latest collection, Poppy Razzi, offers four stand out brights! Be sure to coat your nails in white first to make the colour pop! [Sweetspot]
Nothing beats listening to jammin’ tunes by Bob Marley on a warm weather day! House of Marley’s line of earth-friendly headphones are the perfect accessory! [Virgin Radio]
Pink, bubbly and perfect for patio season… We can’t wait to sip on a SKYY Vodka Spring Fling cocktail! [Metro]
MEET THE NKPR INTERNS: VALERIE BURNATOWSKI
Interns are an integral part of the team at NKPR – we’re always grateful for a few extra sets of hands especially during a busy season of spring previews!
Next up in our spring Meet the NKPR Interns series? Valerie Burnatowski!
Valerie came across NKPR online, was impressed with our client list and the rest is history! Valerie has had the opportunity to work closely on an exciting spring initiative (Stay Tuned!) as well as spring fashion previews!
Think you’re up to the challenge? Get in touch to learn more about our internship opportunities.
What are you studying and where?
I graduated from the University of Toronto in June 2011. Most recently I completeled PR Management courses at McGill University.
Why PR?
Because its people oriented, creative and constantly evolving.
Salty or sweet?
Both- I can’t take a side. I like em’ all.
Daily must-read:
Hello Giggles
What’s the most exciting/bizarre thing that’s happened to you at NKPR?
On the second day of my internship I got to my desk to find a We Vibe vibrator, what a bizarre surprise.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? How about now?
I wanted to be an author and a talk show host. I’d still love to be a talk show host- a hybrid of Chelsea Handler and Oprah. As for my aspirations to be an author I do plan on coming out with a comedy style memoir- I’m already 500 words in.
Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter, with only 140 characters people have no choice but to get to the point.
What company, brand or product would you love to work on?
I would love to work on the alcohol brands, like Wild Turkey. And of course I would love to work on TIFF.
Favourite song-of-the-moment?
The entire Pistol Annies CD “Hell on Heels”.
What’s your idea of happiness?
Happiness to me is being with my family, we’re loud and always laughing.
TV Guilty Pleasure?
Celebrity Apprentice – because, well, it’s ridiculous but also it’s for charity. And I like keeping tabs on the Donald’s hair.
Change is in the Air!
This week marked the first day of Spring, and we’re having some record-breaking sunshine in Toronto. Changing seasons definitely make me think about changes I want to make in my life. And with all this spring fever, I’m also thinking about my spring wardrobe!! Fashion-wise, it’s a tough season for me because everything seems to be either neon or pastel and a challenge to my all-black “uniform!”
On Tuesday, I checked out the new RACHEL Rachel Roy collection. (Available at The Bay) I surprised myself slightly by gravitating towards the “love lock” pattern tank. 
As I’m sure you’ve figured out, I’m a romantic at heart and the story behind this design won me over. The designer was inspired by the “love locks” on the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris where couples write their names on a padlock and lock it to the bridge. They then throw the key into the river as a symbol of their undying love. And (okay, okay!) it doesn’t hurt that pattern is grounded on a solid black background…and did I mention that Paris is one of my favourite cities in the world and one of the most romantic??
I always love to wear clothes and jewelry that are reminders of a favourite place and time, or a secret little message of affirmation. Even the names of products sometimes call out to me (make-up colours too! – don’t you sometimes make a final lipstick choice JUST based on the name!?) This week, I took that a step further and arranged to get my second tattoo. I love cursive font tattoos and this will be a simple script on my left arm saying “Be Brave” – a daily reminder for me!
This will be my second affirmation tattoo. I also have “Gratitude 26″ on my right arm, meaning “gratitude to the power of 26.” The number 26 holds special meaning for me as it seems to recur for me around special days (including the birth of my son!) I love the idea that these tattoos are little talismans, guiding me though my days and often secretly hidden beneath my clothes. They really do make me feel brave, empowered and grateful.
Speaking of those traits… I had the pleasure this week of meeting some really remarkable women – the ladies behind the jewelry company lia sophia. Of course, I love my accessories, but what really spoke to me from this gathering was how this business empowers women to become entrepreneurs.
Lia Sophia’s direct sales model enables women of any age, in any region of Canada to cultivate a passion for jewelry and grow a successful business, all while finding that elusive work-life balance – don’t we all crave it!? I always thought work-life balance was about sacrificing something, but I’m starting to realize it doesn’t have to be like that. My own personal picks included “Ilaria” ring and the “camlo” necklace – I wore both all night long!
Over the course of the evening we listened to women who wrestle with that very modern conflict of work versus family. Their days were ruled by guilt – guilt when they were home that they weren’t working and guilt when they were working that they weren’t with their family. Many made the brave decision to “quit the cubicle” and have worked hard to find a way to still have a career but without the same family sacrifices.
We’re often told we can “have it all”. And this a liberating idea, but sometimes it creates pressure for women to DO everything and BE everything to everybody. I can definitely identify with the struggle to reconcile all of that without feeling like you’ve given up too much and have so much admiration for these women for finding their balance – beautiful baubles, savvy business and happy family life – WIN!
I found it interesting that a gathering about jewelry really became a conversation about BALANCE. For women, life is definitely not neatly compartmentalized!! I feel very fortunate that my job lets me do what I love… BUT even more that the people and stories behind those businesses constantly inspire me.
So, tell me – what’s on your wishlist for Spring style? Do you wear any jewelry or have body-art with a secret message of affirmation? And how do you manage to find that elusive work-life balance!? Tweet me @natashankpr!
xo Natasha
