360: Christen Rochon

Christen Rochon’s universe is bigger than any first impressions might suggest. The Detroit native operates like a one woman band, incorporating her self-launched technology-meets-fashion “Divas and Dorks” brand into various sponsorship and partnership deals with a wide variety of corporations that has added so many frequent flyer miles onto her account, her city of residence should be listed as “in the air.”

From an Essence Magazine Web Series “Escape to New Orleans” to a Ford-sponsored vehicle giveaway at the 2012 BET Awards to Samsung’s Global Blogging at the 2012 London Olympics project, there are no days off for the former Radio industry advertising point person, who probably wouldn’t have life any other way.
 

Mobilife Buzz: You launched your brand ‘Divas & Dorks’ to target a loyal female demographic incorporating fashion and mobile devices – explain the concept behind mixing both avenues together while still making it ‘presentable’ to your casual viewers.
Christen: I think the divas and dorks brand is ‘presentable’ to viewers simply because it’s an evolution of who and what interest women today. Most women have elements or things that make them feel glamorous and diva-esque on the other hand there are other things that bring out their inner geek, nerd or dorkieness. The whole concept of Divas And Dorks was to celebrate the duality in women by tapping into the interests from both ends of the spectrum, it just so happened that I used my own interests of fashion and technology as a guide & lucked up finding women readers online who are just like me.

How do you incorporate your mobile devices into the business end of your brands?
I believe the world today operates on mobile productivity. It’s all about doing the most on the go and being as productive as possible from any and everywhere. I use my mobile device from the front end to the back end of my business. From blogging and emails, to sending, receiving and even paying invoices. Using mobile devices throughout every element of each brand is what keeps business moving on a day to day basis.

With having a background working in multimedia for a major corporation, how was the transition to your brand and getting used to differences between the two?
There are very few differences between the two, and I believe that’s what has helped me & my team develop & execute a business strategy unlike others in my line of work. In broadcast media, you have the talent that create the ratings & then you have the sales team that bring in the revenue based on the ratings. In my line of work, I’m learning to be both the talent and the sales team in one. Honestly, I’m learning that my career in broadcast media has prepared me to succeed in the digital sales field far more than any other experience could ever.

You just returned from covering the Olympics for Samsung – take us through the process of knowing how to speak to the social audience via corporate brands.
It’s all about authenticity & engagement. I covered the Olympic experience in London from my perspective — which included a whole lot of food, shopping and a few sporting events in there too! I spoke to an audience that wanted to see a little personality of the Olympic experience. With that, I offered my voice – a girl from NYC who’s never been to London, who’s never been to an Olympic game and who ironically enough – had to travel all the way to London to find the best Indian food and Curry dishes she’s ever tasted in life.

What are some of your favorite apps on your phone for everyday usage or even shopping?
For everyday use, I’m often found using my social media apps (Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, etc) But in everyday life, I keep my Starbucks app filled to the brim with funds for an emergency coffee or two & I swear by the eBay fashion app, Groupon, RedLaser and Snapette app for shopping.

Watching the situation in Waterloo with Research in Motion, is there anything you think could potentially turn its fortunes or maybe they could have avoided to end up in the position they are in?
I think the RIM situation could’ve been avoided if the company strategically evolved at the rate of their competitors. Its sad, because Waterloo wholeheartedly depends on the strength of RIM & financially, it’s become a dinosaur unable to sustain itself or the city it’s built.

Give us your 5 ‘toys’ that are essential to you and are a must have when you walk out of the door?
My Macbook Air, iPhone 4S, MyCharge power bank, iLuv USB pen drive & my easel dual-power porta-charger.

Can you give us a couple of general areas where technology has impacted your career?
Technology continues to impact my career on a daily basis. With technology, I’m able to feel connected to my business, family and friends at all times. There have been few occasions where I’ve been without internet access or email access and it stunts my business growth & development for the day. Since I’m working towards developing Divas And Dorks, LLC as a “green” company, much of my business is conducted/stored online & require a connection for access – this makes technology a huge asset in organization & and the daily operation of my business. (Which is probably the reason why I carry multiple charging devices at all times to ensure that I have the power to stay connected all day, everyday.)
 
 
Christen on the Web: Official Website || Twitter || Facebook
Photo credit: Christen Rochon