HH Spotlight: Jordana Hazan of UnTapped PR
Hair by Igor Santos of Platinum Salon; Dress by independent boutique in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Shearling Coat by Ben Ric Furs
Jordana Hazan may just look like another fashionista in New York City, but her story proves different. Hazan is a young entrepreneur, with a passion that lies within her ethnic roots, and her love for helping make dreams come true. Speaking five languages, and having been through trials and tribulations, while building a labor-of-love, Hazan has found that her perseverance has paid off. As the Founder of UnTapped PR, Hazan has touched many aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion and music industries. See how she pulled through all the tough times, just to relish in the success she has built for herself today.
Give us a little history on your background and how it led you to where you are today?
I was raised in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and throughout my childhood I was always around entrepreneurs. With my mother as a very successful entrepreneur, I watched her travel around the world, growing businesses into franchises, and taking on the role as “The Networking Queen.” My mother taught me how to be independent– to never have to depend on someone– I owe a lot of who I am, and how strong of a woman I’ve become, to her.
Since I was eight years old, I’ve had a fire in me to connect and network with people. And, since I was four years old, I loved to put outfits together and pose for the camera. Fashion was a way of expression for me. Lastly, being of a mixed ethnicity, I grew up with Portuguese as my first language, French as my second (as it was always spoken in my household from the day I was born), English as my third (after moving to the US at the age of 13), Spanish as my fourth, and I am comprehensive in Hebrew, which I learned from attending a private Jewish school while growing up.
The business ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and networking ability my mother instilled in me, fostered my interest in creating a business in Public Relations.
Describe the type of Public Relations your company, UnTapped PR, does exactly.
Untapped PR - hence the name of the business- is an International Public Relations firm that deals with untapped companies in different markets which include: Fashion, Hospitality & Entertainment. Our clients consist of emerging companies who want to become a world renowned brand, as well as well-established companies that want to keep up momentum by switching their PR tactics, to stay new and exciting.
Untapped Fashion & Music is the focus of the company. This is a concept which was created by me, which brings emerging fashion designers and emerging artists together in one night- the night before Fashion Week- in every metro city worldwide. Press, buyers and celebrities are invited to be a part of Fashion Week, and obtain Press recognition, without having to spend a ton of money. The designers showcase their collection by having high-fashion models strut around the venue and interact with guests. The emerging artist/singer performs for the crowd, with a celebrity DJ who spins throughout the night.
What led you to the concept of Untapped PR?
I’ve always had a passion for helping people achieve their dreams- regardless of who they are. Having been told I would amount to nothing growing up and having been bullied, I feel like it’s my mission to show people that anything is possible. Most of my dreams have come true through perseverance and belief in myself, which I believe is all one needs to achieve what success means to them.
Stylist and sister, Kika Hazan with Jordana, wearing Etsy designer dress; Hair by Janet Waddell of Janet Waddell Salon, during TrendSister launch
What is a key lesson you’ve learned along the way?
One key lesson I’ve learned is that nothing worthwhile comes easy. Everything in life has its ups and downs. As long as you learn to accept the downfalls as a learning experience, and appreciate every reward that comes your way- never take it for granted- you’ll be well on your way to fulfillment in life.
Think of these four characteristics of entrepreneurs: heart, smart, guts, luck. Which one is you?
I’m definitely heart– too much heart, I feel sometimes, but I just love life. I genuinely love people and feel it’s more important to be emotionally connected not only to what you do as a career, but to everything in life. The physical aspects will come, but that should never be first priority in order to achieve true happiness.
What has been your highest moment and your lowest?
My lowest point is when I quit my job to start my own company in 2006. I lived out of a 250 square-foot studio, ate grilled cheese sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sold all of my jewelry to buy groceries. I would charge people $100 a month for a full fledged PR campaign, just so that I could prove myself and build my portfolio.
My highest point was in 2008 when things picked up and people started to notice my worth. Within this first year, I grossed over $100,000 in one year and I was finally able to see where all my hard work had gone.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I definitely want Untapped Fashion & Music to be recognized worldwide as the official inauguration event to Fashion Week.
London Actor and Producer, Ryan Elliott with Jordana, at Untapped Music & Fashion event; Dress by Splash Couture; Hair by Igor Santos
Hair by Igor Santos of Platinum Salon; Dress from Top Shop in London; Jewelry is an evil-eye necklace from Israel
Posted March 13, 2012 at 3:51pm in HHNYC HerHattanNYC FashionWeek NewYorkCity NewYork NYC JordanaHazan UnTappedPR emergingdesigners PlatinumSalonNY BenRicFurs TopShop networking PublicRelations UnTappedFashionandMusic KikaHazan JanetWaddell RyanElliott SplashCouture IgorSantos jewelry entrepreneur passion
