Let me just start by saying...I LOVE LOVE the NOW YOU KNOW website. This website highlights ALL the events going on in the Chicagoland area!! A must for any person who loves to get out of the house once in a while!!! Therefore, for my great love of this site, I really really wanted to interview the ladies. My prayers got answered; I got an email interview with Katie C. Cahnmann, the CEO and Editor in Chief of NYK (still an interview) :)
How did the website come about? How did the idea come to light?
K.C: We launched NYK to keep everyone posted on the best and most luxurious events in and around the city without spending a fortune. Get exclusive invites to the best events in the city including restaurant openings, business launches, fashion shows, charitable events, and more.
When was NYK founded?
K.C: Friday, September 23rd the NowYouKnow Presented The KX Fine Art Fashion Gallery Show was our first official hosted event and it also coincides with our one year anniversary as NYK was founded in September 2010.
What is the websites main purpose? Will NYK be hosting more events?
K.C: We mostly focus on promoting events all around Chicago but we also provide press and media coverage for events, too. There are a couple main things that prompted us to start hosting our own events. First, one of our colleagues is also a professional photographer with a passion for shooting high-end fashion photography and also a focus on capturing the woman's body. Kayoua (KX Photography) has long been wanting to open a gallery and let the public see her work. This provided the perfect opportunity for NYK to step into event planning/hosting. Something that NYK prides itself in is supporting and exposing local talent. Ka's gallery was open the weekend of September 23, but we wanted to have a very special grand opening night for her which brings me to the other main reason we decided to start hosting our own events....
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| Katie Cahnmann, CEO of NYK |
We have had the honor of attending many different events through the city - several amazing events and others that leave something to be desired. We have learned what contributes to a successful event and what the people want to see. If NYK's name is going to be behind something you can be assured that it is going to be a great event. We will make sure everything is organized and people leave feeling like their time was well spent... and even better they want to come back to another NYK event.
A little background information on the ladies now........
Katie C. Cahnmann, CEO and Editor in Chief of NYK:
She has always had a passion for living life to the fullest and a zest for discovering new opportunities, hidden gems, exciting ventures, and all the best life has to offer. Her educational background and work experience are in social services. Trained and licensed as a therapist, interpersonal skills have always been her forte. She loves meeting new people and networking making her well-connected to people in the industry. She is also very knowledgeable about the Chicago Social Scene and has vast experience planning events of all kinds from school dances to bridal/baby showers, get-togethers for friends, openings, etc.
Kayoua Xiong, Photographer, Videographer & Graphic Designer of NYK:
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| Kayoua Xiong Photographer of NYK |
She is an incredible talent with a passion for shooting high-end fashion photos. She works full-time as a photographer outside of NYK and also freelances. She will have her very first gallery opening this fall showcasing women’s bodies in an effort to empower women and bring awareness to domestic violence.
Viktoria Ivanchyk, Personal Relations Liaison of NYK:
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| Viktoria Ivanchyk, Personal Relations NYK |
She opened up a women’s clothing boutique in Lincoln Park, Viktoria’s Closet, three years ago. She has an amazing eye for fashion and can style the perfect outfit for any occasion. She recently began designing her own line of dresses this spring which can be purchased at her shop. And she is now working on her fall line. She is very involved in the fashion and social scene in Chicago.
Carrie Wenzel, Assistant Editor and Social Media Manager of NYK:
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| Carrie Wenzel, Social Media NYK |
A native of Chicago she knows the city very well and currently works for the City’s Cultural Center, more specifically Chicago Fashion Resource where she is responsible for managing their web site and social media, too. She has incredible experience and knowledge in social media and has been working very hard to get the NYK brand publicly recognized. In less than a month she doubled our twitter followers and majorly increased our Facebook likes. She is constantly working on ways to increase our numbers.
AMAZING ladies, cannot wait to see what NYK does next...........
Stella *
