Q&A with Matte PR’s Ellyssa Gandhi

Fresh onto the PR scene, this University of Guelph Marketing graduate has made herself at home as Matte PR’s newest consultant. Killing the game with her creative eye and penchant for writing, Ellyssa acts as a storyteller for clients in fashion/lifestyle, entertainment and tech. When she’s not in the office or dabbling with photoshopping herself into photos with celebrities (no, she’s not really friends with Dua Lipa), you won’t be surprised to find her eating out and avoiding the gym.

Did you always see yourself working in PR?

Not at all. It’s been a long and winding road to get to this position. As a child, my interests were all over the place – from writing (my first and only story was about a kid who woke up on the moon), to archaeology (wanting to dig up Egyptian mummies) to hospitality (my eight year old self named my future restaurant “My Favourite Place”). I then went to school for marketing – which was cool, but I was still missing something.

What about PR interests you?

When I finally realized what I was missing – months after graduating – I started to ponder PR because it seemed like the best of both worlds: marketing and storytelling. I realized I wanted to be able to write creatively while pursuing a career in business. Now that I’m in PR, there are things I learn everyday that keep me interested. It’s also such a rewarding feeling to see results from collaborating with media, influencers and brands.

Why did you choose Matte PR?

This is so cheesy, but I felt at home even from my interview. Heidi has a way of finding the right people to make up our little family here at Matte PR. Because I didn’t go to school for PR, I was a bit nervous to jump into a brand-new career at a big corporate office, but the boutique size of Matte PR felt right.

The idea of staying stuck in the same routine day in and day out has always scared me. A big point of differentiation was that Matte PR’s clients range from lifestyle to tech and everything in between. It’s fun mixing it up everyday.

I also love being right in the city! That was a huge factor for me.

What are some fun projects you’re working on right now?

I really do love all my accounts but managing the communication for the Toronto Entertainment District BIA is super fun because I’m going out into the field and meeting with business members and creating social media campaigns. We just launched a 2018 wrap-up video that we’re really proud of. You can watch it here if you haven’t seen it yet!

What Instagram account are you loving right now?

My current fave fashion account award goes to @sisiliapiring – super simple t-shirt and jeans kinda gal but…cool? More recently, the account that’s been keeping me mesmerized and inspired is @stillonoir. I need to go to Muji right away to buy new pens to start doodling.

If you can travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

For about 10 years now, I’ve wanted to go see Portugal. I can’t really explain why. It’s just calling out to me. I’m also super down to experience Japan to eat my weight in noodles and visit The Site of Reversible Destiny.

Describe your perfect meal.

One word. Noodles. Okay, two words. Soupy noodles.

Shout out to Wendy So for introducing me to Manpuku across from OCAD.

Ugh, but dumplings too.

BONUS ROUND: THIS OR THAT

Friday Drinks: Bar or Club?

Anyone reading this who knows me won’t be surprised to read that most of my Friday night drinks have been at my new favourite bar, Mother Tongue, in the Entertainment District. But, I’m open to suggestions for new spots to break it down on the dance floor. Anyone?

Wardrobe: Neutral or Colours?

I’ve been dipping my toes into Millennial pink, but honestly it’s really hard not to throw on black jeans and a neutral turtleneck.

Sweet or Savoury?

I have a huge sweet tooth but I love savoury as well. The way to my heart is a warm, soft cookie!

Danforth Music Hall or Scotiabank Arena?

Actually, I’m going to pick a third option. Last year I saw Justin Nozuka in concert at the Canadian Opera Company’s Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre during Luminato and it was hands-down the best concert experience I’ve ever had. It was super intimate – I physically couldn’t have been standing closer to him. I definitely prefer small concert venues.