Quarter-Century Modern
Petite Jennifer MacKay is big on social responsibility, championing the cause with energy and urban flair
By Lynda Sea
Photography By Dermot Cleary
Photography Assistant Lindsey Drennan
At 24, Jennifer MacKay’s CV already reads like that of someone twice her age. She’s an account manager at local ad agency Wax Partnership Incorporated and also sits as co-chair of 2335: A United Way Initiative, a group that encourages young adults to connect with the community through social action, volunteering and charity.
During the last five years, MacKay has done event marketing and advertising for the Osteoporosis Society of Canada and even helped the Canadian National Bobsleigh Team with sponsorship and branding in preparation for the Olympics — all as a volunteer. She was also recently asked to sit on the United Way 2008 campaign cabinet.
The petite blonde is ambitious and articulate. She’s passionate about experiencing all life has to offer, but is also a headstrong believer in social responsibility.
“You can go to work, go home, socialize with your friends and go to events, but I wanted to give back more,” she says.
With her contagiously upbeat outlook — “I think I’m one of those really positive people who is chipper all the time, even in the morning!” — MacKay also brings a relaxed confidence to her polished fashion sense.
Sitting in Wax’s chic, urban office, she looks completely in her element: a champagne-coloured silk top drapes over her small frame under a cropped beige jacket with dark indigo jeans. Round-toe patent heelsand a long chain necklace complete the subtly chic ensemble.
When you ask MacKay about her future, a motley list of goals spills from her lips:
“I would love to do an MBA, travel, be a staff writer for a fashion magazine, start a small fashion line or jewellery boutique. The sky’s the limit, really. I want to do it all and I’m an adventurer. I’m really trying to pack my life full of meaningful experiences.”
Tell us about 2335: A United Way Initiative.
2335 is about inspiring the next generation. Our vision or mandate is Calgary transformed through inspired and mobilized 23- to 35-year-olds and their peers. It’s much more than just volunteering. It’s civic engagement, encouraging people to vote; if they have an issue, to write a letter to their alderman or premier; buying coffee for a homeless person; being a mentor to a child.
I’m impressed that you’re only 24. How do you keep up with it all?
I’m a self-proclaimed overachiever. I always want more and I always want to be challenged. I truly believe you get what you give back. Another thing that one of our team members came up with is, “rent due for space occupied.” The concept is that solely because we all take up space on this earth we are tasked with the responsibility to give back. Inherently, it’s the right thing to do.
What kind of role does fashion play in your life?
I wouldn’t say it plays a big role — it just comes naturally. I really enjoy it and I love getting dressed in the morning. I’m a big planner and I think accessories make or break your outfit. I wear what my mood is that day. It’s great working in the advertising industry because I do have more creative liberties with my dress.
You know the importance of branding, then. How would you define your personal brand?
Down to earth, approachable and chic in an unstudied way. I love being where the action is, juggling projects, volunteering and socializing. I have the same passion for life as I do for fashion. I want to craft my own experiences.
With the type of work you do inside and outside the office, how do you dress for those different situations?
Casual, but still professional. I just think black suits are boring. Because I’m the co-chair of 2335, I have that leadership role, so I want to look like I own that position and have confidence that I know what I’m talking about. Also, you never know who you’ll meet or run into, so you should always be prepared and dressed that way. You only have 10 seconds to make a first impression.
What’s a typical outfit for you?
I like the longer tunic tops right now. They’re really comfortable and look cool with a waist belt. Denim is big. Necklaces, too — I’m big into the long ones right now. And it depends on the day, but I like fitted blazers in colour.
I also love coloured pants. Coloured pants with cute shoes with a black T-shirt and necklace — I’ll just rock that because it’s fun.
Any particular piece of clothing you can’t live without?
I love patent leather. I don’t know what it is about it, but I love it. I have so many patent leather belts in every colour. If I see a patent leather belt, I’ll buy it.
Where do you go shopping?
Everywhere. I really like Holt Renfrew, Aritzia, Banana Republic, Michael Kors and Browns, but I’ll mix it up, too. I also really love the little accessories store AE3 on 1st Street S.W.
What influences your fashion choices?
I am influenced by everything: movies, the media, experiences, conversations, even interviews. My mood more than anything is my influence and my clothing and style is my personal billboard.
