IT'S said that there is no “I” in team, and for this tandem of beauties, the saying holds very true. Clint Holton P. Potestas discovers how two individuals with different interests came to complement each other and establish one of Cebu’s fast-rising public relations firms.
“WE can’t afford it,” says Kaye Luym on why she and Cybill Gayatin have not hired an office assistant at their newly-furnished workplace. Of course, it’s just a slight attempt at humor – with the career description the duo is now taking, let alone the increasing demand of the market, it is impossible not to perform the tasks firsthand.
From gathering clients to brewing their own coffee, these ladies are not making any risks. Since they have invested so much faith in this career, they want to do it right. And so far, in less than a year, both are in pretty good shape: either you take that as a compliment about their good looks or as a progress report of their incredible rise in the industry.
, it was worth the wait. “We thought we would make a good team and wanted to start something together, to be our own bosses. We thought about what our skills were and how we could apply them. Secondly, we simply wanted to fill a need in Cebu. We both like writing and conceptual thinking, so the idea of a PR, events and advertising firm came about,” explains Cybill, who was part of the group that launched The Northwing of SM City Cebu.
In May of 2009, Kaye and Cybill finally jump-started their own dream; thus, the birth of A-List, a firm that focuses on corporate events, image development, and marketing strategies, was instituted.
Serendipity it may be called, but certainly, it is just about how everything falls into the right place. Cybill, daughter noted fashion designer Arcy Gayatin, is a graduate of International Studies at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. She is also a noted fashion icon in Cebu, just like her mom, making style one of her strong points.
But ask about fine catering and Kaye, a degree holder of Marketing Communications at the University of British Columbia in Canada, has every answer. Her previous job as food and beverage manager at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino is an edge in choosing the appropriate menu for an event.
“I personally like working on projects that are fashion-related, such as organizing fashion shows and styling photo shoots for our clients’ marketing collaterals. Kaye is a food and wine enthusiast, so she loves doing food photography and putting menus together,” continues Cybill.
With the nature of their job, running in heels may come naturally. Their responsibility begins with choosing the right media to disseminate information to the public, and then followed by conceptualizing the event and producing lay-out designs. Even the choice of buffet is meticulously studied according to the type of guests invited.
It is not even a problem when stress sets in. Their office at the second floor of the Arcy Gayatin Bldg. on A.S. Fortuna is strategically proportioned to ward off the tension.
“Our office helps to foster a stress-free environment. When we designed the office, we wanted to create a space which was conducive to creative thinking and working, nothing too stuffy or stiff but a place where we would actually enjoy spending long hours in. Outside of the office, we relax by spending time with our family and friends, and we definitely make the most out of our weekends,” Kaye says beamingly.
For 2010, big things are surely lined up for these ladies. And just in case there’s a sudden shift of plans, they’ve still got each other to hang on to – proof that genuine friendship always overcomes the promise of success.