Tag Archives: Ottawa

Author, Comedian, & Public Speaker Jessica Holmes to host A Woman’s Legacy Event on Nov. 21

Jessica Holmes joins former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, famed Canadian songstress Jann Arden, and best-selling author of Introverts Susan Cain in the incredible line up of inspirational women visiting Toronto to speak at A Woman’s Legacy Event on November 21, 2013.

This annual event draws an audience of motivated women including successful businesswomen, entrepreneurs and the who’s who in the city to learn first hand from internationally renowned women. Bridging a cross section of industries to come together and be empowered. A Woman’s Legacy brings together experts who speak about their personal stories and their secrets to success in areas that cover communication strategies, motivation, smart investing, innovation, stress management and more.

Tickets are available from $189 and can be purchased on line at legacymastery.com

Jessica Holmes – Author, Comedian, & Public Speaker

Jessica Holmes starred on Royal Canadian Air Farce and The Holmes Show, and is the author of I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in my Screwball Life. Also a Life Coach, she tours Canada with her quirky combination of humour & inspiration.

Holmes has opened for comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Leslie Nielsen, and Ellen DeGeneres, as well as hosted events for such visionaries as Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey! Although a comedian at heart, having performed with the Second City and Just for Laughs, Holmes has recently delved into writing: penning the book I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life. Jessica majored in writing at Ryerson’s Radio & Television Arts BFA program, and again ended up spending her free time involved in comedy: acting in and then directing the annual sketch comedy show, titled RIOT. There, a few of the performers dared each other to try stand up. Four of them, Jessica included, performed at amateur night at The Laugh Resort. Jessica was hooked on the terrifying adrenaline ride that is stand up comedy, and decided to try it on as a career. During her years on Air Farce, Jessica had two children, Alexa and Jordan, with her actor husband Scott. Holmes wrote her first book, I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in my Screwball Life, in 2010. Having fallen in love with public speaking, Holmes decided to deepen the scope of her material by becoming a Life & Career Coach through San Diego’s Life Purpose Institute. She now enjoys a mix of comedy & motivational speaking.

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes, @JuliaGillard, @jannarden, @susancain

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People

Actor Agam Darshi stars as Officer Khali Bhatt in CTV’s original undercover Cop Drama ‘Played’ premiering October 3rd

Agam recently won a Leo Award for her role in “Crimes of Mike Recket”

Leo Award winner Agam Darshi plays Officer Khali Bhatt – “The Truth Teller” in CTV’s original undercover cop drama ‘Played’. The heart pounding premiere, entitled “Drugs” will be aired Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CTV.

Set and shot in Toronto, the high-risk drama “Played” tracks an undercover police unit as it infiltrates criminal organizations through different case stories/”plays”.
Agam’s character Officer Khalil Bhatt is an urban and young undercover cop attracted to the adrenalin, intensity, and dark glamour of her work. Khalil proves to be a real asset for the team with her honestly, directness, and effortless skill with technology. Outside of work, Khali is an extrovert – chasing the next party, the next cute guy, the next sunrise after an all-nighter. “Played” also stars Gemini Award-nominee Vincent Walsh, Chandra West, Lisa Marcos, Dwain Murphy, and Adam Butcher.
It has been an exciting year for in-demand actress Agam Darshi winning the Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture in the feature “Crimes of Mike Recket”.

Showing her talent behind the camera, Agam made her directorial debut in the nine-minute short film “Fade Out”. The BravoFact short film follows an aging actress, who is desperate to keep herself together on the night of her movie premiere. “Fade Out” stars Ona Grauer, Adrian Holmes, Chelah Horsdal and David Lewis.

Agam was previously nominated for 2 Constellation Awards for her role on “Sanctuary”, a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Ensemble for her role on “Dan for Mayor”, and a Leo Award for Best Supporting Actress in the film “Excited”.

Agam’s other notable credits include a principal role as Aparna in the Blockbuster film “2012”, a recurring role on “The L Word”, a lead in “Haunting on Soroity Row” (alongside Gossip Gil’s Leighton Meester), as well as roles on “Snakes on a Plane” and “Final Destination 2”.
Agam, who was born in England, has been raised all over Canada. She has lived in Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. She now splits her time between Vancouver and Los Angeles.

Photographer: Franco Valerio. Stylist: Claudia DaPonte
Makeup and Hair: Natacha Trottier

Social Media Handles

Website: agamdarshi.com
Twitter: @AgamDarshi
Facebook: Agam Darshi

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People

Canadian funny woman Jessica Holmes to deliver Keynote Finale at WIBN Conference & Urban Retreat in Vancouver on October 6th & 7th, 2013

Jessica has successfully transitioned from an in-demand comedian, to a sought-after comedic motivational speaker and author

Royal Canadian Air Farce & The Holmes Show’s Jessica Holmes, a comedian and motivational speaker, will be bringing her mix of characters, comedy, and inspirational tips to Vancouver this October. Jessica will be delivering a keynote address at the Women in Biz Network conference to uplift and motivate entrepreneurs and business women in Western Canada. As a mom, successful speaker, author, and Life Coach, Holmes has received hundreds of standing ovations in the two years since she transformed her comedy routine into a self-help/humour hybrid. One of the most requested speakers in Canada, Holmes gives an inspiring and engaging appearance. Jessica shares tips on success, re-branding, and motivation, and shares how laughter now defines her life since recovering from post-partum depression. Her talk, called the 60 Minute Perspective Makeover, is detailed below.

The 60 Minute Perspective Makeover
The secrets of success are the same no matter what business you’re in; and success begins with getting motivated. Inspiration and comedy unite in this 60-minute transformation from “I shoulda…” to “I will!” Energizing and funny, this call to action combines Jessica’s humor and savvy to deliver motivational insights into:

•   Finding greater meaning in your work
•   Using positive psychology to be happier day to day
•   Setting and reaching your goals
•   Learning to laugh at life’s shortcomings

Jessica gives quick, achievable how-tos about these topics and more, in a laugh-out-loud hour of fun. The audience receives great takeaways & follow-up resources to guarantee that Jessica’s presentation makes a meaningful impact. See more at: http://goforitevent.com/jessicaholmes/#sthash.doXX9FAz.dpuf

Before her transition to a successful speaker, Jessica was a well-established comedian and performer. She has opened for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Leslie Nielsen and Ellen DeGeneres throughout her career.

Jessica is best known for her seven-year stint on the award winning CBC series “Royal Canadian Air Farce”. In 2002, Holmes landed her own sketch comedy show appropriately titled, “The Holmes Show”. The show featured dead-on personifications of Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli and Geri Halliwell. That same year, her musical comedy special “Holmes Alone” won the Platinum Award at WorldFest.

In recent years, Holmes has shifted her comedy from the stage to the print world as a comedy author. Her book titled, “I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life”, offers readers her witty observations on everything from her hilarious take on parenthood, her eclectic upbringing by a Mormon father and feminist mother, and her experiences as a missionary in Venezuela.

It’s hard to imagine that this funny woman didn’t always see the laughter in things. Holmes suffered from a near crippling depression that threatened her every day life and career. Once recovered, she made the decision to dedicate her life to discovering what creates lasting balance and fulfillment.

Holmes is shooting the new web series That’s My JD, developing a comedic reality series with Pivotal Media and a tween musical series with Marblemedia, appearing as a frequent guest on shows like “Entertainment Tonight Canada” and “George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight”, and is set to release her second comedy book due out in 2014.

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People

Canadian funny woman Jessica Holmes celebrates her milestone birthday in Toronto with a fundraising comedy event at Hugh’s Room on August 25th, 2013

Jessica currently tours the country with her unique brand of humour—appearing as a guest speaker at a variety of events

Ottawa native Jessica Holmes continues to delight and amuse national and international audiences with her popular comedy routines and celebrity impersonations. Holmes has opened for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Leslie Nielsen and Ellen DeGeneres throughout her career. Jessica is a sought-after keynote speaker at high profile events across the country. Most recently, she appeared at the Women in Glaucoma Conference last month in Vancouver, and will be at The Women In Biz Network Go For It conference (designed to give women entrepreneurs the support and skills to enhance business performance) in October.

Between raising her family and her busy professional schedule, Jessica has also been gearing up to celebrate a milestone birthday. At the end of this month, Jessica will turn the big 4-0 and felt it was an important birthday to celebrate, while also giving back. “For a woman in my industry, aging can be considered a bad thing. So I wanted to turn that on its head and make my 40th birthday something I’m proud of, something I would shout from the mountaintops! And I found that opportunity: I’m celebrating my 15 year career, my friends in the industry, and my involvement in philanthropy in an intimate fund-raiser at Hugh’s Room,” says Jessica. “I’m happy, healthy, and submerged in community, friendship, and a career I love. Turning 40 is awesome!” The fundraising event, which offers a night chock-full of entertainment, supports Yellow Brick Road House—a shelter for abused women and children. More details on Jessica’s event at Hugh’s Room is available HERE.

Holmes has become on of the most sought-after speakers in Canadian business by creating a motivational comedy performance about positive psychology called “The 60 Minute Perspective Makeover”. She tours the country offering audiences her own tips and perspective on how to lead a more fulfilling and happy life through setting personal goals.

She originally majored in writing at Ryerson University’s Radio and Television arts program when a classmate dared her to try standup. The Second City, Just For Laughs festival and TV shows like “Little Big Kid” and “The Itch”, got her noticed by television casting agents.

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes
Press: huffingtonpost.ca

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People

Comedian and Popular TV Star Jessica Holmes Brings Her Unique Brand of Comedy to Vancouver This Summer and Fall

Ottawa native Jessica Holmes continues to delight and amuse national and international audiences with her popular comedy routines and celebrity impersonations. Holmes has opened for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Leslie Nielsen and Ellen DeGeneres throughout her career. Jessica is a sought-after keynote speaker at high profile events across the country. Her next appearances are at the Women in Glaucoma Conference on July 16th in Vancouver, and The Women In Biz Network Go For It conference (designed to give women entrepreneurs the support and skills to enhance business performance) in October.

She is best known for her seven-year stint on the award winning CBC series “Royal Canadian Air Farce”. In 2002, Holmes landed her own sketch comedy show appropriately titled, “The Holmes Show”. The show featured dead-on personifications of Celine Dion, Liza Minnelli and Geri Halliwell. That same year, her musical comedy special “Holmes Alone” won the Platinum Award at WorldFest.

Holmes has become on of the most sought after speakers in Canadian business by creating a motivational comedy performance about positive psychology called “The 60 Minute Perspective Makeover”. She tours the country offering audiences her own tips and perspective on how to lead a more fulfilling and happy life through setting personal goals.

Holmes will be speaking in Vancouver in July for the Women in Glaucoma Conference on July 16th, as well as this October as part of The Women In Biz Network Go For It conference which is designed to give women entrepreneurs the support and skills to enhance business performance and workplace productivity.

Social Media Handles

Website: jessicaholmes.com
Twitter: @happyfeetholmes

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Jasmyn Pozzo – Publicist
jasmyn@thepromotionpeople.ca
705.255.6887

Website: thepromotionpeople.ca
Twitter: @PromotionPeople
Facebook: The Promotion People
Instagram: @promotion.people

Actor Agam Darshi’s Role in “Crimes of Mike Recket” Garners Industry Acclaim with Latest Leo-Award Nomination

Canadian actor/director and all-around talent Agam Darshi has been nominated for a Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture award at the 2013 Leo Awards (which take place June 7th & 8th, 2013). The nomination for Agam came from her performance in the feature “Crimes of Mike Recket”. It’s been an exciting year for the in-demand actress, who among her other high profile recent appearances and new roles, directed her first film (which she also wrote). She worked alongside some of the country’s top leading ladies (Crystal Lowe and Sandy Sidhu, who produced the project) to bring the BravoFact short film “Fade Out” to life. She will also be seen this fall in the new CTV series “Played”, currently in production.

Agam is thrilled to again be nominated at the Leo’s (which honour the best in British Columbia’s television and film), but she is no stranger to industry nods: She has been nominated for 2 Constellation Awards for her role on “Sanctuary”, a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Ensemble for her role on “Dan for Mayor”, and previously for a Leo Award for Best Supporting Actress in the film “Excited”.

The buzzed-about actor is currently in Toronto shooting “Played”, a new police drama series which airs on CTV this fall. “Played” follows an elite undercover police unit set up to infiltrate otherwise impenetrable criminal worlds. These cops (led by Deception’s Vincent Walsh) perform high-wire acts, nerve-wracking confidence games or “plays”. Agam’s character’s greatest assets: blunt honesty and an effortless skill with technology.

Agam’s directorial debut in “Fade Out” gave her a chance to show her talent behind the camera. The nine-minute film (also written by Agam) stars Ona Grauer, Adrian Holmes, Chelah Horsdal and David Lewis. It follows an aging actress, who is desperate to keep herself together on the night of her movie premiere.

Agam’s other notable credits include a principal role as Aparna in the blockbuster film “2012”, a recurring role on “The L Word”, a lead in “Haunting on Soroity Row” (alongside Gossip Gil’s Leighton Meester), as well as roles on “Snakes on a Plane” and “Final Destination 3”.

Agam, who was born in England, has been raised all over Canada. She has lived in Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. She now splits her time between there and Los Angeles. She has been writing and producing films since her graduation from the Studio 58 Film Arts program at Langara College—and has been on a steady rise in the industry, with fans from around the globe.

Social Media Handles

Website: agamdarshi.com
Twitter: @AgamDarshi
Facebook: Agam Darshi

Contact The Promotion People

Lesley Diana – Founder, President and Publicist
lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca
604.726.5575

Jasmyn Pozzo – Publicist
jasmyn@thepromotionpeople.ca
705.255.6887