sábado, 5 de dezembro de 2009

entrevista kailla monkim

Kalika Moquin

Why she made the list: Kalika Moquin has an undeniable passion for everything that she does in the world of Las Vegas entertainment, and anyone who has had the pleasure of partying with / because of / or around her can attest to her total enthusiasm for all things nightlife. In a world all too often run by those 'jaded' to what is exciting to most, Kalika's seemingly childlike imagination for entertainment possibilities has already given the Las Vegas nightlife industry such great events as the annual "Vegas Prom," and will undoubtedly give us many more nights that make us wonder, "Did that really just happen!?"

How you should know her: You would have to have been hiding under a rock to miss Kalika working at Tao, ICE, N9NE, Rain, JET, Vegas VIP, and Godspeed over the past few years. And even still you would have probably seen her hosting celebrities and millionaires for Vegas VIP at every single club in town. Otherwise, hopefully you weren't lame and you have at least been to her yearly Vegas Prom Event.

I caught up with Kalika online the night before the Second Annual Vegas Prom hosted by Bo Karlen, Vegas Vibe, and herself. Granted she is a great friend of mine, but anyone who has ever been responsible for a major event of anykind can certainly attest to the fact that giving an interview is the last thing you want to do when the clock is ticking less than 24 hours from doors opening. Fortunately, Kalika is more than calm in the 11th hour:

JC: Congratulations on making the list, and thanks for joining me today!

KM: I'm so honored!! Thanks for including me in the list.

JC: No problem, let's get started. I know you aren't originally from here, so where did you move from and what brought you to Las Vegas?

KM: I moved here from Missoula, Montana a little over 2 1/2 years ago. I've always had a passion for people and making things happen. Vegas seemed like the perfect city for me. I moved here shortly after turning 21 knowing that I wanted to work in nightlife.

JC: Knowing you, I'd believe it. Once you got out here, how did you get your start in the nightlife industry?

KM: Oh boy, here goes. haha. When I moved here I didn't know a single person. I treated finding a job as a job. I was out everyday 9-5 applying at casinos, restaurants, and out every night introducing myself to all the night club doorman, security, managers, etc. asking everyone what I needed to do to work there. My first job was working retail at Coyote Ugly but I knew that's not what I wanted to do so I kept hunting. After living here a month and probably attending over 100 different job interviews during that time I was offered a cocktailing position at the N9NE Steakhouse. I've met everyone worth knowing while working here and it really opened a lot of doors for me when looking for work in actual clubs.

JC: Alright...give me a brief "resume" for yourself?

KM: My first club job was a promoter for ICE. I fell in love with the power that came along with it, and decided that promotions and marketing was what I wanted to do. After working for both N9NE and ICE for a year, I left to take a VIP Host job with Vegas VIP. I worked Vegas VIP on weekends and assisted Blake Anthony in promotional work for Pure Tuesdays and Tangerine Wednesdays. Vegas VIP is like family to me, and I owe a lot of where I am to the company Vice President Michael Tomes who has been my best friend/boss/mentor though almost all my time spent here in Vegas. In July of 2005 I decided to move forward with an idea I had to do an Industry Prom. I formed partnerships with top Vegas promoter Bo Karlen and event planner Vegas Vibe, to bring the 1st Annual Vegas Prom to life. In January of 06, I helped open and worked as a promoter for JET nightclub. It was the first real club job that I had and I really learned a lot of great things while working for the best in the business. I left JET in May to focus on the 2nd Annual Vegas Prom and continue to work with Vegas VIP during the busy summer season. I also accepted an actual hosting job for Godspeed at the Mandalay Bay where you'll see me every Monday night.

JC: What challenges did you face to get to the level of success you are at now?

KM: To keep going when I feel overwhelmed, never looking back, living in the present, dreaming of the future, staying true to myself, and always seeing the best in people. I never see the obstacles, only the destination. If I want something I go for it. I always love a good challenge and opportunity to work hard!!

JC: What do you feel your most important accomplishments have been thus far?

KM: The ability to take risks, learn from my mistakes. Creating the Vegas Prom had been huge. I love having creative control. That is what has made this event so fun for me. However, I feel my biggest accomplishment would be the life I have created for myself in Sin City. I have been lucky to find amazing people to surround myself with. True friends I can count on and trust. To me finding that second family is a huge accomplishment.

JC: Talk to me about motivation. What keeps you at the top of your game, and inspires you to constantly innovate the industry?

KM: The drive for change. I'm always motivated to try the next thing and see what I can create and do next. Having a positive outlook on life, and living each day to the fullest, (hangover days not included). I think you have to be passionate about what you do. While money is important, I've never been motivated by it. I think when money becomes what drives someone it takes a lot the humanity out of a person. I love Las Vegas nightlife and everything it stands for. It's all about the experience, memories, energy, going out, meeting new people, forming new relationships, showing someone the time of there lives, learning and making a living all at the same time. There is nothing in the world that gives you more of an opportunity to do this than the Las Vegas Nightlife Industry.

JC: Alright, let's get your take on things. What do you think are the most important elements a nightclub should have to help ensure it's customers get their money's worth?

 

KM: Customer service. In Las Vegas there is so much competition and so many options that there really isn't just one "hot" club. I think today people choose the club they want to go to based on where they feel most comfortable. People want to walk into a club and be treated like a rock star. When you know a customer by name and offer them amazing service they will remember that and return again and again.

JC: So, what are the top five clubs in Las Vegas according to you?

KM: For political reasons I opt to not answer that question. haha..I will say that my favorite club is Body English. The energy, customer service, ambiance, staff, music, everything about that club is top notch. I always have such a great time there.

JC: Have any advice for tourists wanting to go out?

KM: It helps to go through an agency like Vegas VIP who knows everyone in the Industry and can plan your trip for you. Even if you opt to not use an agency, I think having a table reservation and arriving on time will ensure that your night goes smoothly and as planned. Beyond that, visit Jackcolton.com for all other information on going out in Las Vegas!



http://www.myspace.com/kalikamoquin

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