Tonja Seenandan/Gabryshak

Seattle, WA

currently: Open for projects

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Answers from Tonja

What was your first job?

At 8 years old I thought I could conquer the world. We lived on a large lot of land that was surrounded by a golf course, originally the developers had to ask us to build through our land so I "owned" special privileges. A short walk from my house I set up my first lemonade stand and gave the Country Club a run for beverage sales; I had three sizes that I sold at Country Club prices.

In an attempt to thwart my efforts, The Club started placing a 33 gallon can filled with ice and free beverages at the tees before my stand... so I got my cousin to hide in the bushes with a walkie talkie to signal me when the golfers were walking off the green so I could sing our little advertisment that we designed to a Burger King tune encouraging golfers to avoid the soft drinks and playfully asked, "Aren't you thirsty for lemonade now?"

Of course, living by the course, we made a goldmine in selling used golf balls as well. I was making a killing for a young girl; easily on tournament days I'd profit $150 - $200 in a day. I'd ride my bike over a mile to the store to buy ice, cups and lemonade. Crazy to think back now how motivated I was!

On days I wasn't out selling lemonade I was going door to door and selling handmade pillows and items I'd crocheted. My grandmother was always sewing and crocheting things so I had a nice supply of linens and things to use and best of all, she was my mentor and inspiration. I found I could make beautiful pillows without alot of labor, and crocheted baby layettes, booties and hats were a good return on my time investment.

When I started, I began with more elaborate and intricate designs that simply were too expensive to sell once you calculated my time to create them. I sold everything I made though, and most the time, I don't even think they wanted them, they just were so amazed by this little 8 year old entrepreneur. People often told me they saw it more as an investment in my college fund.

I didn't stop there... I had a great uncle who worked for Walt Disney and a my Dad and brother were also very talented artists, whom I admired deeply... through their inspiration, I spent the rest of my time producing skits and plays in our backyard and selling my humble drawings.

Those were the days!
... read more

Posted @ 11:59AM, February 21, 2007 by Tonja Seenandan/Gabryshak | Permalink
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Work history

Frontline Photography December 2007 to the present
Assistant Photographer

tags:

How would you describe your time at Frontline Photography?

I am proud to be a part of this great young group of photographers. Check out their website at:

www.frontlinefoto.com

to learn more about what we do!

Your partner for comprehensive multimedia solutions and event photography - any time, anywhere

Frontline Photography provides
nationwide, professional photography, videography and visual presentations for corporate events. The Frontline team partners with you to:

CREATE visual products that capture your event and meet your objectives.
SHARE your images, during and after the event, in a format that fits your needs.
INSPIRE your team with memories of your event for years.

Frontline Photography. Create. Share. Inspire.
... read more
Sales & Client Acquisition Specialist/ Account Manager

tags:

How would you describe your time at Sounds Unlimited, Events NW...?

Kevin Howard stated it pretty well when he endorsed my work (view it on www.linkedin.com/in/tonja) saying, "Tonja was a key player on our sales team during a time when we increased both sales volume and prices. Her strong work ethic and ability to see the big picture made her exceedingly successful in helping turn around a lagging division. Tonja's talents were also well shown as she led our industry relations marketing program which resulted in the highest level of referrals seen by our company." (almost 25 years!)... read more
Master of Ceremonies/ Party Motivator

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How would you describe your time at Premier Entertainment (dba ...?

I earned the title of Most Requested MC for the dedication and consideration I expressed in ensuring that my clients were well taken care of, enabling them to enjoy the evening and not worry about any important details of their special event; from seeing the room was set prior to arrival to running the timeline of events, coordinating with event professionals (videographer, photographer, caterer, etc.) making announcements and directing interactive events like games, MTV video and other live entertainment. Most importantly, having the ability to artfully avoid any noticeable complications.... read more
tmg international November 1993 to August 1995
Sole Proprietor, Event Production

How would you describe your time at tmg international?

Oversaw full service production company with top professionals in the industry committed to excellence in service, highly skilled in design and execution and who consistently seek to innovate.
community sector systems August 1993 to August 1994
Corporate Secretary

tags:

How would you describe your time at community sector systems?

Administration support to software development company, providing correspondence and back-up support to all departments. Raised the view of corporate secretary as the most influential & knowledgeable employee on the front-line of communications. As an added benefit, I coordinated CSS's Tradeshow Logistics & Image at the BHT in Washington, DC under TMG International, my first licensed business venture. Saved sales & marketing valuable time & money, as well as, insight in pre-show planning. Traced thousand$ of dollars in unused airfare.... read more
show designs August 1991 to August 1993
Senior Account Executive, Event Production
paramount theater August 1990 to August 1993
Corporate Secretary, Liquor & Concert Merchandising
beautonian arts collection December 1975 to the present
Artistic Junky

tags:

How would you describe your time at beautonian arts collection?

WHEN WE GIVE ~ WE RECEIVE... and sharing art and knowing it touched someone is like life breath to me.

I was five when I learned to read and I fell in love with Shakespeare & scripts, poems, music! Fell in love with theatre as it is as large as life and encompasses so many artistic endeavours
from dance to set & lighting design to music!

I never got to go to college like I soooo badly wanted, but I always admired art & read alot on great artists (music, theater, painters, photographers, writers!... any art) and have a great awe, love & unyielding fascination for the process.

I write music, create beautiful artwork. You can say I'm addicted to beauty and light and I love to share that with you.
... read more

Education

National Broadcasting School August 1985 to December 1986
TV & Radio Broadcasting, Tools & Techniques of Audio Production

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Tonja's Network

Managing Partner ...,
Acture Consulting
Managing Director,
Marino Sounds
College Recruiter,
Technisource
Test,
SOFTRADE KOREA
Founder,
A New Stealthy St...

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