Jessica Astwood has been an event marketer for Toronto’s Hudson’s Bay Company for more than a year.

If a celebrity designer is coming to town, a model needs to be dressed for a big show or a private fundraising gala needs to be planned — she’s the one working behind the scenes to make it happen.

The 29-year-old applied for the job just around the time the company bought the famed department store, Saks 5th Avenue.

Soon after she was sitting in the interviewer’s office discussing the strengths that had previously landed her a job with the Toronto International Film Festival.

No two days have been the same since.

Mrs Astwood spends her time organising special appearances by world renowned fashion designers. She oversees fashion events and works with stylists to create looks for runway models and people on top Canadian morning show, Breakfast Television.

It’s not all glitz and glamour.

“There are always tight deadlines to meet, ever-changing details and there is always a lot riding on the success of our events,” she said.

“Also with working for North America’s longest established company, you are always trying to balance the prestige and heritage, all while remaining current — which can prove to be quite the challenge.”

The rewards make it all worth it.

Her team launched the official athlete uniforms for Canada’s Olympic team at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

They also organised the launch of Kleinfeld Bridal store this year.

“Most recently I worked on a fundraising gala for mental health awareness, which also honoured the iconic British fashion muse, Isabella Blow. She is credited for launching the career of iconic designer Alexander McQueen,” Mrs Astwood said.

“At the fundraising gala, Chaka Khan was on the bill for after-dinner entertainment and in a rare break from the usual chaos that occurs behind the scenes, my team was able to enjoy a front row performance from the legendary diva herself.

“Plus, I get a great employee discount.”

Mrs Astwood said her personal style has evolved somewhat since working at Hudson’s Bay Company.

She gets to learn about emerging designers from around the world and sometimes gets a sneak peak at where the season’s fashions are heading.

“Though not all designer brands fit my budget, or my booty, it’s easy to incorporate that inspiration into my wardrobe and place my own spin on it,” she said.

Fashion always interested her while she was growing up.

“I’ve always had an appreciation for haute couture fashions that I’ve seen in magazines and on TV.

“The dilemma has always been that I’m a very tall person, which means oftentimes fashionable options weren’t as accessible to me in my size while growing up in Bermuda.”

All that was resolved after she moved to Toronto in 2008.

These days she credits her early work experience in Bermuda’s hospitality industry with much of her success.

“I truly believe that my old school Bermuda hospitality has helped elevate my career to where it is now,” she said.

“I learned very early in my career while working with exemplary Bermuda hoteliers like Peter Frith and Richard Quinn that a little genuineness and kindness goes a long way. Especially when forging relationships within my industry and in a big city.

“I’d like to think that the old school Bermuda hospitality that I use daily, that is innate to all of us, is the catalyst to my successes abroad.”

Her advice to any young person looking to get the job of their dreams, is to seize the day.

“Remain open and jump on every opportunity that presents itself,” Mrs Astwood said. “Then take the time out to groom a clear vision of who and where you want to be professionally. Every position allows a chance to develop a new skill set that is relatable to your next career move, whether it’s evident at the time or not.

“Allow each opportunity to be a stepping stone for the next. Like the saying goes ‘There are no small roles, only small actors’.”