WHO SHE IS: With Thea Flaum Productions since 2004, this woman with 17 pairs of boots, who believes “there is always room for one more,” makes an ideal producer of DIY Network’s “The Shopping Detective.”
Set to premiere in September 2007, the new show is all about something near and dear to her heart?shopping.
HOW SHE VIEWS HER JOB: To help shape or re-shape the way people think about things like shopping. “Shopping is for men, too,” she says. “It’s not a passive activity like many people think, it’s active. It reflects where you are in your life.”
PROS: “Being able to put my personality into shows.”
CONS: It’s exhausting work. “Putting a series together is like running a marathon without having trained.”
KEY TO SUCCESS: “Being open and understanding that success comes at many levels. Being honestly interested in other people and what they are doing.”
BACKSTORY: With a BS in print journalism from the University of Illinois/Champaign, she freelanced as an arts journalist in Chicago. After 9/11 she was laid off from her post as global marketing manager with Spencer Stuart. She freelanced as post producer for Eight Ball Films and worked on low budget films and music videos until joining Flaum.
She also produces DIY’s “From Junky to Funky,” in its third season, about unwanted items that are transformed into cool collectibles.
ON THE SIDE: She’s shooting a documentary about a female troupe of trapeze artists called “Aloft,” who teamed up in Humboldt Park. Each pursuing their dreams in different ways, members learn how to deal with life by relying on one another.
BIG BREAKS: “Having people recognize that my talents outside the industry were applicable inside the industry.”
WORDS OF WISDOM: “Keep working and push yourself. Being accomplished doesn’t mean there’s less work.”
HER ULTIMATE GOAL: “To do more different types of programming and documentaries.”
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION: Herself. “Looking back on the things I’ve already done.”
Nicole Bernardi-Reis can be reached at 312/733-3700 or email, nbernardi-reis@theaflaum.com.
