by Hoc Poeng on October 21st, 2007

The Entrepreneur: Conlyn Chan, Founder of MEI, was trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where she studied and mastered the elements of art (line and space, shape, proportion, scale, color and texture), the design of art, and the science of art (image consulting).

Conlyn has organized several high-profile fashion events, including New York Fashion Week, the L Magazine Fashion Show, and fashion show for Italian designer Angie. Her work is inspired by her appreciation of contemporary art and her travel to Paris, London, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Santorini, Dublin, Brunei, Seoul, and Kota Kinabalu.

The Pitch: MEI is a leader and visionary in “integrated personal branding”. The first of its kind in New York to provide individuals with imaging and communication tools to effectively build their own unique brands. Leveraging the company’s expertise in the art and science of beauty, MEI is able to help its clients build strong personal brands with meticulous execution.

MEI stands for Modern, eclectic and inspiring. With MEI, clients gain that crucial extra edge to “ace the style game” with panache, giving them the boost to achieve their goals.

MEI is expanding its presence into Asia and is seeking growth opportunities therein. We would be happy to share the specifics with angel investors.

Product and Service Offerings:

1. Integrated Personal Branding - MEI helps clients to maximize the impact of that crucial first impression/first encounter that determines people’s perception of the clients and subsequently helps clients to maintain that strong personal brand. MEI has created the innovative concept of “integrated personal branding” by combining personal branding with integrated marketing communications, which is the most effective way to reach and influence your audience. MEI has built strong personal brands for bankers, traders, executives, lawyers, doctors, architects, artist, models, socialites, Mr. Socialites, and TV hosts.

3. Film/TV/Magazine Styling - MEI is a styling provider and resource center to televisions, films, magazine editorials and individuals. MEI works closely with the writer/director to develop a visual image for each cast member, creating the appropriate visual mood for the film. As a result, MEI styles the cast with an outward image true to the spirit of the script to help the actor/actress to deliver his/her best performance.

Website: www.meiic.com

Team Members:
Conlyn Chan, Founder
Edward Bennett, Advisor
Gloria Lee, Business Strategy
Dani Chou, Business Development and Marketing
Conyee Chan, Designer

Number of Founders: 1, Conlyn Chan

Date Started: September 2005

Launch Date: January 2006

Competitors: New York Image Consulting, Reach

Funding to Date: Founder’s own capital

Seeking Funding: $0.5m to $1.0m

Current Needs:
Capital to fuel growth in PR, technology, manufacturing and expanding MEI’s operation domestically and abroad.

PR partner to continue to reach out to fashion magazines and the industry that MEI is the leader in integrated personal branding.

Technology partner to foster communication with clients, members, and the industry.

Recent Buzz:
Participated in The Asian American International Film Festival at Asia Society and 72 Hour Shoot Out.

Supported various charities and non-profit organizations: Red Eight Circle, Water Partners, CityArts, Hedge Fund Cares, Project by Project, NAAAP, The New York Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and APEX.

Founder featured in PBS’s “Asian America” as a successful young Asian entrepreneur.