You know when you meet someone and their energy is so magnetic, the conversation seems to flow and you don’t want it to stop? Well that’s what you get when you sit down with Riaz Meghji! Not only is he incredibly charming (with great skin I must say), he carries himself with such confidence and class. I remember the first time I sat down with Riaz and how engaging he was to talk to. He truly was so present in the moment and such a good listener. He described how “Every Conversation Counts”, that everyone has a story worth hearing. I just love this and feel the same, you never know who you will meet or what opportunity will arise. There was no doubt in my mind that Riaz would be a perfect fit for a Beauty Q&A on BB411. He really shows how living in the moment and giving back is really what resonates beauty within us all.
Riaz’s career started out with a degree in Finance and soon turned to the world of entertainment. “Riaz worked in radio at Z953FM before making the shift into television working for MTV Canada interviewing A-List celebrities like Matthew McConaughey, Pink, and Kevin Smith”. He joined CTV News as a weathercaster on their evening news and after moved to Ontario to anchor an entertainment show on SUN TV.” In 2008 he joined the Citytv family as co-host on Breakfast Television in Vancouver.
BB411~When did you know you wanted to go into TV?
RM~In 2002, I had a conversation with a friend that saw me give a presentation in Quebec City at a conference. I was just finishing my finance degree at Simon Fraser University and he challenged me to take a year of my life to get into the entertainment industry in some capacity. It was by far one of the most pivotal conversations of my life, as at that moment I started to believe I could bring something unique to the small screen. Once I had that belief, I knew I wanted to present on camera and started the creative process to get my foot in the door.
BB411~What was your earliest memory?
RM~Earliest memory in television was my very first screen test for MTV Canada. I had no broadcast experience or formal training and just walked in there like I knew what I was doing. Definitely not a home run audition, but the director saw something he could work with and gave me an internship.
BB411~If you weren’t a host and you could be anything in the world what would it be?
RM~This is a toss up…..Professional public speaker or Michael Jackson impersonator.
BB411~Have you always been into fashion and beauty (you always look so stylish)?
RM~I owe a lot of credit to the boys at Harry Rosen for helping clean up my act. For years we have worked together and they have introduced several types of looks for me to sport on camera.
BB411~Favorite Designer?
RM~Tough to name one but here are some of my favourites: John Varvatos for the pants and shoes, Etro and Zegna for the stylish blazers and Robert Graham for the shirts that will stand out.
BB411~ What does beauty mean to you?
RM~Two words: Halle Berry
BB411~Favorite Cleanser?
RM~Dove Soap
BB411~Favorite Moisturizer?
RM~Ponds
BB411~Do you exfoliate
RM~No. Should I start?
BB411~ Absolute! One of my favourite inexpensive ways is mixing coffee grounds with either almond oil or olive oil. I’ll give you a demo ;)
BB411~Favorite cologne?
BB411~You hair seems to be a signature for you (Love it by the way) what do you use as your go to products?
RM~My hair doesn’t move! But on occasion I might use d:struct molding creme
BB411~ What do you do to stay fit?
RM~If I’m not bike riding the seawall, I’m in crossfit 3x week at Tactix Gym and usually hit Yyoga once or twice a week. I also play in the Vancouver Ball Hockey League. On Sept 29, I competed in the Tough Mudder Competition in Seattle. I trained hard and there was lots of pain!
BB411~What charities are you involved in and are any dear to your heart?
RM~In 2012, I launched 1Karma, a charitable partnership with my good friend Jason Sarai. We threw an event at the Hastings Racecourse in August in support of Camp Goodtimes and were able to raise 10k. It was a proud moment and will only get bigger as every year we will focus on a different cause to create an awareness and build partnerships with those that want to give back. Outside of 1Karma, the Aga Khan Foundation Canada is an organization I always get behind and I’ll support Free the Children where I can as well.
BB411~ I was lucky enough to be able to attend 1Karma in August with @LipglossnParfum and it was such a great event. So very proud of you and can’t wait until next year.
BB411~What does it mean to give back?
RM~Giving is living in my eyes. I have the privilege of using my voice for good and to be able to give back to those less fortunate is very fulfilling.
BB411~If you could tell your younger self something you know now what would it be? (a lesson learned or wisdom gained?)
RM~People are only willing to accept the love they feel they deserve. Choose wisely, but be vulnerable to get the most out of the experience.
BB411~What inspires you?
RM~Risk takers with the ability to be present in the moment and smile in both the good times and bad.
BB411~Fun fact that your fans may not know about you?
RM~I’m gave my first TED talk at SFU on Sept 22. The theme was “Against the Grain”. Ten years ago, I finished my degree and it was an awesome moment to go back and speak about what I did to go after my dream. (check out video here)
BB411~Favourite quote?
RM~” Seek to understand before being understood”
Honestly, I look forward to each time I get together with Riaz, I always know I will leave inspired and challenged to dream bigger (and with a few recommendations for some great books)!
To find out more about Riaz and keep up to date with what he has going on, watch him on Breakfast Television Vancouver, check out facebook or follow him on Twitter
Remember to say that you heard it first from BeautyBuzz411!
I look forward to hearing from all of you, email at beautybuzz411@gmail.com or simply leave a comment here
Much Love, Beauty Buzz 411
