Tazzu Blog

I’ve known Liesa Billings (Liesa in the Tazzu Forums) for many years… since the 1900’s - when Karaoke was THE thing to do and line-dancing was becoming the latest craze… not that we ever got caught up in one or the other.

It was at that time that Liesa was making a name for herself as the ‘local chef to keep an eye on’. She started this journey by working in several trendy restaurants in and around Lonsdale, North Vancouver. At the age of 20 she landed a job at the award-winning restaurant “Beachside Café” as a line cook (pre-apprentice) where her passion in cooking grew.

After two years at the Beachside Café, Billings took a job at a Casa Sleigh - a Spanish Restaurant in Steveston. Having challenged the chef exams, Liesa superseded Sleigh’s current chef to become head chef. “This was all the inspiration I needed to take charge of my career and develop my skills with Regional Spanish Cuisine.”

In 1999 an opportunity arose for Liesa to work in a New Wild Game Restaurant in Vancouver. “We had great reviews, and I was tagged as the ‘up and coming authority in wild game cooking’. Unfortunately we had to close due to a violent crime directed at the owner.”

Not long after this tragic incident, Liesa got wind that the owners of Casa Sleigh were retiring. “I tipped off a friend of mine, and the rest is history. The now ‘Tapenade Bistro’ is the proudest moment in my career. In our first year of operation, we were recognized by ‘Vancouver Magazine’ who placed us in the number 2 position for the ‘best of the burbs’. In addition, an article was posted in the Where Magazine which featured some of my Southern Mediterranean inspired Tapas. This was a great achievement for me. â€?

After her successes at Tapenade Bistro, and for health reasons, Liesa hung up her chef hat. Saying good-bye was bitter/sweet, but her career move into the Multimedia Industry brought ample opportunity for creativity and an outlet for her love of the culinary arts.

I asked Liesa how she got hooked on Multimedia. She explains, “In high school I studied mostly photography and graphic/commercial design and had always been involved in visual and performing arts in one way or another. When I had to retire as a chef, taking Langara’s Multimedia Design Program seemed like a natural transition for me. As a chef with a creative eye, I’d always had a role in the design, layout and photography for ads, menus and other promotional materials.â€?

Liesa describes how things use to be back in the good old days. “When I went to school, we made super 8 film movies, each hand spliced in the editing room and watched on a projector. We made our own rolls of film with bulk loaders, and used drafting equipment to draw a straight line for commercial design. Syncing a slide presentation to music (before the days of PowerPoint) was very tricky.â€?

Liesa knew the old school styles but had to learn today’s methods. “This was actually great for me, because I love hand rendering then crossing over to digital. I feel it makes for dynamic work.�

Today, Liesa is busy developing and designing a website for her company Culinary Copik Multimedia. When asked how she came up with this name she explains “I had to think about who I was, where I came from, and where I was going. Culinary Copik Multimedia summed up all those factors for me.�

“Culinary” because Billings wanted to focus on the industry she knows inside and out.

“Copikâ€? because it’s her way of showing love to her mother who she lost at age 20. It was her mom’s maiden name.

“Multimedia” because Liesa is planning to ultimately create a culinary multimedia design studio in Vancouver, comprised of a kitchen for food styling or recipe book development, and a photo studio for chefs to build up their culinary portfolios. “My goal is to create an inspirational environment that will supply all the tools required to take each project from concept to visual representation.â€?

The Culinary Copik Multimedia website is still under construction. “Copik will be a clean design, featuring a combination of photography, print selections from my work as both professional and hobbyist.� Liesa is taking her time. “I am not just launching a website, I’m also launching my business. The first impression has to be right.�

Liesa has recently completed her first website design project Page365 ~ the website owners objective was to communicate their commitment to excellence in all aspects of organic living, nutritional science, and intensity based exercise routines. Well-done Liesa!

I asked Liesa if she’s had any major hurdles in her life. “My biggest obstacle is being diabetic and having physical limitations due to arthritis in my legs and knees. Walking is very difficult and painful at times but I deal with it and keep smiling. This is why it’s key for me to get my business going so I can stop working a full-time job and focus on one job: Culinary Copik Multimedia.â€?

When asked about life lessons, Liesa speaks of empathy and understanding. “Life is not about what others think of you, it’s about how you love and how you are loved. As I’ve grown older, and with the unconditional love of my husband James and the support of my best friend, I’ve become comfortable about who I am. I’ve learned that I have to embrace others personalities and not criticize them. I’ve learned forgiveness. Most of all I’ve learned that time does not stand still if you live life with caution.”

Liesa has a many passions, talents, and interests in her life. The obvious is design and computers. The others include playing guitar, singing (and this gal has an amazing voice), and drawing. Liesa adds “I also have an interest in pre-cognitive dreams and dream analysis.”

Liesa, we hope that all your dreams paint a picture of great success with Culinary Copik Multimedia, and true happiness for you and James - the love of your life!

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