2007

It's a Girl for Singer Thalía and Tommy Mottola

Source: People Online - October 8, 2007
TW Correspondent: Luisa

Thalía has welcomed her first child with her music executive husband Tommy Mottola, peopleenespanol.com reports. Sabrina Sakaë was born Sunday morning in New York and weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz.
"Mother, father and baby Sabrina are all healthy and very happy and will be residing at their ranch in Colorado," the singer's rep said in a statement. When the Mexico City-born singer's pregnancy was announced in June, a posting on her Web site read: "Her pregnancy is going well and she is healthy, very happy and full of energy, as usual."

Asked for Mottola's opinion about expanding the family, Thalía, 35, told PEOPLE EN ESPAÑOL that her husband, 58, has wanted to have kids together for years. "If it had been up to Tommy, I would have had children from the first day we married. I would already have three or four," she said. Thalía herself sees more kids in her future. She told PEOPLE recently, "I see a big family in the picture. " As for what's next for the new mom, she is planning to write a book "on how to look gorgeous and phenomenal and incredible during your pregnancy," she told PEOPLE. It will be the second book for the singer, who also wrote Belleza: Lessons in Lipgloss and Happiness.

Thalía, Tommy Mottola Expecting a Baby

Source: People Online - June 12, 2007
TW Correspondent: Luisa

Mexican singer Thalía is expecting her first child with her music executive husband Tommy Mottola, peopleenespanol.com reports. The pregnancy was announeced in a statement on Thalia.com, which reads in part: "Yes, it's confirmed! Thalía is expecting her first baby, who will be born in a few months. Her pregnancy is going well and she is healthy, very happy and full of energy, as usual." Earlier this year the 35-year-old singer told PEOPLE EN ESPAÑOL: "This year, I'm going to be a mom... I swear it's happening this year. I'm ready; as a woman I feel it's the ideal time, the ideal time in my career. I want it and I am going to be [a mother]." Asked about Mottola's opinion about expanding the family, Thalía said that her husband, 57, has wanted to have kids together for years. "If it had been up to Tommy, I would have had children from the first day we married. I would already have three or four," she said.

Thalia at Vision Expo

Source: kenmarkoptical.com - March 17, 2007
TW Correspondent: Tonchi
Edited By: Luisa

Kenmark invites Thalia's fan to come and meet their idol on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 1:00 to 3:00 PM, booth number 3732 of the Vision Expo East located at Place New York, New York.

Thalía Adds Radio Show to Branding Strategy

Source: MiamiHerald.com -March 17, 2007
By: Christina Hoag
TW Correspondent: Tonchi

Thalía is one of those stars who want to do it all -- she's an actress, composer, singer, businesswoman. Now add radio talk-show host to the list. Today the 35-year-old Mexican celebrity debuts Conexión Thalía Radio Show on ABC Radio Networks en español in South Florida (8 a.m., WRMA-FM Romance 106.7) and other key Hispanic markets. The weekly two-hour program features chats and counsel for Hispanic listeners. The deal, reportedly worth $5 million, is the latest of several business forays that are cementing Thalía's name as a brand. She has an eyewear line with Kenmark Group and a candy line, Dulcería Thalía, with Hershey's. She is gearing up to launch a home accessories collection and beauty book with accompanying cosmetics line later this year. And in the past she's had her own magazine with American Media and a fashion line with Kmart. Radio, though, may be riskier. Some singers do well as hosts, such as rockers Alice Cooper and Ted Nugent. Others bomb, like David Lee Roth.

''Radio is harder than it looks or sounds,'' says Tom Taylor, editor of Inside Radio/M Street, an industry newsletter. ''But I think the chances for Thalía are pretty good,'' he added. ``It's a weekend show, it's light, people will be eager to hear what she has to say. It depends a lot on who's coaching and directing her.'' The Miami Herald caught up with Thalía after she taped her launch show at ABC Radio's studios in Miami.

Q: Why Miami?
A: I was already here. New York is freezing. I said, `Why don't you come here and do the first show?'

Q: Why did you decide to do a radio show?
A: ABC was already looking at doing something for the Latino community, and when they went out onto the streets asking people, the name that popped out was Thalía. They brought me the idea, and I fell in love with it. It's a new platform for my career. The interaction of radio is so unique. Everybody has a radio, in their cars, in their homes. It's such a cool tool for me to get into the hearts and minds of people. The show is like lifestyle, entertainment, what's hip, but my spinal cord is the audience. I want to give back to the community and use my voice in a good way. We'll be talking about how to get your papers in order, how can you talk to your kids about sex, health issues. I invite people who are specialists -- psychologists, sexologists, lawyers. I talk to the audience, too. I hear their problems and stories.

Q: Why radio over television?
A: TV has always been there for me. It's been the main window for my career. Radio is more intimate. It's me being more me. There's something about using your voice but not your face that allows you to speak your mind. I'm saving myself for coming back to TV. I have offers all the time. I want to do something that is practical but with a great story, with incredible writers and producers.

Q: Your last media venture -- an eponymous magazine -- folded. What went wrong with that?
A: Let me correct you, it worked. After the three issues we did, what happened was that they wanted to change the contract in their favor. It wasn't that it didn't work, it didn't work for me, so we said forget it. We have postponed it until we have a better deal.

Q: With your media ventures and Thalía lines of clothing, eyeglasses, candy, it seems that your strategy is to build a branded empire.
A: I love that! I think I have the blessing and love of my community. I have a name that is already a brand. I want to make quality products. So I put all that in the blender. One of my biggest heroines is Oprah. I always see her helping the community. I'm not at her level yet, giving away cars. But with time, that will be my target.

Q: What's next with the Thalía brand?
A: I have a new album. It's a little bit of both English and Spanish. At the same time, I'm launching a beauty book. I've been working with the best makeup and hair stylists and I stole a little bit from all of them. It's coming out this October. We want to tie that in with a cosmetic line. And we're on the verge of signing a deal for a home collection. We're going to start with bedding and accessories. We're super happy with the eyewear collection. We've reached $100 million in sales. The Kmart deal is over precisely because they were focusing on apparel. In my mind I want it all. At the end of the year, we'll announce a deal with a new partner. I've also learned how to cross-promote everything. We'll have a book signing and an album signing at the same time. We launched the candies in Kmart. We had a huge Kiss mobile outside the store, then people came in and saw the clothing. People like that.

Q: How do you pick your projects?
A: For instance, Hershey. It's family oriented, and they take care of their products. There's something for the little baby to the grandmother. I like that. When I enter into a project, I look for companies that are solid and have commitment.

Q: Do you feel there's any danger in overexposing yourself as a brand?
A: It's something that's a main concern. We do things only after a lot of thought. I'm a Virgo, so I'm an analyst, obsessed with detail, and I look at everything. It's not what you do, it's what you don't do.

As Always, The Best Fans in the World !

Source: thalia.com - March 6, 2007
TW Correspondent: Tonchi

Today, after her press conference, Thalía commented the following to us: “The faces which enchanted me to see today were those of the representatives of the official fan club Mundo de Cristal, Lorena, Iván, and Armando, among others, who attended the conference in representation of all the members of MdC worldwide”.

“One of them, Armando, approached me and hit the nail on the head when he commented to me that the only thing my radio show was going to need to be successful is that I be myself. And the truth is he could not have put it in a better way, since I plan to give the best of me and to enjoy every moment when I am on the air”.

“Taking advantage of the fact that I am addressing you all, I want to thank you for carrying the word “fan” to the next level. You are an entire lifestyle of which I feel very proud. Never stop being so valuable and overwhelming as you are. How wonderful to feel myself so protected and loved by you - who do not even let the air strike me! This year is goinng to be full of surprises and I hope that you enjoy them as much as I”.

I love you,
THALIA

Conexcion Thalia Press Conference Photos

Source: Yahoo / AP News /Reuters - March 6, 2007
Photos By: Frank Franklin / Lucas Jackson /
TW Correspondent: Luisa

Thalia was joined at the formal press conference launching the "Conexcion Thalia Radio Show" by a number of high profile Latin radio personalities, as well as her husband Tommy Mottola, who manages her career under The Mottola Company. Here are some interesting photos from the event.

ABC Radio Networks En Espanol Partners With Thalia & The Mottola Co. to Launch 'The Conexion Thalia Radio Show'

Source: PR Newswire - March 3, 2007
TW Correspondent: Monique

ABC Radio Networks today announced an exclusive agreement with Thalia to produce and syndicate The Conexion Thalia Radio Show, a two-hour weekly radio program starring superstar Thalia premiering on March 17. The show will debut with an incredibly strong line-up of top rated stations in the nation's largest markets. The Conexion Thalia Radio Show continues ABC's commitment to its Hispanic initiative, ABC Radio Networks en Espanol, which includes Latin superstars and mega-brands such as Reggaeton sensation Daddy Yankee, Emmy award-winning broadcaster Maria Celeste Arraras and ESPN Deportes Radio.

"Signing Thalia is very much in line with our strategy of delivering the biggest stars and the best content possible," said Kevin Miller, Senior Vice President Business Development, ABC Radio Networks. "The Conexion Thalia Radio Show will reflect Thalia's range, popularity and star appeal, providing a terrific platform for Thalia to connect one-to-one with her fans through the power and magic of radio." The Conexion Thalia Radio Show will feature the Latin superstar in a fun and fast-paced lifestyle show in a format that allows Thalia to expound on fashion, gossip, and inside celebrity information as well as include informative segments on issues facing Latinos today. She will cover all the topics that appeal to an extremely wide demographic of l8-34 year old male and female Latinos and lovers of the culture.

Regarding the new partnership, Thalia commented, "ABC is providing me with a wonderful opportunity to create an entertaining and positive experience on the radio. I will be joined by fashion experts, entertainers, music artists and my celebrity friends from all around the world. The show will be fun, upbeat, very interactive and in-tune with the Latin community. Each show will be a new experience for listeners." "We're excited about the partnership with ABC Radio Networks en Espanol, the best-in-class leader in national radio syndication," said Tommy Mottola, founder of The Mottola Company. "A national radio show gives Thalia another platform to share her unlimited talent and creativity with millions of fans and listeners. I believe this will be a whole new career for her."

"With her proven star power and sex appeal, we think that Thalia and her new ABC Radio Networks en Espanol show are a perfect match for our 'Sexy' campaign," said Mark-Hans Richer, Pontiac Marketing Director. "It's going to be an exciting and dynamic experience, and Pontiac hopes to help contribute to the ever-growing number of Thalia's fans." "We congratulate Thalia on her new radio show and welcome the opportunity to promote train travel to her many fans," said Darlene Abubakar, Amtrak's Director of National Advertising and Promotion. "Being a part of the show will be invaluable in effectively reaching our diverse customer base." Jerry Blair, Managing Director of the Fuerte Group who spearheaded the show's development commented, "This will be a groundbreaking show. There is nothing like it on Spanish radio, period." With a presence in 29 out the top 30 Hispanic DMAs, the addition of Thalia to ABC Radio Network en Espanol makes the platform one of the largest Hispanic media networks in the U.S.

Thalia Eyewear Tops the $100 Million Mark

Source: Kenmark Press Release - February 14, 2007
TW Correspondent: Tonchi
Edited By: Luisa

Thalia Eyewear, a licensed eyewear collection at the Kenmark Group, has hit the $100 million mark in retail sales in 2007 and has sold an unprecedented 1 million units. Each frame is sold at optical retailers ranging from $80 - $159 each.Thalia Eyewear was launched in January 2002 and is sold at fine optical retailers worldwide including Sears and JC Penney. Inspired by Thalia herself, the collection features both ophthalmic and sun styles for women ages 15-35. Thalia Eyewear offers expressive styles for every woman seeking a hint of fashion and flair in her eyewear. Their celebrity and chic designs are the perfect match for those wanting to share Thalia's glamorous lifestyle.

Building on the success of Thalia Eyewear, Kenmark launched an extension of the collection named Thalia Girls in March 2004. Thalia Girls features trendy shapes, colorful accents and sparkling rhinestone frames for girls ages 7-14 who love fashion and fun. Both collections have achieved phenomenal success in the optical industry by filling a void for the Hispanic market in women's eyewear.

"Kenmark is thrilled to have sold over 1 million units in its Thalia Eyewear collection,"said John Justice, VP of International Sales. "Designing an eyewear collection with Thalia has been amazing. Only Thalia could bring such fun and unique styles to eyewear with her festive Latina flair and passion for life."

"Creating an eyewear collection bearing my name has been an incredible experience," said Thalia. "I am thrilled that my collection has achieved global success and I look forward to continuing to bringing my inspirations to create new and exciting styles."