The Costa Rica Sims June Influential is a very busy woman that holds an impressive position at GLANCE International Agency.  As COO of this full-service fashion PR agency, this month’s Influential has her finger on the pulse of fashion in Second Life.  Please help me congratulate the June 2011 Costa Rica Sims Influential: Ms Charriol Ansar!

Hi Charriol and congratulations on being this month’s Influential! How did you feel when you received word of this honor?

Well actually when Giancarlo told me I was quite honored and a little stunned I guess...he then came to help me out with the landscaping as we were putting in a new pool to the house.  I think that sums things up, there this is an honor given by a place that even with the vast number of Sims the owner, the head honcho and or chief if you will....still will put in personal touch to help out residents and not pass people off and keep them waiting for days or something.  I'm happy to represent a place that actually values its residents and be chosen for this month.

Costa Rica Sims is known for many things including recognizing its residents and their accomplishments in SL, making it one of the most respected communities to reside in, what made you choose Costa Rica Sims for your home?

Actually I didn't choose, my husband, Atrum did! The two of us had been here before to visit and check out the many activities you all offer here.  We own a private homestead sim of our own since being married in February of 2010. The theme we built ourselves there is Pacific-Northwest, a large log cabin home, rocky coastlines, waterfalls and streams, pine trees...for me based on photos Atrum gave me having never been there myself.  American Thanksgiving weekend of 2010 we were on the CRS sims and I joked to him that we needed a beach house, and he said with little sarcastic humor, ''yes to relieve the stress of private sim living all week long...''.  I played along totally, did not think much of it until Christmas.  I got a box with a note and an LM inside to what is where we now have our beach house in CRS.

What are some of the qualities of Costa Rica Sims that impress you the most?

Oh too many! Where my husband had joked about ''private-sim living'' that is the thing really...you can have a wonderful private island all to yourself which is great however that is not always what it is all about.  You would miss the community joie de vivre so to speak, the activities and al the opportunities for interaction one can have with others in-world as an avatar but globally really when you think about it.  That in itself is the quality right there, the chance to be a part of something and enjoy being part of something grand.  The there is always the rainforest, the skydiving, the boating, the jet-skiing, the cocktail parties and the ballroom events and the list goes on....laughs. I could go on though, really. There is always something if you wish to partake it is offered here.

Being in the fashion industry as you are, do you think it makes a difference residing in an estate that appreciates the fashion industry and promotes is as much as Costa Rica Sims?

Oh, very much so!  The shopping and opportunity in the commercial district for people to get a taste of so many varied shops filled with clothes and accessories and everything fashion definitely influences residents.  Instead of traveling around the grid it is wonderful to enjoy a stroll and take in the ambiance of what a day ''in town'' or a holiday shopping excursion might offer.  It's not just about the rainforest hike you can take...it's about the fashionista or fashionisto, heels to the cobblestone, power-shopping you can get done all right here in one place. The many fashion events offered in the time I have been here are varied and interesting and offer great opportunity to not only be involved in as Miss Costa Rica, it also invites you to sit back in the front row and take in the fashion trends from your seat.

You have a busy career as the COO of GLANCE Agency tell us about your role there?

Oh, let me think...sous-chef!  That's it that is my answer.  I had worked for Glance for two years already as an exclusive fashion-show script writer...freelancing...while I worked other places in the industry.  It was not until autumn of last year that I approached the then, COO Honeybear Lilliehook, with taking a more active part there.  In the beginning of 2011 I became executive director under her and of course agency CEO and founder of GLANCE International Agency, Patty Cortes.  In February when Honeybear stepped down to pursue other interests (can I say real life here...haha) Patty asked me to be COO and here I am.  I need to include its not possible without the support of my lovely and uber-patient husband without whose support I would never be able to undertake the position.  Wow, I just sounded like I was accepting the Oscar. Laughs.

What would you consider the highlight of you career thus far?

Well....emmm. That I do not think I have really had one yet!  Laughs. Fashion is not about stagnation it's a constant-flow industry.  You can adore vintage fashions, as I do, however you can also interject those fashions with a modern twist and element of style that sets you apart from the pack and makes you a fashion rebel.  Yesterday's fashion rebels are today's fashion icons, really when you think about it. That to me is what makes fashion.  Take in the trends however put your own personality into them, always. So I guess the short answer to that would have been...I've not peaked, yet. Laughs.

In your time in Second Life how have you seen the fashion industry grow and evolve?

It's grown sideways, upside-down and inside-out! Well actually I mean that literally.  The introducing of flexi-prims, sculpties and alpha layers have really opened up an entire new universe of fashion in terms of design.  As for myself, I cannot make a sock in Second Life however I take a total wonder and appreciation to those individuals who do.  Who push the boundaries of the fashion envelope and get to bring us all along for the ride as they share their dreams and fantastical creations with us.

Working so hard in the fashion industry you have a wealth of knowledge on all this fashionable, what are some items you would tell residents they must have as staples in their fashion inventory?

A great line of skins, stick to one hair color usually and just concentrate on great styles it gives you a signature look and style, makeup layers can be your best friends use them, love your prim feet but be sure to color them correctly nothing says weirdness more than feet of a different color than your legs and like in RL own yourself a great fitting pair of jeans.

If Linden Labs came and said we are taking your inventory but you can keep 5 things what would they be?

Oh if I am allowed to name brand names here....emmm, Bax Coen Presitge boots, a little black dress, once great long hair, EarthStones belts (they fit the best of all in SL and greatly detailed) and my wedding/engagement ring that my husband and I designed together.

What skills, talents or interests have you brought from you RL to you SL?

I came to SL to design clothes and it seems I have done everything but that here.  I appreciate all the people who design and create and are inspired here to be fantastic content creators...keep creating and I will keep shopping...and shopping...and shopping...

Has what you accomplished in SL had any influence on your RL?

I see my SL as an extension of my RL. So it's been influential in terms of having relationships and having accomplishments that I would not necessarily have achieved in my RL however I take them seriously and for the joy in achievement they are in any life.  That and the highest heels never hurt my feet here. And above all while i don't know if i consider it an accomplishment exactly, whatever fate there was or kismet involved...I am thankful that I met my best friend in life here, Atrum.

What advice would you have for anyone just entering SL for the first time?

Respect yourself, respect others, take responsibility for your actions and have a fantastic time of it here.

How about advice for the seasoned SL resident?

Actually the same as the last question...in addition to give a little back and be nice to new people here.  It is rewarding and people tend to enjoy unexpected help and kindness....that is always a winning situation for all.

Charriol, thank you so much for chatting with me, do you have any parting words for our readers?

Don't take things too seriously here and approach things with a sense of humor and adventure and emm...live in Costa Rica Sims it's fabulous and no they did not pay me to say that it's true!