August/September 2012

brink The Internet Issue

August/September 2012

BESt OF BRINK

The best of brinkmagonline.com comes to life in our first internet issue

Entrepreneurs on the rise tyler hilton Shares What It Takes To Keep Getting Better

Fling Girl Metro Retro Apparel United Scents of America CitySlips

HAT TRICK

The Emerging Brand that will change the way you look at headwear (page 30) www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 1

2 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

brink

ISSUE 23 • August/September 2012 • www.brinkmagonline.com

issue 23 | August/September 2012 this issue 4 7

ed letter street style

features

26

8

10

14

17

26

36

45

hAT TRICK Boldly Unique shows us their tricks of the trade. the buzz Our must have picks for right now! Plus, Walk About and DIY. fling in the city Fling Girl gives “comic strip” a whole new idea. singing beyond the blue Singer/songwriter Laney Jones talks to us about her bluesy “Beyond the Blue.” tyler hilton We interviewed Tyler Hilton. Here’s how it went. truth or dare Good vs. bad emerge in this style journal. paper street market Salvaged antiques at their best in this St Pete, Florida treasure of a store.

8

45

36 www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 3

at a business gathering for women and entrepreneurship. As a magazine with a 59% female demo, we were invited. The one thing that really struck me was when she spoke about teamwork and that from the very beginning of Gilt, the core members decided if they were “all in” and lucky for us, we know the rest of the story (if you haven’t checked out Gilt, a flash sale site, I’ll excuse you so you can check it out now, but come back when you’re done), they were all “in.”

Within the pages of BRINK, we read (and I edit, etc) about teamwork and what makes a team. It’s such a core part of any business. As BRINK evolved there were a lot of individuals that truly want to come on board and join BRINK, give it all they’ve got and be a dedicated member of this growing publication.

Who am I to deny someone a right to try their hand at wanting to succeed?

Unfortunately, when inner workings are neglected and often held back until last minute, it causes the magazine to suffer and that affects you, our reader. I started thinking to myself, this is a magazine that I started and I need to start saying “no” and taking back BRINK. That’s kind of what’s happening right now. I’m taking back BRINK. I’ve cleaned up the vision and tweaked some features. I’ve put some features out to pasture and bumped some features up to a higher priority.

Editor’s note Welcome to the August/ September issue of BRINK!

F

irst, wow, big cover change right? This issue is packed with many of the great stories you’ll find on brinkmagonline. com. I decided these interviews and features were too good for Internet only and needed to be in the pages of BRINK. Please enjoy and check out the site for great exclusive content every week.

Ok, ok, I “phoned” that first part in - I admit it. We need to get to the meat and potatoes now. I feel like every time I introduce you, the readers, to a new issue there’s some sort of change at BRINK. But change can be ok and I’m ok with this change. A couple months ago, I had the opportunity to check out Alexis Maybank, founder of Gilt Groupe,

4 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

BRINK is mapping out the blueprint for your success from the entrepreneurs who have paved a path.

That’s it. We want you to succeed and we want to show you how through entrepreneurs who have tried their hand at a similar (or same) experience. I truly hope you enjoy and please keep checking back with us as we continue to grow and continue to let you, our readers, in on some of the greatest brands, businesses and entrepreneurship that BRINK finds.

There is so much more to say.

Enjoy the issue!

Kyle M Menard Editor in Chief editor@brinkmagonline.com

BRINK BRINK Magazine P.O. BOX 2371 Orlando, FL 32802 PUBLISHER/editor-in-chieF kyle m menard EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT steven ozer camille chu michelle cameau Copy Editor jacqueline ford community relations manager nicole girata community relations - new york valerie navarro Contributors brandi murray Contributing Photographers nina grace betsy hansen claude laguerre jr. michael wells Interns frankie alduino, gamil cyrus brianna key, taissa rebroff ashley roberts Find us online brinkmagonline.com LIKE US ON facebook facebook.com/brinkmag Follow us on twitter twitter.com/brinkmag WATCH US ON YOUTUBE youtube.com/brinkmag advertising 407.456.4813 sales@brinkmagonline.com General love, questions, Comments info@brinkmagonline.com Additional words and photos credited where applicable.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by our contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of BRINK magazine, or its management or owners. BRINK magazine has not verified the accuracy or completeness of the content of the submission but has relied on the warranty of the creator as to these factors.

Please address any comments directly to the creator.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied by any method, electronically or otherwise, without written permission from the publishing company.

All information within is deemed to be true and reliable.

The Newsstand Orlando LLC., and all those associated with this publication assume no financial liability for any misinformation or typographical errors in advertisements. We may at times recommend various businesses that advertise in the pages, but we make no claims as to their promises or guarantees or products or services. BRINKmag 2009-2010 contents The Newsstand Orlando LLC.

LOVE MUSIC? APPLY NOW TO BECOME A

WARNER MUSIC GROUP COLLEGE MARKETING REP!

WMG.COM/JOBSOVERVIEW

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 5

6 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

street style | Photo by Frankie Alduino

Jared Lee What do you do? I’m currently a student at the University of Central Florida, and majoring in Biomedical Sciences. I intend to go to medical school, so studying is like a full time job for me.

When not studying, I love to cruise through the downtown Orlando or the Winter Park area with friends.

How would you describe your look? I would describe my style as “Joseph Gordon-Levitt meets the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

Typically, I tend to wear button-up shirts and cardigans during the day for a clean, polished look. But when stepping out to explore the nightlife, I like to wear leather and denim to portray an edgier, punk-inspired look.

Where do you want to be in ten years? In ten years, I would like to be a reconstructive surgeon. That’s the goal I’ve wanted to achieve since high school. Ideally, I’d like to travel often to provide medical care to the less fortunate in other countries. And although I’m in no hurry to settle down, it’d be nice to have a family by then.

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 7

hat trick Boldly Unique brings fascinators to the forEfront Words brandi murray photos Claude LaGuerre Jr

Boldly Unique strives to be diverse in their product and approach business as a strategy and act as their own billboard.

Together, owner Christine Colbourne and creative director Michelle Stevens create what is often described as bold accessories and exotic pieces – a chance for the modern-day customer to showcase her style.

Beginning with a vision for herself, Christine designed the very first Fascinator (a wired, halo headband) for her wedding nine years ago. She knew exactly what she wanted and knew the only way to find it was to create it herself. “For the woman who dares to be different,” The Fascinator is a non-traditional take on a time-old fashion.

Both natives of New York, they use the inspiration of the open-minded city to infuse the energy and drive into each piece.

Paying homage to designs of the 18th century, the fascinator was known for its attention-grabbing nature, beauty and creativity while inciting a statement of prestige. Offering a variety of styles and designs, this ‘everyday accessory’ often features chains, buttons, feathers, and pearls, suitable for any occasion.

Designing in an aesthetic unlike any other, Boldly Unique combines a love of old world charm and modern-day vintage pieces in creating the four unique collections: Harlem, Cocktail, Lids, and Bridal. Rest assured that no piece looks the same.

8 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

www.boldlyuniquestore.com

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 9

10 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

BRINK buzz

OUR PICKS FOR MUST HAVES

check this!

CleanLogic What more could you love about a great body car line? Could it be a line that ranges from affordable eye masks and exfoliating body scrubbers to body washes and lotions? Or how about the fact that a portion of every Cleanlogic sale goes to the Inspiration Fund, a nonprofit organization raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired?

Lucky you, because both questions are what you can love about Cleanlogic.

So go ahead and get yourself cleaned up with a great line of products from Cleanlogic.

“Cleanlogic’s body care line leaves your skin feeling clean, smooth and nourished. Its formulas are enriched with Nopal cactus extract, known for its rejuvenating and soothing properties.

A portion of every Cleanlogic sale is donated to the Inspiration foundation, a nonprofit organization raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired community.“ cleanlogicbodycare.com

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 11

United Scents of America is our number one pick for two reasons. One, the entrepreneurship behind the creators (Samantha and Sasha) brand is not only genius, it’s a great case of teamwork. It truly takes people that are passionate and feel a connection to their brand to be able to market something and our hats are off to these two women. Two, the scents smell good. Plain and simple. From powder scented New Jersey to the coconut fragrances of California — the scents deliver. Not into the west coast or east shore vibe? Have no fear, Texas, Florida and New York are available too. Affordable and alos available as a tour pack, head over to shopunitedscents.com to learn more.

A recent search for green beauty products revealed a wonderful new discovery. Designed for the body, Fleurs de Temps Body Lotion from No.4 is a finely tuned instrument that adorns skin with bountiful blossoms of floral fantasy. The sheer gel conditioner adds moisture to skin in need. Stacked up against other floral lotions, it seems familiar and clearly stands alone. Add Fleurs de Temps to your cosmetic arsenal by visiting number4hair.com and remember the summer of 2012 in a beautiful way.

—

Mary Winkenwerder

CitySlips are the perfect flat (especially city living) that roll away (very easily) into their own little bag. Featured on various television programs, CitySlips finally made their way to BRINK offices and haven’t come off since.

Find CitySlips online at cityclips. com and slip into the shoes of comfort, style and convenience.

12 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

The founders who started off life as conjoined twins separated one year after birth only to find themselves together again, but in business. STUN Sunglasses aim to “provide highquality durables with classic style at a price that won’t break the bank. Simple.” Moderately priced around $18 a pair, STUN provides the look of today’s trend but with a bit more edge. Various colors and hues set a pair of STUN shades apart from the rest. Find Stun Sunglasses online at stunglasses.com and discover what you’ve been missing.

Colorful, well-made and purpose are what us talking about Rescue Bands. These sweet little wristbands are great gifts (especially for the younger set) with a big purpose. “Handmade in Tampa, Florida. In addition to fashioning a great look, our gear is made of super strength military issue paracord, which can be used as life saving gear in an emergency situation.” Yes, you read that correctly, this band could literally save your life. Pick up your life saving band today at rescuebands.com.

Metro Retro Apparel isn’t only a fun name to say, it is also designer Kamrul Hasan’s brainchild. This independent label based in New York City e m b r a c e s the modern gentleman and makes him look good. Bow ties, neck ties, pocket squares and yes, even a pocket circle are all made from the highest grade material.

Unique designs perfect for that dapper threepiece suit, and even a relaxed weekend look.

— Taissa Rebroff

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 13

walk about walking and shopping is alive and kicking, so be sure add these shops to your next to-do list when visiting new york city by valerie navarro

841 Broadway New York, NY 10003 What’s it about: “Maxbrener: is an Israeli chocolate shop chain. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Strauss Group, Israel’s second-largest food and beverage company. Max Brenner chocolates are marketed as “Chocolate by the Bald Man.”

Chelsea Market Address: 75 Ninth Ave., Manhattan, NY What’s it about: “is an enclosed urban food court, shopping mall, office building and television production facility located in the Chelsea neighborhood of the borough of Manhattan, in New York City.”

What you’ll find: CM is home to an array of restaurants, pastry’s shops and gourmet markets. Not only is it a great place to satisfy any and all cravings but there’s room for a little retail therapy too!

Max Brenner

There are two promising spaces for sample sales that come and go on a regular basis as well as anthropologie.

What you’ll find: Ready to walk into New york’s very own wonka factory? It’s here in the heart of manhattan, union square. The famous maxbrener houses some of ny’s finest chocolate and

deserts. Some of these includes chocolate pizza, chocolate cheese cake crepes, chocolate pancakes and more! And guess what? they also offer breakfast, lunch and dinner for those with less of a sweet tooth.

Meatball shop 84 Stanton Street, New York, NY What’s it about: “The Meatball Shop focus on simplicity and deliciousness.

The meatball Shop is a fuss free kinda joint, roll up your sleeves and prepare for a ballistic, choose your own adventure food journey.”

What you’ll find: Flavor infused meatballs, with creamy sauces to layer your meal. Find anything from pesto,

joe fresh 1055 Madison Avenue, New York, NY parmesan, mushroom and the original spicy tomato sauce. If the food wasn’t enough, MS offers cookie sandwiches with homemade ice-cream in the middle.

14 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

What’s it about: The Joe Fresh Brand is a stylish and affordable clothing and accessories line for men, women and kids found in Canada and the US.

What you’ll find: Fun, fab and afforable merchandise is waiting for you at joe’s. no matter the time of year they stay true to their passion for color with brights and lights displayed and sold throughout manhattan locations. they have anything from basics to prints and even beachwear!

diy

Chalkboard Window 1. Wipe the window glass surface clean with a cloth.

2. Cover the window frame edges with masking tape and newspaper pieces to protect them from the paint.

3. Spray or brush chalkboard paint onto the window glass panes.

Allow the first coat one day to dry. Add two or three more coats. Allow each coat time to dry before adding the next one.

4 Rub the side of a piece of chalk over the chalkboard paint. Clean it off with a moist cloth.

Leave it to dry and voila!

String Painting Get yourself a wooden block, some string from your local hardware store and your favorite color paint. Tie the string around the block in no particular fashion (which works best) and prepare a sheet of paper or canvas. Drizzle some paint in a shallow dish and dip the wooden block going back and forth from the paper to the dish. Before you know if, you’ll have your own work of art. Try different colors and multiple blocks of strings when you feel like an adventure.

Pony and Poppy

One Hope Wine

Who doesn’t love a good hand printed tea towel now and again? Pony and Poppy offers an amazing selection of designs that will brighten your kitchen and your mood! All of the patterns are screen-printed with non-toxic ink onto flax linen and flour sack cotton, making these the most eco-friendly kitchen towels you’ll find. Make sure to check out the rest of their merchandise on Etsy. etsy.com/shop/PonyAndPoppy

A little buzz has never felt so nice!

Not only does One Hope Wine taste great, it also donates 50% of all profits to charity. There are nine different types of this award-winning wine to choose from, and all carry thoughtful rationales as to why they are partnered with causes ranging from the Fight Against Breast Cancer to Supporting Our Planet.

Be sure to check out their website to find the location nearest you and pick up a bottle or two.

Prices Vary, www.onehopewine.com

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 15

16 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

fling in the city

The Sex and the City-esque graphic novel, Fling Girl LA, depicts the experiences of every twentysomething year old’s love story (or lack there of). You know what I’m talking about: the messy romances, the less than stellar partners, and the capital “S” singleness. We’ve all been there, or at least somewhere near there. Creators Amy Saaed and Dina Gachman bring you Maggie, a recently single lady looking to celebrate her newly-acquired independence via flings. Maggie’s journey to fling girl-extraordinaire is embellished by her cheeky friends and even cheekier celebrity presences (Aretha Franklin, anyone?). Fling Girl LA is the accessible Sex and the City, where our heroine and her companions are much like ourselves... now, are you a Maggie or a Brooke? words taissa rebroff

BRINK had the opportunity to chat it up with Dina Gachman, the graphic novel’s writer- read on for her inspirations, advice for writers & even a little bit of Lykke Li...

Tell us about the inspiration behind Fling Girl LA? I had worked with the artist Amy Saaed on a few projects and I wrote this short novella about dating in Los Angeles so last August we got to talking about turning it into an online comic book. It sounded like a fun thing to try - and we love it. It has kind of grown beyond I think what we first imagined when we were sitting in that coffee shop! It was also inspired by all the funny and crazy dating stories we had, and that our friends had, it just seemed like the time was right.

How did Anais Nin, Mae West, Dolly Parton and Aretha Franklin end up on the page?

For some reason when I was writing our 3rd issue, which is a Valentine’s Day issue called The Pledge where the main character Maggie makes the “Fling Girl Pledge” I imagined her having some sort of guardians to help her out. Anais Nin and Mae West popped into my head and they ended up in the issue, so we started having “Honorary Fling Girls” each month which are strong, interesting, fun women that we think embody what a Fling Girl is: women like Anais, Mae, Aretha, Dolly, our new one is Eartha Kitt. It’s such a fun series and people seem to love it. We’re open to suggestions too! Next up is Lucille Ball.

Are your romantic escapades anything like Maggie’s? Is this somewhat autobiographical? Somewhat, in that like Maggie I walked away from a very long relationship and realized I had completely forgotten how to date. The actual story and characters are fictional, and her dating escapades are a mix of things we’ve overheard, experienced, or just dream up and find funny. Issue #7 that comes out in August starts getting into her crazy dating experiences, I’m excited for that one.

What is your top advice for upcoming writers? Write every single day. People say it but it is the absolute most important thing.

Even if it’s a paragraph or a list or a doodle, keep your imagination really limber because I find with writing, the looser and more free you are, the better. That comes with writing constantly. And don’t try to sound like someone else, trust what you sound like.

And if the word “No” is a hurdle for you - you might need to pick a different field. Find a way to bulldoze past all the No’s and you’ll realize that you’re basically living for that random yes and that’s OK. You have to really love the actual writing I think, or at least have a love/hate relationship. When writer’s say they hate writing I just assume they’re masochists!

Who are your inspirations?

As far as passion and exuberance my grandfather, he really loves the arts and his excitement about it is really inspiring. I love people like Lykke Li because she’s so free to be herself, there’s no one like her and she doesn’t seem to care how insane she might seem - she’s always unique. As far as writers it’s pretty varied - Patti Smith, David Sedaris, Larry McMurtry, all distinct voices and so relatable. Filmmakers like Sarah Polley and Todd Field, they’re pretty brave.

What’s next for Maggie?

We’ll in the upcoming issue she has to deal with that dreaded post-breakup call from her ex-boyfriend, so stay tuned for how she handles that. And there’s a very hot neighbor in her future - like Ryan Gosling hot so you know that’s trouble. She’s got a lot of growing to do so there are a lot of adventures ahead of her. www.flinggirlla.com

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 17

Words With Friends Words Peter Murphy Photos Clay Larsen Who among us isn’t guilty of gazing up at a blank night sky longing for a shooting star? Eventually one star will come along and dazzle you by racing across the night sky while the other stars patiently wait their turn. Well, a star that has been patiently waiting her turn for some time now is Jill Donnelly. Jill grew up in Rochester, New York before studying theatre and neuroscience at Oberlin College, which lead to her becoming a part of the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York and Los Angeles. Jill has been featured on the front page of ‘Funny or Die,’ ‘College Humor,’ and has become one of Los Angeles’ premier improv comedy teachers.

What do you remember from your first few years in comedy? I started doing longform at Oberlin College. I remember feeling wildly nervous. It didn’t matter if it was a rehearsal or a show - my heart was pounding in my ears and I felt like I would throw up. This lasted for a year. Most of the guys I performed with had been through the program at iO in Chicago, and they were hilarious and fearless and mad. They brought in some amazing groups to play for us including TJ and Dave and Zomphf. That was my first peak at what was possible.

What was your family’s reaction to you choosing to do comedy after going to college for neuroscience? Well, they weren’t terribly surprised. I switched my major to theatre after giving into my fears about organic chemistry. After I graduated, I did a couple of national tours with musicals before pursuing comedy. My parents have been pretty non-judgmental as long as I’m trying to do what makes me happy. One of my brothers is an economist at the Treasury and the other one is in college studying Tuvan throat singing and Mandarin. We’re from upstate New York so the only thing they really worry about is whether the roads have been salted. Besides, improv is hardly a full-time career. It’s a great way to build up your comedy muscle and it’s my favorite art form, but it’s also a club with dues. Along the way, I’ve had a lot of other jobs and mini-careers: musical theatre, odd jobs around Goldman Sachs, and more than a little catering. There was a team in New York a few years ago that called themselves Twelve Thousand Dollars because cumulatively, that’s what they’d spent on improv. Truth in advertising.

Did you ever have any reservations about teaching improv?

No. Before I started teaching, I coached privately for a few years so I pretty much knew what I was getting into. It’s a fun and

18 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

challenging job that allows me to meet a lot of wonderful people.

Sure, I get burned out here and there, but I always look forward to going to work.

What did you think improv was when you first started out?

I used to think improv was all about bringing dynamic characters to life. After going through the UCB system, I focused for a long time on understanding game and form structure. Now, I think I’ve come a full circle. I think game and structure guarantee that you’ll always do shows of good quality, but without unique, true-to-life relationships and characters, it’s impossible to have a great show.

What is your favorite “character” to play on stage? I don’t enjoy playing really big characters in improv shows anymore. I used to be a sucker for a wacky voice or accent, but it always ended up backfiring and I’d lose my handle on what was best for the scene. That said, I do love playing men.

What do you always find funny? Watching someone trip, bump into something, or fart. Or all three.

Do you have a pre-show ritual? I try to get a good night’s sleep, drink a little coffee, and get to the theatre on time. As long as I can get a little focused and connect with the people on my team, I’m good to go. The truth is that some shows are bad and some shows are good and beyond rehearsing and showing up sober, there’s not a whole lot you can do to control which way that wind will blow.

If you were doing an improv scene with Beyonce, what character would you most like to see her play? Foxy Cleopatra from Austin Powers 3. It’s some of her best work.

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 19

20 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

singing beyond the blue With multiple performances at Bonnaroo under her belt, up and comer Laney Jones is definitely making a name for herself. The singer/songwriter from Florida just came out with her first album in April, and with a select twelve tracks, Beyond the Blue, does an impressive job of showcasing this artist’s confident voice and spunky sound. In all honestly, I’m still not sure how to describe the experience of listening to her music other than like being hit with a surge of sincerity, but I do know it was fortunate for us that she was able to take time out from promoting her new album to answer a few questions.

Words Brianna Key How did you get started as a musician?

Boredom. I know people aren’t supposed to get bored in college, but I was. I did theater in high school and was used to having that creative outlet. So during my second semester I brought the guitar my parents bought me a few years back and started writing. It just seemed to come really easy to me, but at the same time, I loved working on it. I wasn’t new to music entirely - I sang at my share of scholarship competitions, but what I found so refreshing was having my own voice. I also liked not having to rely on anyone else to make music – I didn’t play any instruments before that.

How would you describe your music’s style?

Between blues and bluegrass with a vintage swing vibe.

Where does the inspiration for your music come from?

It’s hard to say. My album “Beyond the Blue” draws a lot from feelings, some from stories I made up, and some from actual stories. The song “Midnight Snack” is really about my goats getting eaten up by alligators (and other various creatures of the night) around my house in Mount Dora. There’s no mistaking - I’m from Florida.

Is there anything you do in particular to start writing a new song?

I usually sit outside and just start picking around, maybe come up with a chord progression and then play around with words. I look back on some stuff I’ve written and think, “How did I do that?” It’s just something that happens…it’s weird to describe. I don’t set out with a story it just develops into one.

What are you currently working on?

Promoting my new album “Beyond the Blue” and playing out. I also started playing the banjo this past December and have been writing a lot on it.

What has your experience playing at Bonnaroo and other music festivals been like?

Well I’m heading up there now – this will be my second year performing there. I play on the RunBus stage, which is a bus that runs on fuel made from vegetable oil grease. It travels around the country and doubles as a stage/ performance venue. I play music, paint, perform, and do what ever they need me to maintain our sustainable campsite. I feel like a small fish in a big pond, but it’s inspiring to be around all the creative energy. It’s an experience all on its own.I’ve been doing a lot of folk festivals in Florida recently like the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival in St. Augustine and the Will McLean Festival. I really like playing these venues because the people are so supportive and are there to listen to the music.

What was the process of recording your first album like?

It was great. My partner and I went in and recorded it in about 6 hours. It’s a live recording. We wanted a clean, acoustic recording that represented us at the time.

What you hear on it, is what you’ll get at our live shows. I also met Ed Kinder of Spin Dry Records at the Sarasota Folk Festival, who offered his studio to me for this project.

What sort of reactions to it have you received?

I’ve gotten more exposure since I’ve released it. Before, I was doing a few gigs around my town, but now I’m actively booking gigs around the state of Florida and beyond. www.facebook.com/misslaneyjones

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 21

tyler hilton Tyler Hilton evokes more of a sentiment than the characters he plays on television or the records he put out throughout the aughts and presently. He conjures up memories of heading into a music store and picking up an album by a singer/ songwriter only to keep up with him for all the years that follow. He brings back the memories of the Virgin College Mega Tour from 2006 and performing “When It Comes” on MTV’s “TRL.” Years later, Hilton stands in front of us ready to delve into the latest chapter of his life with new album, Forget the Storm. We had the opportunity to grab a stool and sit with Tyler and discover his secrets to success and what advice he has for future singer/songwriters.

BY kyle menard PHOTOs michael wells

How’s the tour going?

Good. Really good! It’s great just being back in America for two weeks. I was so happy to be back here; I couldn’t wait to go overseas and tour, but when I got back here, I was like ‘Wow, this is...’ it was so great for some reason.

Where were you in Europe?

All over the UK. England, Scotland and Belgium. That was it. And then I go back in October and do more.

It’s been awhile now since your first full length album - why the wait?

I don’t know. I put out some EPs, but I just had a hard time with Warner Brothers and putting out the record I wanted, and I didn’t want to put out something that I wasn’t sure about. So, I kind of just took my time and kept writing and kept doing what I wanted until this record came out, and I traveled a bunch. Then, when I was ready to make this one, I just felt so right about it, so I just did it, you know?

Perfect timing?

Yeah, I just really wanted to do this and, you know, I’m not good at acting like I like something. I’m just not good at hiding it, so if I

22 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

don’t love a record, it’s just not going to be fun to do.

Is there any artist or singer you would like to collaborate with, dead or alive?

Yeah, I’d like to do something with the Kings of Leon. I think it would be really cool. I really like them and Jack White. Yeah, and you know, obviously Elvis or something like that would be so cool.

Are there any stories that you have about touring here or overseas?

There’s so many, I don’t remember until they just pop into my head, like, dreams I have or something, just ‘Wow’ that was really weird. Literally everyday the weirdest shit happens, and you can’t remember it. I have no memory space to remember them. It’s just bizarre.

Random fans throwing stuff, doing stuff?

Every time something happens I’m just like ‘Wow, like, I have to remember this,’ and then I totally forget. Like in Europe, there were some places where they threw underwear and lollipops on stage. It was so weird. I just couldn’t figure out why. There were these signs in Ireland that said “marry me” and then they just had a new sign that just said “get in me.” What? It was just, really

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 23

random, you know? It was funny.

People and the things that they do.

That’s what keeps it exciting.

How do you feel about social media and the way it’s used today?

It’s been a really big help to me. I don’t know, if we were back to where it was before we had social media, I don’t know. It’s like, I don’t love doing social media stuff, but I’m glad I have that option in today’s market. You know what I mean? I can be an independent artist now and put out my stuff just through social media. But, I mean, if it wasn’t for that I’d be all magazines, even

24 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

newspapers, and that’s what I’d have to do a lot of. So, whatever it is, you just have to promote yourself a lot as an artist. It’s just part of you know, really big tech guys, so it’s a little harder for me to get behind that learning curve, but, I’m learning a little bit.

It’s just, not my favorite thing ever, but it’s cool that it’s available to me. That’s how I got overseas, because I can do something on the Internet and everyone can see.

What is something no one would know about you or that you would like your fans to know about you?

Everyone always asks what I do in my spare time. I never have spare time, so I literally do nothing. I’ll literally just put on Netflix and just zone out in like the worst outfit ever. I just

do nothing because I’m always so busy doing something that always involves things that like tight pants for things…I do the opposite when there’s time off. Like today, I had 30 minutes to do nothing, and I just like lying in bed watching “The Office.” I can’t even play guitar or anything so it’s just like maybe unless I’ve been home for a few days and I’m like restless again, I’m like ‘I can’t do it.’ The lamest person ever...

With One Tree Hill concluding this past year, will we see you on the screen again?

As soon as I stop touring I’ll probably do some more stuff. I just gotta figure it out, but I’ll probably do some more stuff soon.

What is one piece of advice you can share with anyone reading this right now?

Just keep playing. Like I said, the advice I always give myself is you’re never “there” you know? The more you can play the better, there’s no trick or social media thing, you can only promote something so much and if it’s not as good as something else it probably won’t go any farther. It’s just getting better all the time...the thing is to never underestimate...just be good and keep getting better. I’m not just writing songs about things I know, I need to get better and better. www.tylerhilton.com

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 25

t r u t h o r d a r e

Styling / Leah Davis Photography / Betsy Hansen Hair/MUA Briuana Danielle Model / Lindsay Davis at Emerge Model / Monica Eichner at BMG Attire / Etoile Boutique

26 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

Previous Page Camel Cotton Safari Top $22 Harley Davidson Black Denim Shorts $26 Vintage Leather Boots $36 Bella Donna Bracelets $28 each This Page Blouse $20 Belt $24 Wool Skirt $28 Leather Clutch $28 Tights BCBG Stylists Own Shoes Stylists Own

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 27

28 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

Left Page Vintage Laced Top $20 Selfish Little Earrings $26 Sequin Clutch $24 Khaki Safari Jumper $38 Vintage Tornasol Belt$18 Shoes Stylists Own This Page Blouse Sold Bella Donna Earrings $21 Belt $20 Skirt $18

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 29

30 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 31

This Page Navajo Print Polyester Top Sold Linen Striped Pants Sold Woven Bella Donna Neclace $68 Wool Handbag $40 Right Page Chaeynne Kimora Top $60 Crotchet Shrug Vest $20 Reco Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans $60

32 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 33

shopping rite

34 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com

Paper street market words Taissa Rebroff Photos Nina Grace

Antique shops are often not considered particularly hip... after all, it’s in their very nature to be reveled in because they are old, right? There’s nothing up-and-coming about an armchair so ancient that even your grandma thinks it’s far too shabby. Speaking in stereotypes, antique shopping evokes images of mothballs dancing around dust bunnies (which isn’t as adorable as it may sound). Well, hold on to your (vintage) hats my anti-antiquing friends because you’re in for a surprise: there’s nothing frumpy about antique shops!

Especially when we’re talking about Paper Street Market in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Owners Sean and Celesta Carter are certainly not your typical antique store owners... this young couple is passionate about a “love of learning about all things old.” Each piece is carefully selected and cherished for the history it brings, and the owners make sure to let the customers know! The inventory holds a wide selection of antique gems: trunks, chairs, coffee tables, vintage signs, kitchenware and a lovely teal vintage dresses we have our eye on!

Paper Street Market is definitely an antique shop, but with a modern twist — you’ll be sure to fall in love with at least one piece (we know we did).

Shop Paper Street Market 915 Central Ave Saint Petersburg, Florida 33705 paperstreetvintage.com facebook.com/paperstreetmarket @paperstreetmkt

www.brinkmagonline.com • BRINK • 35

help support and maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails

(and naturally sweetens the deal at zero calories*.)

packed with flavor, not calories * zero calories per 8 fl oz serving 36 • BRINK • www.brinkmagonline.com