CREATIV JUL-AUG 2018 ISSUE #27 by CREATIV MODERN BOHEMIAN MAGAZINE

exclusive interview with American idol finalist

MICHELLE SUSSETT

Summer FASHION

OVERLOAD

MIAMI FASHION WEEK AND MIAMI SWIM WEEK JAMMED PACKED IN ONE ISSUE

THE ARTISTIC WORLD OF ArmaÄ&#x;an Korkmaz FASHION FOR miami curves week 3 SIGNS THAT PROVE YOU LOVE HAVING DRAMA IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP UNDISCOVERED DESTINATIONS

DIGITAL ISSUES At your finger tips W W W . C R E A T I V M A G . N E T Visit www.creativmag.net and enjoy our free digital copies today! Available on your tablet and Android or Apple phone. Download the Joomag TM app for better visibility.

Editor's Letter The SUMMER FASHION issue

his summer has been overwhelmingly fashionable so far. The whole month of July in Miami was all about new fashion for the fall and spring of 2019. We had the privilege of covering Miami Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week this past month and we’ve realized the impact that creative minds have over our way of living. So much talent on the runway shaping the way we shop and create trends along the way. Moreover, the art world has given us new faces such as Josh Byer from Canada, Shakira Farrell from the USA and Arma an Korkmaz from Turkey. We just love having shone the light on artists around the world. We’ve had the opportunity to cover some community and charity events such as The Carma Foundation’s 11th Annual Geminis Give Back Event Honors NFL Champion and Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and International Recording artist Jason Derulo and the Miami Curves Fashion Week creating awareness around Heart Disease. In our featured designer segment, we get to know Jessica L. Taylor designer of JUST LIKE THAT FASHION, she has been in the game for quite some time now and seems like it’s not going to stop. Check her out on page 50. Discover our writer’s corner with relationship advice, new places to discover on your next trip and how to get involved in your community. We never cease to thank our contributors and writers who make these issues possible. Our dear readers, Ladies and gentlemen, artists of all ages, I present to you our 27th issue. Enjoy !!!

CORHINN BRUNOT Founder and Editor in Chief Follow us on IG @creativmag

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PERSEVERANCE IS FALLING 19 TIMES AND SUCCEEDING THE 20TH . - Julie Andrews www.creativmag.com | May - Jun 2018 | CREATIV | 5

CONTRIBUTORS Toni Douglas

Known by most as "Toni". For eleven years, Toni served her community as a high school English teacher and an Instructional Reading Coach for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Currently, Toni is in pursuit of publishing her first book, Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend. In her spare time, Toni enjoys shopping, traveling and writing. In addition to writing for CREATIV magazine, she serves as the blogger for The Millionheiress Club and Keva J Swimwear. One day, Toni aspires to be an esteemed author and public speaker. For the mini bio on the article: Toni is in pursuit of publishing her first book,Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend.

Victoria Mccoy

Yvonne NOBLES

Yvonne Nobles is the founder of Climb42. Along with her husband Louis Nobles, with whom she shared her first kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com.

Victoria McCoy writer of the SistaMIA Blog and Host of the Social Sista Podcast is the multimedia journalist who strives to creative positive media platforms within her community. The ultimate goal is to connect black creatives to support, aid, and promote the advancement of the urban black community. www.sistamia305.com

Emonde Prosper The Conduit for the Poet Entrepreneur, Emonde M. Prosper is an author, spoken word poet, and creative entrepreneur advocate. Founder of RegalPoete, an arts and education programming company, Emonde devotes her time to developing artists into small business owners. With her first book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Exposure is Not Enough: Pay Me for My Artâ&#x20AC;? she continues to be a passionate vocal advocate for the social reform of the prosperous and sustainable artist in all art forms. www.RegalPoete.com

Would you like to be a contributor?

Got Talent? BE SEEN... GET PUBLISHED! Are you an artist? blogger? fashion designer? Photographer ? Writer? Become a contributor to our magazine. Email your credentials at info@creativmag.com

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You are beautiful just the way you are.

CONNECT TO THE DIGITAL WORLD WITH CREATIV MAGAZINE INC.

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JUL -AUG 2018

COVER STORY: Miami Fashion on the spotlight.

COVER CREDITS: Miami Fashion Week Photographed by Sean Simpson

IN THIS ISSUE

POP UP ARTs

Up Art 16 Pop Visual Artist Josh Byer Up Fashion Photography 20 Pop "Barbie" by photographer Leo Bellamy

FEATURED STORIES Who In Music 26 Who's Michelle Sussett performs at

30 34 40 50

Ball & Chain in Miami Celebrities in Charity The Carma Foundation’s 11th Annual Geminis Give Back Event Honors Visual Art When Love sparks creativity the story of Shekira Farrell Visual Art The Artistic World of Armağan Korkmaz International Fashion Designer Jessica L Taylor of JUST LIKE THAT FASHION

COVER STORY Galore! 60 Fashion Fashion industry taking over

Miami during Miami Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week for a Cause 78 Fashion Miami Curves Week sheds awareness on Heart Disease

WRITER S CORNER Topic 84 Hot Build Up The Block by Victoria

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McCoy Self Love Stepping Into The Ring by Yvonne Nobles Love and Relationships 3 Signs That Prove You Love the Idea of Having Drama in Your Relationship by Toni Douglas Artistic Entrepreneurship Be Beyond The Noise by Emonde Prosper Traveling in style Homage to HaitiOff the Beaten Path Destinations

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THERE ISAWORLD WHEREALL LOCTICIANS UNITE.

w w w . l o c t i c i a n s a c r o s s t h e w o r l d . c o m

Finally, weight loss advice that really works! Louis shares the insights that made his health journey a success, with 70 lbs gone and still counting.

Learn why the industry norms don't always work. If you're tired of having limited results with all you've tried, this book will change EVERYTHING in as little as 7 days. Whether you're looking to safely drop pounds for that special event or make a permanent lifestyle improvement, hurry and get your copy at Amazon (link: http://amzn.to/2CWX4vz). Are you tired of busting your tail in the gym and starving yourself only to end up with little to no results? Have you been wondering if this is just the way it's always going to be? Is there any hope for you? Why can't you just lose the weight? If this describes you, then this book will change EVERYTHING. This information is the key to your getting fast results, to you losing that stubborn belly fat and those eternal love handles and getting in shape without starving yourself and spending ridiculous amounts of time in the gym. In this book you'll learn why the industry norm does not work; you'll be educated on how you should eat and the reasons why you haven't been able to lose the weight yet. You'll learn not only how to lose the weight, but to keep it off because knowledge is power. And this book will get you motivated to burn fat at a rapid pace and kiss it goodbye forever. Louis W. Nobles, Jr. is the co-founder of Climb42. Along with his wife Yvonne Nobles, with whom he first shared true love's kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com. With a focus on helping others shatter glass ceilings - both societal and self-imposed - they work tirelessly to propel the masses to reach new heights. Call 561.914.1233 or 803.979.5865 to schedule your next transformative speaking or coaching event.

Editorial Director

Corhinn Brunot HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Sean Simpson

ARTICLES CONTRIBUTORS Emonde Prosper Showeshi Boston Toni Douglas Yvonne Nobles Victoria McCoy

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PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTION Sean Simpson Peter Simpson Leo Bellamy Louis Giraldo Alan McDonald

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JOIN THE THOUSANDS OF READERS WHO ARE GIVING THEIR LIVES NEW MEANING

The ME-Revolution Life Coaching Experience program provides both personal and professional development coaching in the areas of selfdiscovery, purpose, vision, leadership and legacy. Coaching is available in group settings as well as on an individual basis. For further information on the coaching program and to learn more about the Revolutionary Leaders Development program, visit the Building According To Pattern website at www.batpllc.com

Pop-Up Art | Josh Byer

The Cat Who Stole the Sun

Walking with Elephants

Josh Byer is an artist and actor residing in Vancouver, Canada. The inventor of a modern art technique called Faux Fauvism, his work appears in hundreds of publications and has exhibited internationally alongside Picasso, Dali, Matisse, and the Group of Seven. Currently appearing as Officer Parks on the CW series “Arrow”, other clients & collaborators include Armada Records, Armin van Buuren, Brightlight Pictures, The Canadian University Press, CBC, ill. Gates, Interscope, Keystone Entertainment, Laidback Luke, McClelland & Stewart, MTV, NBC, New Line Cinema, Nissan, Southam News, Sony Entertainment, Spinnin' Records, Staples, SyFy, Trevor Guthrie, USC and The Yale Record. A Juno and Journey Prize nominee, Josh is also a grant recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts. His work has won awards from the Montreal World Film Festival, the Northwestern Film Festival, the LEOs, and Kodak Canada. He is currently preparing for “Le Néon”, his first large-scale exhibition which will open on September 14th, 2018 at the Amelia Douglas Gallery in New Westminster, Canada To know more about Josh please visit www.byercreative.com www.creativmag.com | Jul - Aug 2018 | CREATIV | 17

WHAT IS

Credit scores are used by lenders, including banks providing mortgage loans, credit card companies, and even car dealerships financing auto purchases, to make decisions about whether to offer your credit (such as a credit card or loan) and what the terms of the offer (such as the interest rate or down payment). There are many different types of credit scores. FICO® Scores and scores by VantageScore are two of the most common, but industry-specific scores also exist.

Dr. Chayo Briggs Born in Compton, California Chayo Briggs is a West Indian descendant. As a young child, he understood the importance of personal achievement. He states, “I am an Entrepreneur.” Someone who strives to achieve success by assisting other individuals. Briggs in a Real Estate Investor and CFO, President, and Chairman of Briggs & Lay Pro, Inc. As an American business magnet, he words to fulfill his dreams and goals, by observing the teachings of real estate gurus like Hubert Humphrey, John Beck, Dave Lindahl, Regina Littles, Carlton Sheets, Erik Estrada, Robert Kiyosaki, Robert Allen, Donald Trump, Russ Whitney, Charissa Cawley, and Armando Montelongo. As an author and public speaker whose books offer readers inspiration from his own story and help people learn the fundamentals of rebuilding their credit along with entrepreneurial and financial skills. Chayo has been in the real estate business for over seventeen years. His company mission is to educate minority communities on the importance of having good credit in today’s society. When someone is able to build a positive credit resume, they can easily obtain passive income to increase their financial investments. In college, Briggs was a writer and leader within the Office of the National Black Student Union, promoting the organization's efforts concerned with civil rights and social action. Education has been a significant constant in his life. With his Masters in Public Administration and he is currently perusing his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. Chayo can assist his clients in procuring their prosperous future; breaking the chains of financial distress. The key to his success lies in life experience. Briggs experienced various levels of human culture elevating him to expert status and skill to help people overcome their credit creditably issues. Briggs is driven to obtain the highest standards for himself and clients.

Scores are normally between 300-850, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. A score of 800 or above on the same range is excellent. Most credit scores fall between 600 and 750. Higher scores represent better credit decisions and can make creditors more confident that you will repay your future debts as agreed. Credit scores matter to lenders because they give a quick estimate for the risk of a given loan. People with good credit scores are more likely to repay their obligations than those with bad ones. For this same reason, lenders will make loans to people with lower credit scores more expensive. Since the financial institution is taking on a greater risk by extending a loan to such an individual, they need to be compensated appropriately. One initial step toward fixing your credit score is correcting any errors right away. Five percent of consumers had an error on their report from three credit bureaus. These errors can include anything from account mistakes with the same name, to

identity theft, or closed accounts still report open. Request free copies of your complete report from the three major credit bureaus on the federally authorized site annualcreditreport.com. Review them carefully, looking for items that aren’t yours, balances that have been paid, items that have been reported multiple times, and other mistakes. Dispute any mistakes that you find. While this isn’t most people’s idea of a fun afternoon, it is something you should do quarterly.

Chayo originally sought to study linguistics (scientific study of language and its structure) and join Peace Corps. The travel offered him the opportunity to visit a large variety of countries. The individual missions brought a positive can-do drive when he greeted new students. Briggs experienced various levels of human culture elevating him to expert status and skill to help people overcome their credit creditably issues.

As a highly successful Real Estate Investor for the last seventeen years, Chayo Briggs is the President of Briggs & Lay Pro Incorporated. Besides the multitude of real estate services Briggs is an effective motivational speaker and published author.

The key to his success lies in life experience, by developing exceptional skills to create passive income Chayo can assist his clients in procuring their prosperous future; breaking the chains of financial distress.

Pop-Up Photography | Leo Bellamy Photographer : Leo Bellamy Model: Jalisa Tannis Stylist: Georgia Vozoz

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Photographer : Leo Bellamy Model: Jalisa Tannis Stylist: Georgia Vozoz

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Photographer : Leo Bellamy Model: Jalisa Tannis Stylist: Georgia Vozoz

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Photographer : Leo Bellamy Model: Jalisa Tannis Stylist: Georgia Vozoz

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U m

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Featured Stories | Shekira Farrell

WhenLove sparks Creativity. Getting to know Visual Artist Shekira Farrell

t’s not every day you come across a passionate artist which creativity stems from the love she has for her son. It’s a touching story really, the story of Shekira Farrell whose son, born with Autism, has sparked her to create her self portrait art as some of them are dedicated to the awareness of Autism. Dive into the conversation as we get to know what makes her special.

My son is the reason I am the woman I am today Your style of art is very unique, what inspired you to paint on your face instead of canvas? Thank you. The first time I ever painted my face was in 2016. I had started doing little lip paintings a few months prior. I was also pretty new to makeup at the time too. I had come up with an idea I wanted to initially paint on my lips, but it was too big of an idea. So I just kept looking at myself in the mirror and eventually figured that my face was a much bigger space to create on. With my drawings, I could be completely behind the scenes, which I preferred. With my lip paintings, I didn’t have to show my whole face. But with my face as my canvas, I couldn’t hide anymore. It forced e to really look at myself, to learn to like and appreciate the parts of myself that I used to hate. Hate is a strong word, but I spent most of my life with such low self-esteem and confidence. Which is a reason there is such transparency in my journey. I believe that when you find your calling and purpose, you are supposed to share it with the ultimate goal of helping others. It is not meant to be kept to ourselves. 34 | CREATIV | Jul - Aug 2018 | www.creativmag.com

We would like to thank Shekira Farrell for her special dedication of her art to CREATIV MAGAZINE INC. This generous gesture will remain forever in our hearts - CREATIV TEAM

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Featured Stories | Shekira Farrell Would you consider yourself a makeup artist or an abstract artist? If I had to choose between the two, I would consider myself more of an abstract artist. A visual artist. But like the Autism Spectrum, the world of artistry is so broad. There are so many categories and titles. Endless ways to express yourself. I love that as an artist, it’s perfectly okay to be good at and to do more than one thing. You reference your son’s Autism on many occasion can you tell us more about your activism on that subject? Yes, I do. I believe in giving credit when it’s due, and my son is the reason I am the woman I am today. His diagnosis helped me find my own voice, and realize how powerful it is. At a time when they told me he may never talk, I began talking for the both of us. I couldn’t hide in the shadows anymore. So every chance I get, I show my love and appreciation. He’s the superhero in this and I’m just doing my job to make the world a little safer for him. Raise a little more understanding, awareness, and acceptance for him. And others like him. Each painting that I do on myself that is inspired by Autism, is always paired with an important message on both Autism and our personal journey. What got you started in painting? I honestly never painted much. I’ve always had an interest in painting though. The first time I used face paint was in 2016. It was a spur of the moment thing. I had a few acrylic paints in my house from a couple of canvases I painted for my mom and my son as gifts. The first few looks that I did on my face were actually with acrylic paints. I know they may not be the safest, which is why I switched to actual face paints when I realized I wanted to continue using my face as my canvas instead. When I started my “Awareness Series”, I received such an overwhelming amount of love, appreciation, and support from people that I knew, but mostly from people that I had never met. They shared their stories with me. Told me how much what I was doing meant to them, how much I inspired them. How could I stop after that? In moments like those, you realize that it is so much bigger than just you.

Shekira Farrell Visual Artist 36 | CREATIV | Jul - Aug 2018 | www.creativmag.com

Have you ever exposed your art outside of social media and if not do you plan on doing so? So far, a majority of my Autism Awareness pieces have been featured in three Artivism Exhibitions. Artivism or “activist art” is a practice that attempts to inspire positive changes in society. The most recent one was at Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey. Other than those, and being featured in several major publications including The Asbury Park Press, USA Today, AplusK, Babble, and MSN, I have not really exposed my art much outside of social media. I honestly never thought that doing this would get the attention that it has received so far. I just knew that it made me happy, but I am grateful. I do plan on participating in and putting together more live exhibitions, and I hope to continue to connect with more art galleries to share my work and my messages. This is all truly a “learn as you go” process, but I won’t stop. I have a story to tell. What does being featured in media outlets such as Huffington Post and USA Today mean to you? To me, it means that there are people that can relate to and/or appreciate my thoughts, my means of expression, my story. And that’s what is most important. I don’t do this for fame. I do it because I have to. I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t. It would hurt if I couldn’t. That’s how it is when you are living in your purpose. What plans do you have in pursuing your art? My art is a source of quite a few things. It is first a source of peace for me. It has become a key instrument in my mission to raise and spread Autism Awareness, as well as awareness for other important things. It is a way to connect to others. The “Autism Zipper Face” I did that went viral was done in my bathroom mirror while I played music on my phone. Nothing fancy. I took that picture in front of my black refrigerator in my kitchen. But I was so proud of it. Still am. It’s always so exciting to see a concept successfully come to life. My plans are to continue to be fulfilled doing what I love and to inspire others along the way. To keep sharing my story and inviting others to do the same. To make my son and my family proud. To always live

in my truth. Any motivating words that you would like to leave us with? Absolutely. No one wakes up one day and just “makes it”. The journey is the most significant part. None of us will ever be a “finished” product. There is always learning and growing to do. So be true to yourself. Work on genuinely loving yourself. Be your biggest fan first. Because at the end of the day, you can’t please everyone. It’s so easy to get discouraged and be too hard on yourself when you are living to please or impress others. But there will always be only one you. As young artist thriving to make it in this world we would like to wish Shekira success in her endeavors and we are looking forward to hearing her name around the world! www.creativmag.com | Jul - Aug 2018 | CREATIV | 37

Rome wasn't built in one day. 26 issues and counting. Your support is appreciated. Get your yearly Subscription and get your full access. Be Creativ Join us at www.creativmag.net

Featured Story |

ArmaÄ&#x;an Korkmaz

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The Artistic World Of

ArmaÄ&#x;an

Korkmaz www.creativmag.com | Jul - Aug 2018 | CREATIV | 41

art is not about whatyousee it's about whatyou make otherssee

Reef

Armağan Korkmaz is pretty special to us. She stood out through social media as we were browsing and we do not regret contacting her at all. Her style of art abstract to the naked eye, amazed us with her capability of capturing nature in its purest form. She graduated from Dokuz Eylul University Buca Faculty of Education Art Department in 1995 and started her teaching career as an Arts Teacher in Erzurum in 1996. After working in Ankara, Gaziantep and Balikesir, she still teaches art in Iskenderun, Hatay. She participated in group exhibitions during her college years and opened up her first personal exhibition in Balikesir after her graduation. She took part in group exhibitions in Ankara and Istanbul and still participates in various exhibitions. She is currently working on two different series of art for her personal exhibitions which are called Neanderthal and Reef. A philanthropist at heart, Armağan takes pride in organizing both national and international exhibitions for Children with Leukemia Foundation and various help organizations. She paints oil paintings, expressionist paintings and figurative women paintings. She also delves into modern miniature, acrylic on paper in traditional Turkish style and figurative oil paintings on canvas. All the way from Turkey we are delighted to feature such a golden heart! The following an a genuine conversation with Armağan, as we get to know the artist behind the brush.

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Featured Story |

ArmaÄ&#x;an Korkmaz

Neanderthal

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Neanderthal

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Featured Story | ArmaÄ&#x;an Korkmaz

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Your style of painting is mostly nature and animals, how did you come to the realization that you wanted to focus on Nature more than anything else? I am currently working on 2 series which are named "Neanderthal" and "Reef". The starting point of Neanderthal is a book which tells the story people lived after Homo sapiens but before modern human beings. The book explains their lives, physique and their evolution. The story spoke to me and I started researching the pictures they drew on cave walls. I thought about why they drew the pictures of animals they hunted and how they led their lives. And I let my imagination roam free. I am trying to understand modern humans through interpreting Neanderthals. And whole series is based on this idea. The other series "Reef" took shape when I was researching traditional Turkish miniature paintings. I painted modern miniature for a while which mainly consisted of ships. My paintings featuring fish are the continuation of this trend. Besides, underwater life and ecosystem always intrigued me. This series presents a more detailed approach. What is your thought process when you paint? I draw sketches before starting to paint. I place side elements which will accompany the main figure or object of the painting. The rest is pretty much improvised while painting. I usually work at night which is quiet and deep. And also I feel more perceptive at night. You have mentioned that your art exhibitions benefit a Foundation for children with Leukemia, can you explain what drove you to be involved in such a beautiful cause? I teach art and I am also a curator. I organize national and international exhibitions. There will be a group exhibition in Cappadocia, Turkey between August 11 and 18, which will raise money for children with leukemia. I strongly believe that not only these activities should bring people and art together but also should serve a divine cause such as this. There will be many charitable exhibitions on my agenda. Your work has exhibited in galleries in Turkey have you ever exhibited in other countries if so where? I haven't been able to participate in an exhibition outside of Turkey but I want and plan to take part in one very soon. Do you usually expect people to get a message from your art or do you leave it to the beholder to come up with an emotion or meaning? The main message I am trying to convey to people through my paintings is that instead of polluting and killing the nature around us, we should do whatever it takes to protect it. Because I believe human beings is forgetting their true nature within modern city life, industrialism

Neanderthal and technology. And our true nature is hidden in the nature itself. Nothing in the nature is without reason or use. Do you have other artists that you admire? if so who? In my opinion, an artist should try to be original while creating something. It is not important to replicate but interpret. There are countless artist in history who has achieved this. Two of my favorites are Leonardo da Vinci and Seker Ahmet Pasa. Leonardo da Vinci is a genius who has created timeless paintings along with many inventions. On the other hand, Seker Ahmet Pasa is the first Turkish painter who combined land scape with still life. You dabble in different methods or styles of painting; do you have a favorite? "Reef" are acrylic and "Neanderthal" are oil paintings. We like to leave our readers with words of inspiration: Should a young artist follow in your footsteps what would you tell them? I would to advise them not to replicate but add their own interpretation. Question everything and never stop reading. In my humble opinion, an artist should have a distinct style and create new and interesting paintings. If a viewer looks at a painting of mine and can instantly recognize my style, then I consider myself an accomplished artist.

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New goodies for the true bohemian girl!

Featured Story | Jessica L Taylor

Fashion Designer Jessica L. Taylor

THAT'S RIGHT JUST LIKE THAT... JUST LIKE THAT FASHION B Y

J E S S I C A

Fashion is considered the hardest form of art we know as it is detailed to the last stitch. We are delighted to shine the light on a talented designer who creates ready to wear garments that the modern woman would look marvelous in. With a touch of neo-bohemian flair we were curious to know who the genius was behind those designs.

L .

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Featured Story | Jessica L Taylor

Photographer: Alan McDonald Model: Maegen Wilburn Designer/Brand: Jessica L. Taylor ~ Just Like That Fashion 52 | CREATIV | Jul - Aug 2018 | www.creativmag.com

Photographer: Alan McDonald Model: Alexandria Norris Designer/Brand: Jessica L. Taylor ~ Just Like That Fashion www.creativmag.com | Jul - Aug 2018 | CREATIV | 53

Featured Story | Jessica L Taylor

Photographer: Alan McDonald Model: Bethanne Mauch Designer/Brand: Jessica L. Taylor ~ Just Like That Fashion

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Photographer: Alan McDonald Models: Selena Manolis, Designer/Brand: Jessica L. Taylor ~ Just Like That Fashion www.creativmag.com | Jul - Aug 2018 | CREATIV | 55

Featured Story | Jessica L Taylor Do you remember the very first time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever designed your first garment? What made you pursue fashion? Absolutely, I made my first outfit by the age of 8, a white silk blouse and bright fuchsia floral cotton skirt. Fashion is a huge part of my everyday life and drive. My grandmother taught me how to sew and introduced me to a diverse, array of fashion at a very young age. From attending Local Runway shows, frequent shopping excursions and growing up inside her amazing closet. The drawers of rhinestones and armoire filled with fur, silk scarves, and amazing ball gowns and cocktail dresses. Fashion quickly developed into a deeply routed passion of mine. Why did you decide to call your brand JUST LIKE THAT FASHION? I really wanted to make a statement with my Brand and Stand Out. I thought of using my initials of course because that is so common in the designer industry. But I took it one step further by constructing my company name using my own initials. Jessica Louise Taylor "JLT" Just Like That. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve participate in NYFW in 2016? how was the experience? This was probably one of the best experiences of my life. We are talking about dreams coming true in real life here. To create a collection, get your models and feature your brand on the RUNWAY. Watching Your Collection, All of your work hit the Runway for the first time will just take your breath away. An overwhelming sense of Pride and accomplishment as your pieces walk the Runway is So Intense. They say that we become our idols, who would you say is your biggest inspiration? I would have to say fashion in general. I have been inspired by so many different people and aspects of fashion. From Designers Like Oscar Del La Renta, Versace, to Icons Like Madonna and Rihanna. Inspiration and ideas for your next Look are everywhere. There is so much to learn from all era's, genres, styles. I'm a bit of all of them I must 56 | CREATIV | Jul - Aug 2018 | www.creativmag.com

admit. And Have a Deep Respect For The Parts all have played. Do you plan on traveling in other cities with your brand, and expose it in different fashion week around the world? Absolutely, my signature designs speak to customers across the globe. There is nothing I want to do more than travel and do shows. Creating amazing collections. I love what I do. I Definitely have my top locations: Dubai, Monaco, Brazil, The United Kingdom, France, Australia, China. Just to name a few. Do you think that you would ever get bored of designing? No, I just can't see that ever happening. There are so many things you can do when you can make whatever you want. Outfit, Style. You can think it up I can make it. When you are the drafter and creator, your capabilities are endless. Is there any challenge that you have overcome in this industry? Tell us about it. Shyness, my greatest personal challenge to date. This happened to be my own inner demon. Between interviews, photoshoots, Fashion Weeks, You just don't have time to even consider it. This industry moves so quickly. You just get wrapped up in the moment, take a deep Breath and go with it. #SHINE Besides accessories do you plan on venturing out of fashion? Venturing out of fashion, No, never, whether I'm creating a new outfit, collaborating photshoots, creating a collection, Working with my models, I have my hands right in every aspect of my Fashion Life and World. Would you like to share some last words of wisdom to those seeking your level of success? Do What You Love! Don't get lost in the Industry. Always try and stay true to yourself, what you do and believe in. Most of all stay positive.

Photographer: Alan McDonald Models: Maegen Wilburn, Selena Manolis, Bethanne Mauch, Alexandria Norris Designer/Brand: Jessica L. Taylor ~ Just Like That Fashion

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Cover Story | Fashion Week

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WHAT YOU'VE MISSED FROM

MIAMI Fashion WEEK (Photo Credit: Lukebeyond)

Ă ngel SĂĄnchez came to impress with his architectural elements, bright colors and contemporary silhouettes. Ruffles and flowing frills made their way down the catwalk in various silhouettes of pink, green, nude, black and white pieces.

Benito Santos opened the night with looks inspired by Greek mythology. Ready-towear resort wear with gold accents and gladiator sandals, the exclusive collection reflected ancient beauty.

Rene Ruiz was part of the notable attendees who also presented at Miami Fashion Week

Cover Story | Fashion Week

Carolina Estefan Ă gatha Ruiz de la Prada

Carolina Estefan That evening the Ice Palace Film Studios saw a total of over 1,000 guests flowing in and out for four spectacular runway shows by Daniella Batlle, Carolina Estefan, Lina Cantillo and Custo Barcelona

(Photo Credit: Lukebeyond)

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Cover Story | Fashion Week

(Photo Credit: Lukebeyond)

Miami Fashion Week (MIAFW) officially kicked off Wednesday, May 30 with a style-studded press conference at EAST, Miami the official hotel partner. MIAFW CEO Julio Iranzo took the stage to welcome guests and introduce Honorary President Antonio Banderas. Iranzo and Banderas were joined by famed creatives, such as MIAFW’s Creative Director Lourdes Fernández-Velasco, renowned runway director Sergio Salerni and ProColombia’s Vice President of Exports Juliana Villegas. Additionally, City of Miami’s dignitaries Mayor Carlos A. Giménez and Mayor Francis Suarez, along with representatives from the community, such as Miami Fashion Institute Chairperson Asanyah Davidson and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Dr. Narendra Kin, were also on the panel , a series running parallel to each day’s runway shows from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus’ auditorium. Hosted by fashion model and entrepreneur Valeria Mazza, the program focused on the fashion industry’s sustainable and ethical issues with top fashion experts Sass Brown, founding dean of Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Javier Goyeneche, founder and president of ECOALF, and Kavita Parmar, founder of The IOU Project.

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Later that evening, guests arrived at the Ice Palace Film Studios, the official home of MIAFW, and experienced a runway by the creative students of Miami Fashion Institute at Miami Dade College. The dynamic collections included bold, colorful and futuristic clothing, setting the bar high for the next generation of fashion aficionados. The night concluded with Miami’s very own, Rene Ruiz, who debuted his new brand “RENE by RR.” With ethical fashion being a global topic, Ruiz broke through sustainability by putting a glam spin on casual resort wear with upcycled materials. MIAFW continued with the educational series of Miami Fashion Week Summit hosted by internationally recognized model Valeria Mazza. Dr. Carmen Hijosa, founder and CEO of Piñatex, opened the floor and spoke on sustainable materials, Juan Pedro Moreno, president of Accenture, followed and commented on the impact of digital, Francois Van Den Abeele, founder of Sea2see, closed the program on topics of sea waste disrupting fashion.

Back at the Ice Palace Film Studios, over 600 guests were in attendance leaving standing-room only for the runway presentations by Benito Santos and Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada. Renowned Mexican fashion designer, Benito Santos, opened the night with looks inspired by Greek mythology. Ready-to-wear resort wear with gold accents and gladiator sandals, the exclusive collection reflected ancient beauty. Noble Spanish designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada followed with her models bouncing with energy, blowing kisses and getting cheeky on the runway. With the brand’s signature fun-loving style, the exclusive resort collection unleashed a rainbowspanning palette that was smacked with stripes, hearts and patterns.

The evening concluded with MIAFW Honorary President Antonio Banderas Benefit Gala, with all proceeds supporting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation and Fundación Lágrimas y Favores. The annual black-tie event featured sit-down dinner, live auction and live entertainment by Fanny Lu (Colombian artist). For the first time in its history, Roberto Cavalli unveiled a special curated luxury collection at the gala to an audience of Alist celebrities, global influencers and fashion leaders. The collection embodied a modern design of beauty and sensuality with a fresh perspective on glamour. Featuring 25 looks from the brand’s collection, the Roberto Cavalli team donated an evening gown of the SS 2005 Roberto Cavalli Collection to the live auction.

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CRYSTALS FOR DAYS

Allow yourself to be transported as you enter Crystal Vision and see a 7ft pyramid that invites you to sit beneath it and experience the energy as you de-stress, release and re-energize yourself. As one of the largest Crystal Stores in South Florida we strive to provide the right vibration and energy in the store which makes it an irresistibly inviting oasis to either add to your collection of stones, spiritual growth or from the daily bombardment of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stresses. The revitalizing aroma of essential oils and incense waft through the air as many geodes and crystals catch and reflect the sunlight that floods the octagonal shop, it is here that you will be greeted by a friendly smile and welcomed to come in. www.crystalvisionltc.com

Cover Story | Fashion Week

MIAMI

m i Sw WEEK

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MIKOH By Oleema and Kalani Miller

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MIKOH’s Resort 2019 collection is a tribute to old Hawaii in the 1920’s-30’s. While vintage surf films provided the backdrop, guests were welcomed with fresh Hawaiian leis along with a live ukulele performance. Traditional Hawaiian hula dancers opened the show as the line reflects back to a time when Hawaii’s beach culture came alive, with visitors and locals alike embracing the island’s laidback lifestyle and aloha spirt of the ‘Waikiki Beach Boys.’ MIKOH’s Resort 2019 collection pays homage to this feel-good era when days were spent on the beach and surfing was established as a way of life. Pink colorways, bold stripes, and tropical prints are incorporated as a nod to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, an iconic establishment of the era.

Runway photos courtesy of PARAISO by Simon Soong:

Gigi C Bikinis, the luxury swimwear brand that launched in 2017, debuted their Resort and Spring 2019 Collection on July 14th, 2018 at the Paraiso tent during Miami Swim Week. At just 18 years old, Gigi Caruso — whose eponymous collections fuse clean lines, architectural shapes and crisp, laser-cut details - has set the standard as being the youngest designer in the show’s history. Caruso designed her collection around the idea of needing a well-designed suit that would work for more than just your average beach goer. Whether you are lounging beachside on a tropical island or partaking in an afternoon of action-packed adventures on the water, Gigi’s pieces represent the concept of functional meets chic.

GIGIByCGigiBIKINIS Caruso Runway photos by Sean Simpson

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Cover Story | Fashion Week

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Photos by Fraizer Harrison/ Getty Images

MONICA HANSEN BEACHWEAR

A BLOGGER'S VIEW The month of July in Miami is purely dedicated to fashion. Why do you ask? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all due to Miami Swim Week that happens the second weekend of July. Every person loves a good swimsuit so why not attend Miami Swim week to see what will be trendy to rock for the season. With all the fashion forward and luxurious options that were available, there was much to observe this past weekend. PARAISO dubbed the main theme of Miami Swim Week, curated runway shows with new and well known designers from around the world. The fashion fair took place on Collins Ave in Miami Beach with several tents and participating hotels which hosted runway shows and exclusive parties. It was nice to see the media rush that comes with Swim Week, the stylish crowds of people, and of course the beautiful swimwear and resort wear. I joined in this past Sunday, so I was able to catch shows located in the Paraiso tents which included: Montce Swim, PitUSA, and the Maaji. Besides loving the production behind theses shows, the garments were certainly put center stage. Fashion Palette presented at the Setai Hotel and the Sports Illustrated Swim at the W Hotel. Fashion Palette was amazing and showcased swimwear I was willing to purchase right away.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuits 2018 Photography by Simon Soong Photography Courtesy of Paraiso Miami Swim Week Fashion Palette showcased a collection of about four different designers all from Australia. The models beautifully paraded and made the show magnificent. They certainly kicked it out of the park this year. I must say I felt exclusive joining in being able to experience that with a fellow blogger. The SI Swim fashion show gave me a small dose of what I was missing while attending the different shows that day, DIVERSITY. They showcased a diverse cast of women to grace their catwalk during this fashion fair. We had women of different sizes, race and just simply living life as an everyday woman. It was refreshing to experience familiarity, especially when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only seeing a specific model type at the majority of the shows. Speaking of adding diversity to Miami Swim Week, I

attended Miami Curves Week this past weekend as well. This is the diversity I needed to see when we talk about a Swim Week. There has been a lot of growth in the movement of body empowerment and self-acceptance in the fashion industry. This event is one great example of that growth. I was delighted to attend a fashion show that celebrated the curves of all women and the designers who supported them. Several designers donated their time and talent to create clothing adequate for women of larger sizes as they make them feel beautiful in their own skin.

ONMIAMI

MONTCE

MCM Photo by Sean Simpson

SWIM WEEK BY VICTORIA MCCOY

PITUSA

MAAJI

MCW (Miami Curves Week) will always love remain imprinted in my brain, but seeing the support in the room truly warmed my heart. The fashion show benefited the Heart Disease Foundation while bringing awareness on cardiovascular diseases and strokes. All the women in the audience and even the models wore red to commemorate this wonderful cause. Did you know that 1 in 3 women cause of death is heart attack or a stroke. You can learn something new every day. What really stood out was hearing the touching story of the host. She had a special connection with the charity. Stacy Simpson from Pageantry Now, is a 3 times cancer and heart disease survivor. If you were in the room, you were able to see the support and love shown by the audience. Miami Curves Week was not just a fashion show it was a full weekend that celebrated body empowerment and the

diversity of women. I will admit leaving Miami Curves Week and going to Paraiso was sort of a disappointment. I wanted to see the same diversity transpire throughout mainstream designs as well. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that we break away from the type of woman the media portrays as the norm. Fashion is the tool that helps us express our uniqueness as individuals. It is a representation of diversity; therefore, it should push to showcase those individuals who represent are different. As the year goes on, more fashion weeks will be coming along, and I hope designers and producer will take diversity in consideration. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we all need and yearn as consumers of this industry.

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FASHION FOR A CAUSE

MIAMI CURVES Runway photos by Sean Simpson

Closing out the weekend of Miami Swim Week we've witnessed a different side of fashion. FASHION FOR A CAUSE. on Sunday July 15th, Charity Red Swim Fashion Show which featured red designs from both independent and large brands such as Lane Bryant, Modcloth, Eloquii, B’juled Couture, Vonray Designs and Mahogani Jenell, put the emphasis on “bringing fashionable swimwear to the body positive community of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and plans to empower curvy women to feel proud in their swimsuits.” Stated by the organization Miami Curves Week also dubbed as MCM+. “We aim to bring curves to the beach for the purpose of generating more business for brands and added accessibility for consumers.” Says says MCW+ creator Sarah Williams. The cause: Attendees have come dressed in their finest red attire to join with MCW+ in raising awareness of heart disease and stroke. To know more about Miami Curves Week visit www.miamicurvesweek.com www.creativmag.com | Jul - Aug 2018 | CREATIV | 79

Cover Story | Fashion Week Runway photos by Sean Simpson

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Beautify Your Locs! SHOP NOW www.jewels4mylocs.com

BUILD UP THE

BLOCK Photo by Louis GIraldo

Writer's Corner | Hot Topic

The community has always been a key component to me when spreading a message as I tackle my role as a writer. Being able to connect and relate to cultural areas gives me great motivation and inspiration, it’s the drive that fuels my craft. I make sure to highlight the need to build our community through entrepreneurship, arts, and culture. This past month I attended a community event in the city of Overtown, the historic black neighborhood in the heart of Miami. The event was thrown by social interactive group In Good Company Miami, it was titled “Building the Block”. The focus was on holding a conversation on real estate, entrepreneurship, and urban development. The event was attended by creatives and professionals all with the same interest and motives: “Building Back the Community”. It was great receiving first-class advice on the urban development and the best way to begin your journey in property ownership. All information that was provided is important when building up a successful community. It’s important that we understood how we can grow our community to be strong and prosperous. The most important topic of the night was the opinions on gentrification. It’s been a word that’s been on the mouths of several residents in thousands of urban neighborhoods in the United States. Gentrification has become more negative than it has become positive with new developments and neighbors moving into these urban communities. With this rapid amount of growth, much of the culture and history born within these communities have been lost. When you take a moment to think about it, who is really to be blamed for the growth of gentrification?

In all honesty, we are the ones to blame to allow outsiders from our community to rediscover the gold that has always been on our streets. We have all the power, knowledge and energy to sustain and continuously build within our neighborhoods. What I took from the event that night, is that we need to be a part of the “gentrification” that’s happening in our neighborhoods. We all have a voice that comes with power to change our neighborhoods and see the type of growth we see fit. The resources are there right along with the information but it’s crucial that we get involved. Attending town halls, city commission meetings and community events to connect, congregate and engage. We live in our neighborhoods every day; therefore, the residents thriving within it know the best way to gentrify our communities. To read more about the full coverage of the event visit our blog www.creativmag.com www.creativmag.com | May - Jun 2018 | CREATIV | 89

Writer's Corner | Self Love

Stepping Into The Ring

When was the last time you faced an opponent that was seemingly larger, smarter or stronger than you? Were you frightened into immobility, or did you boldly look them square in the eye before claiming a swift and undisputed win?

nothing but silence. She blocks out anything that could become a potential distraction, even if most others would deem it just a minor inconvenience. One moment of failing to pay attention and really tune in can be deadly and will most certainly cost you the win.

No matter the prior outcome, realize that you are more than capable of beating anything and anyone that crosses your path. The key to doing so lies in embracing your strengths and refusing to yield to any obstacle that attempts to get in your way.

Should you suffer the occasional loss, remember: the only time we fail is when we fail to carry on. Do not allow yourself to become entangled in a web of self-pity. Break free from the chains of regret and draw on such life lessons as additional sources of motivation. No matter how many times you may fall, the thing that matters most is that you get back up and stand your ground.

Each day we rise is an extraordinary gift and striving to live life to the fullest is the ultimate thank you. Genuine gratitude is a vital step in being self-aware. Being truly grateful involves thoroughly understanding the many components of your life that define you. Consider: what are you most grateful for? Now when did you last let them know? Voicing your appreciation for everything they mean to you is crucial to cementing your connection; even more important is demonstrating how you feel in tangible ways. Realize that each battle is so much larger than you alone. As you step into the ring, think about who depends on you. Who needs you most? Visualize them cheering you on and allow them to give you constant motivation to never give up and never back down. Always remember to silence the roar. Seasoned fighters hone in on a lethal weapon: laser-sharp focus. No matter how loud the din coming from observers, a winning boxer hears 86 | CREATIV | Jul - Aug 2018 | www.creativmag.com

Never underestimate the power of belief in yourself. Confidence is key to securing the win. If you don't truly believe in yourself, how can you expect anyone else to? Far too often we allow external forces to limit us in some way. Just think of how much more we'd be capable of if we turned our self-esteem dials all the way up! Once you’ve fully embraced the incomparable beauty that is you, prepare to be amazed at how easily “the impossible” becomes another item on your list of accomplishments. And be sure to protect yourself at all times. Touch ‘em up! *ding, ding, ding*

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doggo does a read... you should too

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Signs That Prove You Love the Idea of Having Drama in Your Relationship

Let’s face it, Relationships can hit a plateau and fizzleout into practically nothing over night. Dinner dates become just eating, movie theater outings get exciting when you can see an actor/actress undress and sleeping together is like a familiar line dance you’ve done at too many wedding receptions. For some, adding spark to a mundane relationship means traveling with their partner, changing a hairstyle or shedding some pounds to reach a new height in the relationship. Then, there are those who know how to turn on the dramatics so their relationship remains fast-paced and headache-infused. There are signs that lead to those who love a layer of drama in their love life, because without it, they feel the life with their partner will become a complete, boring bust! If this is you, you can look for these dramatic signs the next time you find yourself trying to spice things up after being with your partner for a while:

1.. You purposely aim to make your partner jealous with the opposite sex, but “mean no real harm”.

This sign is the most common. This can appear in the form of you looking at other people when you’re out, in a way that makes your partner uncomfortable. This is done so you can arouse jealousy out of your mate and in turn, let the drama flood in. It could also be you bringing up exes in conversation or persons you find attractive, all while appearing lustful in nature. Like the first example, you just want a soap opera feeling and blockbuster hit ending.

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Writer's Corner |

Love and Relationships

2. You purposely pick fights with your partner to heighten intimacy or “rekindle the flame”. This sign stems from the idea that your partner can’t do or say anything without ticking you off. From the simplest of things like forgetting to text you, “Good morning”, to bigger things like not remembering your dating anniversary, you pick a reason to argue. It doesn’t stop there either. These fights are all in an attempt to build intimacy or rekindle the flame you think was burned out for some time. To have a passionate night of sex, you’d rather pick a verbal fight with your partner than pick out a sexy outfit to wear for them.

3. You set out to do things that you know annoy your partner.

He/She can’t stand you being late, but you’re late anyway. Your partner hates it when you talk during good movie watching, but you get to flapping your lips regardless of it. While this may just seem like you don’t care about your partner’s feelings, it’s also a clear sign that you love the drama and there’s no better way to bring it in to your relationship, than to annoy your partner to death! Your idea of a good past time, is to poke at your partner to add some good old fashioned drama to your dead feelings. *** Whether you’re in your relationship for the long haul, or you’re just there to figure things out, you’re incorporating drama as a part of your commitment to love if these signs apply to you. If you weren’t aware of your actions until now, then now is the best time to evaluate if you’ll change things for the better. If you know that you enjoy going for the Oscar award every other month, then continue being the drama queen/king that you are. However, purposely bringing in the drama will never get you the award you’re in search of, and your partner may just exit “stage left.”

TONI DOUGLAS Toni is in pursuit of obtaining her Doctorate degree in the field of Education while also pursuing her goals of publishing her first book, "What NOT to Do While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend."

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Writer's Corner |

Artistic Entrepreneurship

Be Beyond The Noise

On June 18th my Twitter, Facebook live and Instagram notifications lit up inundated with one topic: XXXtentacion known affectionately as, XXX by his fans. Each social media feed lead to live footage of the young rapper shot in his car in Deerfield Beach, FL. In moments, social media exploded with debates. Debating whether the young man was even alive at the scene -based on the live video we were privy to- XXX had not survived. Then the social media commentary began.. Why was XXX not given CPR by the civilian instead of getting likes for being there to watch first hand? Why was a civilian even allowed to get so close to X? Who is XXXtentacion? Is he from Parkland, Lauderhill or Miami? What rap song does he have? Why are the only photos of him online were mug shots? By the time the 5 o clock news covered the armed robbery it was old news and we witnessed this young rapper's privacy riddled with violations. The same day, I ran into a post from a fellow arts and business colleague, Richard Milhomme, that shifted the day from exasperating to light-hearted and sane. The post read: What do you call an alligator in a vest? An investi-gator. In an instant, I breathed out a sigh of relief. A relief I did not even know I needed. In that moment, I realized the noise bombarding me and I needed to be lead beyond it in the most corniest way possible. After the second post: What do you call the father of the Children of the Corn? "Pop" corn. I knew I had to call him later on. I asked him if he had heard about what happened to XXXtentacion and he replied with a yes. I asked why that did not deter him from posting. So many social media gurus Gary Vaynerchuk included, would have warned him about damaging his brand. He said: "I did not know anything about XXX. And what I do is stay above the noise. My main purpose for the corny jokes is to bring levity into people's lives. Part of my core, which must be reflected in my brand, is that I'm a happy person. People buy from people they like." Why does this work?

Consistency. Rich had long been posting jokes before the XXX tragedy, therefore, it was not distasteful for him to make corny jokes on that day. He was true to his brand and was a breath of fresh air to his audience. Additionally, those of us who barely knew the rapper did not feel pressured to engage.These days if you are selling or shouting "product sold here" for most of your posts it turns others off since everyone does that. .Finding an interesting niche that engages others into a part of you maybe others do not see pulls people in. So, dust off your ukulele, show off your comedic side or just share posts from your favorite poet (wink, wink) and watch your engagement increase.

written by

Emonde Prosper

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Writer's Corner |

Travel In Style

OFF THE BEATEN PATH DESTINATIONS

DESTINATIONS

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Victoria, Canada

Some think they are too far. Some don’t know where to go, while others think they are unaffordable. Many nontraditional vacation destinations are often overlooked for a variety of reasons. The reality is that some destinations that only seem to be a fleeting thought may be closer to home and more affordable than what most travelers think. Knowing where to go is the key to an exciting vacation off the beaten path.

Home Is Where the Heart Is Many of the best off the beaten path destinations are located right here at home in the United States. While there are many cities that often get a lot of attention, such as New York, San Francisco, or Miami, there are several that don’t get as much attention. Seattle is known for the first Starbucks, the Space Needle, and grunge music. Seattle is also home to the best and freshest seafood on the west coast. Want to sample the region’s offerings? Visit the Crab Pot at Pier 57 (thecrabpotseattle.com) and try out their infamous “Seafeasts” that will give you a combination of all the fresh seafood that Seattle has to offer. Pike’s Market is arguably one of the best farmer’s markets in the country – fresh fruits and veggies, beautiful flowers, and delicious seafood. See, smell, and sample what Seattle is all about. Then, when you’re ready, take a ferry over to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. If you’re looking to stay within the U.S., consider destinations like Seattle, Washington; Providence, Rhode Island; Monterey, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; or Nashville, Tennessee. All offer unique cultural experiences, great food, and enjoyable evenings. Staying within the U.S. can offer an exciting world of vacation options simply by looking to go where most don’t.

Near to Wherever You Are If you choose to travel outside of the U.S., but don’t want to go too far, you’re in luck. There are a few destinations that are relatively close while helping you feel much farther away than what you actually are. One of the most beautiful cities on the North American continent is Victoria, the capital of Canada’s British Columbia. This city boasts beautiful old-world architecture with modern and contemporary touches. Experience hightea in true English fashion when visiting the Fairmont Empress Hotel (Fairmont.com/Empress-Victoria). To see some of the true beauty Victoria has to offer visit the Butchart Gardens with over 50 acres of gardens and 900 plant varieties. Visitors are treated to an amazingly visual display of color. And, don’t forget, with Victoria’s beautiful waterways, there’s an opportunity to go whale watching and see beautiful orca whales in their natural habitat. Other nearby areas to visit right outside the U.S. would be Bermuda or a fall foliage cruise that departs from New England and visits the northeastern coast of Canada. Whether you‘d prefer the pink sandy beaches of Bermuda or to see lighthouses and beautiful fall foliage along the eastern coast of the U.S. and Canada, both destinations offer unique experiences that will make you feel you have stepped into a world a million miles away. Taking the time to think about what you want from your next vacation, and listing the numerous places you’d like to go, could reveal great destinations that will meet all of your needs. And, if you’re not sure where to go, contact your travel professional for help uncovering those destinations found off the beaten path.

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