Focus of New York

JUL/AUG 2012

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$4.95

us of New York

Premiere issue

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OYSTER PERPETUAL COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA - 18 ct EVEROSE GOLD - 40 mm

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New York, New York Summer job search Insight into designer Ivanka Trump Defining Byron Lars Aaron Short Take charge Clear your mental clutter Last word News & Info

32 Nordstrom's First Full-line Store in NYC 66 Essentials

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of N E W Y O R K

www.focusofnewyork.com Publisher: Focus Magazine of SWFL Cover by: Yossi Michaeli Model/Businesswoman: Ivanka Trump (cover)

Contributors:

Dan Myricks, Terry Profetto, Samantha Ramos, Gina Battle, Pilar Corona, Scott Black, Nina Pak, Joel Elfman, Anson Mau, Tatiana Zherebkina, Benjamin Lozovsky, Paul "Lucky" Goldberg, Joe Windsor-Williams, Rosie Tamer, Andrew Walker, Papandth Ritsomboon, Lina Lasalle, Sutasnan Pitakwong, Lena Karaush, Duc Nguyen, Sheila Gray, Noah Chen & Ben Platt

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Focus Magazine of SWFL is published Bimonthly. Articles do not necessarily reflect Focus Magazine of SWFL policy. Š 2010 Focus magazine of SWFL, All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send all remittances and correspondences about subscriptions, undelivered copies and address changes to: Focus Magazine of SWFL at 105 Triple Diamond Blvd, Suite 101, Venice, FL 34275. Editorial, publishing and advertising offices. questions@focusofswfl.com

Atenea,

generous volumes, exquisite whorls, and fascinating symmetry...

Air and light flow with ease through the intricate openwork of these jewelry pieces. Each jewel is alive and full of movement, showcasing magnificent volumes created by the expert hands of Carrera y Carrera goldsmiths, allowing light to be reflected in the most surprising manner. Jewelry pieces full of strength in spite of their astonishing lightness.

Actea is the reflection of one of the most fascinating marine animals.

With its infinite interlacing spirals, the shape of the Nautilus is one of the most attractive and captivating of the marine world. Jewelry pieces of exquisite design pay tribute to this singular organic form and to the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. Pendants that outline elegant designs in white gold and diamonds, earrings imbued with infinite light, and dazzling rings in yellow and white gold delicately embellished by diamonds, become objects of desire with their elegance and exclusivity.

A line that enraptures with its unique beauty and luminosity.

The jewelry pieces of this line have been created in yellow gold or white gold with diamonds, with great volumes and with versions that are easier to wear. These pieces are complemented by the line Mini Actea that is made up of a ring, earrings, and a pendant in yellow gold that are the perfect companion for younger, daring women. Jewelry with great character and personality, where the distinctive matte-gold finish makes each piece a faithful representation of the Brand’s unique values.

The Actea ring, a fascinating, almost architectural piece, is created with two separate parts that are worked on independently in the Madrid workshop. In this manner, maximum perfection of the finish is achieved, also allowing for special attention to the lining of the piece that is in and of itself an authentic work of art.

Once more Carrera y Carrera demonstrates the superior quality of its pieces and finishes, creating highly desirable jewelry.

New York,

New York...

by Paul "Lucky" Goldberg Photography by Andrew H. Walker

L

ife in New York seems to run on high octane and it’s nonstop, isn’t it?! Keeping the momentum going takes copious amounts of eclectic stimuli. Whether it’s spectacular culinary delights or the hottest fashions in the world, New York is the obvious center of the Universe, as can be testified by the stunning work of all its creative artists. First part of our whirlwind tour will begin with our friends in the southern part of the City, as in the wild west prairies of downtown Manhattan - the most innovative minds of our time have spent quality time with their Muses to come up with the most utmost in style, ingenuity and downright cleverness to show off the Jewel of the World – New York City aka Manhattan.

Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud all are clearly in evidence, whether manifesting in fashion shows, photography exhibits, diamond center presentations, music experiences, hot and cold running cuisines of every possible concoction – including the kitchen sink, cutting-edge design, ground-breaking animation, film technology of the future, television rockers and shockers and plays and musicals off-Broadway that scream to be seen, heard and applauded. Then there are the wild and wet saloons and bars with stars, restaurants of the finest, West & East Village happenings, the karaoke that never misses a note, the yachts of the World that cruise between the sailboats afloat around Lady Liberty herself and the magnificence of the Intrepid as in the world’s coolest boat! Mix in some of the greatest technological innovations ever conceived, including the iPad and iPhone at the Apple stores, the social networking birth place of Occupy Wall St., the implementation of eBooks in schools and tablets in hospitals and you have the fastest growing petri dish of new ideas imaginable.

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From

Waste WOW! to

By Lina Lasalle

Have a passion for swimwear, yet looking at helping reduce your carbon footprint. Well AQUA GREEN has introduced an eco-friendly swimwear line made with REPREVE® recycled fibers. REPREVE, made by Unifi, Inc. is the recycled ingredient that makes this line of fashionable swimwear sustainable.

Seen on beaches from coast to coast ECO SWIM line contains numerous styles featuring bikinis in classic silhouettes, tankinis, maillots, sport styles and swim dresses with names like EcoIsland, EcoSport and EcoBabe. The collection is available in sizes four through eighteen. Eco Swim designer, Jenni Saylor, is a veteran of the swimwear industry, most recently consulting with designers such as Tory Burch and Nautica.

"At ECO SWIM, our passion is swimwear, but as a family company we also have a longtime passion for reducing our carbon footprint so future generations can enjoy the beauty of our beaches,” says Sandra Davidoff, director of corporate public relations, at ECO SWIM. “We wanted to provide our customers with a sustainable swimwear choice that would flatter their body and speak to their personal style. REPREVE allowed us to achieve this with no sacrifice to fit, quality or design.”

24 FOCUS of New York 2012

ECO SWIM is available for purchase at major retailers including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Belk, Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor, Everything But Water, Canyon Beachwear, Aqua Beachwear and a host of specialty retailers across the nation.

Job Summer

Search

By Jamie Conley

Photography by Daniel Sroga

This type of resume also features an abbreviated version of your work history. But you’d typically list your dates of employment and the names of companies you’ve worked for only, rather than specific duties or accomplishments for each position.

A combination resume can be especially beneficial for professionals who are looking to change careers or who may struggle to illustrate the connection between their work history and the job they seek.

I

f you have been looking for a job for an extended period of time, now is when you need to re-evaluate your strategy and determine what’s working and what’s not. Below are a few tips for jumpstarting your job hunt the summer months:

Take networking offline. With the rapid growth of social media, job seekers are flocking to sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to network with other professionals. Many people have had success with this approach, but don’t keep all your efforts online. Consider going “old school” by meeting others in person.

Networking face to face allows you to build a more personal — and potentially stronger — connection with contacts because you can often establish better rapport with them. Some networking options to consider would be participating in an industry conference, professional associa Revamp your resume. If you are using a tion meeting or other event that requires you to attach a chronological format, it may be time for a change. A chron- nametag and shake hands with other attendees. ological resume is by far the most common type used by job seekers, and for good reason: three-quarters of hiring Ask for the job. If you think a job interview managers prefer to receive chronological resumes. Chances has gone well, be proactive at the end of the meeting. For are good you’ve been using this format exclusively. example, you might say, “It seems like my skills would be a good match for your organization. I would very much like But that doesn’t mean a chronological resume is always to work for your company. When can I expect to hear from your best bet. If you haven’t had much response from po- you about this opportunity?” It’s unlikely you’ll be hired on tential employers, why not consider try a new approach? A the spot, but making such a statement underscores your popular alternative is the combination resume. interest in the position.

A combination resume puts the focus on your skills and accomplishments — for example, it may have sections titled “Technical Skills,” “Management Experience” or “Financial Expertise.”

26 FOCUS of New York 2012

continued on page 28...

Overseeing operations in four offices, Jamie Conley is a regional vice president for Robert Half International.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www. roberthalf.com. For additional career advice, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/roberthalf.

Follow up with a handwritten thank you.

After each and every job interview, send an e-mail to the person you met with thanking him or her for their time and emphasize your continued interest in the role. Then write another one, but this time, don’t use the keyboard.

Instead, go “old school” once again and draft something by hand and put it in the mail. In your letter, bring up a point you didn’t mention in your e-mail — you might re-enforce your knowledge of a software program the company uses, for instance, or reference an online piece you saw that you think will interest the interviewer. Few job candidates use pen and paper anymore. For the cost of a postage stamp, you could set yourself apart from the competition in a memorable way.

Be prepared to negotiate salary. The job market is still challenging, but that doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate starting pay if an employer offers you the job. In fact, it’s not unreasonable to assume you can command a higher salary or better benefits if you build a compelling case.

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Nearly half of executives polled by Robert Half said it is challenging to find skilled professional today. As a result, some employers are willing to boost salary offers to secure the professionals they want on staff. If you possess indemand skills, you might be among this group.

The key is to understand how much leverage you have.

Start by researching the going rate for a professional with your experience in your geographic area. Robert Half’s suite of Salary Guides can help you determine base compensation for the position you’re offered.

If you determine that you should ask for higher pay, remember to be realistic with your request. Even though there may be some wiggle room when it comes to the job offer, many firms are still operating under lean budgets. If you ask for the moon, the company may simply move on to the next candidate.

Standing out in a job search may seem like an impossible task in today’s hiring environment. However, if you implement the strategies discussed above, you will increase your chances of being noticed and landing a position before the summer is over.

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W E N

LET YOUR iPhone EXPERIENCE THE SOUND OF 2012 Experience the Beolit 12 portable speaker with built in AirPlay. Play your music wirelessly from your iPad, iPhone, iPod or Mac or wired from any other smartphone or PC. Despite its relatively small size, Beolit 12 offers a best in class sound experience!

iPod, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

BEOLIT 12 MSRP: $799.00

For more information please visit www.beoplay.com or call 888 625 3414 for your closest Bang & Olufsen showroom.

doo.ri for Impulse

Exclusively at select Macy's and at macys.com

Nordstrom’s First Full-Line Store In NYC The announcement of the Extell/Nordstrom deal was announced at a news conference at Nordstrom's treasure & bond Soho location at 350 West Broadway keynoted by Mayor Bloomberg.

Nordstrom, Inc. has finalized an agreement with Extell Development Company to build Nordstrom's first full-line store in New York City. This new flagship store will open along Manhattan's bustling 57th Street corridor at 225 West 57th Street, between Broadway and Seventh Avenue, in the Columbus Circle area of Manhattan. The 285,000 square-foot store is expected to open in 2018.

"This has been a long time coming for us, as Nordstrom has sought a NYC location for many years. We couldn't be happier about the opportunity to be a part of this terrific development project with Extell and feel the location works extremely well for us," said Erik Nordstrom, president of stores for Nordstrom, Inc. "We look forward to opening our doors and we view this as our chance to have our best Nordstrom store in the best retail city in the world."

"We have enjoyed great success at ONE57 and therefore decided to develop another luxury tower along the 57th Street corridor," said Gary Barnett. "We are pleased to have Nordstrom as our anchor tenant in this new project and to be able to bring this long anticipated flagship store to Manhattan."

"This is a critical deal for the future of the West Side of Manhattan," said Derek Trulson, international director with Jones Lang LaSalle, who represented Nordstrom in the transaction.

"New York has not seen a new fashion specialty store of Nordstrom's quality and importance in decades. We could not have hoped for a better location, and Nordstrom will now anchor the West Side retail experience at 57th and Broadway. This is a creative real estate deal and build-to-suit that works for Nordstrom as a luxury retailer over the long term."

Image courtesy of Nordstrom, Inc.

"It makes perfect sense that Nordstrom – one of the premier names in retailing – would want a flagship store in New York, the world's premier city for retailing," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "This is very exciting news for New Yorkers and the millions of tourists who come to our city to shop each year, and this new addition to the West Side of Manhattan is another sign of the private sector's confidence in New York City."

The 40,000 square foot block-through site, which fronts on the northern side of 57th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue and extends to 58th Street, once housed the original Hard Rock Cafe. The parcel was assembled by Extell President Gary Barnett over a period of nearly a decade.

According to Mr. Barnett, excavation work on the site could begin as early as the first quarter of next year.

For Nordstrom, the agreement with Extell marks its full-line store entrance into the New York City marketplace. Its 7-story department store will comprise the base of a distinctive mixed-use, retail, hotel and high-rise residential tower still in the planning stages by Extell. Nordstrom views the development as a great opportunity to serve customers within the highly accessible, heavily trafficked and growing West Side retail scene.

32 FOCUS of New York 2012

SEASONLESS

Style

JORDAN ALEXANDER BAROQUE PEARL AND DIAMOND NECKLACE

Staggeringly stylish boutique MARISSA COLLECTIONS has made a name for itself among the world’s most discerning shoppers, presenting a highly edited selection featuring the boutique’s signature, nuanced styling.

Enhancing the mix is an unprecedented blend of handpicked jewelry designers. Here, Marissa Hartington reveals what’s on her style radar.

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

FEDERICA RETTORE BOULDER OPAL AND ZEBU HORN CUFF

TAMARA COMOLLI MANDARIN GARNET RING

“THE RIGHT JEWELRY SHOULD REFLECT YOUR INDIVIDUAL lifestyle AND PERSONALIZE YOUR ENTIRE WARDROBE.”

IRENE NEUWIRTH LABRADORITE AND DIAMOND EARRINGS

YOSSI HARARI SLICED RUBY EARRINGS

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

MEET MARISSA Marissa intuitively navigates the fashion landscape, forecasting precisely what her clients want and need to reflect their unique lifestyles.

She encourages clients to shop their closets first, and demonstrates how standout jewelry accents can make the clothing they already own come alive.

ARUNASHI DIAMOND OPAL SAPPHIRE AND TANZANITE CUFF

1167 Third Street South Old Naples | 877-263-4333 | www.MarissaCollections.com

ELLA MOSS ‘Sonoma’ sweater, linen/rayon, natural, $138. Tribal maxi skirt, rayon, native black, $158. Both in t.b.d. at Nordstrom and nordstrom.com.

JASON WU Cocktail dress, embroidered lace houndstooth bodice with peplum skirt and bow belt, bodice: glass/cotton/silk; skirt: silk, $3,165. In Collectors at Nordstrom and nordstrom. com. Strappy platform sandal, calfskin, $1,240. In Salon Shoes at Nordstrom and nordstrom.com.

GIBSON / PAIGE DENIM Gibson crochet-front blouse, silk, ivory, $78. Paige Denim ‘Silverlake,’ shorts, cotton/spandex, floral print multi, $158. Both in t.b.d. and Petite Focus at Nordstrom and nordstrom.com.

FOCUS of New York 2012 35

Insight into Designer

Liliana Villalobos

By Lina Lasalle

Born in Lima, Peru, on January 17, 1964. The youngest of six siblings – four brothers and two sisters. During school years she lived in Lima, Peru, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Cuzco, Peru, until 1980.

Being a very active, sports-loving person, Liliana stood out as a gymnast as a child and represented Peru at international rowing competitions.

A

fter finishing high-school, she studied Art Courses at the University of Lima. Then, restless as she was, she moved to Miami, USA, to have a taste of the outside world. She lived and worked in Miami for three years. First, as a waitress at a couple of restaurants, and then as a car insurance salesperson. Living in a foreign country opened her mind to new risks and gave her the experience that only one can acquire through life.

In 1988, she returned to Lima with some sewing machine heads and lots of ideas - Peruvian government had banned machinery imports at that time. She went into partnership with her brother Jorge Villalobos – current Director of Applauzi Peru and Applauzi International Corp. USA - to incorporate Applauzi S.A. (bathing suits manufacturing.)

36 FOCUS of New York 2012

In 1993, she marries Fernando Almaraz-Grandchant and is now mother to three children: Josefina, 16 years old, Fernanda, 14 years old, and Mauricio, 11 years old.

Currently, she is Director of the Tailoring Committee of the National Industrial Association, and gives lectures on tendencies to different organizations in the same line of business.

From the beginning, Liliana has been in charge of designing the beachwear, underwear and sportswear.

In 1994, her designs were basically oriented to the South American market. They were rather versatile to fit and be compatible with the different countries and markets/clients.

Later on, in 1998, AGUACLARA brand name was created; especially made to access the European and North American markets with a touch of Latin flavor.

Liliana is always on the move, traveling, in pursue of new things, and looking into future tendencies.

Her designs are influenced by the riches of the Amazon and its ethnics, the Andes and the ocean, and are reflected on the different animal fur styles, the accessories, made of natural tree stems, the so very sensual and provocative spider weblike knitting.

This year her proposal includes colors, which are all but the joy and vigor of the Andean world , impacting highly sophisticated prints, impressive and exquisite hand made embroidery.

The choice of accessories is unbeatable, with ethnic lines contrasting the the sparkling and matt reflexes of the golden array. The delicate and sensual 100% silk complements and the decorated cotton textured patterns do stand out.

The sexy and symmetric silhouettes complete this impacting Aguaclara’s 2012 Collection Launched to the world from the majestic Andes and the exhuberant Peruvian jungle‌‌.A splendid expression of female daring.

www.aguaclara-swimwear.com

Black Diamond Tassel Earrings Black Diamond Tassel Bracelet 38 FOCUS of New York 2012

Ivanka Trump Interview By Samantha Ramos

A model, business woman, fashion mogul and mother; she knows the steps it takes to succeed.

We get a chance to speak with Ivanka, about her love for fashion and the passion she puts in every piece she creates today.

FOCUS of New York 2012 39

You’re a very successful businesswoman, what are the traits of a successful negotiator and deal-maker?

IT: Being honest, well prepared, creative, and practical.

How would you advise businesswomen to reinvent themselves in today’s market?

IT: It’s definitely easier for women to achieve success in business and education now. But you have to be more than a pretty face. You have to earn your right to be at the table.

I see that you have Black Diamond Tassels from your Tassel collection, tell me how that design came to be?

IT: The black diamond tassel necklace is such a sensational piece. The rough black diamond briolettes are expertly hand cut giving it an amazing sparkle. It is really a show stopper and my go to piece whenever I have to get dressed up.

What do you look for your inspiration?

IT: New York City's buildings and architecture always inspired me.

My desire to launch a jewelry collection came from my love of structure and architecture along with my appreciation for style and the classics. Also, I've always had my eyes set on working in the Trump real estate business-I currently hold the VP of Acquisitions and Development position at Trump Org. Also, along with my brothers, I'm leading the charge on the Trump Hotel Collection.

What are the key elements of your line?

IT: Heirloom chic is the creative vision behind my jewelry line. It’s the youthful reinvention of important legacy jewelry. Heirloom chic puts a modern twist on classic jewelry, capturing a sense of fine workmanship, tradition, and off-hand elegance.

Jewelry is an important part of one’s style, how do you feel about the selection of the right piece?

IT: A fabulous pair of earrings that can go from the office to a night out are an absolute necessity! My favorites are the medium signature oval diamond earrings from my collection-they really make a statement.

40 FOCUS of New York 2012

Oxidized Black Diamond Tassel Bracelet

What is the most important thing you have learned in the Fashion industry?

IT: I’ve learned that hard work never goes out of style and to always be prepared for interviews, meetings, discussions, everything. Work hard. Create a strong and consistent identity-your name and reputation are your best assets.

You offer one of a kind collection that inspires sensation; can you explain where it comes from?

IT: My mother's legacy jewelry collection always inspired me, and my love for the classic aesthetic helped propel my vision. I realized the luxury fine jewelry market was missing a fresh, young design approach. That's where my jewelry line's vision of "Rock Tradition" plays a vital role-it's a modern twist on jewelry's most important classic. I've always had a passion for jewelry. I wanted to make women of my time feel comfortable buying fine jewelry and I wanted to give them the ultimate shopping experience. The Mercer Street boutique, the service, and the quality - it all speaks to a luxurious yet approachable jewelry shopping experience.

Can we have some details of a future collection piece?

IT: I am working on the 2012 collection as we speak. The design boards are going up and we’re working through sketches to enhance details with my production and design teams. The new collection should launch in the spring of 2012!

FOCUS of New York 2012 41

Mixed Cut Hoop Earrings in 18k White Gold with Diamonds Black Enamel Cuff with Removable Diamond Dress clips

Apartment Rentals Brooklyn Style

By Ben Platt

Virtually unknown outside of its native Brooklyn just a few short years ago, Rapid Realty NYC became one of the biggest real estate firms in New York City practically overnight. While sales-based companies were closing branches and rethinking their business plans, Rapid built a rental empire that is poised to take the nation by storm. This is the story of how one company broke all the rules and defied a recession.

When Anthony Lolli started Rapid Realty NYC back in 1998, people thought he was crazy. At a time when everyone wanted to be selling properties in Manhattan, he wanted to specialize in Brooklyn apartment rentals.

“I figured I could fight every other broker for a tiny slice of the pie, or I could go after a market that no one else was even watching,” said Lolli. A lifelong Brooklyn resident himself, he predicted that his home borough was going to be the next big destination after rising prices pushed renters out of Manhattan.

He was right. Over the next decade, vast numbers of renters flocked to Brooklyn, transforming entire neighborhoods in the blink of an eye. In 2011, GQ declared Brooklyn “the coolest city on the planet.” From the early days of that transformation, Lolli and his small team of agents worked day and night to build relationships with landlords and developers, acquire listings, and get them filled.

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Rapid soon established a reputation for renting apartments quickly and efficiently. And unlike many of their competitors, who—when they did rentals at all—only handled high-end properties, Rapid took on listings in every area and price level with the same level of gung-ho enthusiasm.

“We never wanted to be a fancy, white glove kind of company,” Lolli explained. “We wanted to be the place you go when you need an apartment that fits your budget, and you need it fast.

Sure, we can get you a penthouse overlooking the park, but we also do rentals for the rest of us.”

Even as the housing bubble grew and sales-based companies reported massive earnings, Rapid stayed focused on rentals.

By the time the bubble finally burst and an enormous wave of renters suddenly flooded the market, Rapid had been building their rental expertise and inventory for nearly ten years. They were perfectly positioned to meet the surging demand while the sales-based firms were still scrambling to get in the game.

Rapid sprang into action, filling vacancies as quickly as they appeared and working with developers to convince them to convert their empty, unsold condos into income-generating rental units. The company was doing record business month after month. Lolli knew it was time to expand.

"...we can get you a penthouse overlooking the park, but we also do rentals for the rest of us."

Once again, Rapid broke with tradition. Most New York real estate firms grow by opening corporate-owned branches, allowing them greater control over commissions.

Lolli originally intended to do the same, but a friend encouraged him to look into franchising. At first, Lolli brushed him off.

Soon after, though, seven of the top agents Lolli had been grooming to manage Rapid’s first new branches left simultaneously to start companies of their own. “I had effectively trained my own competition!” he said.

Lolli realized that by franchising, he could offer Rapid’s top talent the chance to become business owners, not just managers. “It’s a win-win scenario,” he said. “We get to hold on to our best people, and they get to open their own offices while staying within the Rapid family.” The first Rapid Realty NYC franchise opened in late 2009, and the concept immediately took off.

As the company grew, even its hiring practices deviated from the industry norm. Whenever Rapid entered a new territory, they recruited from the surrounding community—no prior experience required. In the fiercely competitive world of New York real estate, most companies only want agents who already know the business, so they can start producing right away. Rapid instead provides all of its agents with free onthe-job training designed to make it easy as possible to start renting.

“Rentals aren’t for everyone,” Lolli said. “It’s a fast-paced business. But with the state of the job market today, I’d rather be the person who gave someone a shot than the person who told them no.”

In just thirty months, Rapid grew from a single office to more than fifty, with locations in every borough, Long Island, and New Jersey. Today, many of its franchisees own multiple units, and the company has even named several master franchisees—top-performing individuals empowered to recruit franchisees and develop a certain territory.

“Most franchise companies hope to hit these milestones in five to ten years,” Lolli said. “We hit them in less than three.”

Now that Rapid is the biggest rental company in New York, they’re launching a nationwide expansion. There are already franchises underway in Boston, Philadelphia, and most recently, Tampa. And that’s only the beginning.

According to Lolli, the biggest push for this expansion is coming from the franchisees themselves. “They feel like they’ve conquered New York, and they want to keep going,” he said.

“Their businesses are running so smoothly now that they’re basically on autopilot, freeing them to pursue their next step.

A lot of our franchisees grew up outside of New York, and they’re eager to bring Rapid to their hometown.”

Lolli has spent the last few months flying all over the country, meeting with landlords and getting a firsthand look at other rental markets. He envisions Rapid growing to 500 offices within the next two years. One thing is certain, he said: no matter where the company goes next, they have no plans to drop the “NYC” from their name.

“It’s part of our brand, it’s part of who we are,” he said. “One thing we keep hearing from landlords and developers is, ‘we need that New York attitude here.’ They have units sitting empty, but they know the demand is out there. They need someone who won’t rest until those units are rented. That’s us. That’s what we do.”

FOCUS of of SWFL New York 444 FOCUS 4 20112012

DEFINING

BYRON LARS

by Sheila Gray

Photography by NOAH CHEN

A highly acclaimed designer, with a distinctive style of modern femininity with an air of seduction. His signature styles have become recognisable, with serious attention to perfection in the detail, extraordinary embellishing.

FOCUS FOCUS of New of SWFL York 2012 45

"

At the end of the day it's not about your dress looking good, it's about YOU looking good and your dress facilitating that.

"

46 FOCUS of New York 2012

B

yron Lars started designing under his own label in 1991 with a small collection of sportswear focusing on what Lars refers to as “twisted American classics.” Taking inspiration from such unlikely sources as his grandfather ’s hunting jacket, Byron crossbreeds it with a “Dior New Look” proportion to create a Dutchess of Windsor meets Field and Stream hybrid.

Juxtapositions such as above, or as in taking a men’s cotton dress shirt and then distorting it to the point of resembling a Dorothy Lamour sarong, have become Byron Lars’ trademark. “When edgy fashion is steeped in something familiar, it becomes far less alienating to the consuming public,” says Lars.

After only his second season in business, Women’s Wear Daily hailed Byron as “Rookie of the Year.” His line was immediately snapped up by such prestigious retailers as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s as well as one hundred other specialty stores throughout the U.S. along with some distribution in the U.K. and France.

“I saw it a few days ago and was blown out of the water,” exclaims Kal Ruttenstein, senior vice president and fashion director of Bloomingdale’s referring to the premier fall collection of Lars. “He has the freshest point of view of all the young American designers.”

Byron’s range of designs became most apparent in his Seventh on Sixth runway presentations in which he created accessories as mere fashion show props, only to attract the attention of licensees in handbags, furs and hats. His notoriety also led to his designing a limited edition of designer Barbie dolls for Mattel.

By the contractual end of his licensees, Byron chose to direct his energy away from the designer collection and focus on a contemporary line and pricing structure. “I wanted it to be more about the clothes and less about the ‘hype’,” says Lars.

This redirection was the beginning of “Byron Lars Beauty Mark.” Initially a cotton Lycra shirting based offering, Beauty Mark took its cue from the shirts and shirt dresses of the previous collection that put the designer on the map (only this time, without the lofty price point). Since its inception, Beauty Mark has enjoyed over nine years of success and is now expanding its product line to include knits, sportswear and dresses in addition to the chic and sexy shirts for which the line is highly sought after.

www.byronlarsbeautymark.com

FOCUS of New York 2012 47

Aaron Short

Making the connection

By Dan Myricks

In a world where anyone with a computer and a MySpace account can record songs, post them to the Internet and then call themself a songwriter, the experienced songwriter and performer stands out, and is of more value than ever. Aaron Short is that kind of songwriter and performer. Whether playing in his native England, playing a headlining, sold-out show in Chicago, or landing his songs in adverts and TV shows, Short has an ability to connect with audiences through the quality and genuineness of his songs, an ability that he has honed and developed over time, during the course of his life long love affair with music.

When performing as part of a duo, trio or quartet, Short knows that there is no substitute for going out and paying one’s dues, and that accounts for his tremendous work ethic, one where he’s played five nights a week to audiences all over Europe, taught music and worked with some of the best musicians in London.

Growing up in Suffolk, England, Aaron began playing piano at the age of 7, and in his teens, he fell in love with Britpop, began playing guitar, joined a band and began writing songs. His influences were classic left-of-center singer/songwriter; Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and later, Damien Rice. “I’ve always been into the lyrical and the gutsy, the artists who aren’t afraid to be deep,” he says.

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Moving to London at the age of 21, Short began to play anywhere he could, continually refining his songs. “When I first began songwriting, I wrote just to write,” he remembers. “But I soon began working to put my own experience in my songs, and I found ways to make my personal experience strike a chord with the audience.”

That continual willingness to refine and improve upon his songs has paid dividends. In 2005, Aaron released his first EP, People Make Mistakes, whose title track was used in the American independent film, “Tomorrow Is Today,” and another song from the EP, “If This Is Love” was featured on a Channel 4 Slash music TV advert campaign. The exposure allowed Aaron to expand his following – selling some downloads via iTunes and increasing his live draw in London and, of all places, Chicago, Illinois, where his music received some exposure and allowed him to perform at his own headlining gig there in 2008.

Now Aaron has completed his debut album, recording with Ian Grimble, who has worked with Manic Street Preachers and Bernard Butler. The songs he’s written and recorded thus far represent another breakthrough for Short – “Special” is a moving and plaintive declaration of love and devotion, one that is moving for both its simplicity and wonderful arrangement, where the acoustic guitar strums, the electric guitar chimes and the strings provide supple and shimmering support.

“Lie To Me” is already a favorite of Aaron’s; a plaintive tale of love’s struggles, the song shines a spotlight on the hushed intimacy of his voice, an instrument that movingly conveys the ache of his lyrics.

Aaron has now relocated to New York in order to gain new experiences and reach out to new listeners. With each show, he has a clear intent: “I want someone to listen to my music and have it cause the same effect that the artists I love have had on me, and I want my audience to say, ‘I get him – I’m pleased that someone has been through what I’ve been through.’” That may seem like a simple goal – but it’s only the songwriter with the skill and experience at his craft that can pull that off. And whether through his new music, or through his shows, Aaron Short continues to prove that he’s a singer, songwriter and performer who belongs in that rarified echelon.

The album ‘Ten songs about truth, lies and other things’ is available now.

Photography by Duc Nguyen

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Mariko Aramaki

By Lena Karaush

Photography by Nina Pak

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"Mariko Aramaki, a Kwantlen Polytechnic University graduate originally got her start in the fashion industry after completing an internship with Manuel Mendoza, a Vancouver based custom bridal shop. However, this up and coming designer’s interest in bridal, evening and flamenco wear started long before her debut into Vancouver’s fashion scene.

At 24 years old Mariko Aramaki credits much of her personality as a designer to her formative years growing up on Vancouver’s West side. Growing up, Mariko’s parents put a strong emphasis on retaining a sense of continuity with their Japanese heritage while fully embracing a North West coast way of life. The middle among three children, Mariko was always trying new things. She first developed an interest in fashion while watching her mother sew. Before long she learned how to work the sewing machine on her own and even began making many of her own clothes. This hobby soon blossomed into a passion as Mariko was rarely seen without a sketchbook full of future designs. By the end of her high school years, it became clear that Mariko was destined for a career in fashion.

Shortly after graduation, Mariko entered Kwantlen Polytechnic University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and Technology in 2010. Aramaki spent her time at Kwantlen honing both her technical skills as well as her design aesthetic to reflect her natural affinity for clothing that exudes grace, femininity and a certain “je ne sais quois’.

As a student, Mariko travelled to Lyon, France for a summer semester to study French fashion history and textiles.

That experience affirmed Mariko’s keen interest in producing work that echoes the French flair for combining modern and traditional styles.

A

ramaki’s involvement in the flamenco community had a profound influence on her art. A dancer herself, Aramaki was drawn to the vivid colors and fluid shapes of flamenco performance wear. As she gained experience and notoriety as a dancer with Centro Flamenco, she also got keen insight into the construction of the dresses themselves. Her insider knowledge of a dancer’s needs allowed Mariko to design well crafted gowns while retaining much of the magic of the dance, which quickly became a second passion in her life.

After finishing her studies at Kwantlen, Mariko worked on expanding her portfolio by creating new custom designs as a freelancer. During this time Mariko made inroads into Vancouver’s fashion community by exhibiting her work locally and putting together a website. Recently, Mariko has decided to return to France and is currently living in Paris. There, she plans to expand her professional repertoire while being fully immersed in the French fashion landscape. Wherever she ends up, one can be sure that Mariko will continue to create and inspire through her unique pieces.

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PANDORA’s collection of outstanding jewelry features raw, elegant designs inspired by rock style with a hint of vintage and a bit of attitude.

The collection features a brand new necklace concept: a unique design that can combine as many as eight necklaces into a layered look that is luxurious and interchangeable.

PANDORA bracelets give women the freedom to capture the unforgettable moments that make life extraordinary and the new charms of the fall season offer a twist on what has become the hallmark of the PANDORA brand. Two elegant sterling silver bracelets are also new–one is designed to hold one traditional or new decorative clip, the other as many as five. Mix, match and combine the clips and bracelets in any combination, creating pieces that are unique to your personal style. It’s an idea inspired by PANDORA’s popular charm bracelet.

Create and combine looks with other new additions to the PANDORA universe, including a line of 14k solid gold earrings, pendants and dangle charms with intricate lace details and diamonds; and large cocktail rings, featuring amethyst or grey moonstone, that are perfect for stacking. Stunning earrings inspired by delicate lace patterns in 14K gold with freshwater pearls and diamonds can be worn on their own, layered or combined with other pieces from the Compose collection. Rings in 14K gold, sterling and black oxidized silver have florally inspired designs with an unpredictable twist that is raw yet feminine.

Large cocktail rings in amethyst or grey moonstone are perfect for stacking with this season’s more delicate pieces. New LovePod rings in white, yellow and rose 18K gold with brilliant-cut diamonds or colorful gemstones work beautifully with other pieces of PANDORA jewelry and interlock when stacked together.

The spirit of nostalgic rock infuses the collection, especially our new sterling silver decorative clips in raw, sculptural shapes. The other standouts include a star-shaped pendant and charm in black oxidized silver, an alluring finish that runs through the collection.

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Tempted

Touch

By Rosie Tamer

Photography by Papandth Ritsomboon and Sutasnan Pitakwong

to

W

e’re not sure why limited edition products hold so much appeal. But they somehow always manage to pop up on our radar. It is because there’re so good? Are they too precious a resource to waste on anyone but the aficionados? Whatever the reason there’s no denying the irresistible pull of something that is exclusive.

The brand Paemisa, was launched in January 2012 by Paemisa Swatphakdi. She having worked previously as a buyer for luxury brands, created a unique line for women to not only show off their strength, but inner beauty; “I've always had a passion for lingerie” states Paemisa. I believe every woman should have the best of both worlds when it comes to lingerie - quality and price. My objective is to create an affordable line that is accessible to all women who love designs, colors, and comfort to fit their personality. The design is my take on modern lingerie created for modern women. Our esthetic shows through in the use of quality fabrics, hardware, youthful play on shapes and colors. Every piece in the collection is made in-house and is exclusive and limited. It's all about incorporating new pieces into your wardrobe, mixing and matching, and having fun.

This exclusive collection is available at www.paemisa.com

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LOVE IN NEW YORK

A Simple Parabolic Curve from Heart to Heart

by Paul "Lucky" Goldberg Photography by Joe Windsor-Williams

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There are many words for Love in hundreds of Languages spoken and read throughout all of mankind’s existence upon the Earth, and a few extra words that pre-date Adam and Eve in what God calls His foreknowledge.

According to holy men who were inspired by God to write the Bible, God IS Love. According to mathematics, that would be God = Love, an algorithm of friendship, mating and societal conventions and variations. According to Broadway, Love is presented as artists, producers and directors entertain a kindred spirit of the notion of Love with many divergent subtleties and innovative concepts, through the songs, dances, lighting, orchestrations, costuming and stories of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "If I Loved You" from Carousel, “Do You Love Me” from Fiddler on the Roof, “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific, “Something Wonderful” from the King and I, “One Hand, One Heart” from West Side Story and one of the all-time great songs of Love, “Unchained Melody”, from the Broadway hit “Ghost”.

Written in 1955, “Unchained Melody" in Ghost now lives on today as the Broadway hit that re-ignites the fires of Love.

It has been recorded over 500 times in hundreds of different languages.

According to some philosophical thinkers, Love = Altruism squared to the root of Understanding divided by Patience multiplied by self, ego and libido times two - loosely paraphrased with poetic license applied :). New York allows the stage to be set for the greatest romances the world has ever seen - with all the pomp and variety, circumstance and notoriety of the great Gatsby to the heroes who keep our Nation proud and free.

The language of Love can be spoken, felt, heard and seen – witness the body language of two lovers or close your eyes when you hear sweet nothings whispered in your ear. You can sense love in a look, a touch, a smile and even in the way food is prepared for you. Cooking with Love is as old a tradition as the Pyramids and Parthenon, and equally welcomed to everyone in a New York love of mind.

continued on page 61...

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The restaurants of Manhattan and throughout New York State can rival and forge ahead of the culinary delights around the globe, with the finest chefs with penchants for the ultimate cuisine presented to those who choose to "dine" rather than just eat.

According to the sciences, Love is emotional, native to each species and conditional biologically, physically, neurologically, mentally intrinsically and innately. Love is an equation of specific feelings arranged by heart, soul, mind and spirit, including free will, the five or more senses and pheromones, electro-magnetic energy, auras and the whole gamut of a complete human being into a pure thrust worthy of a million space rocket launches fueled for missions to Alpha Centauri, aimed directly at another’s complete being. Just imagine the impact of the words on your ears, eyes, heart and mind when you hear “I LOVE YOU” from someone you want to hear it from – there is NOTHING in the world to compare it to unless you don’t mind a diminished outcome.

We can be valiant and noble to funny in our attempts to portray Love throughout the centuries, ascending to heights unknown to come close to the glory of Love, given both the creativity and audacity, intelligence, emotions and metaphysics of many great achievers, such as Shakespeare, Voltaire, Renoir, Debussy, Dali, Picasso, Cyrano de Bergerac, DaVinci, Marilyn Monroe, Hollywood and can be witnessed all throughout New York at the Met, MOMA, the galleries of New York, the series “Seinfeld”, Spielberg’s new “Once Upon a Time”. You will see deep, intimate and soul-searching accounts of intense true love to fun-loving portrayals of the human condition throughout Time as it forms an intricate Mobius exponentially expounding in a multitude of directions expressing the myriad miracle we know as Love.

HOW DO YOU LOVE? If you choose to love, then your life can become a mission, ranging from actively seeking Love to staying aloof from the infantry work of digging trenches to secure your ‘Love’ position in the field. It’s not quite this simple but it is a way of life. The attraction of Love can be positive, neutral or negative.

The laws of gravity, physics, astrophysics (heavenly bodies – but I jest) engineering, visual and aural stimuli and more apply to the conditions surrounding how to love.

With the love of God, the Greek word agape has clear meaning – it’s a ‘true love’, an unconditional love of God. Much like what then

becomes in today’s world, a mother or father’s unconditional love of God or unconditional love of their child – it’s a ‘pure love’.

Another way to love is through the passion of the body, the five senses, the lust factors – so we have ‘Eros’ – in ancient times signified as a Greek mythological God Eros, and later in Roman times, as Cupid. You can banter around the multitude of attributes assigned by scholarly wisdom to frivolous musings, but bottom line, if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with (Crosby Stills Nash and Young) or is it Mr/Miss Right, or Mr./Miss Right Now? To be continued next issue…

The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center

“

Our Guest Book says it all...

Thank you! Helpful - got lots to read! Very helpful and friendly smiles! So pretty!

See you next year! Very visitor friendly and lovely scenery! Help is fantastic! Danke!

Just moved into an older home so thanks for the info on services to my home! OMG! Merci Beaucoup! Wonderfully warm and helpful individuals! Great service! I love Naples!

Grazie! Our second visit here! Thanks for your valued advice! Excellent help from a local!

Volunteer was a wonderful help! Awesome staff! We love it here! You’re great people!

Very good advice and ideas! We want to live here! We’ll be back! Beautiful Center!

Excited to be here! One of the nicest and prettiest Visitor Centers we’ve seen on our trip!

I love Paradise! Fabulous place...wonderful people! Gracias! Wonderful information!

Thanks for helping me find things to do for my grandchildren’s visit! Gorgeous!

”

...to live, work and play in Greater Naples 239.262.6141 www.napleschamber.org

900 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 102 Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Stop in to see us and sign our Guest Book too!

FOCUS of New York 2012 61

TAKE CHARGE As the antiquated saying goes, ‘A penny earned is a penny saved.’ Nowadays, a penny is not worth the impression on the metal. The value of a dollar isn’t nearly what it used to be, making matters for women in particular very difficult in their later years if they haven’t planned properly for the days ahead.

The solution for such a circumstance is to secure a financial planner who is experienced, licensed and has your best financial future in mind. The perfect financial planner is not only an advisor, but is also interested, above all, about your needs and your specific goals for your future.

He will take into account your current financial standing and will acknowledge the myriad of challenges facing women today – no matter the size of your income. He will use his expertise to help build a lucrative financial portfolio.

NOW

It is an unfortunate statistic that after retirement, many women outlive their husbands at an alarming rate. Some of these women have the misfortune to find themselves in horrific situations due to lack of financial planning for a host of reasons.

The importance of women learning to overcome the fear of money, investing and retirement planning is paramount to their future wellbeing and sound financial security.

Several elements come into play when money is the topic of conversation. For many women, it is a taboo subject.

Yet, other women are frantic about not having adequate funds for their future.

The mismanagement of money; and lack of a healthy financial education, may leave women feeling lost or fearful. And it is often the case that never having had the opportunity to understanding investments, annuities, stock and bonds or even Certificates of Deposits and how money should work for you can become overwhelming.

In addition, the best suited financial advisor should be willing to educate you about your portfolio; he should answer any questions you have, and should handle your money from the ground up, starting from where your finances currently exist tracking the growth with you. Having personal sound insight and respect for your own finances is liberating, for anyone, particularly for a seasoned woman.

A financial planner of integrity is eager to listen to and accommodate his clientele, and is well informed. His priority is to the client and should ask you pertinent questions, making sure not to tell you what to do with your money.

He is there to offer sound professional advice.

Ladies, this is your call to action! It’s never too late to start saving for a rainy day.

By Lillian Phillips

& s t n

e s v e air f af

FABERGÉ FLAGSHIP NY OPENING To mark the US launch of Fabergé, and the opening of its first boutique in the country, located at 694 Madison Avenue, New York, the legendary master jeweller hosted an exclusive celebratory event in partnership with the New York Botanical Garden. Guests were treated to Russian inspired cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 620 Loft & Garden atop Rockefeller Center with breath-taking views of the New York skyline and a showcase of Fabergé's one-of-a-kind jewellery creations.

Notable attendees included: Fabergé Creative & Managing Director Katharina Flohr, Olivia Palermo, DJ Alexandra Richards, New York Botanical Garden Committee members Nathalie Kaplan, Cristina Cuomo, Dalia Oberlander, Gillian Hearst Simonds, Whitney Fairchild, Jennifer Creel, Natalie Leeds Leventhal, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Christian Leone, Ashley Platt amongst others.

by Tatiana Zherebkina Photography by Benjamin Lozovsky

Elizabeth Kurpis

Claire Fouche, Katharina Flohr and Patrick Mark

Imperatrice Pompon Necklace in Showcase

Alexandra Richards 64 FOCUS of New York 2012

Fabergé NY Boutique Launch Party

Martha O'Brien & Yann Varin

Gillian Hearst, Olivia Palermo, Katharina Flohr, Whitney Fairchild, Cristina Cuomo and Nathalie Kaplan

Delice D'Ete in Showcase

Paul Berger & Ianni Berger

Jennifer Creel, Whitney Fairchilds, Katharina Flohr and Zoe Kimber

White Peacock Scenery FabergĂŠ Boutique Launch Party Outside View

Katharina Flohr and Byrdie Bell

Essentials

to beat the heat

With temperatures peaking into the triple digits, it’s imperative to stay “cool” while participating in outdoor activities in order to beat the summer heat wave.

Medical ID Marketplace (www.hopepaige.com): God forbid there is an emergency while you are at the beach/pool or working outdoors. What if you do not have your ID on hand and you faint because of dehydration? Medical ID Marketplace creates stylish and trendy medical ID bracelets that blend in with everyday pieces, yet stand out to first responders in case of an emergency. With hundreds of styles to choose from, each accessory comes with a complimentary engraving which can detail emergency contact information, pre-existing health conditions, etc.

USANA Nutrimeal (www.usana.com): Too hot to stomach heavy foods and not a big fan of fruits and veggies? Try the USANA Nutrimeal, a refreshing meal-replacement shake that comes in a variety of flavors such as chocolate, vanilla and gluten-free options. With 4 grams of fiber, 15 grams of protein and a low-glycemic index, the Nutrimeal offers sustained energy without adding the pounds and the body bloat.

www.GerroArt.com (941) 639-6364

One of a kind handmade fashion Photography by Tone Imaging Model Wendy Wil liams

HINT Water (www.drinkhint.com): During the heat wave, it’s a no brainer to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. HINT is a fruit-infused all natural essence water that contains zero calories, sugars, artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

Ditch the sugary drinks (and the calories!) and go for this refreshing water that has a “hint” of flavor.

Summer Entertaining Recipes Feta and Tomato Dip Fat Free Feta: 296 calories/serving • 126 calories from fat • 14g fat/serving Serves 4-6 Prep time 3-5 minutes • Cook time 5 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups President® Fat Free Feta Cheese Crumbled 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half 5 Tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 large handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 loaf of warm bread

Directions

• In a large pan heat the olive oil and add the tomatoes • Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes • Add the garlic and simmer for a minute, then stir in the feta cheese • Remove from the heat, add basil leaves and serve with French bread

Find more recipes at Président Feta Cheese www.presidentcheese.com

Bruschetta with Fresh Mozzarella and Pesto Prep Time: 15 Min. Servings: 4

Ingredients

Galbani® Bocconcini 8oz cup 4 slices of rustic bread 20 cherry tomatoes 4 Tbsp. of pesto Garlic Olive oil Fresh basil Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brush the bread slices with olive oil and grill.

2. Once cooled, spread 1 Tbsp. of pesto on each slice.

3. Top with drained and diced Fresh Mozzarella, some cherry tomatoes and a dash of olive oil.

4. Add pepper and salt to taste.

5. Warm in the oven.

6. Serve with fresh basil.

68 FOCUS of New York 2012

Clear Your Mental Clutter

by Joel Elfman & Anson Mau

Hypnosis is a powerful modality. No longer confined to stage shows or limited by the myths from movies, book or television, It is being accepted by the general public; it’s methods are now being tested and proven up by modern science. For over 150 years, it is has been consistently and effectively used for weight loss, smoking cessation, pain control, stress reduction, social anxiety, fear of flying and a host of other conditions and issues.

All Natural Hypnosis is often described as the art and science of creating trance, a state of relaxation and focused attention.

Trance is a naturally occurring phenomenon that happens all the time. When you daydream, get caught up in a book, movie, television, when you lose track of time or your keys, it’s all trance. Creativity in art and science, remembering the past, imagining the future, exploring infinite possibilities and inspiring yourself and others, all are part of trance.

Placebos - Your Mind CAN Naturally Heal Your Body We have all heard miraculous stories of cures through visualization and prayer. And one study estimated that 50% of physicians secretly give their patients placebos.

Although, we do not understand completely yet how to harness this healing ability, science is consistently measuring and testing it. In double-blind drug studies, an inert, sugar pill triggering nothing but your imagination is measured against the newest drugs. And billions of dollars in research fail, crushed by the power of your mind.

The Proof is in the Pudding 1. Hypnosis is consistently effective in over 80% of the studies involving smoking reduction and full cessation. [1]

[2]

2. Hypnosis can more than double the effects of traditional weight loss approaches. [3] 3. Studies shows that after two years Hypnotic subjects who were a. former smokers are twice as likely to remain smoke free. [4] b. weight loss subjects continue to lose significant weight. [5] 4. Patients using hypnosis healed significantly faster from surgery and Healed 41% faster from fracture. [6]

The Advocates

In the New York City metropolitan area, GEM Hypnosis currently runs the largest Meetup groups for Hypnosis, NLP (Neuro-Lingistic Programming) and many other trance-base change works, like meditation and qigong. The co-founders Joel Elfman and Anson Mau are continually educating the public on how to positively change their lives with trance-based change work. They teach elements of Hypnosis, NLP and other trance-based change works in affordable classes for the general public, as well as work privately with clients in 1-on-1 sessions or in tandem. They also work with business and government entities that improves the staff’s productivity. More information about Joel and Anson can be found at their website GemHypnosis.com or email them at info@gemhypnosis.com.

Learning and Habits We learn through experience, either with one-shot-learning, through a strong emotional or physical impact or we can learning over time, building neural pathways to become habit. Responses so developed that they occur before our conscious mind notices. While most of these habits are fairly successful, a few prove to be endlessly frustrating or upsetting. Striving for relief from pain or pressure, we made the best choice we could in a split moment in time, often without considering all our choices or the long-term implications. While we keep these behaviors because they give use some positive results, we become increasingly frustrated as these conditioned responses no longer have the same level of effectiveness compared to our needs right now.

We Have Control Beliefs, habits, limitations and emotions are held in patterns in mind and body. These patterns have sub-patterns. And all the patterns have virtual “control knobs and switches”. For example, that voice in our head saying “I’m not good enough” is coded by a specific pitch, tempo, volume and specific words that instantly trigger that negative feeling. When we turn a dial or two, changing elements of the patterns we can alter the emotion. We can change not only sound, but also images, smells, tastes and sensations.

Example 1 - Think of some limiting, usually negative, message like "I'm not good enough". Okay, say it to yourself the way you might normally would. Now, try saying it several times inside you head with the voice of a chipmunk. Do you notice any difference in how you feel? Now, try taking 3-4 breaths between every word, are you experiencing a shift in your perspective? Finally, repeat it normally and see if those words have the same impact as you had before the exercise. Do you feel better?

Example 2 - Make a picture of someone you like. Make it as vivid as possible, with color, shapes and even smell.

Add as much detail as you would like, and usually, the more the better. Now, In small increments make the picture bigger and bring it closer. Do you notice a difference in your feeling? Do you feel it automatically becoming stronger?

Example 3 - Take an image of something you don't like and make that vivid. Now, make the image smaller and move it further away bit by bit. Do your feelings about this thing change?

Our minds can be powerful beyond our current imaginations, and with Hypnosis, NLP or other trance based change work, we can empower ourselves well beyond our past limits.

[1]University of Washington School of Medicine, Depts. of Anesthesiology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2001 Jul;49(3):257-66. Barber J. [2]Texas A&M University, System Health Science Center, College of Medicine, College Station, TX USA. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2004 Jan;52(1):73-81. Clinical hypnosis for smoking cessation: preliminary results of a three-session intervention. Elkins GR, Rajab MH. [3]Kirsch, Irving (1996). Hypnotic enhancement of cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatments--Another meta-reanalysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519.

[4]Guided health imagery for smoking cessation and long-term abstinence. Wynd, CA. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2005; 37:3, pages 245-250.

[5]Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1985) [6]Harvard Medical School, Carol Ginandes and Union Institute in Cincinnati, Patricia Brooks, Harvard University Gazette Online at http://www.hno.harvard.edu/gazette/2003/05.08/01-hypnosis.html.

FOCUS of New York 2012 69

S

Last Word

tart where you stand and never mind the past, The past won’t help you in beginning new, If you have left it all behind at last Why, that’s enough, you’re done with it, you’re through; This is another chapter in the book, This is another race that you have planned, Don’t give the vanished days a backward look, Start where you stand.

Berton Braley

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TM TM

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