Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
2022
Cannes Film Festival
PRASHANT GOYAL CELEBRITY DESIGNER Heritage India Fashions
Michelle Romano
TURNING DREAMS INTO Reality
Photo by Mo Mendes-Granimo Studios
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This month we had the pleasure of sitting down with the multi-talented, self-made CEO, Michelle Romano. The sole owner and CEO of Roman Media has always dreamed big, and her drive, passion and motivation in life has lifted her up to become successful in making her dreams come true. The beautiful designs seen being worn by Michelle Romano of Roman Media, are the work of fashion designer and owner of Heritage India Fashions, Prashant Goyal.
The Long Island native, who now resides in Manhattan, has been designing for over 2 decades for private clients, and Hollywood films such as Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts. He started Heritage India Fashions in 2017, with his wife Ruchi Goyal who is the Jewelry and Cochet designer and stylist for the company. Heritage India Fashions offers a wide variety of men’s, women’s and children’s items, with their specialty in Indian Bridal. We also have the honor to feature our interview with Dr. Sona Patel known as DOC420. She is the Founder and CEO of CBD GLOW. She gained popularity as the second doctor in history to provide medical marijuana recommendations, starting in 2005. Dr. Patel has over ten years of experience in the cannabis industry and is by many considered to be a true pioneer in the world of CBD. Lastly, we are pround to announce the launch of BooksTo Screen.net. Books to Screen is a place for authors to be seen and championed. Enjoy!
Prather Jackson Publisher
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Michelle Romano
Turning Dreams into Reality
Prashant Goyal
Heritage India Fashions
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CBD GLOW
Dr. Sona Patel
BooksTo Screen
Authors to be Seen
Hollywood WEEKLY is a publication wholly owned by Prather Jackson HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE LLC. © 2021 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any content without written permisssion of the publisher is expressly prohibited. Letters to the editor may be sent to: PRATHER@HOLLYWOODWEEKLYMAGAZINE.COM. 8345 Reseda Blvd #117, Northridge, CA 91324. For advertising inquiries call: (424) 371-9900
Michelle Romano TURNING DREAMS INTO Reality Actress | Producer | CEO of Roman Media
By Hailey Ashley
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his month we had the pleasure of sitting down with the multi-talented, self-made CEO, Michelle Romano. The sole owner and CEO of Roman Media has always dreamed big, and her drive, passion and motivation in life has lifted her up to become successful in making her dreams come true. Born in Boston, MA, this now bi-costal producer, actress and event coordinator has come a long way from her early days of dreaming she could be on the big screen like her idols, Audrey Hepburn and Molly Ringwald. From a young girl, movies always held a place in Michelle’s heart. The actors and actresses made her feel alive and connected. She immediately knew she wanted to be able to share the incredible gift she received while diving into the big screen. Films like the original “Romeo and Juliet” made her feel emotions that were so strong, and she knew she desired to effect people in that way as well. Although her dreams and vision were clear, Michelle’s confidence wasn’t as solid. She lacked purpose, and although she dreamed of becoming an actress, she was told at the early age of 14 that she would never make it. Her looks were criticized, and she quickly learned that if she wanted to become successful, she would have to make it happen for herself. Michelle attended film school in New York and began learning about the industry on her own. She quite literally spent her days in New York walking up and down the streets, looking for productions where she could get hired in any capacity. Through this experience, she gained a lot of hands-on learning through commercial work, and extra work with small pay. Her desire was to get into the Screen Actors Guild, and ironically, she had to go back to Boston to do so. Once she made the move back to her hometown, she was able to obtain her SAG actor’s card. 4 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
In 2010 Michelle created Roman Media, which is a production company, specializing in Film, TV and Events. Although she took a big hit, as we all did, when COVID-19 swept through the country, she’s now back in action. While she enjoyed laying low and spending time with her family, Roman Media hosted their first event in almost 3 years in Los Angeles this year. As she continued pushing through to pursue her passion, Michelle met Donny T at a movie premiere of a Boston indie film that she starred in. When they met, Donny T immediately saw her passion, drive and hustle and decided he wanted to invest in her. Because of this, Michelle was able to create her first feature film in 2012. In the near future, Michelle lets us know she is filming a movie in both Miami, FL and New York that she hopes to debut later this year, as well as a soapy drama series that she is both producing and acting in. Recently, Michelle did a photoshoot in New York wearing the amazing designs of Prashant Goyal which are pictured here. Michelle is a producer in the Producers Guild of America (PGA) as well as a member of the TV Academy (NATAS). She is always willing to consider new opportunities in producing, acting, and event coordinating. If you’d like to reach out to Michelle directly you can find her on Instagram @officialmichelleromano, on Facebook @ Michelle Romano, or her website www. RomanMediaInc.com. Michelle tells us that something inside of her was always telling her that those who doubted her, were wrong. Their negativity never deterred her, and she always stayed true to her inner voice. She goes on to let us know “If you love something and are passionate about it you will find a way to make it happen,” and we are beyond excited to see where her dreams and passion continues to take her.
Credits Mo Mendes/Granimo Studios @granimostudios Make Up by Taryn Harrington Hair by Olivia Konelas Haus of Beauty by HS-Artistry @hausofbeautynh Heritage India Fashions
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Credits: Photographer Trai Forrester @traiforrester MUA & Hair Nisha Varma @nishavarmamakeup Celebrity Designer Prashant Goyal @prashantcgoyal Clothing Brand Heritage India Fashions @heritageindiafashions Jewelry Designer Ruchi Goyal @heritageindiafashions
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Prashant HERITAGE INDIA FASHIONS By Hailey Ashley
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he beautiful designs seen being worn by Michelle Romano of Roman Media, are the work of fashion designer and owner of Heritage India Fashions, Prashant Goyal. The Long Island native, who now resides in Manhattan, has been designing for over 2 decades for private clients, and Hollywood films such as Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts. He started Heritage India Fashions in 2017, with his wife Ruchi Goyal who is the Jewelry and Cochet designer and stylist for the company. Heritage India Fashions offers a wide variety of men’s, women’s and children’s items, with their specialty in Indian Bridal. Prashant’s love for fashion and the entertainment industry began at a young age, according to Prashant he “always wanted to be a creator” and was inspired by watching his father work in the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world. His father was a part of the industry in the 80’s – 90’s, working with big names like Willie Smith, which inspired Prashant to pursue a career in the fashion world after finishing his business degree in New York. His newest collection, ‘Prashant Goyal Couture’ pre-launched at NY fashion week in 2021 to rave reviews, and will launch the entire collection in NY fashion week 2022. The new collection is equal parts comfort, style and elegance showcasing custom made designs. All the pieces are hand made with beaded accents, rare silks, and organic cotton. Their designs are a fusion of western influence and traditional Indian formal wear that appeal to their wide client base. Although Prashant Goyal Couture is Prashant’s new project, it has already been published internationally. You can see the designs on the pages of Elle, Glamour, Maxim and most recently featured in the January issue of Cosmopolitan. Photographer: Trai Forrester @traiforrester MUA & Hair Nisha Varma @nishavarmamakeup Celebrity Designer Prashant Goyal @prashantcgoyal Clothing Brand Heritage India Fashions @heritageindiafashions
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Goyal Prashant states, “The new 2022 Spring Collection represents the times we live in, which are constantly changing and impacting everyone worldwide. Our imperative is to recycle and take care of our planet in making clothing that will last a lifetime. This journey creating a new brand is a great learning experience. Working with so many different people from the fashion fraternity has taught me not to take anyone at face value. It’s hard to trust anyone. Just follow your instincts,” We are excited for what’s next to come for Prashant, and Heritage India Fashions. Without giving away much, he tells us he is working on something that is completely out of the box for him and leaves us on the edge of our seats wanting more.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HERITAGE INDIA FASHIONS latest Timeless Couture Collection and theirPrashant Goyal Couture label, visit: www.HeritageIndiaFashions.com and www.PrashantGoyalCouture.com, on Instagram @heritageindiafashions or stop by their New York City location, Heritage India Fashions, 131Lexington Avenue New York, NY, 10016.
Prashant shares parting thoughts and sound advice; “Follow your heart, and your dreams. Let your creativity flow, and don’t hold back. There are always going to be haters trying to hold you back. And if you fail – get back up and try again”.
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Q&A WITH
Dr. Sona Patel is known as DOC420, and she is the Founder and CEO of CBD GLOW. She gained popularity as the second doctor in history to provide medical marijuana recommendations, starting in 2005. Dr. Patel has over ten years of experience in the cannabis industry and is by many considered to be a true pioneer in the world of CBD I started CBD GLOWTM to continue to bring people the miraculous benefits of the cannabis plant.
What is CBD? The cannabis plant boasts a variety of compounds - also known as cannabinoids which contain medicinal benefits, Dr. Patel explains. Among these cannabinoids is cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD is not addictive, and it will not make you feel "high" because there are no psychoactive elements in it. CBD is rich in fatty acids like Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 and in antioxidants like Vitamin A, C and E. CBD is also high in amino acids which are the building blocks of protein that build up collagen and elastin. Do you believe the hype about CBD is true? Absolutely! It’s the next level of powerful superfoods, the game changer, says Dr. Patel.
• IMPROVES TEXTURE - CBD improves skin texture, dryness, dullness, and uneven tone. • REVITALIZE and RESTORE - CBD is antioxidant-rich which revitalizes and restores the skin. • ANTI-AGING - CBD can reduce visible signs of aging because it is rich in skinrejuvenating antioxidants vitamins A, C and E that neutralizes damage.
supple) absorb cannabinoids via hair follicles. This effect means that CBD can help moderate oil production, increasing or decreasing it as needed - useful for a wide variety of skin ailments, especially acne. CBD receptors in the skin can also treat acne by suppressing sebocytes’ proliferation. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties effectively treat the already visible acne.
What skin conditions does CBD treat? The doctor goes into detail about how CBD aids in a variety of skin conditions. INFLAMMATION. BD calms and soothes painful, irritated, and inflamed skin.
ROSACEA. CBD's anti-inflammatory and healing properties aid skin with rosacea. CBD has been shown to offer a range of medical benefits and to tackle the underlying causes of rosacea, which is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. CBD can dampen certain elements that trigger the condition.
How does CBD help the skin? Dr. Patel explains that CBD provides the following benefits to skin:
CBD calms and soothes painful, irritated, and inflamed skin. Clinical studies have also confirmed that CBD has antiinflammatory effects. This is because CBD reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits T cell proliferation, induces T cell apoptosis, and reduces migration and adhesion of immune cells.
• HYDRATION - CBD has the perfect proportion of fatty acids to provide optimal moisture to the skin. • LUMINOUS GLOW - CBD provides deep moisture for visibly glowing and radiant skin.
ACNE AND ACNE SCARS. CBD regulates oil production and therefore helps with acne. Sebocytes (the cells which make up the sebaceous gland, responsible for secreting the oil/sebum that keeps skin smooth and
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ECZEMA. The most convincing results from studies are the benefits of cannabinoids on inflammation and itching, specifically in patients with eczema, says Dr. Patel. Research indicates that CBD that can help reduce inflammation, redness, and itching on the skin from eczema. CBD activates CB2 receptors on the peripheral sensory nerve fibers, which inhibits itching signals and soothes itchy skin.
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PSORIASIS. CBD reduces skin flaking, redness, and dryness in skin, conditions associated with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a condition that causes the epidermis to grow much more quickly than normal epidermis; the result is overly flaky skin. Research shows that CBD activates certain cannabinoid receptors in the body which may help to slow down the rapid skin growth and help in slowing down the excess flaking of the skin. DERMATITIS. CBD may help relieve the inflammation that characterizes dermatitis, which in turn can alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, and dryness. How CBD affects your hair? Helps your hair growth. It helps the hair grow. CBD contains Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 which accelerate the hair-growth cycle to transition to the anagen phase, thus stimulating hair growth. Research studies have shown that CB1 and CB2 receptors regulate hair life cycles and thus influence hair growth. The doctor continues by explaining that using CBD for hair loss is effective because it reduces inflammation, which can promote a healthier environment for hair to grow on the scalp. CBD is making waves in the beauty industry for its amazing benefits to the skin, and this includes your scalp. It’s regenerative for the skin, so it helps maintain optimal scalp health. Only a healthy scalp can lead to healthy hair! CBD contains lots of essential vitamins and minerals to nourish the scalp: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E. CBD helps stimulate and enhance the growth of hair through increased blood circulation. When used directly on the hair follicles it delivers nutrients right to the source. Finally, CBD is an “adaptogen”. That means it regulates scalp sebum production (i.e., balances your oil levels), bringing a healthy scalp to all hair types. Makes the hair stronger. It actually makes your hair stronger, says Dr. Patel. CBD strengthens hair-roots by providing the necessary nutrients for strong and healthy hair growth. CBD results in stronger hair for the following reasons:
• CBD acts upon the scalp to cleanse deposits of chemicals that may block the hair from growing. The antioxidants in CBD help protect hair from environmental damage and repair breakage. • CBD even protects the hair from suffering water loss by keeping it well hydrated and nourished, even in harsh weather conditions. • CBD contains all 21 known amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Because of that, it helps to build up collagen and elastin, which are essential to hair strength. By helping hair to build protein, CBD prevents breakage and even makes locks look thicker and fuller. • Since every single strand of hair is made of protein, CBD is incredibly effective in combating brittle and fragile hair. Using CBD can help to strengthen your hair and heal damaged hair cuticles. Studies show that one of the amino acids in CBD, tyrosine, helps to maintain hair color. CBD nourishes your hair. Research shows that when used on your hair, the fatty acids in CBD hydrate the hair, lock in moisture, prevent moisture loss, and seal the hair cuticle thus providing optimal nourishment for lustrous locks. No split ends. Research has shown that CBD may actually reverse hair cuticle damage and other effects of environmental stress on the follicle. CBD GLOWTM is designed to work on all hair types. It covers all that your hair care needs and can be used in conjunction with your preferred styling products. Are there any side effects to CBD? CBD is generally safe for anyone to use. There is very minimal risk, says Dr. Patel. If anyone has an allergy to CBD, they may have a reaction, otherwise it is considered safe. Is it legal? Shipping CBD in the United States is a little more straightforward in the last few years than it was in the past, says Dr. Patel. Because of the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, it is now legal to ship CBD products in the mail throughout the United States. However, in order for a product to be legal per the 2018 Farm Bill, there are certain specifications that must be met. First, the CBD product must contain less than 0.3% of THC. Also, the CBD must be derived from hemp opposed to cannabis, Dr. Patel explains.
To ensure that the product you’re shipping meets federal guidelines, you’ll want to review the certificate of analysis (COA). This is a document provided by a third-party lab that examines the makeup of a CBD product, including the percentage of CBD, THC, and other compounds. When it comes to Shipping CBD Internationally, there are a lot more rules and regulations to follow. There are more than 190 countries, and unsurprisingly, many of them have different legalities when it comes to CBD products. Generally, CBD products in countries outside of the U.S. must contain less than 0.2% THC content. This is 0.1% less than what is legal in the U.S. However, the 0.2% THC content rule doesn’t apply to all countries. For example, countries such as Russia, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates ban CBD products entirely. Other places, such as Australia, require that CBD products only be prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, international shipping varies by country. Why should customers buy from you versus other CBD product companies? All CBD GLOWTM products are created with phytocannabinoid rich hemp combined with the purest quality ingredients using state-of-the-art technologies to deliver the safest, most consistent, potent, and effective CBD products available on the market today. Every product is formulated with the highest and purest concentration of CBD which has been refined multiple times and third-party tested to deliver maximum therapeutic benefits. Dr. Patel continues. All CBD GLOWTM products are formulated and developed in the USA in world-class facilities that are GMP certified, and ISO certified. The hemp-derived ingredients used in all my products are organically grown at a 300+ acre farm in the USA and thus ensure Premium Grade, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Industrial Hemp Registered, Farm Bill Compliant, Pesticides Free, No Metals, No Harsh Chemicals and THC Free. Where can people purchase your CBD GLOW products? You can purchase CBD GLOWTM products at www.cbdglow.com. Selling CBD GLOWTM products through Sephora and Ulta is next, the doctor says and wraps up the interview.
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818.471.0564
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Two on-going series from bestselling author, Kim Sakwa with over 1100 five-star ratings and reviews…with more books to come. Authorkimsakwa.com
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"...A gripping spiritual tale with a memorable real life setting. As with Delaney's preceding book, 'The Shaft, A Supernatural Thriller' (2019), the supernatural facet doesn't overwhelm the plot." - KIRKUS REVIEWS
"Delaney specializes in the art of internalizing his characters amongst high impact situations that provoke the will of their human spirit and push them to find transcendence if they are to survive those that wish them dead." - Trad Willmann, Writer/Director
For Film or Publishing Rights Contact: Abhilash Bandela at (937) 813-9522 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY• 25
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Seymour Ubell COMING FALL 2022
THE SURPRISE HIT OF THE SEASON! “Touching, heart-wrenching and surprising. An impressive debut novel!” Award-winning author,
Matthew Coyle, Lost Tomorrows For more information: Jane Ubell-Meyer, Jane@BedsideReading.com
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Sparkle Up Your Gift
What you need to pay attention to when choosing a gift for a person so that the gift would be interesting and useful? Choosing the right present most of people finding challenging. No one will argue with the fact that the most important for any person is his birthday. Therefore, this day is remembered for a long time, leaving only pleasant moments in the memory. But not only at birthday, any person would like to be the center of attention, and for this you need to come up with an original, and at the same time practical present that will remind you and your warm relationship for a long time to come. It is worth preparing well for such a gift in order to definitely make a good impression and choose the best gift that is most suitable. Unique and personalised ideas for presents will share Nathalie Suisa Gelbart with SparkleUp Pins. Is Fashion your passion? Yes, it‘s my passion to communicate through fashion. What I like especially is personalized fashion items. I love to personalize my clothes, my accessoires and i do the same for my children. And when it comes to give a present to a beloved person I always choose custom-made individualized fashion pieces. How did you start SparkleUp? When i got pregnant, i realised how beautiful it is to get a special, unique and personal birth gift. There are so many birth and baby gifts on the market, but most of people facing
difficulties to find an unique and personal present which comes from the heart and gives a feeling of being special. My baby motivated me to create SparkleUp Pins (@sparkle._.up, www.sparkleup.ch) with protective charms with letters of the baby name as a unique birth present or present to a mother. The birth of a child is one of the most magical happenings ever. The moment a mother holds the child in her arms has such a huge impact on her as a woman. The gift you receive should be as special and personal same as such life changing moment. It should remind you of deep feelings you experienced and should accompany you. The SparkleUp Pins are unique and personal as the birth of your child. For hundreds of years it was a believe what pins gives protective and lucky charms to the baby and mother and whole family is protected against all kind of negative happenings, with the hamsa charm etc. Nowadays our fans love to buy the pins not only as a birth present, but also for bar and bat mitzvah, as a birthday present for children & women and for the first schoolday & kindergarden. Women love the pins for their scarfs, hats & bags. And children in a wheelchair love to have their personal pin with their name and their favorite charms on their wheelchair. Is there a fashion in pins? Yes, pins are pure fashion. It is individualized and personalized vouge. You can create them as you want. Whether you like glamour or modesty, white or bright colors , up to any of your choice we create the pin custom-made for you. The pins are definitly an eyecatcher for clothes, bags, hats, scarfs etc. If you put a pin on your jeans jacket it turns into a single piece. It is the special something on your daily style. But they are not only a fashion piece, they are also very useful as the pins hold your
scarf and poncho together. And in case you want to label your bag or backpack or the stroller of your child you can do it with the pin and in the same time give it a personal touch. What are SparkleUp pins made of? The pins are plated in 18k real gold color and Czeck rhinestones. How do you stay up to date regarding pins fashion? Regularly check the fashion world about the upcoming trends. Talk to fashion- mongers about their wishes, and adop their ideas about the pins. I constantly look at the new baby born & children fashion and talk to other young designers. With my friends I organize fashion popup-stores and I participate at designers markets. I love discussing with fashion conscious people about fashion trends and try out new things! SparkleUp future plans? We want to reach more and more clients around the globe. Of course we will work on new pin styles and create new products. At the moment we have gold pins in our collection but we want to offer as well silver pins in the near future. As we know that there are lots of people who prefer silver over the gold. Additionally we will add new charms to our collection as heart, guardian angel, moon, different flower styles. And our plan is to have more colour options: black, taupe color for elegant ladies. Who is the most stylish celebrity mom and a baby in your opinion? Gal Gadot with baby girl Daniella What is the most crazy thing you would like to do in Hollywood? I would like to go to the birthday party of a celebrity child and create there my pins custom-made for all the children and women! HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY• 39
