March 2013
Letter from the Editor The Iconic team is absolutely awesome! I personally want you to read the articles My first thanks and shout out goes to with an open mind and think about the Team Iconic. Without their hard work different ventures you want to do, even and dedication to the if it’s selling accessories editorials and design, “There is a certain online while working Iconic Magazine would regular 9-5. I think rush from making a aeveryone not exist. should have the of gaining an sale, telling peers experience income of his or her own, This issue of Iconic Magazine is the about your business, no matter how small or large the financial gain IconicPreneur edition. and getting is. There is a certain rush We still have stories from from making a sale, telling the different industries recognized in some peers about your business, we cover, but on a more and getting recognized in intimate and business positive way for some positive way for your level. The interviews touch on the “who” of the your work. It just work. It just feels good. what, and the “why” in the feels good. “ how… if that makes sense. So, without further ado, Team Iconic presents to you the March 2013 IconicPreneur We wanted to go behind the scenes and Edition of Iconic magazine. get some foundational stories that will inspire you, if you aren’t already, to start on your business or at least explore the possibilities that are available.
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TEAM ICONIC Founder & Editor In Chief Lana Moore Executive Editor Liz Mitchell Creative Director Denishia Macon Fashion Editor Ashley Andrus Luxury & Lifestyle Editor Joshua Vaughn Music & Ent. Editor Christou Music & Ent. Editor Kelly Desrochers Fashion & Media Persona Editor Charissa “Ms. Chriss” Woods
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Charleston
Fashion Week March 19th - 23rd 2013 By Ashley Andrus
T
he fashion industry is taking over South Carolina with Charleston’s Fashion week occurring March 19th - 23rd 2013 within the tents in Marion Square. This five-night event will feature more than 35 runway shows and the Emerging Designer showcase which will highlight the talents of 20 emerging designers this year. Influential people such as Fern Mallis, Creator of New York Fashion Week, Chris Benz, fashion designer, and Anne Slowey, Fashion News Director of Elle, will be in attendance.
Schedule of Events: March 19-23, 2013: Runway Shows March 22, 2013: Rock the Runway Model Competition March 23, 2013: Charleston Weddings magazine’s Spring Bridal Show March 23, 2013: Emerging Designer Finals
5 of the 20 Finalists
Siobhan Elizabeth Murphy Charleston, SC
Jazsalyn McNeil Raleigh, NC
Kita Nolley Atlanta, GA
Sabrina Spanta Savannah, GA
Victoria Cid Charlotte, NC
For more information on Charleston’s Fashion Week and ticket information please refer to www.charlestonmag.com/fashionweek/main Designers’ Names and Pictures courtesy of www.charlestonmag.com/fashionweek/2013_Top20
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TABLE OF CONTENTS IconicPreneurs 6
Stumbling Into An Empire
10
Carolina IconicPreneurs Introduce Snooze and Wally
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Appreneur: Industry At Your Fingertips
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Pretty Pistol
16
Accessuri: The New Line of Eco-Friendly Fashion
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Kristin Robbins Award Winning Fashion Label: Tyger Alexis
20 Forever K. Michael
The Pouchee
6 Pretty Pistol
22 Gwen Rawls Shoe Collection 25 Priti NYC 26 Renaissance Woman Fabulizes 28 Liars & Modern Quilts 30 Spring Art Show 32 Brandon “Bigg B“ Hickman
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34 Lila 36 Bettie Grind
Bettie Grind Iconic Drinks 9
Drink of the Month: French Martini
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Time for Sparkling Wine
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Stumbling In By By Lana LanaMoore Moore
How Anita Crook's Christmas Gift Turned
O
nly two accessories are in existence that a woman will walk to the ends of the earth to make sure she has stocked in her closet to complete any outfit: shoes and a purse. Just like a woman’s shoes, a purse makes a statement and can be combined with many outfits to change the mood of the day’s attire. For the majority of women, there are a few select purses in the closet that are considered “everyday” handbags. These handbags are interchangeable, may come in medium to large
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sizes, have compartments to fit a plethora of paperwork, makeup, cell phones, sunglasses and other must-haves, and of no surprise, they are stylish. But what happens when a stylish handbag is a bottomless pit with no compartments and one tightly sewn zipper inside? Pocketbook mayhem, foolery, and clutter! All women have experienced the 2-minute rummage through their pocketbook to find that one item that seems to have been stolen by pocketbook-stiltskin. And to
make matters worse, the 2-minute rummage undoubtedly comes when time is of the essence. So, in 2004 when Anita Crook was presented a designer pocketbook with no usable compartments as a Christmas present from her son, she thought to herself, “I’m never going to use this.” The pocketbook was nice, stylish and was a wonderful gift, but Anita knew that the pocketbook would not be used since it was just a bag full of space. To be a good mom and make some use out of her new bag-cave, Anita
nto An Empire Her Into an Entrepreneurial Success
thought of a way to make her new gift usable. She had an idea for a small purse organizer, but not a clue in how to make it. In Anita’s own words, “I don’t sew... Me and needles do not get along!”
luck came through. The friend’s daughter said to Anita as she was walking out of the door, “By the way, I have a friend you may want to talk to. She has a purse she gets made overseas.”
While visiting her friend, Anita told her idea about her purse organizer. This was the first piece of luck Anita ran into. Her friend’s daughter knew how to sew and was able to start working on a few prototypes of the Pouchee.
Anita was given the friend’s name and number and soon was in contact with her.
When the Pouchee prototypes were completed, she was ready to go when her second piece of
Everything was unfolding for Anita Crook in a manner that can only be described as destiny. From Anita’s second piece of luck, she was given the contact of a broker for a manufacturing company in China. She ordered her first 2,000
Pouchees and, to this day, still works with the same manufacturer. The interview with Mrs. Crook was delightful. She has a pleasant spirit and a warm heart that could be heard through the phone. She talked about the road from idea to Pouchee heaven and here is some of what she said about her first week’s sales and hitting the road with the Pouchee. You know, everybody that was in sales was trying to brace me. The reason I was never in sales is because I don’t take rejection well! www.iconicmagazine.com
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I thought I was going to go into these stores, show them my little Pouchee, say how cute it is, they’ll look at it and say not interested and I’ll go run out of the store crying. So, I was fully prepared for rejection and not taking it well. Everyone kept on encouraging me and told me “Well, you know, you have to go through 21 no’s before you get one yes. So just don’t give up, keep going.” So, I just went from store to store, and back then I had Pouchees in the back of my car. So, if they wanted to order I had them there with me. This went on for about three to four months. And then my husband started to get excited, and he wanted to go with me. He loves sales; that’s his thing, and I thought I could use the [sales] technique help. So, he went with me on a number of calls. We went to this one store in Columbia [South Carolina] and made an order, and before we got to the next store, she called back and said, “Can you come back before you leave town? We’ve already sold out!” And that happened several times. Before we could even leave the town, stores were
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calling back for more. People who were in the stores at the time had heard my sales pitch to the store and would buy them right after I left. Either that or the employees wanted one, so they would sell out…
but also sells their custom purse organizer via their online site at www.pouchee.com. The unique story behind the Pouchee is that Anita just wanted to be able to use her son’s gift. She never thought she was going to start a new career. She was content with being a housewife, but she had a problem to solve, and in doing so, she created her own empire. While Anita isn’t interested in starting any more businesses, she is fully vested in growing Pouchee, Inc. with more products that solve problems for women.
That gave me confidence, knowing I had a good product, to go into stores and sell with my product confidence. The Pouchee is currently in more than 2,000 stores around the world, with distributors in Canada, Spain, Dubai, and Germany just to name a few, and the company is in talks with a lady in Ireland and a gentleman in Chile who want to distribute the purse organizer. Pouchee, Inc., sells mostly through wholesale distribution,
Anita’s piece of advice for entrepreneurs, “If you have an original product, you need to patent and trademark your product as fast as you can.” Pouchee Inc. has settled five lawsuits from other people copying the Pouchee. With an idea as simple and unique as the Pouchee, it’s no wonder that every woman with a bottomless pit of a handbag hasn’t said to herself, “Why didn’t I think of that?!!!” Anita’s answer, “I’m glad you didn’t!”
French Martini
I
INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 ounces vodka • 1 ounce pineapple juice • 1/2 ounce Chambord (raspberry liqueur) • Champagne • Ice Add vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with champagne.
I
Makes one serving.
The traditional Martini, as we all know it, is made with gin and vermouth, then garnished with an olive or lemon twist. But considering this is Iconic Magazine, we thought it be fitting to find a martini that suits the palette of our IconicPreneur Edition. This French Martini has a combination of spirits designed for celebrations of success, an aspect we want to convey in this month’s issue. We hope that you enjoy this drink and think of us when you are holding your glass high, toasting to the success of a wonderful launch, acquisition, merger, or obtained goal. Cheers! www.iconicmagazine.com
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Carolina IconicPreneurs Introduce Snooze and Wally By Joshua Vaughn
(Left to Right): Nate Justiss, Lindsay Windham, Adam Printz
Distil Union was born out of a love of product design and a desire for finding solutions for real life problems. When their former employer, Philips Electronics, moved their office from Charleston to Connecticut, industrial designers Nate Justiss and Adam Printz teamed with graphic designer Lindsay Windham to start their own micro-collective to “create the products they wanted.”
is platform that allows entrepreneurs to present their ideas to potential investors with the intent of pooling a large number of backers with each providing a small portion of the funding. Distil Union has successfully funded two projects through Kickstarter.
“If Philips can do it, this ginormous, multi-billion dollar corporation can do it, why can’t the three of us do it,” joked Distil Union’s graphic designer Lindsay Windham. To fund their products Distil Union has used a combination of self-funding and crowd funding through Kickstarter. Kickstarter.com
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Th e first was an IPod/iPhone alarm clock dock and app with an oversized snooze button called Snooze.
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Photo by Tom McCorkle
“We were able to do about 2,000 Snoozes,” says Lindsay. “While we sold about 800 on Kickstarter our order was high enough to have some quantities in stock.” For their second project the team elegantly tackled a wallet case for the iPhone. This project is dubbed Wally. The inspiration for Wally came from a visit to the Apple Store, a frequent destination for the team’s inspiration. “There’s obviously a demand,” Lindsay said. “People want to combine these two, their phone and their wallet, but they were all just so bulky.”
Ingeniously, Distil Union incorporated a pull tab to reduce the bulk. The case is made of a high-quality Italian leather and assembled in the USA. A non-marking micro suction was chosen over adhesive to cap off this well thought out innovation. If public support is a benchmark for Wally’s success, this product is a hit. Wally’s goal was $12,000. At the time of writing this article the project has raised over $83,000 with nearly 2,000 individuals backing the project. “The best thing about Kickstarter is the community,” Lindsay said. “There are so many people that know to go to Kickstarter to get the latest and greatest. A lot of early adopters look for cool stuff on Kickstarter.” Lindsay said some keys to running a successful Kickstarter campaign are to keep your backers involved and updated and heed the old adage “under promise and over deliver.” To support Distil Union, buy a Snooze, and stay up to date on Wally and other upcoming Distil Union projects by visiting www.distilunion. com.
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Appreneur INDUSTRY AT YOUR FINGER TIPS By Joshua Vaughn
hen Steve Detmer wanted a change
W
“The risk factor with an app is so
money needed to purchase a NBA team.
of careers he turned to the, then
small with potentially so much to gain,
This new outlet is providing a resource
in its infancy, Apple App Store. Detmer
how is it not appealing,” said Nick Ray,
for many to bring their ideas to fruition.
created a puzzle game for the iPhone
owner of Kinetiscape Media LLC, a
With the ease of access to the market, the
called “Trism” with only $5,000 in
digital media solutions company, and
need for a solid idea has never been more
startup capital out of his own pocket.
adjunct professor of Dynamic Content at
necessary to rise above the noise.
Within two months of Trism’s launch, the
American University.
“Dot com’s had access to many
$4.99 app had earned Detmer $250,000.
The dot com boom made some
people on one platform,” explained
Trism went on to earn over $1,000,000,
individuals extremely wealthy, such as
Ray. “Apps (and the ubiquity of web-
according to most estimates. Many claim
Mark Cuban who sold broadcast.com
based resources on products other than
this was the first rags to riches success for
for $5.9 billion in Yahoo stock in 1999.
computers) allow entrepreneurs to have
the iPhone and ushered in the appreneur
However, dot coms were subject to high
access to many people and also across
era.
start-up costs. A great piece of technology
many platforms. This creates a lot of noise
It was not long after Detmer’s
was key, but a great idea still needed
(as do the massive amounts of mediocre
success that North Carolina native,
investors. The appreneur era is quickly
videos on YouTube, for example), but it
Ethan Nicholas, set out to do the same.
removing that middle man, and replacing
also provides an opportunity for really
Nicholas designed a shooting game for
it with commission-based retail outlets
great ideas to see the light of day.”
the iPhone aptly titled iShoot. The game
such as the iTunes App Store, which
At the end of Apple’s fiscal fourth
was released in October 2008, and by
charges a menial developer’s fee in lieu
quarter 2012, Apple set a record for App
April 2009 iShoot had earned $800,000,
of a 30 percent commission on sales.
Store sales. There are now 700,000 apps
prompting Nicholas to quit his job.
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The lone appreneur may not make the
in the store, a number that is constantly
rising. Apple’s CFO Peter Oppenheimer
human centered design, a philosophy
should be able to do with their software
recently stated that Apple has paid more
used in both profit and non-profit
and with their devices.”
than $6.5 billion to developers since the
enterprises.
store’s inception in 2008.
Gemmell sees the shift to mobile
“You start by going out and trying to
devices as the next progression in
The boom of mobile technology has
understand something about the needs
reached beyond the for profit sector. Non-
of some group of users,” explained
“I think the industry has seen a major
profits are beginning to take advantage of
Cohen. “There is, if I can put it this way, a
change, but I don’t think it’s about mobile
mobile to help connect and better the
hypothesis that you’re going to find needs
per se, whatever mobile actually means,”
lives of people around the world.
that you can do something about using
Gemmell explained. “The change is a shift
mobile technology.”
from computers being a big, dedicated
For the last three years Stanford
computer technology.
University has been on the forefront of
Of the 18 projects started during
thing that you go and learn and then sit
this field by offering Designing Liberation
the program’s tenure, five have survived
down to use, towards computers just
Technologies. The course is headed by
beyond the class’s 10-week sessions.
being devices that are everywhere, used
political science and philosophy professor
Among them is M-maji (http://mmaji.
by everyone. In a sense, mobile is just a
Joshua Cohen and computer science
wordpress.com/) a mobile app designed
step along the road towards computing
professor Terry Winograd. Designing
to help individuals in Kibera find clean,
devices (and data) being ubiquitous, and
Liberation
challenges
fresh water by connecting them to water
environmental.”
students to come up with “innovative
vendors. Cohen’s class teamed with the
uses of mobile platforms to aid in human
Umande Trust to create this project.
Technologies
development in informal settlements in Nairobi and Kenya.”
Salama
Documents
salamadocuments.com/)
(http://www. uses
Whether you are working in for-profit or non-profit, whether you see mobile technology as a fundamental change or
cloud
the next step in an ever changing field,
The prevalence of mobile technology
based technology to store vital documents
the appreneur era is making technology
has reached the level that most homes
for individuals in Kenya. Documents are
more accessible to everyone. The ability
have access to a mobile phone.
brought to the Mathare Youth Sports
to design, build, and bring your product to
Association (MYSA) location. MYSA scans
market has never been greater. Whether
household,”
the documents using mobile devices and
you want to make millions or change the
explained Cohen. “This is in a place
uploads them to the cloud. Should an
world, the technology is now literally at
where roughly, on the dartboard, 80
individual lose their documents, they
your fingertips.
percent of the families live below the
return to MYSA and have them reprinted.
“There’s about a 90 percent mobile penetration
rate
per
Kenyan poverty line.”
“Powerful mobile devices give people
“I think that’s a positive change, because
it’s
had
a
wonderfully
To put this in perspective, USAID
access to data no matter where they are,
democratizing effect on technology,”
places the poverty line for Kenya between
not just their own data, but also ambient
Gemmell said. “It’s no longer the exclusive
$1.25-$2.00 per day. So, even in countries
data about their surroundings, interests,
domain of technical people, and now just
with extreme poverty, the opportunity for
and the world at large,” said Matt
about anyone can benefit from it.”
mobile technology is great.
Gemmell, a user experience designer.
Cohen and Winograd teach the course based on IDEO’s concept of
“The availability of that data has raised people’s expectations about what they
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Pretty Pistol
Carrie Bradshaw meets Angelina Jolie By Ashley Andrus
Pretty Pistol, the label described as Carrie Bradshaw meets Angelina Jolie, is not the fashion label for your average everyday woman. “Pretty Pistol is a brand for the daring, the rebellious and some say, the non-conforming. Women who wear Pretty Pistol, much like the brand itself, can be best described as confident and bold, yet dainty and graceful,� said owner and designer Connie Moreno, who designs for herself when finding inspiration for pieces. Connie Moreno, who always knew that she wanted to be a business owner, decided to start Pretty Pistol after the real estate market and economy began to enter the recession. Having an interest in fashion made it a quick decision that Connie’s company would be in the fashion industry, so after the birth of her daughter, Pretty Pistol was launched.
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What better way to partner designs that no other fashion brands are creating than with
the unforgettable name that is Pretty Pistol. As a huge Marilyn Manson fan and rocker at heart, Connie wanted her company to be named after a Marilyn Manson song and the song chosen was “The Love Song.” Connie describes the song as having a double meaning about the government or women; however her take on the song is that he is talking about a woman who is pretty and a pistol at the same time. What do horror movies and Jack the Ripper have to do with Pretty Pistol? The inspiration behind her collections of course! Fall 2013’s collection was inspired by Jack the Ripper, and like her past collections horror movies have had an influence on the garments’ shapes and colors. A lot has changed from the launch of Pretty Pistol with her first collection being described as “trial and error,” because another company was assisting with the start-up process. Not following the traditional route, Connie didn’t begin with a business plan, but she began designing clothing and selling Pretty Pistol online and in boutiques. Now, Connie has her own sketch artist and team that assist with making her visions a reality.
endorsements makes a huge impact for Pretty Pistol’s marketing and branding. Celebrities such as Natasha Bedingfield, Leah Labelle, Karmin, Janina Gavankar, Katherine Heigl, and Garcelle Beauvais have been photographed and seen on television wearing Pretty Pistol. Even with the fame of Pretty Pistol, Connie’s biggest lessons to learn when operating a business are many: she’s very critical of her own work, there are sacrifices for business owners, and the large amounts of money that it takes on a daily basis to run a business can be overwhelming. Connie doesn’t regret one moment because she’s able to live her dream each day of being a business owner and fashion designer. For more information on Pretty Pistol visit: http://pretty-pistolclothing.myshopify.com/
Being a business owner can be challenging, but having celebrity www.iconicmagazine.com
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Accessuri
The New Line of Eco-friendly Glamour By Ashley Andrus
R
achana Suri is the new owner of the successful and popular eco and environmental friendly glamour brand Accessuri. Accessuri is home to glamorous items such as jewelry, scarves, and faux furs. Rachana’s passion for the environment and human rights can be seen through her beautiful custom designs and charitable work for human trafficking. Iconic Magazine (IM): Rachana, at what point in life did you decide you wanted to start your own business? Rachana Suri (RS): I decided it was time for me to start my own business while I was working in corporate America. I wanted the creative freedom to make my own decisions and I wanted more control. IM: Did you start with the traditional route of creating a business plan and finding investors or did you just jump right in and start designing? RS: I did not go the traditional route of creating a business plan first. After my trip to Europe, I decided to make scarves; I bought $50 worth of fabric and began selling my scarves at craft shows. Now that my company is online and I’m attending tradeshows, it’s important that I go to the next level with Accessuri, so I just created a business plan last month {January}. IM: Accessuri’s mission statement is “Accessuri believes in our modern time of corporations and consumerism; our power is directly correlated to how we spend our money.” What does that exactly mean? RS: A capitalist society isn’t bad; we just need to become more aware of what it means to be a capitalist
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society. We need to create new ways to manufacture and not exploit foreign countries and workers. Corporations make more money exploiting workers, but companies do not have to be all about profits. I want to be fashionable, glamorous, and socially responsible. At Accessuri, we believe we can do all three. We believe in sustainable business values, where laborers are paid a fair wage, creating local jobs, and using animal friendly materials. Being animal friendly is very important to be me especially since I have pets of my own. IM: What are some challenges of being a young female CEO? RS: Being a CEO is not for the sweet of hearts. You will need to have strength and faith in yourself. It’s wonderful being a part of everything and seeing your dreams come true, but there is a lot of work that goes into being a business owner. I do everything from designing to sewing to public relations, so it’s very important that I stay grounded and true to myself; you need to stay focused on your brand and ideas. IM: How would you describe your style? RS: My style is very environmentally and socially responsible. Glamour fashion is not all about expensive labels; wearing clothing that is eco-friendly and animal friendly can be glamorous too. Not all eco-friendly labels are tie-dye. IM: Where did the name Accessuri originate? RS: My last name is Suri, so I combined accessories and Suri.
IM: What made you want to sell faux furs and jewelry? RS: So many things are made in China. I am not saying that’s bad; we shouldn’t take all the jobs from China because that would be bad for their economy. I make sure to source my fabrics and faux furs from honest places that actually have certifications that their products are in fact authentic and eco-friendly; I actually have an ethical fashion certification. I wanted Accessuri to be aware of social responsibilities by creating a local economy and treating people fair and according to fair labor laws. I continue to receive a lot of positive responses in regard to creating an ethical conscious business. People are starving for this, and I hear a lot of people say they didn’t know about ecofriendly glamour and they want to learn more. There is a stigma that eco-friendly is hippie, and it’s not. I’m trying to change people’s mindset about eco-friendly glamour. IM: Where can Iconic readers purchase your pieces? RS: Iconic readers can purchase pieces at www. accessuri.com. I am working with a few boutiques, and I also got call backs from huge department outlets to have Accessuri in their establishments. Now that my site is up and my look book is out, my next steps are going to tradeshows and boutiques. Since my mom is retired, she has been a big help in getting Accessuri out there to buyers and different outlets by sending out our look book on a daily basis. IM: What has been your biggest challenge since opening up your own business? RS: My biggest challenge since opening my own business was keeping the faith of my idea. My parents are very conservative and after my trip to Europe, I came home to live with my parents and bought a sewing machine to begin my dream. My mom originally couldn’t understand why I wouldn’t get a job. She is now very supportive. So the hardest part at first was keeping faith and not getting deterred from the hard work. Our society is about instant gratification, and it’s not always the reality. Allow yourself and your company to grow slowly. IM: Who are your entrepreneur fashion icons? RS: Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger because they grew their companies from the ground up. They also started off small and slowly grew their lines. Over the years they have stayed true to their brands and images which I love a lot. For more information about Rachana Suri and Accessuri please refer to: www.accessuri.com/
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Kristin Robbins’ Award
Tyger
W
inning Best Design in 2009 for Couture for a Cause, Raleigh’s Designer of the Year in the RAW: Natural Born Artist c o m p e t i t i o n, and participating in SPARKCon, Kristin Robbins has set the bar high for local fashion designers in North Carolina. Kristin Robbins, a resident of Raleigh, didn’t realize until her early years of high school that being a fashion designer could actually be a career
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choice. Re-creating clothing from thrift stores for herself throughout high school developed Kristin’s sewing techniques and early realization that the typical nine to five job would not satisfy her passions or dreams, so her mother encouraged her to follow her passions for music, art, and fashion and become a fashion designer. What better way to start a business than to have the support of your mother. “My mom is my hero, and I don’t know other people like my mom… she encouraged me to follow my dreams, and she believes in me,” stated Kristin. While majoring in fashion design,
Kristin spent six months studying abroad at the Paris American Academy in Paris, France and attended couture fashion shows and received life-challenging advice from the designers themselves about not giving up on her designs due to lack of money or resources. You may be wondering about the name Tyger Alexis, and the secret behind the brand’s name is that Tyger Alexis was actually going to be Kristin’s name; her mother backed out of naming her Tyger after friends asked her to reconsider naming her daughter Tyger. Kristin’s mom watched two different soap operas with characters named Tyger and Alexis.
Winning Fashion Label:
Alexis
By Ashley Andrus
Without inspiration a fashion brand will not be successful. Kristin’s inspirations for Tyger Alexis are the 20’s-60’s decades (recycling clothing), feminine and girly, rock and roll and surprise elements such as detailing in the back of garments and pieces that look one way going down the runway and can be transformed another way at the end of the runway. A lot of the success and marketing of Tyger Alexis comes from commission work, runway competitions, boutiques, and word of mouth from all of her clients.
plans to create solid pieces to sell online. Kristin’s website will also be a platform for other local budding artists because Kristin believes in helping other people’s dreams come true too. A big challenge of being a fashion designer and owner of a fashion brand is that buyers do not understand all of the hard-work and time that goes into creating a work of art. Kristin does all of the sketches, drafting, pattern making, and construction of each garment herself, especially for commission pieces. It’s hard for people to correlate the price with the hard work that goes into designing.
“Designing is hard work, but there is a great gratification when someone buys a piece of clothing and loves it just as much as you do...it’s very rewarding.” Kristin enjoys being a fashion designer and is rewarded every day because she has a business and career that she loves. For more information regarding commission pieces please contact Kristin at: tygeralexis@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/tyger. alexis.design
For the future of Tyger Alexis, Kristin www.iconicmagazine.com
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Forever K. Michael By Lana Moore
B
efore Forever K. Michael, Khristian
were seeing in the industry and also
myself if I could just educate myself
Michael was in the music industry
what Khristian needed to do to succeed
on this, I might be able to do my own
in a new venture.
thing. And I really wasn’t looking to
as an A&R and marketing specialist working with independent and signed artists. He was establishing himself as an executive in the industry around the time when the music industry was taking a turn… well, rather a loss. Sales from albums were plummeting due to Internet downloads and pirating. Khristian decided to reinvent himself with a brand that would ultimately take his entrepreneurial career to new heights.
My
mentors
told
me,
“Khristian
Michael, if we could find a way to brand YOU, you’d make a lot of money.” I didn’t sing, I didn’t rap, so if I could
mentors to discuss the changes they
was just looking to put my destiny into my own hands and make a little bit of independent money, like how I did in the music business.
find a way to brand myself, I could win. These were successful men who were
I remember getting out of the music
telling me this.
business.
I
thanked
my
mentors,
shook everyone’s hands, took my I had a love for eyewear. I was always wearing them at all of the fashion
In 2008, Khristian sat down with his
20
go massive as the brand I am today; I
shows and events I was attending. So, I said I’d do eyewear. I know what looks good; I know what feels good. I told
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entire savings and began to plug away at researching eyewear, shipping from overseas, and designing. As I was branding and building, a licensing company had found me on MySpace
and saw the product I was producing.
Khristian encourages entrepreneurs
to do business with people who are
They loved what I was doing and
to do their homework to make sure
seasoned, they are going to see right
wanted to meet with me. I star ted
they have everything together before
through you and eat you alive.
that in early 2009 – March/April. By
trying to jump into a new venture.
December, I had a contract on the table.
3 – Do a business plan. I know they It can take up to 18 months to tie
are boring and long, but it’s a reality
together
shipping,
check. It was a reality check for me
I always tell people, when you walk
and branding. Just ask anyone who
manufacturing,
when I first started. It took me about
in your destiny, you can’t be stopped.
makes
six months to write my plan. It forced
When you are doing what you are
pocketbooks, etc.
clothing
–
jeans,
T-shirts,
me to think and gave me a reality
supposed to be doing in life, the doors will open.
check to figure out how I was going to 3 pieces of advice Khristian gives to
overcome a lot of my obstacles.
fledgling entrepreneurs – One of Khristian’s notable obstacles
On January 21, 2010, I signed the deal. It was a licensing and distributing contract through NYS Collection. They are a large competitor in the eyewear industry. They are in 42 different countries and 1,500 malls. Through the contract, they would take on the manufacturing and distribution, and I would continue the branding.
Khristian was able to brand himself and his company into a global success; so much he caught the attention of and
entrepreneur,
Shaquille O’neal, who is Forever K. Michael’s
top
client
designs eyewear for.
the
about what you do. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s the absolute truth. Make sure you’re passionate because building your company is going to beat the breaks off of you.
company
was the trademark for K. Michael. Someone at the trademark commission told him that Michael was too common and
he
would
never
be
able
to
trademark it. Right now, Khristian owns the federal trademark for K. Michael. So, the last piece of advice
2 – Do your research. That’s cliché
Since the Forever K. Michael launch,
multi-millionaire
1 – Make sure you are passionate
too, but I’ve learned that the hard way too. Make sure you understand
Khristian has for entrepreneurs…
Never give up.
and know what you are talking about because
when
you
get
that
real
opportunity or real deal, and you walk in there without knowing your
Visit his website at: www.foreverkmichael.com
product, your brand, or your mission, you have a problem. If you are going
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21
R n e w G Gwen Rawls G
wen Rawls used her background in international shipping from her 20+ years at UPS as one of the key foundations in starting her business of selling fine Italian shoes in her self-named shoe boutique. The knowledge she had gave her an edge in an area where most business owners who are just beginning in receiving international goods have to do extensive research with a lot of trial and error.
After retiring from UPS, Gwen wanted to venture out on her own to start a business she (along with 99.9% of all women) was interested in, shoes. I’ve always wanted to start my own business and that was something that was instilled in me as a child. I was always told to go to college, get a good education, and either find that good job or own your own business. My parents always wanted us to get more and have more than they had. As I was thinking about what I was going to do, I knew it was going to be in the line of fashion, somewhere in that category. I knew I loved shoes. It’s not like I owned a lot of shoes, but I knew that shoes were the foundation to my fashion. I would take a very stylish pair of shoes and pair them with a very simple dress. I wouldn’t travel specifically for shoes, but when I traveled, that’s when I made my shoe purchases. I would go to Atlanta, New York, and of course Europe. I would wait for those occasions to bring back something unique, different, and something no one else had. So, when it was time to move forward with my plan, I said this is exactly what I want to do.
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s l w a R Collection
By Lana Moore
We have a lot of wonderful retailers here in Columbia [South Carolina], but the variety was limited. So, I decided to bring that same concept of what I was doing when I would travel back to the ladies in my hometown. The brands that Gwen Rawls carries are exclusive to the area. Her boutique shoe store has a lineup that includes Roberto Cavalli, Baldan, Nando Muzi, Loribl, Antonio Barbato, Luciano Padovan, Gianna Meliani and an exclusive line, Mario Zamagna for Gwen Rawls, just to name a few. Gwen Rawls is looking to turn her self-named shoe boutique into a brand that will open and be well known in other cities. Taking a small business and expanding it into a
larger company is an entrepreneur’s dream and Gwen is on course to do so.
www.gwenrawls.com
For a pair of Italian shoes at Gwen Rawls, be prepared to drop an exclusive dollar amount. The boutique’s fine international shoes carry a price tag of $120.00 to $1,000. But shoe exclusivity is a part of the female shoe fetish. A woman will juggle the bills around just for the right pair of shoes. We do not recommend letting the light bill fall by the wayside, but for a pair of exclusive Mario Zamagna for Gwen Rawls, we’ll say call the light company and make some arrangements. (That was a joke, please do not do that! Lol!) www.iconicmagazine.com
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Time for Sparkling Wine By Liz Mitchell
This one’s for our publisher/ editor-in-chief Lana Moore. She’s probably so sweet because she loves sweet wine, so she sparks my interest in recommending this tasty treat. Rosa Regale Banfi is fruity and sweet, a very light pinkish red bubbly wine. It pairs well with cheese or light meals of chicken, seafood or pasta, but it’s also a good after dinner drink especially delicious with chocolate. While it’s respectable enough to please a wine snob or two we happen to know, it’s also recommended for those who would prefer Kool-Aid or fruit juice to any wine at all, because it’s so pleasant that it resembles punch. Its low alcohol content also makes it suitable for those who don’t really like wine as well as for those of us who may like several glasses. For special occasions, it’s a good substitute
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for expensive champagne to accompany a toast, and it’s more likely to please a mixed crowd as well as the host’s budget. It’s considered a good price around $17.99 and is available in most wine shops or liquor stores, probably not in the grocery though. Rosa Regale is produced in Italy from brachetto grapes and imported by Banfi Vintners in New York. Moscato lovers and sparkling wine drinkers are encouraged to chill a bottle, pour a taste into a crystal flute and give it a try.
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Renaissance
Fabulizes
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Woman he’s a wearable art artist, painter and S house whisperer too. Mona Groban calls it artrepreneurship. She is an incredibly talented artist and savvy entrepreneurial businesswoman who recycles and upcycles as she makes a living as an artist. “I’ve been an entrepreneurial gal since the get go,” she said, as she explained her philosophy. “Entrepreneurship is about taking ownership of one’s life. It is said that most people only own about 3 percent of their lives. The military, job, church, spouse, family, organizations, government all own a greater percentage of our lives than we do. Taking ownership of one’s life occurs rarely and is very hard work. As an individual, it is of utmost importance for me to own as much of my life as possible. To be able to make the decisions as to when, where and how I will earn my income is at the core of most of my decision making. Her friend and client BJ Gallagher, a noted inspirational author and speaker, tells the story of this iconic personality in Hendersonville, NC: “She bought a cluster of run-down cottages and transformed them into vibrant art studios, one of which she uses herself while renting the others. She has created a lively gathering place for local artists to work, play and inspire one another. Some refer to Mona as a house whisperer because she has the magic touch with real estate. “A few months ago she bought a piece of bargain property on Carolina Beach, NC. There was an old mobile home parked on the property which the seller promised to have towed away. Mona said, ‘Oh just leave it. I don’t mind.’ Then she spent two weeks transforming the drab, dreary old trailer into
By Liz Mitchell
a colorful work of livable art -- painting it inside and out with whimsical patterns and designs, installing new counter tops and appliances in the kitchen and filling the rooms with brightly painted furniture and outsider art. It is now a magical artist’s beach retreat that she rents to writers, artists or people who simply want a beautiful beach-front place to rent for a week or longer. “But transforming Carolina real estate is just one of Mona’s many talents. Her primary business is MonaPaints! She goes to the Goodwill store where she stocks up on gently worn sweaters, jackets, T-shirts, sweatshirts and more. She hauls her treasures back to her studio, cuts them up, and creates totally new pieces of wearable art. She often paints the garments, trims them in colorful bits and scraps, and gives them her trademark fabulizing treatment. She sells her gorgeous garments, as well as hand-painted purses and shoes, via Facebook and Etsy to her thousands of fans all across the country. “Mona Groban is the most unusual artist you’re likely to find with that combination of incredible creativity and business savvy. Mona makes almost all my clothes and last summer I commissioned her to come to California and fabulize my car,” Gallagher said. Anyone love spiky pumps, walking shoes, sandals, hand painted vegan clogs or maybe want a painted mannequin, a lamp, pillow or martini glass? Mona does walls, doors, you-name-it and she probably will paint it. Please visit her web site for more views of her fabulizing: www.monapaints.com.
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27
&
Liars
Mode
Scheduled
BIG Story Fest & Liars Competition The BIG Story Fest & Liars Competition is April 11-14 in Beaufort SC. This festival honors the deeply fun tradition of storytelling and story listening with performances, family activities, workshops, and diverse voices, including Bil Lepp, Doug Elliot, Natalie Daise and Judy Sima (from WVA, NC, SC and MI, respectively.) Out-of-town competitors can jump into the wildcard round during the festival even after the preliminaries which are February 17, March 10 and March 24. One additional round will occur during the festival, so visitors should join in then. Bil Lepp, a five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest, will serve as one of the judges and the MC of the BIG Liars Competition. The competition is open to all styles, ages, and residences. This competition is an esteemed gathering
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of those who shoot the breeze with the greatest of ease, of the lying liars and the audiences who laugh with them. Cash prizes will be announced. Please check the website for registration details and updates. The BIG Story Fest is enjoyed in Beaufort Town Center, a leisure and shopping area, and is a project of ARTworks, the arts council of Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Islands: Phone: 843-379-2787 Twitter: @artseensc www.beaufortcountyarts.com/ bigstoryfest.htm
ern Quilts for Beaufort, SC Modern Quilt Exhibition The modern quilt is simple, uncomplicated and contemporary. The Beaufort Modern Quilt Guild is 24 members who strive to achieve and build on this aesthetic. They are having their first exhibition in the gallery at ARTworks in Beaufort Town Center in April and May. The gallery is free to browse Tuesdays through Saturdays and special events. “We’ll have about 30 pieces that show how modern quilters work,” said Rhonda Jordan, who owns Tabby Fabric & Studio, where the Beaufort Guild meets.
“We’ve invited the Charleston and Greenville Guilds too, so the public will see a fantastic range of new designs. Modern quilters don’t follow patterns so much. They embrace asymmetry and negative space, not just rigid prints and structures. Machine-sewn binding is fine. The show isn’t a competition, but our way of displaying what quilting means here and now.” Some quilts and related creations will be for sale. For more about the guild, contact Jordan at 843-379-5700.
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Eclectic Gallery Welcomes Spring With Group Art Show By Liz Mitchell
Karen Casciani, Sea of Petals, acrylic Sunset River Marketplace art gallery in Calabash, NC will feature a group show titled Bring On Spring! through March 23. According to gallery owner Ginny Lassiter, the exhibition includes oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors, pastel works, clay art and photography. She said, “We’re fighting back against winter weather and celebrating the bright colors and warm energy of spring.” Participating artists run the gamut in both style and genre. Sam McLaughlin is known for his works in both pastel and oil. The Topsail, NC artist depicts scenes from the island and its surrounding areas. His large format oil painting, Daffodils, offers a close up view of the beloved harbinger of warmer weather.
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Karen Casciani is new to the gallery, and her large acrylic florals demand attention immediately. Her photorealistic pink mum in Sea of Petals is the signature piece of the show. This Pittsburgh, PA native spent the last 30 years in Atlanta, GA where she worked as an executive, studied art, began showing her work, and eventually became a teacher. In 2012, Casciani participated in a yearlong exhibit at the Georgia State Capital and had one of her paintings selected by Governor Nathan Deal to hang in his office. Michigan native Sue Marion is a member of Waterway Art Association and is known for her love of nature and gardening. Her acrylic piece Imperial Iris is another painstakingly rendered, larger-than-life floral painting, a standout in the collection.
Three watercolor artists are also in the mix. Freeman Beard grew up in the foothills of the NC mountains and studied at Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL. He describes his style as realistic impressionism and uses the traditional technique of transparent watercolors, allowing the paper to be his whitest white. Morning Sun is his memorable Bearded Iris painting. The title refers to the optimum light requirement for the popular spring staple. Linda Griffin began her art training in Europe, where she grew up as the daughter of an Army officer. It was there that her love of architecture and travel – which can still be observed in Blue Bucket, her watercolor painting in the Sunset River show – began to develop. A Washington, DC native, Griffin
Linda Griffin, Blue Bucket, watercolor achieved early success in oil painting, but upon discovering watercolor, she realized her true medium. She travels the country teaching workshops and has exhibited at prestigious venues nationwide. Her work is in many corporate collections, including 28 commissions for Marriott Corporation and 23 commissions for Tokyo’s Industrial Research Corporation of Japan. Judy O’Brien was raised in the northeast and attended Art Career School in New York City, after which she became a commercial artist with an advertising firm. She went on to freelance and later taught children’s art before she headed south and devoted herself to creating fine art. Included in this exhibition is her watercolor work, Magnolia. Photographer Louis Aliotta, who is also the custom framer for Sunset River Marketplace, is from upstate New York where he owned his own gallery and framing business. Now living in Southport, NC, he combs the area waterfronts and local gardens
Louis Aliotta, Purple Irises, photography searching for the perfect light and the perfect shot. Purple Irises is one of his popular garden pieces. Robin Smith, also a photographer, was born in Louisville, KY and spent his teenage years in Charleston, SC He has owned a photography studio in Columbia, SC for almost 40 years. The artist has a deep appreciation of the world around him, which gives his images a spiritual depth that illustrates every subject in a new and unique way, as evidenced in Magnolia, Smith’s contribution to Bring On Spring! He has been published in several noteworthy publications and books including Camden: Homes and Heritage; Robert Mills, Architect and G.W. Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate. Printmaker Laurie Wright was a commercial artist for over 20 years and developed her focus on producing the perfect printed page. As a creative fine artist, she doesn’t limit herself by planning her prints. According to the artist, she shuns predictability, instead treating each print as an experiment
in shape and color. Included in the Bring On Spring! exhibition is Wright’s serigraph Blumin, which is the German translation for “flower.” Shandi Berls is a prolific clay artist in Wilmington, NC She met her studio partner (now husband) Casey McConnell while they were both attending the University of Nebraska. Berls is known for her distinctive floral motif clay vessels, jewelry and wall sculptures, several of which are included in the exhibition. Sunset River Marketplace is located on Hwy. 179 in the historic fishing village of Calabash, NC just north of the NC-SC state line. For information about the exhibition, art classes, onsite framing or any other gallery events, please call 910-575-5999 or visit www.sunsetrivermarketplace. com. The gallery’s Facebook page (sunsetrivermarketplace) also lists special events, new artists and other happenings.
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BRANDON “BIGG B” HICKMAN By Kelly Desrochers
B
randon “Bigg B” Hickman is one name you will hear all over Wilmington, North Carolina. From the social night life to the young adults everyone knows this man “Bigg B” from the radio station Coast 97.3. It is just one of the features of Brandon Hickman’s life. With this man leading the station he gives his all to the community and making sure people tune into 97.3. I was able to catch up with “Bigg B” and his busy lifestyle to ask some questions about this career he has been dedicated too. Through his career and his loyalty to the underground music industry, charities, and young adults over the years he has made a name for himself and looked upon as a leader to many.
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IM: Bigg B can you just tell our readers a little background about who is Brandon B. Hickman?
I used to host house parties at NSU music has always been around me and I’ve always been in it.
BH: I am originally from Wilmington, NC. Born and raised graduated with a Business Degree from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. “I am a true Spartan BEHOLD!!” Music was always a part of my life. From my mother’s HI-FI stereo with the 8 track on it to me being in band and getting a band scholarship to NSU.
IM: How many years have you been a Disc Jockey at Coast 97.3 and how did the radio station come into your life? BH: I have been on Coast 97.3 since 2003 going on my 10 year anniversary. “Wow I’m getting old
yo!” I never thought that I would be a radio personality. I tell my radio professionals that I always looked at it as a hobby, but when it became a career decision I was humbled and blessed to be a Programmer in my hometown. IM: Can you explain your responsibilities and where they have taken you over the years. What accomplishments you have made and led you to your current position of program manager today? BH: Well, as a PD I program all the music that you hear on Coast 97.3 as well as make sure my staff is equipped with the tools they need to have successful shows and put the station in the fore front of our community as the leader. I was proud to win the SMES Program Director of the Year. I also am humble to be nominated in the SC awards as Radio Personality of the Year….and of course we stay #1 in our demo (18-34) here in Wilmington. IM: Teaching was your day job & music disc jockey became your night job how have the two careers inspired you? BH: While I was teaching, I was the night DJ. When I was offered the job as PD I did step down from teaching, but I still go into the schools for certain issue and rallies. Both jobs have inspired me to encourage positive change and progress to our youth. I can do it on such a larger scale while I’m on radio.
IM: I have noticed over the years your contributions to your city. What were some of the events that you were involved in that made a big impact on the city of Wilmington?
BH: Don’t worry about the getting signed part yet...brand your name in your city, region, state, etc...make the industry come look for you...get yourself hot...Radio is so different now...don’t wait for someone to make you hot...go get in the streets, clubs, djs ear and get your song poppin... excuse me...A good song...you determine how far your career will go...
BH: Oh wow...I along with my coworker The Mid-Day Miss (Sandra) started the Teen Summit because of the violent crime amongst our teens here in the Port City, I am also an Alum of the Community Boys and Girls Club and I serve on the Black Arts Alliance Board as well...Teen
“Both jobs have inspired me to encourage positive change and progress to our youth. I can do it on such a larger scale while I’m on radio.”
Summit is the baby that really started me super being involved in the community and then the African American Heritage Festival along with anything that keeps kids out of the streets because I was one of those street kids... IM: In the independent music industry over the years I have seen that you have participated in some of the events supporting underground music. What is some advice that you can give these artists trying to get signed or to further their career?
IM: Who are some of the mainstream artist that you might have interviewed or met a long your career that have left a great impression on you? BH: I met Jay-Z in the first part of my career...amazing thinker and business man even at that time when he was independent...yes Rock-A-Fella was indie...but if I could choose just one...Me meeting and interviewing DJ Kool Herc was the biggest for me...if it were not for him I wouldn’t even have a job..a lot of us wouldn’t...”I salute the Father of Hip Hop!!” IM: If you could tell the youth of today one thing they should do in their life time what would that be? BH: READ!!! And Travel!! If you get the opportunity to go somewhere you have never been do it! Exposure teaches us so much...and of course reading is fundamental!! If you can read well you can do anything.... ANYTHING!!! My message to youth would be don’t settle for less...”If Better Is Possible, Good is Not Enough!
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33
W
LILA
By Christou
ith a blend of free spirit and high conscious lyrics, the Durham, NC native live hip-hop band, Lila is a gem in the heart of today’s music that is waiting to unleash its shine to the world. To describe their wide range of sound you would have to include styles of the past progressed into the trends of the future, and these words are far small in comparison to the talent they display.
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The six-man group evolved when childhood friends came together in a fiberglass padded playhouse to record their hip-hop motivated live band ensembles. Staying true to the energy of their earlier produced material, the once smaller band incorporated instrumental players to produce a jam-packed and electrifying experience for their audience and prospective fans. With Griffin hitting the drums like a weight room and Rosean playing the
deepest basslines, shows became mandatory. The icing on this cold ensemble is the psychedelic riffing of Kyle on the electric guitar and the spicy blowing of Mike P on his trombone. In their serene video “Group Therapy,” Jon Le Sueur swells in on the acoustic guitar prepping the sound for the rest of the band to explode on, while group emcee Eli McDuffee delivers the well-groomed lyrics to deepen
the gist of the complete visionary experience. Lila’s energy is harnessed within their sound, and they leave it to one’s own intuition to naturally feel and share this energy with the rest of the waiting world. To steer away from the propaganda of signing with major labels of the sometimes ruthless music industry, Lila stays independently run and prefers it. Each member operates within an elected position on the business aspect of their company. Knowing that most labels want as many pieces of the pie as they can eat, the group knew that live shows would be what they needed to fuel the demands of equipment, product, and advertisement without push and pull of major labels or industrial loan sharks as they see the picture. Anyone who understands marketing knows that good branding comes from having a unique product that many people want. Understanding that their band is essentially their brand and that there are more people creating brands than ever
before, Lila knew that their hip hop folk rock band stood out uniquely. With this, one has to incorporate a community of associates to broaden the horizon of the band’s success, and they do so by outsourcing to local Durham artists who provide the album art, flyers and merchandising. “Reaching out with a co-promotional idea is one of the best methods to get your brand fanned. Know what your local businesses are about and be wise about who you choose to put your name out there. Essentially who we work with also represents us and what we stand for,” explained Le Sueur. Every Christmas they allow themselves one musical gift if they feel a good job was done for them throughout the year. Naughty or nice, this band is proving to be a sure rise to a musical climax. After first asking yourself “Lila Who?” ask later “Lila Where?” and find out how you can experience Lila live in a city near you. www.LilaWho.com
MEMBERS: CEO Eli McDuffee (Emcee) CFO + Custodian Jon Le Sueur (Keys, Acoustic Guitar) PR Rosean Alexander (Bass) Treasurer + Negotiator Griffin Wade (Drums) Marketing Michael Petersen (Trombone) Mediator Kyle Cox (E. Guitar) Big Ideas Guy LiLa (The Band) www.iconicmagazine.com
35
BETTIE GRIND By Christou
I
n the urban hip hop community, an artist from the Carolinas has to face many
adversities. Being that there is a lack of hip hop artist to receive national recognition from the sister states, one has to place an increased effort on trying to appear out of a sea of perceptible nothingness. Their hunger for mainstream attention has to push beyond the initial flight of the imagination into the intricate conception of a plan for marketing and promoting themselves in various competitive markets. Some artists fold from the stretch of demands asked by the prospective audience, reps and media.
Queen City’s native, Bettie Grind, excels by acquiring the public’s eyes and ears through the branding of his comprehensible name and bass-driven music.
Reminiscing on his days of musical beginnings, the Charlotte, NC artist spoke of how he first began to do a substantial amount of writing before experimenting with freestyling over the Goodie Mob single “Black Ice” featuring Outkast. From there Bettie Grind would spend time fine-tuning his craft until the death of his best friend pushed him away from his root surroundings of street life into a more serious focal point of pursuing a musical career.
After winning countless freestyle battles on Power 98’s Freestyle Friday show in 200405, Bettie Grind launched his independent record label Hood Superstars Entertainment in 2006, and released his initial single “Pop Lock” which was well-received and set face to the start of a successful music campaign and movement.
Progressing for six years Bettie Grind has set a precedent in the Carolina hip hop market
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by sharing stages with major artists such as
Young Jeezy, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, and Plies.
One can’t deny Bettie Grind’s constant media
after revealing his ventures in owning a
He has also released mixtapes “King Q.C.”
visibility with TV commercials on major
transportation company and spa in Charlotte.
and “G’s Us Is Coming” combining to almost
broadcasting networks, unwavering mixtape
Viewing additional prospects, he is working
produce 50,000 units within a 24-month
production, blog & social media presence,
on opening an Asian nail spa, as well as
period.
single airplay and sustained show bookings
joining in the development of a $2.3 million
which make a thin line between independent
gentlemen’s club in Raleigh named Indulge.
To step even further into the light of glory, Bettie Grind’s management team constructed a
collaborative
meeting
between
the
artist and multi-platinum award winning record producer Drumma Boy. Together they produced the thrilling street anthem Dammit I’m Fly which massively reached 50 markets in the country, played in 40 states, and overseas as well. In addition, follow-up
and major. Even with the continued success of the charismatic and assertive artist, he still feels there needs to be a sense of urgency towards the efforts of disk jockeys of the Carolinas merging for the greater exposure of talented and hopeful Carolina artists. In his view, the combined endeavors of all in the local entertainment industry will help catapult the success in the states as a whole.
singles “I’m Floatin” and “Ciroc Money” both independently reached airplay in 15 markets.
Bettie Grind is one of few Carolina artists who can claim singles (or at least a single) that have reached regional and national airplay and who continue to carry their momentum in the music circuit. His motivation is consistency, and he steps into his movement with expectations of surpassing others in pursuit of the same crown of victory.
“It’s all about completion, execution and trying to be the best,” said the king of Queen City, “I’ve taken everything I’ve done very seriously.”
There is no red light on the road to success for Bettie Grind, who pioneers a road traveled by none and followed by many. From the aspects of performance to promotion to business productivity, Bettie Grind focuses intently on building his name, sound and image to global recognition. Denying him the accolades of being on the list of groundbreaking Carolina musicians would be similar to denying
Growing up, Bettie Grind was raised by
LeBron James as one of the great ball players
a teenage mother, and he witnessed his
throughout time.
father face prison time over serious charges. These harsh realities forced him to develop a business-oriented mind at a young age
Bettie Grind is making Iconic history!
from the desire of changing the struggles faced by his mother raising him alone. This, in turn, geared his progressive adult mind into entrepreneurship in the company of his mother, whom he feels he can relate to in an almost sisterly way.
“My Caucasian brothers tell me, ‘you want multiple strings of income,’” declared Bettie Grind in a jovial tone. He spoke of this
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37
Shop Gwen Rawls for Exclusive Italian Footwear
Trenholm Plaza - 4840 Forest Dr, Suite 17 | Columbia, SC 29206 803-661-7607
Iconic Magazine’s Vacation Giveaway Mac’s Diamond on the Dune
by tals d e r en nso es R o Sp Dun tty Ki
“Mac’s Diamond on the Dune” is a beautifully decorated, relaxing oasis where everyone in your family can easily find a place to call their own. From the moment you enter through the grand foyer and make your way to one of the 5 master suites, you’ll know you made the right choice for your family getaway this year! The kitchen, fully equipped, large & inviting, provides the perfect place for your “family chef” to cook and serve your group, and the large dining room will quickly become the gathering place for after dinner stories.
Enter to win a 7-day, 6-night vacation at one of North Carolina’s Premier communities along the outer banks! Sign up to Iconic Magazine’s Email list to receive your free virtual copy every month and be automatically entered to win! Click Here to Enter
Some of the home features include: • 6 Bedrooms • 5 Master Suites (2 w/whirlpools)
• Den/Office w/QSS, TV, Fax, and Book Library
• 6 Full Baths
• Sun/Covered Decks w/Furniture
• Ship’s Watch w/Chess Table, Games
• Basketball Goal, Bikes
• Surround Sound, 2 Stereos w/CD Players & Outdoor Stereo Speakers
• 2 Enclosed O/S Showers & Toilet
• Grill (Park), Picnic Table
• WiFi Internet Access
• Rec Room w/Billiards, TV, Wet Bar, Ice Machine, Kitchenette
• Fireplace
• Hot Tub for 8
• Baby Equipment (high chair,
• Private Pool
port-a-crib, gates)
Log on to www.KittyDunes.com and search property H040 for more information. Entries for giveaway ends on Oct 15, 2013.
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