January / February 2016 InFluential Magazine

www.iNFlueNtial-MagaziNe.coM JaNuarY / FeBruarY 2016

THe SeCReT

TO ReVealIng TRulY BeauTIFul SKIn

TRaITS OF

SuCCeSSFul eMPlOYeeS

WRITIng YOuR

SuCCeSS STORY

prabal

gurung

The inFluential Man

www.charlesalbert.com

WelCoMe note FroM THE PUBlisHER

influential-magazine.com

I

always welcome this time of year. The weather is cooler and that always seems to give me an often much needed boost of energy. Also, January signals a fresh new year and a fresh new start. It’s thrilling to think about the idea of a clean slate and another chance to do things over again and do them better than the first time. for me, that second chance means reflecting on the past four years of publishing InFluential Magazine. We typically have issues like January / february where we publish similar topics each year and by doing so, we must find new ways to top the previous year’s issue. I’m pleased to say we’ve done that with this year’s Refresh, Rejuvenate, Reveal Issue. In 2015, we made a concerted effort to improve our editorial content and the editorials we choose to feature in the magazine. for an editorial to make it into the magazine, it must fall in line with InFluential Magazine’s overall focus on the art of living well. We aim to provide thought-provoking editorials which empower, inspire, and inform. InFluential Magazine is for those who are curious, who seek continuous improvement and who desire to learn. InFluential Magazine supplies all the tools to live a fulfilling, happy, well-balanced life in an interesting and stimulating way. hence, our idea for a renewed Refresh, Rejuvenate, Revise Issue was to highlight individuals who and topics which best represent our aim of living well. our feature editorials this issue cover a range of topics from identifying traits of successful employees to writing our own success story. Also, this month we continue our well received Spanish InFluential and teen InFluential through which we bring topics translated for our Spanish readers and relevant to our teen readers. We say thank you to our new team members who shall continue the tradition of bringing relevant topics to our readers.

My enthusiasm for the New Year inspires me to look forward to 2016 and to think about the awesome editorials we have planned. We’re working hard to continually engage our readers and keep them well informed. I invite you to join us by reading the magazines and visiting our website, facebook page and Twitter. We appreciate any feedback you would like to offer. That’s how we stay on trend. Thank you for a great 2015 and here’s to an even better 2016. have a healthy and prosperous 2016!

William T. Jackson Publisher of InFluential Magazine, Spanish InFluential and teen InFluential

5

Contents in flUEncE 14 | heAlTh & wellneSS

Start the new Year off Right at Viva Day Spa

influential-magazine.com

[

]

fAsHion EDiToRiAl 46 | “THe CanYOnS” fEATURE

18 | FAShIon & STyle

Introducing FoRMS From Anastasia Komarova

12 | THe SeCReT TO ReVealIng TRulY BeauTIFul SKIn 30 | PRaBal guRung: The Internationally Acclaimed InFluential Gentleman

42 | TRaITS OF SuCCeSSFul eMPlOYeeS 54 | WRITIng YOuR SuCCeSS STORY

in nETwoRk 24 | BeAuTy

Pretty Pastel Hairstyles to try this Spring Presenting Styles by Jose Luis Salon

A PeRSon you Should know

45 | Bryan Koontz

40 | PuBlIC RelATIonS

in sociETy

58 | Food & BeVeRAGe

106 | event Guides January 107 | event Guides February 108 | new Year’s eve Gala Helps to Raise

Authentically Influential

new Mezcal-Based Cocktails to Welcome the new Year

Spanish 62 | SeCReTOS Del CHOCOlaTe 66 | DePORTISTa De POR VIDa POR MaRCelO galVez leIVa 68 | CaMIlO ÁlVaRez 78 | laS HaBITaCIOneS MaSCulInaS 84 | TOP 10 : alIMenTOS DÉTOX

over $165,000 for Help our Wounded

Teen

88 | HeRe’S TO a HaPPY anD SuCCeSSFul 2016 90 | neW YeaRS: neW YeaR, neW Me! 92 | lIFe OF a CHeeRleaDeR! 96 | FIFTeen ReSOluTIOnS CHallenge FOR THe BODY & SPIRIT 98 | ValenTIne’S DaY ReCIPeS ~ SWeeT TReaTS 100 | TeXTIng DO’S anD DOn’TS 102 | FIRST DaTe STORIeS 104 | WelCOMe TO OuR WORlD! 7

ContriBUtinG Writers

8

Mia Dedear

Victoria Garcia

Linda Ginac

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas

Chairman and CEO of TalentGuard | Austin, Texas

Mia is studying Advertising at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a recent graduate from Round Rock High School in Round Rock, Texas, where she served on the staff of the school literary magazine. She is currently searching for a socially acceptable way to carry her camera everywhere to document the highlights of her life. Aside from film, her other interests include theatre, dance, violin and aspiring to someday become as popular in the field of entertainment as Neil Patrick Harris.

Victoria Garcia is a high school junior heavily involved in her academics and community.

Honored with the title of Miss Teen Austin Latina 2014-2015, Victoria has been the cover girl for several Austin magazines and featured in editorials throughout Central Texas. A role model for the community, Victoria is the proud co-founder of Uniquely Me, a club that is a collaboration of college and high school girls who serve the community and advocate member career interest through networking.

On the weekends, you can find Victoria working backstage or on the runways of Austin supporting non-profit charities and their platforms.

Linda is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TalentGuard, a leading talent management software company focused on helping companies better engage and develop their employees. Linda is an author and global HR thought leader. She’s written books on the strategic alignment of career management to business goals. In recognition of her leadership in the talent management industry, Linda is Austin Business Journal’s Women of the Year, Entrepreneur by the YWCA, Trailblazer finalist by the Central Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Business Finalist by Austin Under 40.

Linda holds a Master’s Degree in Career Development from John F. Kennedy University and an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from Norwich University.

She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Frank and two boys, Andrew and Vaughn.

influential-magazine.com

Brad Kennington, LMFT, LPC Therapist & Author | Brad Kennington & Associates | Austin, Texas Brad Kennington, LMFT, LPC is a therapist and consultant in private practice in west Austin.

Brad provides therapy to adults and adolescents and focuses on relationship issues, anxiety and eating disorders. Because of his expertise, Brad has been interviewed by HuffPost Live and satellite radio and has been quoted by Reuters, the Wall Street Journal and Huffington Post. Brad also consults with organizations that have experienced a traumatic event. In addition to his practice, Brad is a faculty member and clinical supervisor at the Austin Family Institute. He is a board member of the National Association for Males with Eating Disorders and a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

To contact Brad, you can reach him at 512.329.5595 or at

info@bradkennington.com

Kathleen Lucente

Amy McClung, MD

President and Founder of Red Fan Communications | Austin, Texas

Evans Dermatology | Austin, Texas

Kathleen is a proven public relations executive with over 26 years of experience in customizing results-driven integrated marketing and public relations campaigns. She started her career as a high-tech journalist, where she garnered a knack for working closely and personally with the press — a skill she has continued to use in future roles to ensure valuable editorial coverage and partnerships for her clients. Now, Kathleen brings her journalistic knowledge and prowess to the table as the president and founder of Red Fan Communications, a full-service public relations firm helping early stage and established businesses build and sustain their brand visibility and reputation. When she’s not working, Kathleen is off exploring Austin and the Hill Country with her husband and two children.

A cultural aficionado, Kathleen enjoys wine tastings, culinary events and live music.

Dr. Amy McClung practices dermatology in Austin, Texas and is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology.

She graduated magna cum laude from Rice University and attended medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch. She went on to complete her dermatology residency training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She has received several peer-based medical industry awards, and for the last two years has been recognized by Austin Fit Magazine as the top dermatologist in Austin, based on reader votes. An avid runner, Dr. McClung has a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, skin care for runners and other outdoor athletes and cosmetic dermatology.

9

editorial Credits

Web Design The MOD Studio Contributing Photographers Krista Delarosa/KJude Photography Marcus

InFluential Magazine Dedicated to The Art of Living Well PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER / CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER / CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR William T. Jackson W. Jackson & Associates, LLC Round Rock, Texas

Website Administration W. Jackson & Associates, LLC

EDITORIAL TEAM InFluential Magazine Editor-in-Chief Aaron G. Powell, Jr. Assistant Editor William Jackson Fashion Editor Leonardo D’Almagro Junior Editor Kelli Ponce Spanish InFluential Editor Leonardo D’Almagro Junior Editor David E. Venegas Q. Sports Editor Marcelo Galvez Leiva Teen InFluential Editor Nicole Glenn Junior Editor Mia Dedear

SALES & MARKETING Business Development James Nelson Marketing & Public Relations W. Jackson & Associates, LLC For advertising information, please e-mail ads@influential-magazine.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR shall be signed with a full name; please include a daytime phone number, full mailing address, or e-mail address.

Letters shall be no longer than 300 words.

We reserve the right to edit all submissions.

Letters may not be edited, added to, or changed by the sender once we receive them.

WRITING TEAM Writers Linda Ginac, Brad Kennington, LMFT, LPC Contributing Writers InFluential Magazine Kathleen Lucente, Amy McClung, MD, Jose Luis Salon Spanish InFluential Yandira Sanz Teen InFluential Mia Dedear, Victoria Garcia Guest Contributing Writers Spanish InFluential: Leonardo D’Almagro, David E. Venegas Q., Marcelo Galvez Leiva Teen InFluential: Nicole Glenn, Nicole Vargas ART & PRODUCTION Assistant Creative Direction Leonardo D’Almagro, Nicole Glenn, Aaron G. Powell, Jr. Creative Services Argenis Gudiño, José Luis Venegas Q. What Taller Gráfico 10

Members of W. Jackson & Associates are BMI affiliates

American Graphic Design Award Winning Magazine

For Letters to the Editor, please email editor@influential-magazine.com For public relations inquiries, please email pr@influential-magazine.com For general information inquiries, please email info@influential-magazine.com Our mailing address InFluential Magazine, P.O. Box 1307, Round Rock, TX 78680 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All the rights of the artwork and photography belong to the publisher.

InFluential Magazine is Austin owned and operated.

@influentialmag

InFluential Magazine

@InFluentialMagazine

influential-magazine.com

fEATURE

The Secret to

Revealing Truly

Beautiful Skin

12

B

ecause I’m a dermatologist, some may think my staff and I regularly indulge in all kinds of cosmetic products and treatments in attempt to keep us looking refreshed. That’s not actually the case. Most of us subscribe to the less-ismore approach – an occasional targeted treatment coupled with a consistent healthy skincare routine.

Don’t get me wrong, there are fantastic cosmetic treatments out there. And personally, I love that there is so much we can now do to help people subtly enhance the overall appearance of their skin – from chemical peels for uneven skin tone to the latest dermal fillers to help with loss of facial volume. But, sadly I’ve observed many shy away from the very idea of cosmetic treatments because they’ve seen them over-done.

Our perception of beauty is subconscious and instantaneous. With one glance you can take in thousands of specific facial features and form an impression of a person’s age, mood and more. As you do that, some features jump out at you, for good or bad. Because of this, beauty is really about subtlety and moderation.

I tend to view cosmetic treatments as a means to blend in a troublesome feature, such as a prominent wrinkle across the forehead and in the process avoid calling attention to the treatment itself. I want to use just enough Botox to relax that wrinkle, but not so much that your facial expressions don’t seem genuine.

influential-magazine.com

kWRITTEN BY Amy McClung, MD moisturizing sunscreen. If you have concerns about skin tone or fine lines, a prescription topical retinoid (such as Retin-A) used sparingly can be very effective.

Generally speaking, approach your skin as gently as you would a baby’s. The use of harsh “maximum strength” products can actually be very counterproductive. And putting fewer things on your skin has another advantage – you are much less likely to have a bad reaction to an ingredient. You’d be surprised by how many skin issues are (unintentionally) self-inflicted.

Finally, it’s amazing how much your overall health is reflected in your skin. Though it’s advice you’ve probably heard before, there’s no substitute for taking care of your skin from the inside out. With a well-balanced diet and moderate exercise you’ll find you won’t have nearly as much work to do to correct or cover up.

When you think about it, this is all great news. You don’t need to break your pocketbook at the makeup counter, salon or the dermatologist getting every one of the latest products and treatments. And, if something really bothers you, invest in conservatively addressing just that one issue so you can reveal a subtly improved version of yourself. Everything in moderation is the real beauty secret we don’t hear often enough. l

Preserving individuality is essential for a “natural” look. It’s hard to do that if you’re doing too much.

Also, remember one size definitely doesn’t fit all - the cosmetic treatment that looked fabulous on your best friend might appear very out of place on you.

When it comes to facial products, it’s easy to end up on a treadmill of constant search for a “miracle” cream. Unless someone has an underlying medical skin condition that requires prescription treatment, I typically recommend a gentle cleanser and a

13

in flUEncE

heAlTh & wellneSS

STarT The new Year off righT aT

ViVA DAY SPA 14

T

influential-magazine.com

his new year, make your resolution to treat yourself a reality with specially created spa packages from Viva Day Spa in Austin. Gift certificates are available for purchase in store and online, making it even easier for resolutions to come true.

Known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, Viva Day Spa is a luxury day spa that delivers the finest services for the mind, body and spirit in an environment that is warm

and relaxing. Viva Day Spa is dedicated to providing every guest with the individualized experience they expect and deserve. Annually rated one of the best day spas in Austin, guests are invited to indulge in a wide array of treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and signature spa packages.

The following specials include thoughtfully combined services meant to refresh the mind, body and soul for 2016.

New Year, New You Massage Package

New Year, New You Facial Package

New Year, New You Nails Package

$189 for 1 hour 50 minutes

$189 for 1.5 hours

$99 for 1.75 hours

Includes l Sauna with Cool Peppermint Towels l One Hour Swedish Massage l Cleansing Detox Body Butter Wrap l Magic Mint Scalp Treatment l Full Body Dry Brush Exfoliation l Hot Steam Towel Treatment l Cool Cucumbers on the Eyes l Take Home Gift Bag l Served With Detoxifying Tea

Includes l One Hour Custom Designer Facial l Choice of Glycolic or Salicylic Peel l Cocoa Butter Hand Hydration Treatment l Neck, Shoulder & Arm Massage with Detoxifying Body Butter l Exfoliating Organic Lip Treatment l Emollient Organic Eye Treatment l Take Home Gift Bag l Served With Detoxifying Tea

Includes Express Spa Manicure l Deluxe Spa Pedicure l Massage with Warm Stones on Feet l Warm Cocoa Butter Hydration Treatment for Hands & Feet l Served with Wine or Hot l Tea & Chocolates l

Through February 1, 2016 Monday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Central: 1811 West 35th Street South: 215 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas Visit at www.vivadayspa.com

15

in fluence

Fashion & Style

Introducing

FORMS From Anastasia Komarova

F

ORMS, is an unique handcrafted leather accessories with architectural touch, established in 2011 by designer Anastasia Komarova. Born in Kaliningrad, Russia, Komarova obtained a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARHI); thereafter, began work as both an interior and exhibition designer.

FORMS studio accessories are handmade and assembled in Spain. The production combines high-quality Swiss fittings and custom made details shaped from Italian leather.

The latest collection is Transformers, which combines different themes all together and was developed as new approach of how a bag could be worn. The Transformers collection focuses on the idea of play. Each bag consists of two elements (Base and Cover) which you can mix and match. There are more than 20 covers to choose from, each with a different design and concept behind it. A set of belts is included with any Base, and they can be arranged in three different ways: long / shoulder, medium / waist and short / wrist. Altogether, it’s an ongoing process that will allow the wearer to explore new possibilities of what the bag could look like.

18

influential-magazine.com

19

in fluence

20

Fashion & Style

influential-magazine.com

21

in flUEncE

Fashion & Style

Designer Anastasia Komarova

22

Learn more about FORMS and the Transformers collection by visiting the official website www.formsstudio.com l

influential-magazine.com

23

in fluence

Beauty

Pretty Pastel Hairstyles to

Try This Spring

C

Presenting Styles

by Jose Luis Salon

oloring your hair seems to be all the rage lately.

If you’re starting to get tired of your current hair color, you’ll be glad to know there’s a new beauty trend that is simply to “dye” for.

kPhotography Courtesy of

Krista Delarosa/KJude Photography

pastel hair dyes actually have a softer and lighter look than most would expect.

Behold, pastel colored hair.

Colorful hair isn’t just for the edgy anymore and many women are making a change from the normal hues for all sorts of stunning baby pink, blue and purple shades.

Colored hair is a creative way to change up one’s look and make a bold hair statement. While many might think choosing a pastel hue would be too outrageous,

24

These pretty pops of color give off a fun, feminine vibe and considering the endless amount of soft shades available, there’s a pastel color that perfectly complements any style. The team of beauty experts at Jose Luis Salon, the acclaimed Austin salon, has created stunning and easy to maintain styles, totally embracing the color trend.

influential-magazine.com

Pastel Blue Bob

Hairstylist: Sarah Adeleye Makeup Artist: Callie Meuer Styling Instructions: l 1. Prep damp hair with Oribe Foundation Mist and comb through for even distribution. l 2. Apply Oribe Imperial Blowout Transformative Styling Crème to roots and comb throughout to plump the hair and encourage root lift. l 3. Flat wrap blow-dry the fringe section with a Mason Pearson Brush, to eliminate any cowlicks. l 4. Blow-dry hair in small subsections working from bottom to top with a large round brush. l 5. Complete the look using a fine toothcomb and Oribe Superfine Hair Spray to add a sleek and shiny finish.

25

in fluence

Beauty

Pink Hair

Hairstylist: Tyler Cochran Makeup Artist: Linda Hinkley Styling Instructions: l 1. Wash hair with Oribe Beautiful Color Shampoo and Conditioner; this combination is great for color, style and volume. It’s light and nonevasive for color protection, but also hydrating for color and shine. A great solution for all hair types! l 2. After washing, apply foundation mist to set products into the hair. Then, apply a liberal amount of Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray throughout the hair and at the root. l 3. Next, apply a golf ball-sized amount of Oribe Grandiose Hair Plumping Mousse into hair and start pre-drying with hands. Lift at the root to allow for natural volume. l 4. Once hair is 75 to 80 percent dry, use a large barrel round brush to blow hair out, working to achieve low volume and slight bevel. l 5. Then, set your flat iron between 380 to 450 degrees (depending on hair type). Start curling sections from ear to ear with the flat iron by separating sections from the back and front of head. l 6. Take a one-inch subsection of hair and curl back from the face. When curling, straighten to the cheekbone, then curl away from the face.

Repeat throughout the rest of the hair. l 7. Randomly take a subsection and curl the opposite direction. This allows the look to appear a bit more natural and less methodical. l 8. Once finished, apply a small amount of Oribe Split End Seal and work through hair by brushing or pulling with hands. This works best from the middle section to ends. l 9. After you feel the hair is up to your personal standard, drape your hair forward and apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray at the root. This will give you long lasting, voluminous results. l 10. Use fingers to brush through hair to place it back to a more put together look and finish your style with a light hairspray like Oribe Superfine Hair Spray. Enjoy a blow out that could last up to two or three days!

26

influential-magazine.com

Blonde with Peach and Violet Hair

Hairstylist: Tiffany Holmes Makeup Artist: Callie Meuer Styling Instructions: 1. Blow-dry hair using R+Co Chiffon Styling Mousse for body and shine. For extra volume, dry the roots of the hair in the opposite direction of where they would lay. l 2. After hair is completely dry, spray two-inch sections with R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray for heat protection and hold before using a 1.5-inch curling iron. l 3. Curl all of the hair around your face backwards or away from the face. l 4. Then, curl the remaining sections of hair in alternating directions. l 5. Allow your hair to cool completely to apply R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo for texture, separation, and volume. l 6. Finish the look with R+Co Outer Space Flexible Hairspray. l

27

in fluence

Beauty

Gray and Lavender Bob Hairstylist: Stevie Hernandez Makeup Artist: Linda Hinkley

Styling Instructions: 1. Lightly press wet, curly hair with a towel to remove excess moisture. For curls, you want to avoid roughing up the curl with a towel, and focus on lightly dabbing the hair instead. l 2. When hair is 90 percent wet, start adding product. Mix and apply Oribe Smooth Style Serum and Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil. l 3. Air-dry hair until it is 70 percent dry and lightly apply both products again by scrunching the hair and avoiding breaking up the curls. Curls shouldn’t look perfect; they should look healthy, free and touchable for a natural look. This is a perfect look for the unkempt, tossled hair trend! l

28

influential-magazine.com

Mint and Lavender Hair Hairstylist: Lauren Adams Makeup Artist: Linda Hinkley

Styling Instructions: 1. Start by using Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray and Balm d’Or on wet hair to provide thermal protection and lots of volume for the blowout. l 2. Separate hair into two sections above and below the occipital bone, leaving the top section last.

Curl sections using a 1.5-inch hair wand.

This will create a beachy, tossled texture with an organized and sleek look. l 3. Finish the style with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. l

29

fEATURE

30

influential-magazine.com

Prabal Gurung: The Internationally Acclaimed

InFluential Gentleman

S

itting on a sofa in the reception area of a hotel in Dallas, Texas awaiting my interview, I relish the privilege to chat with Prabal Gurung, the internationally acclaimed fashion designer and humanitarian. Gurung was in Dallas in late 2015 to receive The “Career Achievement in Fashion Award”, the prestigious award given by the Fashion Group International Dallas, during their annual gala “Night of Stars”.

kWritten by Leonardo D’Almagro,

Fashion Editor for InFluential Magazine Hair and Make-up by Mayra Janet Photography Courtesy of Marcus

Prabal Gurung appears, silhouetted in the door frame to his hotel suite, dressed in casual and simple elegant attire. Many people consider him a newcomer; although, the term “newcomer” is presumably an understatement. Since he launched his eponymous collection at the February 2009 New York Fashion Week,

31

fEATURE

{

Leonardo D’Almagro and his daughter chat with Prabal Gurung.

}

“Nepal is a very traditional society. Growing up, I didn’t know anyone who was a designer; I didn’t even know there was such a career.

I just drew because I liked it.”

32

Gurung has received several prestigious appointments in the fashion industry - in 2010 he was the recipient of the Ecco Domani Fashion Fund Award; in 2011 he was honored as one of USA Network’s Character Approved Award recipients, named goodwill ambassador of Maiti Nepal, a finalist of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award and was the recipient of the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear; in 2013 Gurung was the official designer collaborator for Target and in November 2014 launched a product collaboration with MAC Cosmetics.

Prabal Gurung’s designs have been worn by some of the world’s most famous and powerful women – from First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, the Duchess of Cambridge, to Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey. Despite his epic notoriety, Gurung demonstrated a warmth and human kindness during our interview, as yet experienced from such a fashion icon.

Born in Singapore, Prabal Gurung grew up in Kathmandu, Nepal. As a means to cope with the bullying experienced during school, Gurung sought refuge in drawing mostly what he describes as “stick figures” and various articles of clothing, which slowly developed into more detailed fashion sketches.

Initially, Gurung did not have grandiose ambitions for himself. He recalls, “Nepal is a very traditional society. Growing up, I didn’t know anyone who was a designer; I didn’t even know there was such a career. I just drew because I liked it.” So he hid away, covering his notebooks in doodles, from the time he was eight years old until he finished high school and started to learn about how his passion could become a career.

33

fEATURE

34

influential-magazine.com

{

}

“It’s been a journey.

A lot of people are amazed that it all “happened overnight” but it really didn’t.”

Following a career path which took him to the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi, Melbourne to London, Gurung settled in New York gaining entry into the Parsons School of Design. The designer then worked his way through the fashion ranks alongside the likes of Donna Karan, Cynthia Rowley and Bill Blass before finally launching his own collection. As the economy in the United States was experiencing a recession at the time, Gurung’s friends and colleagues expressed concern that it was not the right time. Ever determined and with a strong creative plan, Gurung pressed forward.

Soon, Prabal Gurung’s collection appeared in the Women’s Wear Daily and garnered a celebrity following. Today, the brand continues to expand and with Gurung’s studio relocating recently to new office space. His small downtown apartment had served previously as his studio and business meetings would take place in a coffee shop nearby. Prabal says, “It’s been a journey. A lot of people are amazed that it all “happened overnight” but it really didn’t.” At this point in his career, Gurung conveys absolute clarity of vision, maintaining superb balance between the business and creative aspects of his craft.

35

fEATURE

Leonardo D’Almagro and his daughter chat with Prabal Gurung.

{

}

“Fashion trends are fleeting. I am actually much more interested in trends in technology or art.”

36

Prabal Gurung states the greatest difficulty he faces in making his brand work is balancing innovation and consistency between collections. It is important customers associate a brand with a particular image they know and adhere to. Of course, the flipside to consistency is repetitiveness. Someone who likes the brand wants familiarity, but is also starved for novelty.

Gurung says there is always a fine line to walk with each collection. Sometimes balance is achieved and sometimes there is an “off” season, but Gurung constantly tries to push himself.

According to Prabal Gurung, comfort is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. He is not one to follow what is popular, saying, “Fashion trends are fleeting. I am actually much more interested in trends in technology or art.” This is apparent in the consistent, cerebral quality of Gurung’s designs. l

influential-magazine.com

Leonardo D’Almagro and his daughter chat with Prabal Gurung.

www. prabalgurung.com

37

in fluence

Public Relations

Authentically

P

Influential

icture a group of the greatest party hosts of the past such as Truman Capote, Caroline Astor and Jacqueline Kennedy. They made hosting a party seem effortless. They knew how to build authentic connections and make their guests the focus of the party, not themselves. These hosts could circulate and make introductions, know when to ask the

40

right questions and have a genuinely enjoyable time — all while putting their guests at ease. These skills are still very relevant today and serve as inspiration to be eloquently and authentically influential within our own network.

Host a Perfect Party Hosting get-togethers and events for the joy of interacting with

kWritten by Kathleen Lucente

people will go a long way in networking. Bring people together in a natural, relaxed environment where they can meet new friends and grow their own networks.

Accomplishing this with ease and not by force is a true mark of being an influencer.

influential-magazine.com

The Personal Touch Another skill from a bygone era of great hosting is incorporating your “personal touch.” Do so with a handwritten note, a phone call in lieu of an email or with real face-time with someone over lunch or coffee.

Don’t fall short with a connection by relying on quick, off-hand methods of communication. Social media is an important skill to have for networking, but needs to be balanced with more personal interactions that generate a true presence to those within your network.

Keeping a Keen Eye Paying attention to the special occasions occurring in the lives of your professional network is

a key trait for building healthy relationships. From sending a lovely note or gift to a client who just had a baby, to delivering ice cream and cookies to celebrate a client’s promotion show that your relationship goes beyond business walls.

Being influential is not just about who you know, but how you make connections for others. Your authenticity should carry into every relationship you foster; be yourself 100% of the time and show others what it truly means to build positive rapport with your network.

Details Matter Take your relationships to the next level by noting the important details. A pro party host knows the art of listening and how to pick up on certain cues when speaking with their guests. Hear what their needs are and surprise them by offering solutions to their problems — an easy way to show you value your relationship with them.

Take the advice of Cecil Beaton, English photographer, diarist, painter, interior designer, Academy Award–winning stage and costume designer and renowned party host, “Be daring, be different, be impractical; be anything that will insert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers.” l

41

fEATURE

Traits of

Successful Employees Competencies and job profiles go a long way toward ensuring employers make the best decisions when matching candidates with open positions, but what else should an employer look for in an employee for best results and top performance? The answer may vary depending on whom you ask, but most researchers, surveyors and top management personnel agree: Successful employees all share these six traits. kWRITTEN BY Linda Ginac 42

influential-magazine.com

1 Creativity

Adaptability/ 2 Flexibility 3 Dependability

Top employees push boundaries and brainstorm new ways of doing things.

They’re innovative and motivated, because they approach every problem as a puzzle to solve rather than as an obstacle. Asking candidates to brainstorm a solution for a hypothetical problem or to describe a time in which they approached their work from a novel place can help identify the more creative thinkers. Employers also can help bring out the creativity in current employees by building creativity breaks into the workday.

Workplace priorities, procedures, focus and conditions change constantly, which may be why managers consistently rate flexibility as one of the most essential traits for success in the workplace.

Successful employees adapt quickly, whether that means changing direction on a major project or instituting a new procedure for an age-old process.

Evaluating flexibility can be as simple as asking candidates to describe an instance in which they experienced a major change with a previous employer and how they handled it. Managers may also quickly change direction at one point in an interview to get a glimpse of the candidate’s ability to move forward.

Dependability is one of the top five traits for a successful employee and a successful team. Successful employees do what they say they will do, when they say they will do it. They don’t require micromanaging and their colleagues know they can count on them – a trait that inspires trust and encourages delegation. A thorough pre-hire screening process can test for this with small, detail-heavy tasks that require meeting a deadline.

43

fEATURE

4 Positivity

Pro-Social 5Motivation

6 Pro-Active

Cheerfulness is contagious and a person with a positive attitude quickly brings out the best in everyone he or she meets, whether that means colleagues, customers, subordinates or bosses. Employees with a positive attitude also are more likely to get results, stay engaged and help their teammates.

Thankfully, this trait isn’t difficult to assess.

Positive people radiate cheerfulness.

Some of the most successful employees also are highly motivated to help others, according to researchers at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Illinois. This pro-social motivation generally means a desire to help both strangers and colleagues through their work and typically carries with it a deep commitment to team success. Such a trait may seem difficult to test for, but it can be uncovered through personality testing or careful questioning during the interview process.

Pro-active individuals are self-directed and take on more responsibility faster and more effectively than individuals with a more passive drive and their actions are a driving force behind an organization’s overall competitiveness in the marketplace. Pro-active employees also experience greater objective success in their careers and describe higher levels of satisfaction, which likely keeps them engaged and motivated to excel. To evaluate this trait, managers can ask a candidate to describe several instances in which he or she took initiative in the workplace.

Strong communication skills, high intelligence and action-oriented behavior also frequently make the list of top traits for success.

Hiring an employee with these nine traits is one of the smartest recruiting decisions a manager can make.

Check out TalentGuard’s blog at www.talentguard.com/blog to learn more about cultivating and engaging employees. l

44

in Network

A person you should know

Bryan Koontz

President & CEO, CBANC and Founder/CEO, Guidefitter, Austin, Texas Who He Is: Bryan’s passion for startups has moved him to Austin three separate times. He thinks the city is trying to tell him something...it’s trying to tell him to stay put.

He’s currently the CEO of two early-stage companies in Austin - CBANC, a network for banking pros and Guidefitter, a network for outdoor pros.

How He Defines Passion: As a kid, Koontz was addicted to legos. He loves building things - it’s what drives him.

Building something that didn’t exist before and seeing it work, whether new products or a new business model.

How Music Helps to Keep Him Centered and Focused: Listening to great music is like diving headfirst into a pool after a long run. It can instantly wash over you and make you feel better, more energized, awake and focused.

influential-magazine.com

His Greatest Cause for Bragging: The many dimensions of his two pre-teen daughters, who know how to carry on a conversation full of wit and nuance, who can behave appropriately in a 3-star Michelin restaurant, but also like to wade barefoot in a farm stream and catch crawfish with their bare hands.

Best Advice Ever Received: “If you don’t get stuck on the bottom once in a while, you ain’t fishing.” Koontz’s late Uncle Frank, avid fisherman, WWII veteran and armchair philosopher, on the value of pursuing a goal and not worrying so much about facing setbacks from time to time.

It happens. Don’t let that discourage you from going for it.

How He Lives His Best Life: Koontz likes to work with passion and intellectual curiosity in all that he does and plays equally hard with small groups of close friends and family. His curiosity leads him to travel to new places across the globe, meet new people, hear their stories and share their great food while toasting a glass with them to this one life we have to live.

45

Fashion Editorial

“The Canyons”

46

influential-magazine.com

47

Fashion Editorial

48

influential-magazine.com

49

Fashion Editorial

Discover the colors of the Canyons of Arizona for the Spring Season of Rose Quartz and Serenity.

Spring 2016 is full of soft pastels that merge with strong neutrals to create a bold, but natural look for this coming season.

50

influential-magazine.com

51

Fashion Editorial

[ ] Photography Anthony Chiang Styling Jeanette Chivvis for Seaminx Artist Management Hair and Makeup Sandy Goldstein Model Mariah Hesselgesser for Kim Dawson Agency.

52

influential-magazine.com

All clothing is ESCADA from Highland Park Village and Elements off Lovers in Dallas, Texas.

53

fEATURE

54

influential-magazine.com

Writing Your

Success Story Success breeds success. We’ve all heard that adage. I think there is some truth in those words for sure. But, where does success come from originally?

What exactly defines success?

And, what makes a person, business or relationship successful while others flounder and never really get off the ground? What is the secret to success?

And, what exactly are the components of a success story? I believe it has everything to do with balance.

B

kWRITTEN BY Brad Kennington, LMFT, LPC

alancing the ability to back away and say no with the ability to show up and say yes.

Balancing firm boundaries, knowing your limits and knowing when it’s time to quit and move on with being curious, knowing when it’s time to take a chance and lean into the unknown. And, balancing getting it wrong and learning from our mistakes with getting it right and remaining motivated to grow. These are the moving pieces of an unfolding success story.

55

fEATURE

Story is a powerful metaphor. Researcher and author Dr. Brene Brown writes about “owning our story.” It can be a daunting task for sure, especially if there are themes present we would rather just delete and empty into the nearest shredder. But, for us to be successful as engaged individuals we must take an honest look at our own stories and how they have shaped us into the people we are. And, in doing so, we ask ourselves where it is we have been, for better or for worse and where it is we most need to go.

Maybe there was a job, business or relationship you held onto for too long, hoping it would shift in the direction you wanted, but it never did. Or, maybe there was an opportunity you were too scared to embrace and continue to regret your decision to stay stationery instead of risking falling forward. In her latest book, Rising Strong, Brown states that “Regret is a tough, but fair teacher. To live without regret is to believe you have nothing to learn, no amends to make and no opportunity to be braver with your life.”

Successful people get this. They get that narratives are works in progress, are ever unfolding and moving forward even if everything feels like it is going to hell.

Successful people trust the process, more times than not, despite their own fears. And, they are brave.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather moving into it. Leaving takes courage. Staying takes courage. And, at times doing nothing, but being still and waiting takes courage. The trick is knowing what to do and when.

A couple of years ago I made the decision to leave my role as the director of a local healthcare facility and transition back into private practice.

I let go of something safe and secure and reached for something terrifyingly uncertain. I wasn’t looking for a new challenge. Instead, the facility was under new ownership and the culture the existing team had

influential-magazine.com

built over the years was experiencing a sudden and seismic shift from outside sources.

This wasn’t how I had planned my narrative. It felt like someone else was writing it for me. It didn’t take too long for me to realize, I no longer fit and it was time to leave.

I was going to take back my story. There is a Zen saying that reads “Leap and the net will appear.” Well, I leaped and the net took its own sweet time before it appeared.

I was falling forward, but it felt like all falling at first. In the end, the net that eventually caught me was exactly the one I needed. And I know that I am where I most need to be. I now feel in balance with work and life. And, the facility? Well, it closed less than two years after I left.

My story is not unique. Maybe you have experienced (or are experiencing) a similar leaping into the unknowing, moving from what is, into what can — and should — be. The hard and scary part is the in between time when you have no firm footing and the unnerving uncertainty casts the dark shadow of

{

}

“Regret is a tough, but fair teacher. To live without regret is to believe you have nothing to learn, no amends to make and no opportunity to be braver with your life.”

Rising Strong

doubt over your hopes. Feelings of failure and regret show up refuse to leave. In these times — especially in these times — keep moving, keep trusting. I read once where we often mistake the middle chapter for the end of the book. It’s not the end until you say it is. It’s yours to write and yours to share. Owning your story, that is success. l 57

in fluence

Food & Beverage

New Mezcal-Based Cocktails to

Welcome

the New Year Madame 1.5oz Rey Campero Espadín 0.5 oz Pimm’s 1oz Cranberry Syrup* 1oz Lemon Juice 1oz Honey Syrup** 1. Mix all ingredients in shaker.

2. Strain into old fashioned glass that is filled with ice.

3. Garnish with stick of burnt cinnamon (hold lighter to a cinnamon stick or over a flame on the stove with tongs until surface is mostly charred). *Cranberry Syrup - Blend one 14oz can cranberry sauce with 2/3 cup boiling water.

Bottle & refrigerate. **Honey Syrup - Mix 1 cup honey with 3/4 cup hot water.

58

influential-magazine.com

T

exas-based mezcal importer Heavy Métl Premium Imports and bartender Marcella Macias, who runs the bar program at Mezcal in San Jose, California, have come up with a few winter cocktails using Rey Campero Espadín.

Rey Campero Espadín is produced by a father-son team of maestros, Ramiro and Romulo Sanchez. With over 70 years’ experience, Rey Campero represents the culture, tradition and art of Candelaria Yegolé, a small village in the Sierra Sur.

El Huerto 1.5oz Rey Campero Espadín 1.5oz Organic apple juice/nectar 1.5oz Lemon Juice 1oz Sage Simple Syrup* 1. Mix all ingredients in shaker.

2. Serve in a highball glass that is filled with fresh ice.

3. Garnish with fresh sage leaf & candied walnut half** (optional). l *Sage Simple Syrup - 1 cup cane sugar, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup fresh whole sage leaves. Place ingredients in small saucepan, bring to boil then let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove sage leaves, let syrup cool, bottle, refrigerate. **Candied Walnuts (Optional) Dip walnut halves in sage simple syrup, shake off excess. Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, and bake at 300 degrees until toasted (10-12 mins).

59

Spanish www.iNFlueNtial-MagaziNe.coM JaNuarY / FeBruarY 2016

SECRETOS DEL

CHOCOLATE MARCELO GALVEz LEIVA

DEPORTISTA DE POR VIDA HABITACIONES

MASCULINAS

TOP 10

ALIMENTOS

DÉTOX

CAmiLo

ÁLVAREZ Moda colombiana

Spanish

Secretos del

chocolate Descubre las bondades que se esconden en cada bocado de este divino ingrediente kPor david venegas

62 spanish

influential-magazine.com

C

uando el cacao, considerado un alimento de dioses, se transforma, se mima y se embellece, nace uno de los elementos más deseados y consumidos en todo el mundo: el chocolate. Expertos afirman que la primera mata de cacao del mundo se originó en la cuenca del Orinoco en Venezuela. Existen tres especies de cacao: el forastero, el más usado en la industria chocolatera por su resistencia a enfermedades y alta productividad; el criollo, aunque es muy delicado y difícil de cosechar, sus aromas y sabores son muy intensos y, por último, el trinitario o deltano, un híbrido que posee las cualidades de las anteriores especies.

Los países europeos son los mayores consumidores de chocolate del planeta, de hecho, en Suiza cada persona come 11.8 kilos al año. Eso es lo que llamamos una gran fanaticada. Son millones las personas que suelen decir: «No puedo vivir sin chocolate» y la mayoría de la población, de vez en cuando, sucumbe ante una taza caliente de chocolate o no pueden evitar saborear una tableta.

Seamos honestos: el chocolate forma parte de nuestras vidas y, por eso, queremos mostrarte algunos datos interesantes que se esconden en las oscuras líneas de este alimento.

spanish

63

Spanish Un corazón fitness La próxima vez que asistas al gimnasio para tonificar el cuerpo, no olvides tu barra de chocolate oscuro para fortalecer el corazón. Una barra de chocolate negro posee cinco veces más flavonoides que una manzana, mejorando la flexibilidad de las venas y arterias. Un estudio alemán demostró que un cuadradito de chocolate al día reduce los ataques cardíacos y los accidentes cerebrovasculares en un 39 %. Y, por si fuera poco, el chocolate amargo estimula el desarrollo de músculos y eleva la resistencia física.

Aliado de las dietas Cuando iniciamos un nuevo régimen alimenticio es normal sentir ansiedad y recaer en «antojitos» erróneos para saciar la inquietud. La solución está en consumir pequeñas cantidades de chocolate negro, pues genera una sensación de llenura y reduce los antojos de alimentos dulces, salados y grasosos.

Adiós al estrés y la tristeza Después de una ruptura amorosa, en vez de llamar a tu ex, rompe todas las tabletas de chocolate oscuro

64 spanish

que desees, pues contiene diversos compuestos psicoactivos que regulan los signos de la depresión y el ánimo. De igual manera, mitiga los niveles de estrés en el cuerpo, aportando una maravillosa sensación de calma.

Protector solar Recientes estudios explican que el chocolate negro está colmado de polifenoles que ayudan a combatir los efectos nocivos de rayos ultravioletas. Las personas que consumen este ingrediente con regularidad les toma el doble de tiempo en generar quemaduras por largas exposiciones al sol. Ya sabes, las cremas solares y el chocolate son una excelente dupla.

Aumenta tu inteligencia El chocolate oscuro tiene considerables dosis de cafeína, triptófano y feniletilamina, estos compuestos aumentan el flujo sanguíneo y mejoran el rendimiento intelectual y potencian el estado de alerta. A su vez, detiene los daños mentales en adultos mayores de 50 años. En conclusión: el chocolate te ayudará a pasar la prueba final del semestre.

influential-magazine.com

Calmante para la tos

Dinero con sabor

Los fármacos para tratar la tos contienen codeína y uno de sus efectos secundarios es la somnolencia y decaimiento. Pero el chocolate posee teobromina y actúa igual de bien que la codeína, sin los molestos efectos secundarios. Además, un remedio para la tos jamás sabrá como un gustoso chocolate.

La moneda de chocolate más grande del mundo fue hecha en venezuela el 01 de octubre de 2015.

Pesó mil kilos, con un tamaño de 2 metros por 40 centímetros de largo y 20 centímetros de espesor.

Contra el cáncer Ni el té verde, ni las fresas o el ajo superan los antioxidantes del cacao. Por esta razón se afirma que el chocolate oscuro neutraliza los radicales libres que atentan contra el envejecimiento del organismo y, por ende, evita la aparición de varios tipos de cáncer.

No cabe duda que el chocolate es un superalimento que supera las barreras de las papilas gustativas. Sus sabores nos trasladan a un viaje de sensaciones que abren los senderos más esplendidos de la gastronomía. Sin temor a equivocarnos, el chocolate es un manjar prodigioso que siempre tendrá un lugar ganado en nuestra mesa. l

David Venegas

Caracas, Venezuela medium.com/@david.ve @Venegas_D David es Comunicador Social, mención impreso, graduado de la universidad Católica Santa Rosa en Caracas. Además de la fotografía y el arte de la literatura narrativa, se ha desempeñado en el área de periodismo gastronómico.

También ha realizado trabajos especiales para revistas de economía, negocios, publicidad y mercadeo. Desea, algún día, convertirse en novelista.

spanish

65

Spanish

Deportista

de por vida sin duda es uno de los referentes internacionales mﾃ《 importantes que hoy reside en chile, no solo encargado de ser personal trainer de reconocidos empresarios y deportistas, sino que tambien a partir de sus experiencias ha ganado un prestigio y reconocimiento entre sus pares por transmitir su filosofia de vida ligada al deporte

66 spanish

influential-magazine.com

kPor Marcelo Galvez Leiva

E

ntre sus logros y participaciones destacan 14 triatlones distancia Ironman, 45 triatlones Medio Ironman y muchos olimpicos y sprint. Cruzó la Cordillera de Los Andes desde Santiago a Mendoza en 8 oportunidades y logró pedalear los 450 kms entre Santiago y la Serena en solo 14 horas. Bajo el nombre de By Marcelo Gálvez sigue promoviendo de manera personal el deporte y calidad de vida.

En este, nuestro primer acercamiento, quisiera comenzar exponiendo una filosofía de vida que por mas de 36 años comparto día a día… familia, trabajo y amigos. Al pasar los años me he dado cuenta que las experiencias ganadas y las verdaderas amistades se profundizan en torno a los maravillosos cambios en los cuales he podido aportar un granito de arena, para que el deporte se entienda, como una actividad que todos debiéramos incorporar a nuestras vidas como parte de una mejora en nuestra calidad.

No cabe duda que en una primera instancia las ganas de verse y sentirte bien sean acompañadas de una meta personal, te emocionarás, a veces, también te frustrarás, pero nunca olvides el foco enjoy!!...Existen muchos deportes individuales y colectivos, donde complementar el tiempo con la familia no debiera pasar a segundo plano y, con seguridad, encontrarás nuevos amigos. Por eso, te invito a impregnarte de esta maravillosa ideología.

En las próximas ediciones podremos compartir experiencias y también, si es necesario, compartir consejos, pues estaremos atentos a responder todas tus inquietudes.

Hagamos de esta comunidad un espacio donde “El deporte sea la llave mágica para mejorar nuestra calidad de vida” l

spanish

67

Spanish

Camilo

ÁLVAREZ Diseñador de Modas, Especialista en Intervención Creativa de la Colegiatura Colombiana

a partir de una mirada poética de los elementos cotidianos urbanos –como la arquitectura, los espacios públicos y las rutinas del día a día– Camilo, elabora colecciones de moda con experimentación desde la construcción, el juego de volúmenes y la mezcla de materiales

68 spanish

influential-magazine.com

69

Spanish

influential-magazine.com

L

as prendas CAMILO ÁLVAREZ tienen influencias deportivas y jeanswear.

Son creadas para personas confiadas, reflexivas, contemporáneas y sensibles al arte y la música, hombres y mujeres de espíritu joven y global, prácticos y optimistas que les gusta que sus prendas cotidianas sean prendas especiales y que puedan ser usadas en múltiples ocasiones, incluso formales.

kPor Leonardo D’Amalgro

Camilo Álvarez nació en Medellín, Colombia. Hijo de un actor de teatro, titiritero, pintor y economista antioqueño y de una ingeniera de sistemas santandereana. Después de estudiar música durante 14 años, Camilo ingresó a la Facultad de Diseño de Modas de la Colegiatura Colombiana a los 17 años, mientras estudiaba, trabajó como ilustrador de moda para diferentes clientes nacionales e internacionales, hizo diseño de vestuario para teatro, ópera y zarzuela, además participó en diferentes concursos de diseño.

Quedó finalista en el Concurso de Artesanías de Colombia, en el Premio Lápiz de Acero y en Contesta de Diesel. En 2011, se graduó como especialista en Intervención Creativa en la misma institución.

Sus primeras presentaciones fueron en la pasarela Jóvenes Creadores Colegiatura-Chocolyne durante Colombiamoda. Después de mostrar su proyecto de grado en 2007, decidió crear su propia firma, con la que fue invitado por la delegación de la LAF para presentar su primera colección en la pasarela Latino América Fashion bajo el marco de Colombiamoda 2008. Su colección tuvo una importante acogida y fue ganador del premio Cromos de la Moda al Mejor Nuevo Diseñador y nombrado como parte del nuevo look de la moda por la Revista Gatopardo. En 2009, participó por segunda vez en la LAF, con su colección Ciudad Acuario y tuvo muy buenas críticas por parte de la prensa nacional e internacional, por lo que fue invitado a mostrarla en el evento de moda sustentable Raíz Diseño, en Santiago de Chile.

n n n

FOTOGRAFÍAS SILVA MORENO - CAMARA LUCIDA www.camiloalvarez.CO info@camiloalvarez.CO

spanish

71

Spanish

72 spanish

influential-magazine.com

73

Spanish

74 spanish

influential-magazine.com

Ese mismo año, junto con Isabel Bernal, ganó el concurso de diseño de los 7 tipos de uniformes del personal de los Juegos Suramericanos llevados a cabo en Medellín.

En 2011, fue ganador del IAF International Fashion Designer Award, en la convención anual llevada a cabo en Puerto Vallarta, México, por su colección PrimaveraVerano 2012 titulada La Mancha, al igual que el Premio Cromos de la Moda a la Mejor Puesta en Escena de esta misma colección, la cual también fue presentada en la Convención Internacional de la IAF en Porto, Portugal y en la pasarela BeFashion de Santiago de Chile. Este mismo año participa en el proyecto Colombia Diseña, de Falabella, con el diseño de una colección exclusiva que fue vendida por tiempo limitado en las tiendas Falabella de Colombia.

En el 2012, fue contactado por Absolut Vodka para realizar una colaboración artística con la campaña Absolut Greyhound, la cual se hizo en la puesta en escena de su colección Primavera-Verano 2013, titulada Búnker. Con esta colección fue invitado a participar en el Latino Fashion Week de Dallas, Texas y fue nominado a 3 premios Cromos de la Moda. Este mismo año realizó una colaboración con la tienda de muebles y objetos Tugó, con el diseño de cojines diseñados para ser vendidos exclusivamente en sus tiendas de Colombia.

Además de mostrar sus colecciones Primavera/ Verano en Colombiamoda, comienza a presentar también sus colecciones para la temporada Otoño/ Invierno en Plataforma K, Barranquilla. En el 2013, presentó su colección Botanicracia. En esta colección, gracias al apoyo de Strátasys, I3D, La corporación Fractal e ImasD, incluyó piezas hechas a la medida de manera 100% digital e impresas en 3D. Al siguiente año fue invitado a presentar su colección Primavera/Verano en la pasarela de apertura de Colombiamoda. La colección, titulada Desayuno, tuvo una puesta en escena especial en uno de los centros de distribución de la empresa Cementos.

spanish

75

Spanish

76 spanish

influential-magazine.com

En el 2015, hizo su segunda colaboración especial con la empresa Textilera Fabricato para lanzar su colección en Colombiatex, realizó un cortometraje en colaboración con Chevrolet para el lanzamiento de su colección en Colombiamoda y fue seleccionado por la Alcaldía de Medellín para ser uno de los diseñadores de la vestimenta de los Silleteros (Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Nación) para su desfile en la Feria de las Flores.

También diseñó una colección especial de denim para la marca Arkitect, de venta exclusiva en los almacenes Éxito de Colombia, la cadena de retail más grande del país y fue el diseñador internacional invitado a cerrar el evento Designer Book en Quito, Ecuador.

En los años 2014 y 2015, recibió el reconocimiento como uno de los 100 líderes de la sociedad, por parte de la Revista Gerente. Para el 2016, está afianzando la introducción de la marca a nuevos mercados internacionales Junto a tres socios, tiene su empresa Sentido Figurado, la cual diseña, produce y comercializa sus colecciones. También es docente de la Colegiatura Colombiana. Sus prendas se venden en diferentes ciudades de Colombia, México y Panamá. l

spanish

77

Spanish

Las habitaciones

masculinas

Como todos sabemos, los dormitorios de hombres, lucen totalmente distintos a las de las chicas.

Mientras que en una habitación decorada para mujeres vemos muchos detalles decorativos, adornados, colores dulces, elementos de vidrio y curvos, en las habitaciones masculinas, por ejemplo, estan detalles decorativos relacionados a sus aficiones, acabados ásperos, muebles sólidos, fuertes y lineales. Predomina la funcionalidad, pero sin dejar de lado la estética

78 spanish

kPor Yandira Sanz

L

os colores más relacionados a la decoración masculina son los neutros como el gris o beige, tonos fríos como el azul o verde.

También predominan algunos tonos cálidos, como el naranja óxido o rojo burdeos, generalmente como acentos decorativos.

Una habitación de hombre incluye sólo los muebles necesarios. Es decir, sólo los que se utilizan con frecuencia y son indispensables: un sofá y una cama cómoda, un armario, un televisor, una pequeña mesa para los aperitivos y un escritorio.

influential-magazine.com

spanish

79

Spanish

Dependiendo de la temática de la habitación, basada en los gustos de cada uno, los accesorios decorativos pueden incorporarse en las paredes, un estante o librero. De sus objetos personales más preciados podemos tener una idea de los colores que pueden incluirse en la decoración.

La cama, como punto focal de la habitación, puede incluir uno o dos cojines decorativos y juego de cama en tonos sólidos, con patrones a rayas o cuadros.

Para la iluminación del dormitorio, una alternativa para lograr funcionalidad es separar por zonas las áreas que utiliza con mayor frecuencia. Una lámpara de lectura al lado de la cama, focos empotrados sobre

80 spanish

influential-magazine.com

spanish

81

Spanish

82 spanish

influential-magazine.com

el área de la misma, por ejemplo, ayudarán a acentuar este punto focal.

El metal también es otro material que puede añadirse en los diferentes objetos como una lámpara o algún detalle en los muebles. Utilizar cortinas simples sin adornos o, si lo prefieres, las persianas serán una opción acertada para un cuarto varonil.

Para adornar las paredes, los cuadros decorativos de acuerdo a sus preferencias pueden ser una estupenda idea como, por ejemplo, enmarcar prendas de sus equipos favoritos sobre el cabecero de cama.

A continuación te presentamos más diseños de dormitorios para hombres para tú inspiración. l

spanish

83

Spanish

TOp 10 : alimentos ES HORA DE SACUDIR NUESTRO CUERPO DE LOS EXCESOS ALIMENTICIOS QUE COMETIMOS EN LAS FIESTAS NAVIDEÑAS

détox

BRÓCOLI

HINOJO

LIMÓN

AJO

AGUACATE

Este pequeño mini árbol es ideal para eliminar las toxinas que se alojan en el hígado.

Aprovecha sus beneficios cocinándolo al vapor.

Además, está demostrado que el consumo de brócoli reduce el riesgo de padecer cáncer.

Otros ingredientes similares son la col y coliflor.

Conocido en la gastronomía como un poderoso anti-inflamatorio, sin olvidar sus propiedades vitamínicas, antimicrobianas y antioxidantes.

Utiliza el bulbo o las semillas secas y agrégalas a una ensalada.

Este alimento mitiga los dolores abdominales.

Por la mañana, una taza de agua caliente con jugo de limón bastará para limpiar el cuerpo de las impurezas que se encuentren en él. Además de proteger al organismo de enfermedades respiratorias y liberar las congestiones nasales.

Consumir tres dientes de ajo en ayunas elimina los parásitos intestinales y expulsa las acumulaciones de mucosidad alojadas en los pulmones.

Este ingrediente limpia las arterias y equilibra la presión arterial. A su vez, es un inmunológico natural y antibacteriano.

¿Sabías que este alimento combate, al menos, 30 carcinógenos diferentes y desintoxica el hígado de sustancias sintéticas? ¡Un súperingrediente!

El aguacate aporta ácidos saludables para elcorazón y grasas monoinsaturadas.

84 spanish

influential-magazine.com

eliz 2016. Año nuevo, metas nuevas. La temporada decembrina es la época para desligarse de las dietas, esconder la báscula y darle unas breves vacaciones al gimnasio. Pero cuando se acaba toda esta fiesta de banquetes y cenas copiosas, es necesario despertar nuestro

F

sistema digestivo y someterlo a un régimen depurativo para eliminar todas las impurezas y toxinas que hemos consumido.

Por esta razón te daremos 10 ingredientes perfectos para iniciar el año con una buena dieta que, ligados a una efectiva rutina de ejercicios, nos harán regresar a los correctos hábitos alimenticios.

REMOLACHA

LINAzA

PIÑA

LENTEJAS

CIRUELA

Purifica la sangre, es anti-inflamatorio y con propiedades fungicidas. La ingesta de remolacha promueve la reparación y regeneración del hígado, luego de excesos de bebidas alcohólicas.

También relaja y dilata los vasos sanguíneos, disminuyendo la presión arterial.

Fundamentales para tener un cerebro sano.

Las semillas de linaza son famosas por sus elementos omega 3, que mantienen a nuestro cuerpo saludable.

Este ingrediente impide el crecimiento de células cancerígenas y previene el cáncer de colón, próstata y de mama.

Añádelas en smoothies y batidos.

Debido a su alto contenido de fibra y agua, esta fruta previene el estreñimiento y regula el sistema digestivo. Reduce la hinchazón, impide la agrupación de cálculos renales y alivia los dolores musculares. Ataca la celulitis y sus minerales ayudan a desintoxicar el organismo.

Mantienen las arterias limpias gracias a la reducción de los niveles de colesterol.

La fibra de estas legumbres previene trastornos digestivos como el intestino irritable; estabiliza el azúcar en la sangre y gracias a su fuente de hierro, ayuda a transportar oxígeno a todo el cuerpo. Disfruta estas leguminosas en ensaladas, galletas y sopas.

Evitan la retención de líquidos y representan uno de los laxantes naturales más famosos en el mundo nutricional, por esta razón, combaten el estreñimiento y reestablecen las funciones del aparato digestivo.

kPoR DAVID VENEGAS

85

Teen www.influential-magazine.com January / February 2016

Welcome to Our World!

New Years: New Year, New Me!

Texting Do’s and Don’ts

Fifteen Resolutions For the Body & Spirit

Teen As the new year kicks off, certain aspects of life may come into focus. Multitudes

of possible New Year’s resolutions promise to truly make this coming year the best year yet. A new semester

begins at school, bringing multiple opportunities to become more involved in activities and organizations.

And, of course, in February, Valentine’s Day brings the buzz of sweethearts and dates. This

issue’s Teen section will help you navigate these couple of months, helping you set this year up right!

Here’s to a happy and successful 2016

88 teen

influential-magazine.com

teen

89

New Years:

Teen

New Year, New Me!

T

here is one thing in this world everyone wakes up to and must face each day: life. Life cannot be seen with the eyes, nor felt with the touch of a finger. Life is a present: you don’t know what’s inside, but you are excited and grateful to have received the gift. To enjoy your gift of Life, you must be your own best friend, be patient, think positive, be a risk-taker, practice gratitude, be happy for others, nurture your body, let go of negativity and never question life’s gift. You have the favor of a higher power, so accept, surrender, and be grateful for your present!

Four start up tips to a refreshed beginning!

Internal Super Charge Internal Cleanser – H₂O Your body is made up of 70% water!

Water is not a one size fits all! You should drink enough water according to your personal body weight. Find out what amount of daily water intake is best for your body Water will reduce stress, reduce over-eating, flush toxins, reduce headaches and aid in glowing skin.

DIY External Beauty Treatment After hours of late night studying, followed by early morning classes, tired eyes don’t exactly go with your outfit!

But, if you are still using cucumbers to reduce puffy eyes and dark eye circles,

90 teen

stop! This may not be the most beneficial solution. Instead, give potatoes a try!

kWRITTEN BY Victoria Garcia

½ cup of brown sugar 2-3 Tbsp of raw honey l 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil l 1 lemon squeezed Combine and mix all ingredients in a bowl by hand or using a mixer.

Then apply scrub and massage in a circular gentle motion to remove dead skin cells. Rinse with warm water and dab your face with a warm washcloth to complete your DIY experience. Do not refrigerate any left over scrub or it will harden and feel scratchy on your face. l

Got Potatoes? l Slice Potatoes in moon shapes l Place moon shapes in cold water and chill for 30 min. l Lay down and place chilled moons over your eyelids and under your eyes. l Wait about thirty minutes or until potatoes warm up and you have to peel off. Voila!

Berry Brain Booster Smoothie Mix these ingredients in a blender for a smoothie to kick start your mornings and help you start thinking like a genius! l 1 Banana l ¼ cup Blueberries l 1 handful of Almonds l ½ cup of Apple Juice

Brown Sugar and Honey Scrub This DIY face and body scrub can be used twice a week to keep your skin radiant. The ingredients in this scrub are very beneficial and inexpensive. Brown sugar is a natural exfoliate and honey is a natural moisturizer.

The antibacterial properties of honey and coconut oil prevent bacterial buildup that causes breakouts. Also, lemon juice is a great toner and acts as an astringent, helping your pores close so your facial skin is able to tighten and become smoother.

l

Spiritual Reboot Meditation Turn your cell phone off!! During the day, your mind is filled with so many thoughts and the chaos of worldly energies. Meditation trains your brain to slow down and give your mind a break.

Meditation is the process by which you access your inner spirit. You heal your body, mind, and spirit of all negativity.

Meditation improves with practice and eventually, you will find your own Zen. There is a moment of connection between you and your higher power that provides you with more patience and acceptance, preparing you to handle life’s challenges.

influential-magazine.com

Technique l Find a quiet place, get comfortable and close your eyes. l Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. l Try breathing for seven seconds and then out for sevn seconds. l Focus on your breathing.

Benefits of meditation l Relieves stress l Improves memory & focus l Improves mood and self-control l Improves metabolism, blood pressure and anxiety l Renews energy, performance, mood, memory and self-control. l Improves your metabolism, blood pressure, and anxiety l Cleanses your mind

taking challenges beyond your comfort zone is actually good for your stress levels and personal growth. Let go of your ego and take flight with iFLY World! You might be scared silly and laugh your way down but, odds are you will not regret it.

The courageous flight could boost your confidence and help you realize you should not sweat the small stuff!

Day dreaming that your idea of happiness will be next year, a different school, different job, or even hanging out with that cute guy in class! Until you give up day dreaming and start making it a reality, your happiness is somewhere else, and it will never be where you are now. l

https://www.iflyworld.com

Journaling is another form of meditation. Writing allows you to safely express all your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Try using DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF For Teens! It’s a great way to let it all out! http://www.bookdepository.com/ book/9780786887651

Negative Elimination Let go of my Ego! When you are angry, upset and hurt, you tend to hold onto it. You get insulted, you get resentful, your ego will not allow you to let things go and you stay angry. When you hold onto these negative feelings, you allow for toxins to build within your body. Take charge of your emotions. Did you know that being a little risky and

teen

91

Teen

92

influential-magazine.com

“Hands on Hips, Smiles on Lips, Spirit in your heart, Let’s start! “ sound familiar? a cheerleader is a teen athlete who is passionate about her school, her community, and all things cheer! Right now is the season for cheer tryouts! If you are trying out this season, you are probably practicing motions, working on voice projection, flexibility improvement and jumps and tumbling! you will soon team up with another candidate who you, by the end of the week, will likely come to call your “cheer sister.” you both are partnering up to help each other master the chant, cheer and dance routine.

Cheer candidates perform a mock routine before a panel of judges who are usually College University Cheerleaders. you are praying for your cheer sister; your heart is pumping and your nerves are out of control! When they tag that huge number on your white T-shirt, you know it is game on! Welcome to the Life of a Cheerleader!

kWRITTEN BY VICTORIA GARCIA

C

heer season begins in February and continues throughout the school year. It is a season filled with endless practice schedules, fundraising, summer camps, bow making, poster board painting, fluffy tutus, Friday night lights, homecoming week, cheer clinics, competition prep, basketball season, baseball season, community service, epic pep rallies, team building events and - perhaps, most anticipated - Captain tryouts! While this is happening, remember it takes more than the loudest voice and the ability to do a back handspring to become a Cheer Captain.

teen

93

Teen Captains are the leaders of the pack and the “go to girls” for the squad. I am the Junior Co-Captain for my Varsity squad and my coach has taught me it is a privilege to cheer every Friday night, because we have earned it. A Captain title is indeed an honor, because captains remain role models both on and off the field. Captains require leadership qualities, organizational skills, multi-tasking abilities, the ability to give constructive criticism and being able to remain neutral and unbiased.

Captains must attend weekly meetings with coaches and welcome all rookies. A true Cheer Captains should never engage in gossip, speak in a demeaning manner, bully anyone or intimate others on and off the field in order to complete a task or communicate a point. Captains do not wear their emotions on their sleeves. Captains are the voices of cheerleaders and the bridge of communication between the squad and the Cheer Coach.

94 teen

Being a Cheerleader is not just about the Friday night lights; it is about making a difference in the lives of the youth in the community. My school host cheer clinics and youth league nights. I believe these are among the best events during our football season. I absolutely love these youth events! These events motivated me as a child to become a middle school Cheer Captain and continue through High School to become a Captain and Co-Captain. These events give the children of our community a glimpse of what they can look forward to if they stay involved in school programs, make good grades and continue to be overall well-rounded students in school.

Before we hit the sidelines we, as a squad, hear our coach yelling… “Point those toes! Fix those arms! I can’t hear you!” The preparation and countless hours of practicing for the four quarters on the sidelines is what every cheerleader awaits! Cheerleading requires dedication and determination. Three days a week is spent practicing

influential-magazine.com

stunts, cheers, tumbling and cardio. It is important we attend every practice and game because if one person is missing from the stunt group, the team as a whole is affected, resulting in last minute rotation changes right before a performance.

The first game of the season is so exciting!

We are reaping the rewards of countless practices. pep rallies, bright lights, laughter, bullhorns, posters, painted faces, theme days, excited students and the band is pumping!

Cheering amongst my community gives me great pleasure. I will forever love Friday night lights!

As with all things that come and go, Friday night lights do end and then there is a day called Monday. Athletes are academically responsible to maintain passing grades throughout the school year. The “no pass, no play” rule becomes crucial during the playing seasons for both Athlete and Coach.

So what is the highlight for a cheerleader? It is the Cheer competitions! For those who have never attended a competition, it’s like walking into an extremely charged stadium. All you see is rows of spectators in different colors yelling and chanting along, the air filled with competitive energy, big bows and high drama!

New music mixes pumping, mascots dancing and the squads are on point hitting stunts on center floor! The most nerve-wracking feeling is standing behind the curtain waiting for your moment and all you can hear is the crowd yelling! The endless Saturdays and weeknight practices are all so worth it! l

I DEDICATE ThIS EDIToRIAL To MY SENIoR CAPTAIN, CIERRA DE LA CRuz. CIERRA IS A 15-YEAR ChEER vETERAN AND ShE IS ThE GRADuATING CLASS of 2016.

I WISh hER ALL ThE BEST AS ShE hANGS hER PoM PoMS uP AND BEGINS hER NEW JouRNEY.

teen

95

Teen new YearS fifTeen reSoluTionS challenge

For the Body & Spirit kWRITTEN BY VICTORIA GARCÍA

a new year brings new beginnings and new resolutions. Most resolutions are never executed if the goals are set high, leaving most with the “I’m going to start next Monday attitude.”

W

e as teens tend to live in the now but, can you honestly say you think about stuff like long term sun damage or hydration? Long term effects of sun damage is just that: long term. What about hydration? Most teens are probably walking around as they say “half full!” We see ourselves as youthful but, what will your skin look like at the age of fifty if you are not proactive now? Then there is this trend called sleeping. Do you really sleep eight hours a night?

Sleep is your body’s way of rejuvenation, but you can’t reap the rewards of rest if your TV is on or your phone is vibrating at all hours! So I challenge you to love your body, feed your brain and serve your community with a full heart my friends.

This year set realistic goals leaving you feeling accomplished and simply happy with yourself.

96 teen

15

Love yourself first.

14 Pray a little

more, stress a little less.

13

Sneak in eight hours of quality sleep each night.

1 Do things for

influential-magazine.com

2 Moisturize,

others and expect nothing in return.

Moisturize, Moisturize and don’t forget the lips!! Did I say moisturize?

3

Invest in a water bottle and vow to drink three bottles a day.

5 Volunteer at a

homeless shelter to serve food at least one time during the year.

9 Spring clean your cosmetic

11

Aim for “A’s”!

bag by washing it in the washer or wiping it out with a disinfecting wipe once a month. while you’re at it, clean makeup brushes once a week with baby shampoo & Discard mascara and eye liners every 3 months!!!!?

12

Visit a nursing home.

7 Exercise

4

Each morning look into the mirror and tell yourself “I am Beautiful!”

6 Maxed out closet?

Clean it out twice a year and donate some pieces to a charity.

30 minutes a day.

8 Turn your phone 10

off and read a Novel, Magazine, or a Newspaper.

Apply Sunscreen religiously! teen

97

Teen

Sweet Treats

valenTine’S daY reciPeS

There are certain treats that somehow make the season sweeter when Valentine’s roles around. need some yummy ideas for your Valentine’s party to keep the sweet times rolling? how about giving some of these easy treats a try!

Red heart-shaped rice krispies

Ingredients l 3 tablespoons butter or margarine l 1 package (10 oz., about 40) JetPuffed Marshmallows l OR l 4 cups Jet-Puffed Miniature Marshmallows l Food coloring (optional) l 6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal l Canned frosting or decorating gel l Assorted candies Directions 1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Stir in food coloring (if desired). Remove from heat.

2. Add Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Using butter spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool slightly. Using cookie cutters coated with cooking spray cut into desired shapes.

Decorate with frosting and/or candies.

Best if served the same day.

98 teen

Microwave directions In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.

Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary

Valentine’s Cake Pops Ingredients l 1 baked cake l Cake frosting (canned for best results) l White chocolate melts (Or any chocolate desired for outer coating) l Lollipop Sticks

foam block for setting the sticks in while drying.

Directions 1. Bake a cake - any flavor will work.

2. In a bowl, crumble up the cake into fine pieces using your hands or a fork.

3. Using a canned frosting, distribute the frosting into the bowl with the crumbled cake. The amount of frosting you use will depend on the moisture of the cake - you want enough that it will hold the ball together, but not too much that they become very heavy.

4. Mix until smooth.

5. Spoon out mixture to desired size of cake ball and roll into a ball.

6. Lay them out on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and put in the freezer to chill for 4+ hours 7. AMelt the chocolate for the outer shell in a bowl.

8. Dip one end of the stick in the chocolate and push the chocolate covered end of the stick into the cake ball.

9. Now dip the entire cake ball into the chocolate until the ball is completely covered.

10. Add food coloring to the chocolate if you desire a different color for the coating.

11. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off before setting it to dry - using a foam board with pre-drilled holes is an excellent way to keep the cake pops upright while they are drying. l

influential-magazine.com

Enjoy Kendra Scott’s dainty yet bold new look!

The Perla Earrings in Ivory Pearl with a Rose Gold frame would complement any elegant look!

Valentine’s Day Fudge Simply sweet and decadent recipe for Valentine’s Day Fudge made with cake mix!

Ingredients: l 2 cups white cake mix l 2 cups powdered sugar (or as we call it here – icing sugar) l 1/2 cup butter, cut into four pieces l 1/4 cup milk l 1/4 cup Wilton Valentine’s sprinkles Directions 1. Add cake mix and powdered sugar to a microwaveable bowl. Mix together.

2. Add in butter and milk. Do not mix.

Microwave for 2 minutes on high.

3. Remove from microwave immediately and stir together to combine. Stir in Valentine’s sprinkles.

4. Immediately spread the batter in an 8×8 greased baking pan. Add a few sprinkles to the top and press down with the palm of your hand or a spoon to set in place.

5. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.

Cut into squares or hearts and enjoy!

”Owl Always Love You” Valentine Gift Ideas The perfect gift for a heart of gold!

Enjoy the James Avery Golden Heart Ring this Valentines!

Have a lot to say this Valentines Day? A 2X3 Giant Valentines Day Card will help you say it all!

The Henry Giant Bear The season of love would not be complete without cuddles from a furry friend! The Henry Giant Bear is the perfect heart warming gift for any girl!

Owl always love you!

Do not miss out on this incredible beak dropping bouquet!

Vera Wang’s Princess Eau de Toilette Perfume If love in the air, make sure it smells mesmerizing! Vera Wang’s Princess Eau de Toilette Perfume is the perfect aroma for an oh so ooh-la-la Valentines day!

A sweet treat for a sweet gal!

The Nut Lover’s Dipped Fruit!

Move over Willy Wonka! Sweet girls deserve a lil something something sweet to devour! Godiva’s Signature Truffles is the perfect treat!

teen

99

Teen

Do’s and Don’ts TexTing

Communication is key. Getting that first message from your crush can set your heart racing! But, how do you respond? What should you do?

T

Sometimes abbreviations are helpful and appropriate, but it’s nice to feel like you’re having a real conversation, and not just chatting in a foreign teenage text lingo.

DOn’T break up over text unless you are concerned about your safety

DO use their name

If they have dedicated time and commitment to you for some time, then they deserve to at least have a conversation about why you think it’s time to break up. If you don’t want to do it face to face, perhaps consider a phone call.

Using their first name creates a warm and familiar tone. It makes your text more personal and the other person knows you’re talking to them and not just a random person responding to a text.

DOn’T over analyze

DO be yourself

Over analyzing a text can drive you crazy! If you’re really unsure about what they mean, then don’t be afraid to ask!

DOn’T fight or argue over texts

100 teen

Autocorrect can be tricky! Don’t let what you meant to say become something you didn’t mean because autocorrect thought it was being helpful. It can get you into some awkward conversations!

DOn’T overuse abbreviations

ake a look at some of our top picks of dating texting tips - do’s and don’ts and see how you can avoid those convoluted texts! First and foremost, make sure texting is the means by which you want to communicate your message. Some things need to be saved for a face to face conversation.

Too many misunderstandings can take place. You’re lacking the nonverbal communication a person expresses in their tone of voice and facial expressions that allow for you to understand how they are really feeling.

DO always reread your text before you send it

heLLo

It’s easy to become someone else through texting, as you have plenty of time to think about your response and they can’t see your reactions.

But, who you are on screen and who you are in person shouldn’t be so different than when you go on a first date, the other person was expecting you to be someone else. l

influential-magazine.com

teen

101

Teen

“I accidentally got myself into a situation in which I was going to get coffee with a guy who had been pursuing me (though I did not share the same feelings for). he claimed it was just a casual hangout, so I said, “You wouldn’t mind if I invited other friends from our group, would you?” I got about ten people to come accompany me and watch my back, distracting the guy whenever he made unwanted advancements.”

102 teen

“one time, when I was in high school, I hadn’t yet told my parents I was dating someone.

I took the girl out to a restaurant and halfway through our meal my family showed up and was seated at the table right next to ours. Needless to say, it became very awkward after that.”

influential-magazine.com

First Date Stories

funnY / emBarraSSing daTe

T

his Valentine’s Day season, many people are getting ready for dates - and quite possibly, first dates. The excitement that comes with the anticipation of a date can often lead to reminding yourself there isn’t anything to be worried about. Most of the time, the evening carries on as planned, but, sometimes things go wrong, leaving us feeling embarrassed in the

moment… but, experiences like these make hilarious stories to laugh at in the future. Here are some funny and embarrassing stories shared with us about dates that didn’t exactly go as expected.

These remind us, even though the unexpected may happen, a less-than-perfect date is not the end of the world, as long as you are willing to shrug it off and laugh along.

“A boy had asked me to have lunch with him, and I thought we were going to casually grab lunch in the student center, but instead, he led me to a grassy spot on campus and pulled out a thoughtfully crafted picnic.

I hadn’t been notified this was an actual date and it became even more awkward as many of my church friends walked past.”

“I brought my girlfriend on a picnic once by a small lake and it was super nice.

But, all of a sudden, this flock of geese ran up to us and started chasing us, hissing loudly. We tried to run away and my girlfriend climbed all the way up a playscape.

Then the geese ate all of our food.”

teen

103

Teen

to Our World!

Welcome

National Hispanic Institute is a platform for high school students to join together to engage in leadership learning experiences that prepare students to become future leaders both in US and Internationally.

Students from 26 states and seven countries annually attend NHI programs.

I

had the pleasure of attending the National Hispanic Institute CELEBRACION conference in Dallas, Texas. I stayed at the Omni Hotel for a week with 600 other students from North and Central America.

We came together to learn how to become leaders and entrepreneurs. It’s the coolest thing ever to go somewhere and see students in business suits and we look like we know what we are doing and sometimes we do and sometimes we have no clue. This is the beauty of NHI, there is no set structure. Staff will agree with your solution but then you will hear staff agree with someone else’s solution too!

There is no right or wrong, it is just what is best for all. You have to figure out everything out on your own and in group settings. You are given a task and put to work. You work long hours and your brain is on over drive but at the end of the session you feel a sense of accomplishment. Independence is the most liberating feeling in the world and NHI lets you explore the freedom.

NHI trains you to view things differently.

104 teen

kWRITTEN BY Victoria Garcia

If your solution is not the best, then brainstorm again, but never give up, because giving up is not an option. Dare to Dream? Joining the National Hispanic Institute will forever change the way you think.

“When you come to an organization like CELEBRACION you are not just coming to be among friends, you are coming to learn how to be a Latino Leader in the community. CELEBRACION is a model of engagement and that’s called community social entrepreneurship.”

Says Ernesto Nieto, founder of NHI. “I believe in our community, I believe in our talents, I believe in our abilities, I believe in our strengths and our assets. I don’t see Latinos in a backwards sense. I see Latinos as a very powerful influence. You are looking at millions upon millions of amazing minds that you can help influence and shape to create better opportunities of lifestyles for future generations in a positive powerful influential society. Every society has there problems. I wanted young people not see their community from a desperate point of view but to see the brilliance of their community, to be passionate and proud of their cultural heritage.” Ernesto Nieto “NHI leads students to think of positive social resolutions to change the community. Similar to the saying “don’t tell me the problem give me a solution.” NHI will train you at an early age to think like an entrepreneur and to dream like a visionary.” l

influential-magazine.com

teen

105

in sociETy

evenT guide

JanuaRy s 27

M 28

T 29

W 30

T 31

F 1

2

new Year’s Day Hangover Hangout at Hotel San Jose

Ice Skating on the Plaza

8

9

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 1316 South Congress Ave. Austin, Tx. 78704

3

4

5

6

7

5:00 PM – 12:00 AM 1316 S. Congress Ave. Austin, Tx. 78704

12

13

Bavarian nights at Hotel San Jose

10

11

14

18

19

15

16

Prevention Magazine’s 3rd Annual R3 Summit

5:00 PM – 12:00 AM 1316 S. Congress Ave. Austin, Tx. 78704

1:00 – 4:30 PM Ballet Austin’s Butler Center for Dance & Fitness 501 W. 3rd St Austin, Texas 78701

17

6:00 PM – 12:00 AM The Westin Austin at the Domain 11301 Domain Dr Austin, TX 78758

Bavarian nights at Hotel San Jose

Get Fit! Annual FREE DAy of Fitness & Pilates

nOVEMBER 29, 2015 JAnUARY 9, 2016 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Whole Foods Market Lamar 525 n Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78703

Leander ISD (LEEF) “Drop the Mic” Gala

Ice Skating on the Plaza

nOVEMBER 29, 2015 JAnUARY 9, 2016 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Whole Foods Market Lamar 525 n Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78703

s

ACL Live at The Moody Theater 310 W Willie nelson Blvd.

Austin, TX 78701

20

21

22

23 Austin Opera presents “Of Mice and Men” JAnUARY 23 - 31 10:30 PM The Long Center 701 W. Riverside Dr. Austin TX 78704

Bavarian nights at Hotel San Jose

5:00 PM – 12:00 AM 1316 S. Congress Ave. Austin, Tx. 78704

24

31

106

25

26

27

Bavarian nights at Hotel San Jose

Austin Opera presents “Of Mice and Men”

5:00 PM – 12:00 AM 1316 S. Congress Ave. Austin, Tx. 78704

JAnUARY 23 - 31 10:30 PM The Long Center 701 W. Riverside Dr. Austin TX 78704

28

29

30

6th Annual Austin Gorilla Run 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Camp Mabry

influential-magazine.com

evenT guide

FebRuaRy s

M 1

T 2

W 3

T 4

F 5

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

8

9

10

6

CASAblanca Gala 6:15 PM – 12:00 AM JW Marriott Austin

The Long Center

7

s

11

12

13

6:00 – 10:00 PM Fair Market 1100 E. 5th St Austin, Texas

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

8:00 PM – 12:00 AM

21

22

24

25

26

27

65th Anniversary Celebration

Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant”: 50th Anniversary Tour

6:30 – 9:30 PM Four Season Hotel Austin 98 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

7:00 – 9:00 PM Long Center 701 Riverside Drive Austin, TX 78704

28

23

Go Red For Women® Summit 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM JW Marriot Austin 110 East 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701

29

More information and other events: www.austinsocialplanner.com

107

in society

New Year’s Eve Gala Helps to Raise Over

$165,000 for Help Our Wounded

T

he 2015 New Year’s Eve Gala benefiting nonprofit Help Our Wounded (HOW) was an amazing success. The Gala was held at the Sonesta Bee Cave Hotel where over 260 people joined in the festivities and brought in 2016.

The HOW Advisory Board, chaired by Dottie Stevenson, organized the Gala and VIP party. The VIP party on December 30 was held at the home of Jack and Gwen Holcroft. Almost 100 people attended the party and began the countdown to New Year’s Eve. Prior to New Year’s Eve over $100,000 were raised through the generosity of Lakeway residents, family and friends. A special thank you is given to Joann Anderson of Joann Anderson Travel, who approached the Advisory Board and offered to organize a cruise through the Panama Canal

108

Left to right – Gretchen Nearburg, Joan Astorino, Joann Anderson, Ann Neighbors, Rosie Babin, Dottie Stevenson, Brooke Toeller, Diane Jackson, Donna Lochow

and donate her commission to HOW. Thus far, 90 guests are reserved to enjoy the cruise. A check, from the proceeds of booking the cruise, in the amount of $48,505 was presented to HOW. Additionally, Holland America is generously donating funds to HOW which will bring the total donation over $53,000.

In 2015 the total funds raised for HOW is over $165,000.

Funds will assist wounded soldiers and their families, guiding them to resources for support and provide financial assistance when needed. As Rosie Babin, founder of Help Our Wounded, has said,“After the soldier leaves Walter Reed, after all the VIPs have paid their visits, these soldiers and families are faced with enormous challenges”. HOW provides that help and Rosie continues to be a valuable and necessary resource for those in need.

For more information about HOW, go to HelpOurWounded.org. l