The Crazy Mind May 2018

JIMMY STICE

MADDY ROSE

Jimmy Stice is an environmental businessman who has been in the public eye over the past few years for his creation of Kalu Yala.

Maddy Rose is an Austrian Soul and Pop singer as well Songwriter based in London.

The Crazy Mind INTERVIEWS WITH INTERESTING PEOPLE

INTERVIEW WITH ILLUSTRATOR

Issue 2. May 2018. Copyright of UXScoops Pte Ltd | thecrazymind.com

Helena

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THE CRAZY MIND

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Business 2 Health and environment 31 Art 36

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INTERVIEW WITH MOROCCAN GOLDEN BOY OF LA LIFESTYLE SERVICES : OMAR BENCHEKROUN

Omar Benchekroun, the founder of LA

Now, he operates out of California, where he hopes

Lifestyle Services, was born in 1989. Since his

to use his experience in the luxury lifestyle business

childhood, he has had a keen appreciation for

to provide clientele with something sorely lacking in

class, luxury and elegance. This early appreciation inspired him to take his interest as a serious career. He began to work in the luxury lifestyle business in his home country of Morocco before traveling to Paris in 2007 in

today’s industry: a concierge service truly worthy of the tradition. LA Lifestyle Services offers a private luxury concierge service that goes above and beyond any modern concierge service in providing a high-class customer experience that rivals that of any grand hotel of the past. Benchekroun’s

order to gain luxury hotel business

international background, which includes his diverse

experience in one of the most notable places

travel experience as well as his personal knowledge

the world still renowned for its high-end

of Arabic, Spanish, French, and English speaking

luxury hotel services.

cultures, allows him the personal insight on how to deal with visitors from all around the world.

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Greetings Omar. First, could you please

I ended up combining my fascination with these

introduce yourself to our readers?

high end hotel services with my personal passion--

Yes! I am Omar Bechekroun. I was born in Morocco,

cars--to create a private, luxury concierge service

and I moved to Los Angeles about two years ago.

unlike any other in the United States.

What I loved about Los Angeles right away was its vibrancy; there's a great energy, wonderful

The goal of LA Lifestyle Services is to provide one of a

atmosphere, and a great sense of values that I

kind, personalized, luxury service to clientele. The

appreciate here.

concept behind the company is to be a professional, discrete, and above all luxury service for each and

You operate LA Lifestyle Services. Could you tell us more about that?

Of course. The project's true beginnings started after I finished high school. I went to Paris where I studied both international business and marketing, which gave me a lot of insight; not just because of my studies, but because of the many high-class hotel services in Paris aimed at luxury clientele.Â

every client who comes to us.

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So, what would you say are the biggest

Thankfully, we have a diversified background at LA

advantages and disadvantages to offering a

Lifestyle Services, and this gives us a great leg up on

luxury concierge service?

anticipating what clients from different locales

The advantages of a luxury concierge service are similar to those of other luxury service businesses. I would say the disadvantages--I prefer to think of them as challenges--are fairly unique. One of the

around the world might need.

Is there anything special you would recommend newcomers to LA do in the city?

biggest challenges we face is that clients can be very

I'd like to first say that newcomers to LA won't be

demanding, which requires an extremely high

newcomers for long--everyone I know that visits the

attention to detail. We have to put a lot of time,

city wants to come back again and again, to take in

energy and focus into making sure their needs and

everything that LA has to offer. Shopping,

wants are met, down to the last detail. Our goal is to

entertainment, luxury, culture--there's no end to the

provide excellent service, and reaching excellence is

LA experience. And our company at LA Lifestyle

not a walk in the park. Another unique disadvantage

Services is on hand to help newcomers to the city

when it comes to operating a concierge service is

make the most of their stay, whatever their needs,

that because much of our clientele hails from

whatever their interests, and no matter where they

around the world, they may have completely

are from.

different wants, needs and other demands.Â

Is there anything else you'd like to say to our readers?

Yes. Remember: true luxury is not about money. It's about a certain lifestyle, a certain state of mind, and a certain view on the world. Let LA Lifestyle Services take you on a world-class journey into that world.

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INTERVIEW WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ISMAIL SIRDAH Ismail Sirdah is a successful photographer in the Atlanta area and the owner of his studio and school.

He was born in Cape Town, South Africa. Sirdah received his early business education working in his family’s restaurant business in Atlanta. He took photography classes at the Savannah School of Art and Design.

Since his family’s restaurant is part of the Atlanta music scene, Sirdah was at first interested in working in the music business. His initial interest in photography stemmed from his desire to do event photography himself, rather than paying high rates for the service. He bought a simple DSLR camera and started working as a photographer’s assistant. He learned the ropes of the business from his employers and began creating ideas for his independent studio.

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Ismail Sirdah is one of the up-and-coming names in the Atlanta photography business. He specializes in portrait photography, though he is also well versed in wedding, travel, and retail photography. Sirdah’s combination of creativity and business savvy have propelled his business from a startup to an established studio. He also teaches photography classes and pushes his students to learn more about this changing industry.

Sirdah is known as a creative photographer who is an expert in the use of backgrounds and settings.

Photography captures the world as he sees it, and the vision he has created is beautiful. His success stems from his entrepreneurial spirit and his skills with the medium of photography. He credits his mentors with helping him achieve success.

How did you get started in the photography

In my field, I have always enjoyed the work of Annie

industry?

Leibovitz. Her portraits capture the truth in each

I was working for my father’s restaurant, and contracting a photographer to help us with some marketing campaigns. I was struck by how expensive it is to hire a good photographer, and I decided that I wanted to try it for myself. I bought a small DSLR camera and apprenticed as a

person. She has been in our field for decades, yet her work is always fresh and new. I hope that I can continue to make progress in the field of photography for decades to come.

What motivates you?

photographer’s assistant. Through working with my

I’ve always been a self-starter. I have the need to

employers, I shadowed them and learned what

work and the passion for bringing in new inspiration.

makes a good shoot and what kinds of editing are

I won’t deny that financial success is another

needed to make the photos shine.

motivator for me. There were times when I was afraid I would fail while starting my business from

Is photography your biggest passion?

I would say yes. I started off in music marketing, and

the ground up.

while I enjoyed my work, I didn’t find out what real

How do you stay ahead of the competition?

job satisfaction was until I started as a photographer.

I’m always finding new ways to accomplish my

I feel that it’s crucial to be passionate about your

work. It would seem that teaching others would

chosen work. If you’re working in a field you love,

possibly cut into my own business, but I haven’t

every day is better than the last.

found this to be true at all. When I’m interacting

Which business leaders, past or present, have

with my students, we give each other great ideas. I try to stay at the forefront of technology in this

inspired you the most?

business. I am always adapting new types of

I’ve been deeply inspired by Steve Jobs. His vision

equipment and fine-tuning my suite of editing

and leadership skills can’t be duplicated. His constant innovation motivates me to discover new things continually.

software.

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Photography can be taxing, how do you

What advice do you have for others who want

relax?

to enter your sector?

I love to travel, and I love good restaurants. One of

Start out by taking a photography class. You can find

my favorite destinations is Miami. I stay with friends

a class at a local art school. That way, you will have

in Coconut Grove. We go to the beach and enjoy the

the fundamentals down when you go out on your

fantastic food and music scene. The whole vibe of

own. Finding clients can be difficult when you are

Miami is so different from Atlanta. I love where I live,

just starting out. Build as much of a word of mouth

but every so often, it’s important to step aside and

reputation as you can.

take time for myself.

What is the next step for you?

I hope to expand my photography school. I would like to hire some dedicated teachers to expand our offerings. While I’ve enjoyed doing all the teaching myself, I feel like I need some new blood in the business.

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INTERVIEW WITH MASTER LIFE COACH DR BRUNO ROQUE CIGNACCO

Dr Bruno Roque Cignacco is a Master Life coach and Master NLP practitioner who studied Metaphysics for more than 17 years.

He is the author of of two inspirational books such as "How to Manifest Money Effortlessly.

Techniques to be more prosperous" and "How to Become a Miracle Worker with your Life".

We have conducted an interview with him.

During your years as a Consultant, Master Life

Most individuals and organisations tend to perceive

coach and Master NLP practitioner, which is

their choices as limited, as if they were carved in

the most challenging and inspiring period?

stone. As an advisor, I have been continually

How was it like?

determined to help these organisations and individuals perceive new alternatives and non-

My work as a professional supporter both for

traditional ways to do things. As a professional

individuals and organisations worldwide has always

supporter, I encourage them to utilise their

been challenging, but also extremely satisfying and

innermost resources in a more innovative manner.

enriching. I continually realised that all individuals

Over years I have often seen individuals and

and organisations have their blind spots, and they

organisations about to touch rock-bottom that

often need a detached professional view to develop

made surprising transformational shifts by following

more creative and insightful perspectives to prosper

the advice I provided.

in their activities. My role as a coach, consultant and NLP practitioner has been to help these organisations and individuals harness their full potential and to prompt them to achieve their goals in a more effective manner.

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Why is it important to trust on these principles:

I commented about these principles in my last book

repentance, forgiveness, love and gratefulness?

“How to Become a Miracle Worker with your Life” which are about a very ancient and powerful

When people are connected to these values their

Hawaiian technique called Ho’oponopono. In this

states of consciousness is automatically lifted. These

book, I provide readers with a myriad of practical

individuals take responsibility for their lives, and

exercise to become more repentant, forgiving loving

leave any state of condemnation of themselves or

and thankful in their lives.

others behind. For instance, repentance and forgiveness are always choices that have a powerful cathartic effect. Repentance and forgiveness liberate people from the sorrow of past mistakes and help them leave any negative state (guilt, grudge, hatred, resentment, victimhood, etc.) behind.

When I talk about love, I am referring to unconditional love, which means loving those around you without expecting anything in return.

Unconditional love is the most powerful energy that exists, it is naturally harmonising and dissipates any state of fear, resistance or hostility. I always say that love is a feeling of togetherness which connects you with everything that exists. On one side, some scientists even assert that love expands intellectual skills; on the other side, mystics state that love always connects you to your inner wisdom. Love helps you surmount life challenges in an easier manner.

Gratitude helps people appreciate what they have in

What motivated you to write your book "How to Manifest Money Effortlessly. Techniques to be

their life. In that sense, when people are grateful

more prosperous"?

they naturally tend to focus on what is positive

One of the things that motivated me to write this

around them, which creates a virtuous cycle. People

book was the fact that I observed, when advising

can be grateful for the things they possess, the

individuals and organisations, that most of them

experiences they go through and the people around

have negative assumptions about money, for

them.

example, “It takes a lot of effort to make money”.

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THE CRAZY MIND

“To earn more money, I have to work more”, “Save money for the rainy day”, “Time is money”, “People with money have specific skills” and similar ones. All these negative assumptions are widespread and

INTERVIEW

Where did you publish the first of these books?

My first book was on Marketing topics. It is called “International Marketing: Fundamentals for Small

prevent people from become more prosperous.

and Medium-Sized Enterprises”. It was originally

In my book I provide the reader with a wide range of

bestseller in Spanish speaking countries. Later on,

tools the challenge these assumptions and replace them with more positive ones such as “Money is a consequence of your intention”, “Money is freedom and independence” “Money is an abundant matter”, “Money is a reward for your added value” and “Money is a means not a destination”, among others.

Another fact that motivated me to write this book was also that in most books about abundance and prosperity, tools to become more prosperous are explained in a partial, and oftentimes superficial manner. Therefore, I decided to write a book which approaches prosperity from a multidimensional perspective (emotional, rational, energetic, etc.) This book offers readers a wider range of well-proven techniques for a more abundance life, which I have used over the years to become more prosperous.

Some examples of these tools are positive thinking, visualization, affirmations, energy management, emotional balance, Feng Shui, decluttering, chakra cleansing, meditation, goal-setting, etc. The book explains these tools in depth, giving examples and practical tips to apply to develop more abundance in different areas of our lives, relationships, finances, career, health, etc. This book has become very popular worldwide, and it was published in other language besides English, including Italian and Korean.

published in Spanish in Argentina, but became a this book was also published in Portuguese, becoming a best-selling text for Portuguese speaking countries.

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IThis book was published in English by Atlantic publisher and it is successfully being sold worldwide. This book is very complete and practical and includes among other topics: globalization and international environments, advantages of going international, relevant information for internationalization, selection of the most appropriate international markets and ways of entering them and adaptation of products of services to international markets.

This book also includes other topics such as: international pricing and promotion, international distribution, and main aspects of quality and competitiveness for international markets, among other topics. This book has been praised by prestigious institutions worldwide, such as the International Trade Centre (Geneva, Switzerland) – a leading organisation worldwide regarding international trade and international marketing.

INTERVIEW

Do you prefer the Business or Self Help genre?

I love both genres! The business genre helps me create and develop significant strategic, tactical and operational aspects to support organisations in their business endeavours. The self-help genre helps me deliver valuable tools to prompt individuals to reach their full potential and connect to their unique innermost resources.

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INTERVIEW WITH INVESTMENT SPECIALIST CHASE RUBIN

Known as one of the leading investment

After establishing himself in the financial

specialists in the Northeast, Chase Rubin

sector in the Northeast of the U.S., a new

arrived in New York City after completing his

home in New York's East Village stirred an

college education and has created a

interest in real estate which has since

respected financial career. Throughout his

become a significant part Rubin’s career. Not

adult life, Rubin has sought to develop his

only has Chase become one of the leading

own financial position by making sure he had

financial specialists in New York dedicated to

the right education and training in

traditional stocks and shares he has also

economics. Developing his interest in math

championed the cause of non-traditional

and economics as a student, Rubin pushed

sectors. A keen interest in technology has

himself to become one of the best-qualified

also led to the private investor extending his

investment specialists in the world.

interest in startup tech companies in recent years.

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How did you get started in the financial

What are some of your favorite tools and

industry?

resources for your work?

As a child, I always had an interest in math and

My cell phone is indispensable; I could not complete

excelled in lessons at high school and college. My

my work in such a compelling way without access to

economics professor at college developed my

the markets and latest news at all times. I also enjoy

interest in the world of finance after he recognized

the chance to trade stocks for free which has led me

my talents. After college, I arrived in New York City

to download the Robinhood app which can make

and worked for a series of major financial

the dream of stock investing for millions of people to

institutions which I learned a lot from but felt

come true.

trapped by the rules many of these institutions operate under. For example, some of the world's leading financial institutions won't allow traders to invest in cryptocurrency or Blockchain options which seems crazy to me.

Investing can be taxing, how do you relax?

It's been a difficult few years since 2008 when I was as amazed as everybody else about the stock market crash. Looking back on the events of the last decade, I now see I am a better person and stronger investor

How do you stay ahead of the competition?

Research and a little bit of luck. I like to think I am always reading and researching to make sure I identify the latest trends in investing and technology. The luck I was talking about allows me to follow my gut instincts which have been proven right more than they have wrong.

Which business leaders, past or present, have inspired you the most?

because of the market crash. After more than 20 years as an investor, I have learned a few different ways of relaxing including my hobby of cookery. By finding new recipes and ingredients, I find myself immersed in the food I am making and not thinking about my investments for a few hours. After making a meal or snack, I often feel refreshed and ready to face another session of investing.

What advice do you have for others who want to enter your sector?

I adore Sir Richard Branson, the founder and head of

My mother used to tell me, "Rome wasn't built in a

the Virgin group of companies. Not only has Sir

day." My career has been a long and, at times the

Richard developed one of the most successful

rocky road to reach the position I am in after 20

companies in the world, but he has also done so

years, but I remain in it for the long-term. I believe it

with a great sense of fun and been willing to give

is also important to accept setbacks and learn from

back to communities around the world. I first

the mistakes often made in a career. A good

became aware of Branson when he was completing

example being the 2008 economic crash which I

his daredevil stunts of crossing the Atlantic in a

now believe is the best thing to happen to myself as

speedboat and trying to circle the globe in a hot air

I have been inspired to invest in a better way to

balloon in the 1980s.

protect my family from another crash.

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INTERVIEW WITH AN INDIAN ENTREPRENEUR: AGAM BERRY

Agam Berry is known in the digital marketing scene as one of the foremost tech entrepreneurs. He graduated from Punjab University and now has over 10 years of digital marketing experience under his belt. He is active in the selling of advertising inventory, and he has kept his services connected to his native land with his offices in Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Berry is passionate about his culture and the Indian economy, which is why he chose to build his career and life in his native country. He strives to use his place within the global digital industry to push the Indian economy forward, closing the ingenuity gap existing between his native land and the Western world. We recently sat down with Agam Berry to get his insights and tips for other aspiring Indian entrepreneurs.

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What drove you to want to become an

What is one tip you would give to aspiring

entrepreneur?

Indian entrepreneurs?

lways been interested in business. After I received

l would say to keep challenging yourself. If you come

my Bachelor's from the Punjab University, I wanted

up with an idea you think will be your ticket to

to give back to India, my native land that nurtured

success, challenge yourself to make it even better.

me and in which I got my education. I could see

Always push yourself and say, "This is a good idea,

needs in the Indian economy, and one of those

but how can I make it better?" That is a strategy I

needs was moving forward as a global leader in the

employ myself, and it is a tip I would give to aspiring

digital economy; I thought I could help do this.

entrepreneurs.

How is the entrepreneurial scene in India

What are some good resources for aspiring

different from other places?

I don't really think it is all that different, especially in the industry I am in. In the digital marketing industry, many of the resources and community networking takes place online, which can happen from anywhere. Entrepreneurs operate in all four corners of the earth. Regardless of where they are operating from, certain personal traits like dedication, work ethic, and drive are what separates the success stories from the failures, rather than location.

What is your favorite thing about India?

Indian entrepreneurs?

There are so many great resources out there.

LinkedIn, Twitter, and Mobile business apps are my top entrepreneurial resources. LinkedIn does just what it says: it links you in. Your business profile links you to others in the same industry and connects you with potential clients. Twitter provides entrepreneurs with a way to use social media content to drive traffic to your site. It allows you to instantly share relevant links and info, which increases your customer loyalty through your followers. There are too many mobile business apps to name, but every day, newer and better ones are emerging to boost business productivity. Some of

It's hard to pick one thing, but I would have to say

my favorite mobile business apps are Kingsoft Office,

the vibrancy. This country is a feast for the senses.

Evernote, Dropbox, and Google Docs.

The sights, smells, colors, and sounds of a living breathing culture are quite breathtaking and

Agam Berry is someone you want to follow. He has

inspiring. The people are as bright and colorful as

his fingers on the pulse of marketing and

the fabrics that grace the market stalls. India really is

digitization. He is well versed and involved in the

a site to behold.

cryptocurrency revolution. To share in what he knows and benefit from his teachings, simply follow his blog at Agam-berry.com, or on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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INTERVIEW WITH MARIE-ANTOINETTE TICHLER, CEO AND FOUNDER OF C2LEGACY Over the last year, the cryptocurrency

C2Legacy is a cryptocurrency estate

industry as grown drastically. As more and

management platform that utilizes

more people begin to invest in

blockchain technology. The product is the

cryptocurrency, it begs the question as to

brainchild of Marie-Antoinette Tichler. After a

what happens to one’s cryptocurrency should

tragic family event, Marie-Antoinette realized

they pass away. Most other assets would be

the need for such a platform and used her

specified in a traditional will, however, this is

technology education background to develop

not the case for cryptocurrency. Marie-

this platform. Recently we sat down with

Antoinette Tichler, Founder and CEO of

Marie-Antoinette Tichler to discuss her

C2Legacy, aims to change this.

platform and all things related to crypto.

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How did your technology education

How do you see cryptocurrency changing the

background influence your decision to create

current financial landscape?

C2Legacy?

I believe that cryptocurrency’s transparent quality

I have a degree in Healthcare Management,

will be one of the major factors in changing the

Graduate Certificate in Social Media Development &

current financial landscape. A simple example is in

Planning, and I’m a Certified Mobile Marketer. My

the future, citizens in a country will be able to track

collegiate and accredited studies guided my belief

where the government is spending money. I’m

that we accumulate digitized wealth. The digital

excited to see the new crypto financial landscape.

nature of cryptocurrency and my past experiences confirmed my understanding that there is a need to

Outside of cryptocurrency, what are some of

protect digital assets. These things combined

your favorite hobbies or activities?

influenced my decision to create C2Legacy.

I enjoy travelling anywhere where there’s a beach

If someone were interested in setting up their

and above eighty degrees. I love to laugh, read, listen

crypto estate, how would they do so with your

to music, dance, videography, cook, host parties, and

platform?

It’s actually quite simple. Sign in and get verified on the platform. Fill out personal profile. Input beneficiaries’. Add digital assets. Attach heirs to digital assets. Decide inheritance percentage. Save contract.

travel to tropical places…just can’t say that enough!

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INTERVIEW

JESSE BRODSKY, LAWYERS OF DISTINCTION

Lawyers of Distinction is a professional organization only available to the top ten percent of attorneys in each state. The company employs a fee-for-service program that puts approved members in successful databases. Once listed, thousands of clients who use the website can see their practice and chose to work with them. Jesse Brodsky, the head of membership services, considers the organization a tremendous brand-building tool. Lawyers do not only get recognized for extraordinary service but also boost their revenues by accepting more customers. Moreover, Lawyers of Distinction provides new members with dozens of marketing prompts and online accessories.

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INTERVIEW

Can you describe an average member of your

What steps do you plan to take in order to

organization?

reach those goals?

Well, I will start off by saying that an average

We are building new frameworks and brainstorming

member is anything but ordinary. Everyone that

on how to achieve the aforementioned. Our senior

applies becomes a part of a rigorous review and

management is focused on streamlining the

goes through a background check. Therefore, we are

application process and making it faster. Also, we do

highly unlikely to approve anyone who is short of

frequent reviews of external opportunities for

extraordinary. Every area of law is welcome, and all

outsourcing.

of our requirements are merit-based. So, every distinguished lawyer will be a hard-working, dedicated, and enthusiastic professional.

What would be a quote that accurately depicts your organization?

"Great things in business are never done by one

What is your highest priority when it comes to your company?

Customer service. Ultimately, we hope to grow our business, and the easiest way is to have high-quality customer service. In our case, that are two sides to discuss. First, we address all of our lawyers' needs.

Mainly, they are the primary workforce, and the organization would be useless without them.

Besides our attorneys, we also work hard to keep our outside customers happy. That mostly includes people who come to our website to find excellent legal representation. Satisfying both of these parties is what lets us run this company efficiently.

What is your long-term plan for Lawyers of Distinction?

Hopefully, we will keep expanding as time passes.

We currently enforce a top-ten-percent system that leaves out a ton of successful lawyers. Over time, we hope to build a better system where more attorneys will be eligible to apply. Simultaneously, however, we do not want to reduce the quality of lawyers that we approve. After all, there would not be much "distinction" if anyone could just sign up, right?

person. They are done by a team of people". This quote comes from Steve Jobs who changed the world with his inventions. Although we are definitely in different service lines, I believe that the quote applies. Our organization is based on teamwork between management and lawyers as well as lawyers and customers. Failure on either end could cause a lot of issues for everyone involved. Thus, I always push for open communication as the firm's best practice. As long as everyone is on the same page, there is less room for misaligned interests.

What do you do when your plans fail? Has it happened to this organization?

I will give an example to better answer the question.

In the past, many issues came up in regards to our member-acceptance policy. We were reviewing nominations and accepting people based on experience, success, and reviews. After a while, however, we noticed that some states had more distinguished lawyers than others. To avoid the discrepancy, we decided to place a membership ceiling to even things out. Thus, we went through multiple stages of planning and came up with the ten-percent system.Â

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Now, only the top ten percent of any given state's attorneys are our members. In general, every business has issues, and we are no different. Anyone making an argument that their organization is error-free should not be taken seriously.

What do you suggest to those who want to apply?

Just do it! Many individuals avoid filling out the paperwork because they are insecure about their odds. One thing that you never know is how many practicians from your state have a membership. Thus, even if you do not believe in your chances, you might still make the cut! If not, keep working on those areas that we comment on and reapply again later.

JaamZIN Creative We feature artists and creative people www.jaamzin.com

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INTERVIEW

JMD FURNITURE'S DEV JOSHI ON CONNECTIONS BETWEEN FAMILY AND BUSINESS

There are a plethora of Hindu-based sayings that people apply to guide their moral principles. Jai Mata Di is one of the most common quotes. When summarized in English, it encompasses timeless values like positivity, gratitude, and respect for nature. It is also a saying that Dev Joshi made an acronym for and utilized to name his business. Now, after many years of serving the public, his JMD Furniture has lived up to the vision of remaining a family-based enterprise that characterizes itself by longevity achieved through excellent customer service. Before starting JMD Furniture, Mr. Joshi worked on increasing his knowledge about the business world. Once he reached a point where he felt comfortable taking certain risks, he decided to venture out and let his entrepreneurial side shine.

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What inspired you to launch your business?

Where do you envision your company in 5

I wanted to create a company where my family can

years, 10 years, 20 years?

work and enjoy the fruits of our labor. After having

It is hard to say. I think that we will probably revamp

many jobs that I was not passionate about, I realized

our entire website in the following two decades no

that my dream is to own a business. The ultimate

less than three to four times. Additionally, I can

goal will perfectly align with my inner desires to help

anticipate us moving to larger headquarters if the

my community, family, and nature. Hence why our

business keeps growing. Given the nature of

name is a spin-off from a popular saying in Hindu

commercial leasing, however, us moving would

that portrays respect for our surroundings.

probably only happen once within the 20-year time

What issue does your core product help solve and how so?

We give buyers an extensive and versatile offering of furniture that can equip anything from a simple family home to an enormous business office. Our website’s design simplifies shopping for our customers. Visitors can browse by categories and avoid scrolling through dozens of items one by one.

The core issue that we try to address pertains to furnishing needs of people who might have just moved into a new home or businesses and have decided to renovate, purchase, or lease new office space.

frame since we sign long-term office contracts to hold the space for ten years at least. Lastly, I am hoping to see our company acquire more corporate customers who might need our help with furnishing their distribution or management centers.

How do your competitors view you?

I am not sure that I can answer that question accurately. What I can do, however, is tell you that I hope my competitors view our company as a threat to their demand. We have been doing everything in our power to grow and increase the market share that we can prove is under our authority. It is undeniable that there is a lot of room for expansion

What has been your biggest challenge as a

and I believe that other furniture stores are now

business owner and how have you met that

recognizing that we may hinder their sales

challenge?

Getting past the barriers to success was very tough.

For those unfamiliar, a company that operates in this field will usually see obstacles imposed by

eventually.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs and business owners? What do

competitors who have been selling furniture for

you wish someone told you?

many years. Additionally, there are things like start-

Involving my family has been one of the best

up costs needed to acquire the equipment and

decisions that I have ever made. Working with those

marketing issues. Our family had to come up with

related to you tends to be rewarding as you can be

some very creative strategies to distinguish JMD

much more honest about feedback and not worry

Furniture amongst all the rivals, and that process

about retaliation of any kind. Additionally, it is

took a lot of time. Although we still face some of

virtually impossible to find a group of people who

these issues, I learned that teamwork and

will care about your company as much as your own

brainstorming could help achieve market

family does.Â

penetration.

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INTERVIEW

BRIAN MOTRONI INTRODUCES HUNTER LAW P.A.

Hunter Law P.A is a law firm stationed in Tampa, Florida where countless personal-injury victims go to get legal help. I have over a decade of experience focusing on plaintiff personal injury cases. I take great pride in helping victims get a fair recovery when tragedy and injuries befall their lives. I always keep my client's goals and best interests in mind and look for solutions and resolutions that will best serve their individual needs. Through transparency, great communication, and hard work a lot of my previous clients have thanked me for fighting so hard for them when they thought that no one else would.

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How would you characterize the working

I believe that states which are supposed to be united

environment at Hunter Law P.A?

should adhere to a standard set of laws so that there

An accurate way to describe us is to say that we are a small family that always tries to compete internally. For example, David, our senior associate attorney for family law, and I often try to outdo one

would be a level playing field for everyone. It seems unfair that doing something in one place can be perfectly fine yet is likely to be penalized with jail time somewhere else within the same country.

another. Whenever I win a case, I can expect that

What makes you one of the best Personal

David has a victory of his own that he has been

injury attorney in Tampa and how do you stay

waiting to share with me. Similarly, our founding

ahead of your competition?

partner Regina often challenges everyone to be as

I always seek to understand my clients’ needs and

effective as we can be by incentivizing us with group outings and team building.

expectations and then striving to exceed them. A lot of attorneys lose focus on what matters as they chase the offer to become a partner or advance their

What are some of the most important questions

own career. I am proud that I have always kept my

that you ask potential clients?

work very client-oriented and have never found

To be honest, the most important question that I ask

myself caught in the rat race or trying to keep up

is directed at myself. I review all the material that

with the Joneses. If I do good work for good people,

the client has at the initial consultation and ask

the rest will take care of itself.

myself if I will be able to achieve a favorable outcome for them. That requires me learning what

Is there any court case that impacted your

their individual needs and expectations are before

decision to become a lawyer?

we begin representing them. This early

There have been countless landmark cases decided

communication and understanding are essential in

by the Supreme Court that motivated me to become

forging the trust that is required in an effective

a lawyer. Looking at some of the landmark decisions

attorney-client relationship. If there is a good chance

that have shaped our society such as the interracial

that I can provide them with the representation that

marriage issues as displayed in Loving vs. Virginia or

they need and deserve, I offer to take their case on.

reproductive freedom in Roe v. Wade have transformed our country and inspired many to enter

How would you characterize the current state of the

the legal field. Practicing law is a great career if you

judicial system in this nation?

are looking to make a difference.

There are certainly areas that need improvement, but I am satisfied with the way that most things operate. Looking at some of the common loopholes, however, I would say that the most significant issues arise from state-to-state discrepancies. For example, I find it amazing that you can drive in Texas and make a right turn on a red traffic light but then get a hefty fine if you do this in New York.

Have you ever lost a case that seemed like a "slam-dunk"?

I was unable to complete a settlement claim for one of my clients a few years ago. The person that I worked with did not present all the facts to me, and I got blindsided by a ton of evidence that the other side presented.

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Looking back at it, that experience goes well with

What does somebody who wants to work

my previous answer to the important question

with you need to have?

lawyers must ask. It teaches a lesson that effective communication between a client and a lawyer is the most important aspect of a case. I can clear most hurdles that I am aware of, but if the client makes me unaware of something, we can both get tripped up.

They must have the drive and far-reaching ambitions. I will seldom hire a person that does not seem enthusiastic about the law as that will not go well with our office atmosphere. Also, they have to interact well with others and be a team player.

Those skills can’t always be taught, they are more likely to be engrained in someone from a young age, so I prefer to hire people who already possess them.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH SOFTWARE ENGINEER SALEH STEVENS

Saleh Stevens has a name known to many in the cryptocurrency and Blockchain engineering industry as he has been one of the leading lights in this sector for many years. Saleh Stevens is one of the first investors in Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrency technologies since their development as early as 2009. Stevens discusses, in his blogs his interest in Blockchain software technology and upcoming technological developments. After graduating with a degree in Computer Studies, Saleh Stevens made a series of investments with varied results and now uses his voice as an experienced investor to help others. He helps them build a portfolio while avoiding the pitfalls he discovered over the course of his career.

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INTERVIEW

How did you get involved in cryptocurrency?

How important do you believe blogging to be

As a software engineer, I am always looking at the

in your career?

different ways technology can play a role in the

Blogging has grown in importance for me as initially;

changing world and make our lives simpler in an

I wanted to correct many of the wrongs that were

economical way. When I started investing, I was

being spoken about cryptocurrency investing.

looking for the best new areas to invest in before any

Feedback from my readers to become more about

option became too popular to be profitable. In 2009,

the development of Blockchain technology.

when I heard about the development of Bitcoin and

Investing in those companies looking to explore

Blockchain by Satoshi Nakamoto, I knew it was an

Blockchain in the future is one of the most critical

area I had to research and dip my feet into as an

decisions any technology-minded investor can do

investor.

with any news I can bring to my readers of the highest importance, in my opinion.

How did your education and early career prepare you for cryptocurrency investing?

How do you keep yourself motivated?

At school, I loved science and math which gave me

Motivation is never a problem as I do believe in both

the perfect grounding to head to college and

cryptocurrency and Blockchain technology which is

develop my skills in computer studies. I worked as a

something I have rarely said about investment

software engineer for a collections company, which

sectors in the past. Every day there seems to be a

were horrendous in terms of inspiring me to work to

new area of interest for me regarding

my maximum output. However, this experience

cryptocurrency technology development. For

made me understand that I needed to head out and

example, the recent announcement of currencies

work for myself as an investor and entrepreneur.

tied into well-known sports stars and celebrities.

These images were launched under the personality

Are you solely involved in cryptocurrency

of the former Liverpool and Real Madrid soccer

investments?

player, Michael Owen.

No, I like to think I can look at any investment opportunity and understand it regarding the potential for a positive return for the future.

Investing is a part of my career which developed over time, and I believe technology will continue to expand until the majority of our financial transactions are completed Online using cryptocurrency without the need for currency exchanges and border crossing problems. Any technology-based investment usually interests me and peaks my interest to an extent which allows me to feel secure in the knowledge I have successfully completed my work.

Which business leaders inspire you?

One of my most significant influence in the business world is the English business leader, Sir Richard Branson. The fact the Virgin group takes in so many different aspects of the business world is always impressive. Furthermore, I love the personal outlook of Sir Richard as he never seems to be fazed by issues his brand may face.

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INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH PETER KRUMINS, CEO OF BROWSERLING

Browserling is a cross-browser testing service started in 2010 and co-founded in 2011 by Peter Krumins (CEO) and James Halliday. Located in Oakland, California. We have conducted an interview with Peter.

When did you start Browserling and what

We weren't sure how to monetize this so we built

inspired you to deal with browsers?

Browserling that only streams browsers to your

I started Browserling in 2010. I teamed up with my

browser. We used Amazon EC2 to launch various

friend James Halliday who I met on IRC and we built technology that streams the desktop of a virtual machine to your browser. This technology let anyone connect to any virtual machine and use it from their browser.

versions of Windows virtual machines (XP, Vista, 7, etc) and we installed all the possible browser versions on these virtual machines. This allowed users to launch any browser in their own browser and test their websites. Â

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Who will benefit most from your services?

You started your startup a few years ago, what

Web developers will benefit the most. Browserling

are your achievements so far and how do you

solves a problem that absolutely every web

define success for your business?

developer has. When they make a website, they've to

Browserling now has 20,000+ users and is a top

make sure

40,000 website in the world according to Alexa. I’ll

it works in all the browsers. There are many different

consider it to be a success if it keeps growing. The

browsers - Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, etc,

business is already succeeding and has been

and each one of them is a little bit different. Plus

growing for the last 48+ months but the big dream is

there are dozens of different versions - Internet

to see it become a huge company. Just like I grew

Explorer 10, Firefox 40, Chrome 50, etc. Plus every

my blog to millions of visitors, I’ll grow Browserling

browser can run on a different platform - Windows

to millions in revenue!

XP, Windows 7, Windows 10, Mac, Linux, etc. Plus there are mobile devices, Androids, iPhones, and

If someone is interested in using your

mobile versions of all these browsers, and more.

company's services, how can they engage

Instead of installing all these platforms and browsers

your services?

yourself, Browserling offers quick access to them online. Developers save a ton of time and money.

They can just go to www.browserling.com and instantly try Browserling in 5 seconds. There is no registration or additional software required. You can just go on the website and use it. If anyone wants to talk more with me about Browserling they can reach me at peter@browserling.com.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

JIMMY STICE EXPLAINS THE VISION FOR KALU YALA

Jimmy Stice is an environmental businessman who has been in the public eye over the past few years for his creation of Kalu Yala. Located in the heart of Panama's never-ending forests, this village was established to demonstrate sustainability and modern construction methods. Driven by a young workforce from all over the world, Mr. Stice's project gained momentum as soon as he presented it to potential sponsors. Due to a detailed plan of action and undeniable passion, he was able to persuade large entities like Affordable Permanence and Studio Sky to help jump-start the financing. Now, after his endeavors were televised and many magazines featured his success, Stice continues to improve the village by adding many state-of-the-art tools for the locals to use.

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Can you explain where the workforce for Kalu

What influence did the TV show have on your

Yala comes from?

project?

So, we do all of our marketing with full-time

Well, for the lack of a better term, it had a dual-

students and young adults in mind. The reason

effect. We got a lot of positive feedback while

behind this is the fact that we are in need of people

getting hit with some negative publicity at the same

who are in their early stages of life and can take on

time. Meaning, the TV show brought awareness to

physical labor. Everything here was built from

what we are trying to do, and we had countless

scratch which means that the job description is

individuals rally behind us as a sign of support.

going to revolve around hands-on tasks like lifting,

Simultaneously, however, a lot of episodes had some

digging, and carrying.

bad edits where our mission and vision were altered and not presented accurately. So, there were

What is the popular opinion amongst the

instances where the public misunderstood what we

interns who come to work here?

are trying to accomplish.

The majority of them recognize what we are trying to accomplish and feel strongly about the idea.

Hence why we get most of our interns through referrals and positive word of mouth.

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Do you think that the construction is close to

How do you explain the truth about Kalu Yala

achieving the goal of a sustainable village in a

to those who do not believe in your vision?

rainforest?

I think that it is a lot closer than it was a month ago yet not as close as it will be a month from now! That goes to say how we are striving to improve every day and I sincerely think that it is a matter of time before we can present a sustainable village to the world.

What are some of your happy and sad memories from this project?

The nights where the management and interns get together and eat pizzas around a giant bonfire carry a lot of great memories for me. As far as any Kalu Yala bad stories, the only thing that I still hate to this day is the presence of mosquitos! You would not believe how many of them are around given the proximity of lakes and rivers in the area.

Generally speaking, I present this project to everyone in the same way. I never misguide people by telling them that coming to work in Panama will be like a three-month vacation. Everyone who reaches out to me is left with a detailed overview of what their duties as a Kalu Yala worker will be and how the program will benefit them. Usually, being transparent is very helpful while talking to those who seem skeptical about the idea.

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What are some of the plans that you are

What is your advice for those who are going

working on now?

to be a part of the program in the future?

We are trying to revamp the construction

Come here with an open mind and be ready to meet

procedures to make them more streamlined. In the

people from all over the world. One of the best

past, building a house took anywhere from two to

things about our program is the ability to make life-

four months. Now, our goal is to cut that time down

long friends as you will be around a small group of

to 90 days. The hope is to reduce the average time of

people every day for three months. I have seen

construction and build more homes during the

countless cases of individuals who get so close that

season.

they continue their friendship even after they leave Panama. Also, know that you will be given an opportunity to make a difference. Thus, come prepared and make your internship count!

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INTERVIEW WITH PLASTIC SURGEON DR. USHA RAJAGOPAL

Dr. Usha Rajagopal is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in treating women with compassion and care. She is an expert at performing female plastic surgery, breast reductions, and breast augmentations. She also specializes in non-surgical techniques such as lasers and injectables. Her practice, San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, has been helping patients from throughout the Bay Area for more than 20 years.

Dr. Rajagopal stays at the forefront of her field, continually incorporating new techniques into her practice. Together with her excellent and highly trained staff, Dr. Usha Rajagopal provides services that enrich the lives of her patients. Dr. Rajagopal was recently featured as the San Francisco Examiner’s Reader’s Choice for Best Plastic Surgeon of 2017.

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Tell us about the daily operations of your

What advice would you give to someone just

business.

starting out in your field?

In our practice, we see patients for consultations all

Medical school and residency are very difficult. All

day. Our patients are often emotional when they

doctors struggle to make it through the extreme

describe what they would like to change about their

work hours and challenging conditions. These days,

bodies, and it requires a gentle touch to support

young doctors are often buried in debt from medical

them. I like to be hands-on with all of my patients,

school. Be reassured that your life will only get easier

but my expert nurses can perform injections and

when your studies are complete. Let your passion for

check in with my patients. I provide most of my

helping patients guide you through the difficult

surgical procedures in-house in my operating room.

times.

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

Knowing that I will help people feel better about their bodies is my motivation. I truly enjoy going into the office each day and interacting with my patients.

I enjoy supporting them and encouraging their selfesteem. It’s wonderful to have a patient give you positive feedback about their experience. The look of joy and pride on a patient’s face when the results of her procedure are revealed is amazing.

What are your professional goals?

I want to continue to innovate in my practice, incorporating new treatments and procedures. I hope to grow my practice by word of mouth – a satisfied patient is worth more than anything in my field.

How important is social media to your practice?

Social media is a vital part of my business strategy. I enjoy interacting with patients and potential patients on Instagram. Showing people the possibilities of plastic surgery helps people become less intimidated by the prospect. Online business reviews are also important. My practice thrives on the testimonies of current patients.

Tell me about a recent problem that you solved by making it simpler and less expensive.

I have been developing new procedures with injectable medications that are allowing many patients to avoid surgery. Use of injectables is helping to consolidate costs for my patients. I have also combined two non-invasive procedures, like using lasers and injectables to provide the patient’s desired results.

What is the importance of collaboration in your work?

I often reach out to colleagues and share information. I keep up with the latest studies and new procedures developed by other physicians. No one practices medicine in a vacuum; it is very much a collaborative endeavor. Patient care is improved when doctors share information with one another.

What is your favorite quote?

"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." Woodrow Wilson

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INTERVIEW

THE UNKNOWN - INTERVIEW WITH SINGER AND SONGWRITER MADDY ROSE

Maddy Rose is an Austrian Soul and Pop singer as well Songwriter based in London. Her new single "The Unknown" will be available on all online music stores on 24th of April. "The Unknown" is part of her upcoming EP "Blossom" and is an uplifting and positive vintage Pop/Soul song that evokes optimism and captures the blossoming feeling of springtime. We have conducted an interview with Maddy about her new release.

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Tell us a little more about your EP "BLOSSOM"

Who are your inspirations or musical

and what people can expect from the songs?

influences in the 'soul music' genre?

For this EP I wanted to remind people of the

My influences are Norah Jones, Carole King, and

powerful emotions that come from pure and

Etta James. Anything that has a soulful

acoustic music, the warmth of a cello, the sustained

arrangement, touching vocals and jazzy elements

note on a piano and the vibrato of a soft and warm

is really fascinating, it is like if you were to drown in

voice. All 3 songs feature only acoustic recordings

the music and feel it even more.

and there is no synthesizer or electronic beat. As pure and beautiful as music should be.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words and what is your music about?

If I'd describe me as an artist in 3 words, it'd be soulful, vintage and feminine. My music is about selfesteem, self-love, and the meaning of life.

How different is this Single from your

"It is your point of view that makes you value the challenge", can you share with us more about this experience?

I have now lived in London for 4 years and it was a time with my best and worst experiences, but in the end, I learned so much and became who I am now. I grew with every challenge, learned how to cope with setbacks and kept developing a thicker skin.

Now that I am moving to Vienna I look back to an

previous "Save Myself"? What are your

amazing year, filled with lots of music and success!

expectations of the new release?

Although it was hard at times it formed my

Now that I am releasing 3 songs together they have

personality and I am grateful for every challenge

a much more cohesive sound going on. All songs

that's yet to come because it is part of our journey :)

feature a jazzy feel but still different vibes - One is to dance to, one is to relax and one is to reminisce in Nostalgia. It is like Norah Jones meets Amy Winehouse or the revival of Duffy.

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INTERVIEW WITH SINGER AND SONGWRITER CLAUDIA SARAVIA Claudia Saravia is singer and songwriter from Chile. Her artistic name is CIES which is an individual project that mixes Urban/Soul and Electronic sounds into her music. Her lyrics are mainly in Spanish and English but she also uses another languages into it. Her first single was released in 2016 by the name of "The reasons" and it has more Rock/Pop influences. In 2017 she released the single "Different", both in English and Spanish (with a part in French). It is the first single of the debut EP "La diference" that is going to be released this year. This EP tells stories about experiences and emotions with deep lyrics and experimental sounds. We have conducted an interview with Claudia.

How would you describe the style of your

What changes was made to your music, who

music and songs?

are your musical influences?

CIES was born as a result of a lot of experiences and many musical influences. CIES is more than just me physically, is my world, my vision of the world, is a girl, a teenager and an adult. CIES is something I can`t touch but exists inside of me like our Spirit. My music is influenced basically by the sounds of Soul but it also has some electronic and pop elements that adds more colors into it.

The purpose I have with my music is to make people feel more in touch with their soul, their experiences and their emotions

I think with time I decided to bring together more knowledge about new and not very well known artists that were making interesting music, Artists like Kimbra, Daley and Emelie Sandé became important in the process of making my music. If I could describe how my music changed with the time I would compare it to a painting that had basic colors before and now has a lot of more pigments.

Artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Tori Amos, The Carpenters, KD Lang and Carole King became not only important but fundamental in my career development.

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How unique is your first Single "Different"?

What inspires you to include different

Different is the first single I released of my EP "La

languages in your song releases?

Difference" that will be available on 2018. Different

First of all I`m from Chile, so I´m latinamerican. My

has a lot of distinctive elements like Soul, Pop and

native language is Spanish but I've always been

Electronics. It has not only diverse musical and

interested in languages because I always wanted to

rhythmic elements but also has three languages

understand the world through the eyes of other

(English, Spanish and French) and one of them is

people. This create a universal code that allows me

included as a poetic part.

to speak to anyone.

"Different" speaks about how "love" changes people

I want everyone to understand that all languages

for good and the process it carries to “love”. I decided

and dialects are important because we need to be

to use a French part, wich is the poem, because

able to hear the words and the thoughts of our

French is often related as the idiom of "love".

brothers and sisters around the world. This distinctive part of my music has the power of bringing people together, that`s why I consider it as fundamental on my compositions.

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THE CRAZY MIND

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Are the songs you have written about your

I was very tough with myself at that time and I

own personal experiences? Which one is the

recorded “Different” more tan 20 times because for

most challenging to produce? How did you

me it was never good enough.

overcome the challenges?

Thankfully Daniel, my producer, had a lot of patience

Not only my experiences but also my music contain

with this process and he took this situation as an

impressions of other people experiences. CIES, as I

advantage to get better results.

said before, is a part of me that sees life and lives it.

Nowadays I try to enjoy the process of making music One of the most challenging songs that I made I

and recording it because I`m doing it as form of

think was definitely “Different” because in the time

communication and most of the times there isn't a

that I was producing it (with my actual producer

perfect way to do it. Just do it by the heart.

Daniel Lencina) I was going through a deep transformation not only in the musical part but also personally.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST ORKHAN MAMMADOV

Orkhan Mammadov is an artist from Azerbaijan. He graduated at the faculty of Decorative and Applied Arts of the University of Art and Culture of Azerbaijan as an artist constructor with distinguished diploma. Between 2000-2002 years he studied at The Art Academy of Azerbaijan and graduated from the academy as an art critic. In 2004 at last he manages to develop up the principles of his own working manner on painting. In his picture, named “Topto-tail” he manages to create entire tableau by cutting certain fragments of his own canvases and stitching them to each-other logically. Besides oil and canvas, after this artwork threads and ropes becomes the main attributes for Orkhan Mammadov to express his philosophy.

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How it began, Mr. Orkhan Mammadov?

It is important to discover your attitude with the

“Finding answer to the question “what to do”, is the

world in order to find, whether what do you mean to

half of the way!” - These words of the artist whom I met years ago, urged me to ebb to my native village, to buckle down to creative searches right after completing my high education. Having ceased my connections with the other artists, I hoped to fathom into my own world, to feel myself, to discover my attitude to this world.

this world and what is your indispensable mission.

Otherwise, I couldn’t have worked as myself with no imitation of others in colors, in forms and in philosophy. For several years spending my each day with making sketches, continuously working in plein air, copying classic masters and reading a literature, I came to conclusion that the true art is the reflection of artist’s life on his art! In the other word, sincerity in attitude to your art. So, I tried to scrutinize my life, to

Why is it important that you discover your own attitude to this world?

There is a banal saying, that, there is no irreplaceable man in this world. But I believe quite vice-versa THERE IS NO REPLACEABLE MAN IN THIS WORLD!

discern the main line of it, and finally I found it!

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What was that and how did that line reflect in

Was not that crazy to cut the canvases into

your art?

the pieces that you drew yourself and put a

The life connected me with certain people, but after

great labor on each of them?

a certain period of time, it ceased those connections

The significant thing you want to do, the big sacrifice

with them, throwing me into attitude with quite

you must undergo. It demanded a courage to

new ones in quite new atmosphere. And after which

sacrifice my certain canvases to witness the miracle

it did the same thing to me with them too. It

of reincarnation! I decided to do it with my most

horrified me truly, because, an attitude is just like a

favorite pieces. Opening five canvases from their

castle, and you build it in long period of time,

stretchers and cutting them into fragments, I began

putting one brick onto another. But, imagine,

to stitch them back in new order. Having completed

something does not let you build this castle of life,

my “patchwork” I had to stretch it on a new, bigger

making its bricks incoherent. But, one day I really

stretcher, which thrilled me a lot, thinking whether,

grasped the philosophy of this line of my life, which

would I be successful or destroy everything. Yes, you

would be reflected on my art! I understood that, my

thing right- I managed to do it! Gazing the miracle

art must consist of incoherent fragments, which

from distance for about an hour, I felt that I must say

must be connected to each-other afterwards!

my last words with cords of different sizes on it. I named that first experimental work of mine, “Top to tail”.

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THE CRAZY MIND

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What could you extract from this first lucky experiment of you?

Scrutinizing the first reflection of my life on canvas, I persuaded that it is just me, and it must go on this way!

Making such “patchworks” one after another, filled my heart with credence, that someday I will be able to connect those incoherent fragments of my life with the thread of wisdom too!

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INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH FINE ARTIST RACHEL WALKER

Through her sketches and paintings, Rachel Walker seeks to find beauty and powerful imagery within social and political issues. After travelling and working with young people in South Africa and Burundi, she studied painting at Camberwell College of art. Now living in Hackney, East London, her work is an attempt to visually combine diverse and disparate environments and, depict the social and cultural richness found on the streets and spaces of everyday life. We have conducted an interview with Rachel.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

What challenges you the most when you try to visually combine diverse and disparate environments?

As an artist, I have always been drawn to the images and stories that transcend social and geographical boundaries. In my work, I try to foreground the universality of human experience by presenting the most raw and authentic aspects of people. For me, this is often revealed within fleeting and transient moments of reflection, within the most intricate details in expression. It is immensely difficult to capture this in my work, without reducing the complexity of stories and emotions to a singular value. It feels like something I am always reaching for and always struggling to grasp.

Which is/are your favourite media?

I love pen and paper. You can carry it in your pocket.

It takes time to create detailed images with pen, so the work can take days or weeks. There’s a kind of intimacy to studying a human face for so long, it’s deeply personal and all consuming. I feel as if I am continually uncovering new dimensions and depths within the face that feels familiar and I love that process. My work has always had a photojournalistic

Do you gain inspirations while you travel?

quality to it, in the way that I am engaged by stories

Which ones remain as the deepest

and inspired by honest accounts of lived

impressions?

experiences. Working with paper and pen, I feel that

I am always inspired when I encounter new people

I can translate these narratives with a kind of raw

and new environments. When I am travelling, I love

immediacy. Aesthetically, I have always been

to study the art that has emerged from each country

attracted to the striking sincerity of black and white

and gain an understanding of how social and

images, and I believe that working with simple

political realities interact with that work. To grow as

materials allows me to create depth without making

an artist, you need to be constantly learning and

too much visual noise and detracting from the

gaining awareness of the world around you,

subject of the portrait.

particularly the traditions and history of a place.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

My deepest impressions have been from the instances where I encounter a kind of alchemy between time and place and the individual, where I can perceive a myriad of human stories in a single expression or interaction.

Which piece of art that you have ever created is priceless? Why and how was it made?

A difficult one to answer as each piece I produce I become attached to, after the many hours woven into it. However, a body of work that has remained important to me in terms of capturing experiences and influencing how my style has developed, is a series of drawings on coffee bags. I started this project during my time at art school and continued it beyond graduating. I drew images of people in pen on these white paper coffee bags. People that I have met and taken photographs of, mostly while travelling. This was the first time I started using pen to create black and white portraits of people in this photojournalistic style. As the scale of them is quite small, I was able to produce them alongside bigger works, and they became a diary of where I’d been and who I met. The significance of the coffee bags relates to my work as a barista in coffee shops in different places across London, enabling me to meet the eclectic mix of people that make up neighbourhoods in this city, thus creating a link between my travels and my home.

We have grown so accustomed to a westernised account of global history and social experience that it seems almost impossible to look beyond the paradigm of these systems. I want to explore

What kind of messages do you wish to extend

alternative political and personal narratives through

with your works of art consisting of powerful

my work and dispel the stereotypes that are born of

imagery within social and political issues?

media headlines. My hope is to make people pause

I think the message that I want to convey, is that

for second and have the desire to see the story

there is always more than meets the eye. There is

beyond the person in the image. Not taking for

another story behind a news headline and that

granted what they see at face value, in the same way

narrative is never singular or simplistic.

you might take for granted a news headline.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

Which sort of impressions/influences do you wish to make on people who look at your work?

I want my work to inspire a different approach in the way that we view each other. I want people to look closer at the faces and minute interactions that occur around them everyday. For me, there is something so intensely beautiful about the history that is engrained within our skin, the words that rest unsaid in the curve of our lips. I try to focus attention on these important and infinitesimal details, to invite curiosity. I want us to be curious about each other and look beyond the external narrative that shapes our perceptions of beauty and worth.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE TINKER BROTHERS

How long did you take to figure out your

isn’t so much about discovering your unique style or

signature style of invisible paintings? What

signature. What’s difficult is to stay true to your

was the most difficult part of this process?

heart, despite the rejections, the opinions of others,

It’s all about simplicity. We have always aspired to make our art as simple as possible without losing any of the flavour, without losing any of the soul so to say. We believe there is so much beauty in simplicity. When we started experimenting with varnish and discovered (by accident) the ‘invisible paintings’ it felt like coming home. At last. We believe the difficulty of being an artist, any kind of artist really,

or the temptations to settle for less because of financial reasons. The hard part of the process wasn’t so much finding our signature style, but sticking with it. No matter what happens, your heart knows the way.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

“Nobody Knows What It Means, But It’s Provocative” by Tinker Brothers, Stencil and varnish on canvas, 2018 Arty-Fact: "We often imagine that laying your eyes on a Tinker is like laying your eyes on a priceless diamond.

Imagine owning one. We aspire to be the notorious gems of the art world and our art is created to inspire the rebel, the poet, and the joker within." ~ Tinker Brothers

Who got inspired first with the white on white

We created the piece as part of a solo-exhibition, but

remixes of comics on canvas first? Was it Liam or

it never really made an impression on us. At the time

Noah?

we were more focused on doing remixes in black,

It was Liam who took the piece “The Curve Of Her Lips”, which is a stenciled word painting in varnish on white, and hung it on a wall in our studio. What makes this an interesting story however, is that this was six months after the artwork was created.

red and gold, so the invisible piece never really caught our eye. It wasn’t until six months later, the moment we hung it on that wall, it stole the show. It was pure magic.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

“The Curve Of Her Lips” by Tinker Brothers, Stencil and varnish on canvas, 2017

What does 'Tinker' actually mean in your name?

A name can be so much more than just some

Arty-Fact: “We created this artwork at around 3 AM

characters on your driver’s license. A name can be a

one morning. The work symbolizes our desire to

symbol, an avatar, capturing the spirit of something.

drop a bomb on the art world and shake it up. We

We wanted our name to inaugurate our legend.

want to wake people up with our art, while at the

Tinker means light. The world needs more lovers,

same time inviting them to discover a deeper

more warriors of light—art happens to be our

meaning in life.” - Tinker Brothers

weapon of choice.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

“Victory” by Tinker Brothers, Stencil and varnish on canvas, 2018

If you can only choose one from Mickey Mouse, Felix The Cat and Stormtrooper helmets to Snoopy and Woodstock from the Charles M. Schulz comic strip Peanuts, which of these instantly recognisable pop-culture references is your personal favorite? Why (Liam and Noah can give one answer each, it may or may not be the same) Without a doubt, our favourite superhero of all time is Woodstock. Why? There is tremendous power in being underestimated. Woodstock might have the looks of a cute little bird, but remember, some birds are not meant to be caged.

“Woodstock (Middle Finger)” by Tinker Brothers, Spray paint and 24-carat gold leaf on canvas, 2017

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH SINGER AND SONGWRITER JANET ODANI

Janet Odani is a singer/songwriter currently based in Coffs Harbour in Australia. As a young girl, she always loved music, wrote her first song at the age of six and she was always keen to be part of school musicals and choirs. Janet Odani recently released her new album, 'Valiant Warrior'. We have conducted an interview with her.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

Which analogy/analogies did you use to

What has changed or remain the same during

express what you felt about "Valiant

your songwriting process?

Warrior"?

I really enjoyed the songwriting process for this

My most recent album, ‘Valiant Warrior’ is an

album. I find the songwriting process at times can

inspirational album highlighting the challenges on

be influenced by emotions or wanting to get a

my journey as a believer in Jesus Christ with a focus

creation message across in a musical way. The

on the promises of God for companionship,

songwriting process for ‘Valiant Warrior’ was

salvation, victory, and love. The analogy I used is that

different for different songs. Some songs were

of a tenacious struggle whilst singing songs and

written out of emotion and others were built from

praying for a positive change.

an idea or melody which eventually resulted in a complete song. The one thing that has remained

How different is this album from your debut

during the same during my songwriting process is

'Transparency'?

focusing on honesty when writing lyrics.

The songwriting process for ‘Valiant Warrior’ album led me into a lot of soul searching and being real

What advice will you give to a beginner

about certain struggles that one can face not only by

songwriter about inspirational songwriting?

the fact that they are a Christian but also just by

I would encourage anyone who has a passion or

'doing life'. Sometimes just when you think things

interest in songwriting to first of all be honest and

are alright, life throws you a curveball. I soon began

open about your emotions or the point you want to

to realize the songs I was writing for ‘Valiant Warrior’

get across with songwriting. Once you have a pretty

had this in common.

good idea of what this is, then you can begin to write a song around that. Some songs have many

Songs on this album such as ‘Waiting’, ‘I’m still here’,

words other have few but it’s all about expressing

‘Loyalty’, ‘You carry me’, ‘Lion of Judah’, ‘Battlecry’,

yourself in lyrics the best way you can. The next step

‘Let it all crumble down’, ’Valiant Warrior’ focus on

would be to think about or have an idea of what

an expectant hope for things to change in the face

type of genre you are comfortable with and this

of uncertainty. ‘For You’, ‘The Peace I give to you’ and

influences how your song will sound.

‘River of Peace’ talk about comfort in light of trying times. ‘At the Cross’ pretty much sums up the

And then… just write! Live the dream!!! Do it anyway

Christian faith. That is, the belief that divine

whether it comes together quite nicely or the lyrics

exchange happened between God and man at the

don’t flow as easily as you hope and you end up

cross through the death of Jesus Christ and through

making a few changes here and there. If you want to

His resurrection, those who believe in Him share in

learn to walk then you have to take the first

His resurrection and overcome what He overcame.

step. Songwriting is a craft that a songwriter must always keep working at and I would encourage a

My debut album, ’Transparency’ on the other hand,

beginner songwriter to always keep working on

was a mix of both love songs and inspirational songs.

songs/new ideas/new tunes and keep a record of all your ideas - you’re only going to get better over time.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

How do you get your motivations to write and

I am passionate about encouraging others to

release inspirational songs?

express themselves in whatever form of art that has

My motivation to write and release inspirational

meaning to them ie. cooking,baking,

songs stems from personal experiences and lessons I

dancing,painting, acting and the list goes on. I would

have learned along the way in my Christian journey.

like to encourage anyone who wants to be creative to just start from where you are right now. If you only

What do you feel passionately about in

have a scrap book and are a cartoonist..then draw

relation to art?

away. If you only have one chapter and your’e an

The character in the music videos for Valiant Warrior received a bag of music instruments which I will refer to as gifts. However not all gifts from this bag were used in subsequent songs depicted in music videos..

The scripture says that gifts of God are given irrevocably. This means this is a permanent decision but it is the choice of the person with the gifts to use them. At times gifts come with other abilities ie. a singer can also be a songwriter or a painter can also be a sculptor or an author can also be a poet. At times people are gifted but lack the confidence to use their gift or maybe have had a bad experience and would not want to share their gift anymore.

Whatever the case is, please share your gift.

author, then start writing your book. Don't despise small beginnings - it will lead to somewhere as you continue to share your gift with others. Constantly focus on perfecting your craft. You were born with this gift. You are unique and no one can do what you can do. Often I come across people who say “I wish I could do this” but are somehow hesitant to take the first step - can I just encourage you to start from from you are.….Don’t allow the dream to be distant without being part of it ….live the dream! In sharing your gift, you will discover more things about yourself and …you will find yourself.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITH ILLUSTRATOR AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER HELENA

Helena is an illustrator and graphic designer from Spain. Since she was a child she has this dream of being a creative. She has a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Barcelona, a vocational degree in illustration and design and training courses in Trendy Illustration, communication skills and Pattern Design from different schools located in Barcelona and Madrid. She works as a Freelance.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

What is your educational background? What

When did you realize you have this dream of

are your strengths and talents in art?

being a creative? Where would you want to

I studied a degree in Fine Arts in Barcelona at

work? And with whom?

Universitat de Barcelona and a vocational degree in

I started to become creative when I was 4 years old

Illustration & Graphic Design in a School of Art &

as I was very imaginative, also I was a good observer

Design in Barcelona too.

of nature and animals. After school and on weekends, I used to write short stories and draw my

My strengths in art have always been passion, faith

own tales and I remember telling my mum: “When I

in what I want to dedicate my life, hardworking and

be a grown-up, I will be an artist, mum”. Often, I used

adaptability to different techniques, fields and ideas.

to doodle on home walls, I love when my family

My talents point to an original and unique style

reminds me this fact, because I found it so natural

which defines and identifies me, making use of it for

when I did it!

different purposes and fields.

My dream is working with both small and major creative & technologic agencies from different countries, working with different cultures and learn from them. It would be really interesting working with Apple, Pixar, ING creatives located in Dubai among others and major publishers.

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THE CRAZY MIND

INTERVIEW

Which is the most memorable and

Do you think it is different specializing in textile

challenging work experience that you have

patterns versus children's books illustrations?

gained?

The most memorable and challenging work has been an editorial work for a Chinese Company from Beijing. I had to illustrate a story book and afterwards I travelled to Beijing to do the presentation of my work and make workshops related to Illustration for Chinese children. It was a really greateful and challenging experience to have taught and also learnt from children of another culture!

What medium do you enjoy working on the most?

I really enjoy working collage and digital collage. I love playing with textures of different papers and making up an artwork on paper or by computer as well. On another hand, If I have in mind large-size illustration projects I love going back to traditional techniques like oil painting or acryllic.

Actually, it is different in technical execution but however really supplementary. Both specialitisations need to handle a lot of creativity, imagination, technique and planification, and I like being a multifaceted and versatile designer and being able to make both, and combine them if I have two projects at the same time. I feel that combining different tasks is enriching personally and professionally.