Raine 39 - The Hollywood Issue

THE HOLLYWOOD ISSUE

FUTURE OF FASHION . CULTURE . TECH

VOL 39

POWER AND GRACE

Monique Coleman I N S P I R E

E M P O W E R

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E D U C A T E

HOUSE OF NOVA Future of Couture RAINE MAGAZINE VOL 39

CONTENTS 7 FASHION : 23 CULTURE :

F&W Style, Gaia Amore, Daniela de Sá Nadja Fashion, The House of Nova

Worlds of Wonderment Sam Wilde, A Medley of Mediums Jay Bonadio Jr., Stardust Child, J. Monroe, Symphony No. 3 Rum, LA's Castle For Sale, Sarah McDermott Jain, John Strelecky, Storytime, Café Grumpy, Rubens at the Palace, Taylor Grey, Tiffany Daniels, Gina Thompson, Martha Millan

78 COVER STORY :

POWER AND GRACE Monique Coleman

87 TECHNOLOGY :

DAOs, Designers, and Digital Humans, Top 100 Women of the Future, Tracy Greenen, Web3 Women to Watch, The Rise of AI Art

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FOUNDER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR & EDITOR IN CHIEF

NOVA LORRAINE EDITORIAL TEAM MURRAY BLEHART Managing Editor & Features Writer

JANET IGAH Associate Editor

CREATIVE DESIGNER SRISHTI VERMA

EMMALINE STODDARD Asst. Managing Editor & Features Writer

WRITERS

SOCIAL MEDIA

TIMOTHY NEILL Features Writer

SAGE LITTLEJOHN

BRYSON LITTLEJOHN Features Writer

FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHER & EDITORIAL CONTENT DIRECTOR Vital Agibalow

COVER CREDITS SAGE LITTLEJOHN JANET IGAH Production Assistant Styling

YULIYA HAKIMI Hair

MIRNA JOSE Braid Hairstylist

THYNNA WAGENBLAST Makeup

RAINE MAGAZINE NEW YORK * LA * MIAMI Raine Magazine is a trademark of Raine Creative Holdings LLC and is published biannually. All logos, and articles are copyrighted materials and all rights are reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of Raine Creative Holdings is prohibited. The publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising material for any reason deemed inappropriate by the publisher.

To distribute Raine Magazine at your business, please email editors@rainemagazine.com

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editor’S NOTE WELCOME TO RAINE MAGAZINE

VOLUME 39

Hello my Raine Family!

I can hardly believe that it was over 15 years ago that we introduced the first issue of Raine to the world. What started off as a question, grew into an idea, and is now the coveted platform for inspiring creative entrepreneurs.

Why Raine? Raine is here to challenge the status quo. Raine seeks to inspire you to make a living from your passions; encourage you to take that next step; and empower you to believe that your dreams can become a reality!

We are a family of creatives. Although each of our paths are unique - we understand each other's journey and aspirations. We are here to support each other while innovating our industries.

As the Editor-in-Chief, I am excited to share with you the inspiring stories of creative entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact in their respective communities.

At our core, our mission has always been to inspire, educate, and empower our readers through the content we create. Our goal is to not only provide you with information but to also encourage you to pursue your passions and follow your heart. We believe that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness and we want to help you get there.

Over the years, we have covered a diverse range of topics, from the future of fashion to cultural finds, and technological advancements. Our magazine has always been a platform for up-and-coming artists, designers, and innovators to showcase their work and share their stories with the world. We take pride in being the first to discover new talent and share their stories with our readers.

As we move forward, we will continue to push the boundaries and bring you the latest and most exciting content from the worlds of fashion, culture, and technology. We will also strive to bring more great changemakers to our pages, as we believe that everyone's story deserves to be heard.

So, whether you are a creative entrepreneur looking for inspiration, or someone who simply enjoys learning about the latest innovations, we hope that you find our magazine informative, entertaining, and empowering. Thank you for being a part of our journey and I hope you enjoy the Raine "experience" as much as we love bringing it to you.

Until next time!

XO

NOVA LORRAINE Founder I Editor In Chief

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FASHION

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Breaking the Mold

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Elle Wood Photography

Meet Alexandria Alli of F&W Style

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&W Style, founded by Alexandria Alli, is a luxury leather handbag and accessories brand for busy women on the go. They specialize in well-crafted, colorful, unique luxury leather products that take you from day to night seamlessly. In the collection you can find anything from tote bags to belt bags, laptop cases, card holders, belts and more.

Alexandria started her passion for fashion at age ten, when she persuaded her mother to let her be an assistant at her Fashion Design Studio every day after school. At that young age she learned a lot about design and running a fashion business. At the age of thirteen her family moved from Nigeria to Atlanta, Georgia and she started her modeling career. She modeled for major companies throughout the South.

As her modeling career advanced, she fell in love with the beauty and glamour of the industry, But soon she realized that most women including her could not afford the luxurious accessories and clothing that she modeled in magazines and on the runway.

After earning an MBA, she decided to combine her educational background with her years of experience in the fashion industry and create a luxurious brand for the busy woman on the go. With the support her husband Alfred Alli, and two amazing kids F&W Style was born. F&W Style handbags are in over 1000 boutiques and Retail stores including Nordstrom, Tjmaxx, and Marshall’s. F&W Style has also been featured in several publications including Oprah Daily, Vogue, Essence, Black Enterprise. And worn by celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Tiffany Haddish and more.

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Raising Consciousness T h r o u g h A r t

Gaia Amore

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Model: Preksha Reddy Nehal Khaza, Hyderabad, India

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Gaia Amore is a passion project for Ashish Tandon and Catherine Hinderman, two individuals from opposite sides of the planet who seamlessly met in the fall of 2019.

Ashish from India and Catherine from Sweden met in the US and began their journey together in 2020 by founding the new luxury brand Gaia Amore.

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his is a conscientious social enterprise focused on transparency in their supply chain and using technology to amplify their social and environmental impact to create a new model for transparency and sustainability.

They share their passion for working with people in need, and found in their journey throughout India that artisans in rural communities are uniquely positioned as perfect partners.

Coming from culturally rich regions with history dating back millennia but not having access to markets, quality materials, or distribution channels, the partners quickly jumped at the chance to work with Gaia Amore.

The brand offered the artisans the opportunity to continue making the products that they’d been making for generations but with a twist- the products would reflect the brand DNA: a focus on spirituality, conscientiousness, universal relationships, and the infinite twin flame. They were happy to oblige. The artisan’s products are beautifully hand-crafted, each taking anywhere between twosix weeks to make, and the artisans finally have access to an international market.

Gaia Amore is happy to work with the artisans, and the partners happily provide photos and videos of the manufacturing process in real time, a criterion which the founders heavily emphasized as a mandatory requirement prior to beginning the partnership.

Each partner is a representative and point of contact between Gaia Amore and the artisans. Provided the language and culture barriers, the partners are well-positioned, speaking English and having businesses already established working with the artisans. They work with the brand to ensure raw materials are sustainable and sustainably produced and the artisan impact program is executed effectively. Catherine and Ashish quickly understood that the treasure that is the rural artisan is a legacy that needs to be preserved and promoted not just in India, but worldwide.

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Over the next ten years, Gaia Amore plans to work with more than 5,000 artisans globally, building a full international platform not only for luxury goods steeped in tradition but for designers creating both physical and phygital collections. Expanding into the Metaverse and web3 at an early stage allows Gaia Amore to be explorers in a new frontier and engage with their patrons in a more interactive and immersive way.

They’ll be creating and collaborating on digital fashion and showcasing collections in fashion shows, adapting virtual try-on, and leveraging blockchain technology to increase overall transparency. Gaia Amore will be launching their first digital store in December 2022 which will feature 3D models of their earring collection made by sixteen artisans from Tamil Nadu, India.

The founders truly believe that by building an authentic brand focused on collaboration, artisan craftsmanship, and creating tangible impact, fashion can be both transparent and sustainable.

" Gaia Amore plans to work with more than 5,000 artisans globally, building a full international platform not only for luxury goods steeped in tradition but for designers creating both physical and phygital collections.

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Model: Preksha Reddy Nehal Khaza, Hyderabad, India

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LEGACY TO

SUSTAINABILITY

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Photo Courtesy of Najha Fashions

Daniela Sa RAINE: Why did you pursue a career in the fashion industry?

DANIELA DE SÁ: It’s been a long way, and as in any career with very good moments, good moments and not so good moments, it’s been a challenge. Since I came from a Portuguese family related to fashion through my grandfather, I can say that I was born in the heart of fashion. My grandfather had a company that produced shoes. Since then we have been shoemakers, and since my childhood I am used to hearing about fashion- trends, materials, production, etc.

My first fashion job was in my father’s company, where I was a board member and I managed all the departments of the company. We were producing to high-end brands e.g. Gucci. While working in my father’s company, I learned about the high standards of the fashion industry and also realized how fashion is a polluting industry.

As a fashion lover and a planet lover, I started to think of a way of getting both things together in a fashion brand. That was the moment that I quit my job in my father’s company and started to pursue my dream of creating a luxury sustainable brand. I flew to Italy and spent some time in Milan to learn more about fashion, patterns and design. It was an amazing time of discovery!

When I came back to Portugal, I started Najha Fashion with luxury, vegan and sustainable concepts and started to create the marketing plan!

RAINE: How do you feel about being the first woman in the family business?

SÁ: It is a huge responsibility! Although I quit my job in my father’s company to start my own business, at this moment I am the only one in the family moving forward with the shoe business, alongside that I am the only woman. It’s very challenging to have this huge heritage from my family and let my work be known in the world, adding the concept of sustainability and veganism.

RAINE: Why did you choose to use sustainable materials in your designs? Was it difficult to find sustainable materials to use?

SÁ: I have been vegetarian for 19 years, and I can tell you while I was working in my father’s company, it started to be very difficult to work with leather materials. Since then, I started to look for sustainable materials. For the first collection I started to use cork which is a material traditionally Portuguese and not only sustainable but also vegan. It was a huge discovery! I was always looking for new materials, which at the beginning were very hard to find, and suppliers were not focused on sustainability.

At this moment, as sustainability is an issue that matters, materials are easier to find, and currently I am using fabric upcycled from marine litter, organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled soles and others. One thing that is important to me is to make sure that these materials have high standards of quality, and before any product is in the market I test them in shoes, bags and apparel.

RAINE: Was the transition difficult going from working in your family business to starting your own?

SÁ: It was really, really challenging. First of all, I had a huge resistance in my family because I was supposed to move forward with my father´s company. I could tell that I didn’t have any family support and sometimes I had some push back from family members.

It was really difficult at that time. But I was focused on bringing the brand to reality.

I had the knowledge about company departments: I studied design, marketing and management, I had a huge experience in production and I had a range of trustful suppliers, so I had everything to start. It was difficult, but with focus and dedication I started to materialize my goals step by step. And today it keeps being challenging. We always have decisions to make, goals to achieve and strategies to create. It is a challenging work in progress, but is worth it!

Najha Fashions RAINE: Have you faced any challenges being a woman entrepreneur in your industry and if so, how did you overcome them?

SÁ: Definitely yes, I had many challenges as a woman entrepreneur! I challenged my suppliers and producers for new products, new materials and new ways of production, and I felt a lot of resistance not only because of new things but also because there was that feeling, “If I was a man no one would question!” Men’s opinions are much more listened to than women’s opinions. Even in my father’s company I felt a lot of resistance!

I faced a lot of why´s and no´s, starting a vegan and sustainable concept in a highly traditional industry... it was chaos, I can tell! I realized that people were doubting about the concept and thinking that I was crazy and I was wanting to change the whole company... OMG, it was hard! Actually, I am wanting to change the whole industry, definitely at the beginning it was chaos! When in the media we started to listen more about sustainability, I felt partners become more relaxed in what I was asking.

Bringing a new concept to the fashion industry and being a woman, I had to work three or four more times to be listened to. Even today, sometimes I feel that resistance, but at this moment I created my own strategy to overcome them. The main thing is to be persistent and clear in what we ask. I always know what I am asking for because sometimes a “no” turns to a “yes”. Studying all the subjects to be an expert in them is very important!

RAINE: What is your proudest moment in your career?

SÁ: I have some proudest moments, which gave me inspiration to move forward and to keep faith in what I was doing: The first one: I was nominated for “Best Designer of the Year - Accessories Category” by Drapers Magazine.

The second one: I was selected for the IVLProgram for the entrepreneurship and innovation of the product by the US Embassy in Portugal, and at this moment my company is based in the USA. The third one: I was selected to present the collection in New York Fashion Week with Flying Solo as an independent designer.

The fourth one: Najha Fashion was selected to be part of Laurel Excellence Brand Association which put the brand side by side with high-end brands all around the world.

At this moment the board calls it the “Tesla” of fashion, which is a huge achievement.

RAINE: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey?

SÁ: Three words are important - focus, confidence and persistence - and it’s challenging. For sure you will have many people wanting to give their personal opinion and wanting to change your route.

Always listen to them, warmly welcome all the options and choose wisely which ones are useful for you.

I had some of those situations even with employers and I had to always keep my focus on what was and is my vision, because what we see mostly the others don’t see, and we have to lead them to reach the goal and put together all their skills for the vision.

It’s very important that you believe in yourself and keep the focus on what you believe, because it is what gives you strength to move forward.

RAINE: Do you have any exciting plans coming up?

SÁ: A new collection is always an exciting plan. At this moment I am creating a new collection to present in New York Fashion Week next February!

I am also looking for a first round of investment and it is very, very exciting pitching in some events all around the world! Presenting the brand and being focused on showing how we can change the whole fashion industry to investors is very exciting. What I propose is a complete new paradigm of this industry, and this is also so exciting!

A PEEK INTO THE HOUSE OF NOVA

THE FUTURE OF COUTURE

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elcome to the House of Nova. House of Nova is a luxury, lifestyle brand, birthed during a NASA Tech Accelerator, by award winning Fashion Designer, Nova Lorraine.

Nova combines 20 years of fashion industry experience with her love of storytelling and bridges that with her leadership in new technology, to offer fashion as art, and art as fashion. With a desire to raise consciousness through art, Nova launches a web3 powered tech company that delivers the future of couture to the world.

“In a world where technology has made mass production and fast fashion the norm, luxury Web3 made-to-order stands out as a beacon of quality and individuality,” Andy Griffiths, CMO of Cult & Rain says. “Focusing on delivering a high quality and sustainable physical item with digital counterparts sets us apart, and will continue to drive our importance in an ever-changing Web3 world.

The House of Nova will present her designs in both physical and digital form, to offer new experiences and opportunities to fashion and art aficionados. Each digital item will be available for on demand production and offered as a minted asset on the blockchain.

“Quality over quantity and Beauty over boring” has always been the ethos for Nova Lorraine and drives each piece she creates. House of Nova makes fashion art accessible to all.

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CULTURE

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WORLDS OF WONDERMENT Artist Sam Wilde

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am Wilde positions his practice at the intersection of visual art and surface

design, and is best known for storytelling through his signature worldbuilding approach to pattern creation. Empowering the viewer through each pattern's conceptual message and evoking in them a sense of childhood wonderment for the epics hidden within.

Sam considers the surfaces he creates as their own visually escapist worlds. Great consideration is taken so that each and every element within these worlds builds to form a logically cohesive scene, filled to the brim with nuanced symbolism and immersive detail.

An early affinity with science and mathematics led Sam Wilde to Durham University where he achieved a 2-1 honours BSc in Natural Sciences. Immediately afterwards he embarked on a three- year career in London's financial sector, where he worked as a Business Analyst and later as a Raw Materials Trader.

In his limited spare time, Sam worked at honing his craft, and without so much as an art GCSE, achieved a Masters in Printed Textiles from the Royal College of Art London.

Spotlighted as part of this generation's leading new designers, Sam has been commended for his outstanding artistry and has received the Marks & Spencer Fashion Fabric, Svenskt Tenn Textile Talent, TexSelect Design Futures, ELLE Decoration British Design 2021 and Saatchi Art Artists to Collect in 2022 awards.

RAINE: Can you tell us about your process of art-making?

SAM WILDE: I tend to start analogue, with sketches, watercolour, gouache and mad labyrinthine repeat maps. Then I’ll translate that work into the digital realm, while trying my best to maintain the hand drawn lucidity from those earlier stages. However, the most important part of the process is transforming digital into material. As this is how the viewer will experience and hopefully fall in love with the work.

Whether that’s as a printed textile, wallpaper, moving-image installation or whatever else.

RAINE: Any special habits or idiosyncrasies during the process of art making?

WILDE: It's a little unusual, but I have synesthesia, which for me presents as auditory sensations generating colour hallucinations in my visual field. Whenever I'm creating a new colourway with a particular emotion in mind, I'll be sure to listen to music that evokes the sensations of seeing those colours in my mind's eye. So let's say I want the colourway to feel like you're in a night-time carnival, lost in a world that feels between reality and surreality. Listening to music that reminds me of being at the fairground would synesthetically present as hallucinations of luminescent colours bursting from a dark sky.

Sam works across a variety of mediums, including animation, digital illustration, screen printing and watercolour, and cites his personal experience as a synesthete, 90's video games and evolutionary biology as his biggest influences.

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ART

ALLIUM ALCOVE· DAHLIA

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BETWEEN SEA SKY · MERLOT

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HELTER SKELTER · PERSIMMON

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A Medley of Mediums ARTIST

JAY BONADIO JR.

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rlando native Jbon, also known as “The Unsigned Artist”, has shaken up the art scene for over a decade while continuously evolving and perfecting his craft. Beginning as a silk screen artist at the age of 15, Jay has since harnessed his talents to perfect an original “Neo-Mosaic” shattered glass concept of collections that he continues to create today. The use of shattered glass is unparalleled.

It not only brings further depth to his style but it has enabled him to spearhead his way into creating large structural installations, specialized interiors, and more recently to combine his passion for art and his love for bonsai. He has caught the attention of those in and out of the art world. His work can be seen in galleries up for auction/ commissioned or elevating the style of various businesses, hotels, and even the streets of Central Florida.

Photos Courtesy of Jay Bonadio, Jr.

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Skull Fan Geisha RAINE MAGAZINE VOL 39

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Unsigned Gallery

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PHOTOGRAPHY

STARDUST CHILD PHOTOGRAPHEDBY VITALAGIBALOWfor HENSEL MAKEUPANDNAILSBYKATEROMANOFF

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BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY J. Monroe RAINEby MAGAZINE VOL 39 Photo John Paul Dia

Photos by J. Monroe

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ROOTED IN HAIR

Celebrity Photographer and CEO of his own graphic design company, J. Monroe has pinpointed a lane for himself.

Dubbed the “One light king”, Monroe is known for capturing some of the most beautiful portraits of Black people.

His New York portrait exhibit featured carefully selected pieces from the body of work Monroe refers to as his love letters to Black people.

RAINE : What was the initial spark of creative inspiration that led to you pursuing a career inphotography and graphic arts?

MONROE : My mom was the initial

spark that inspired me! Graphic design for me was the “gateway drug” that led to creating Monroe Media. I had always been a creative kid growing up, and always used my creativity to express myself in different capacities.

When I was around the age of 13, my mom had enrolled into college for web design, and as I was in her room one day I saw that she was using the program Photoshop. Seeing her design, manipulate, and use the laptop to create so many different designs made me want to imagine what I could make using the program.

After years of teaching myself the ways of Photoshop and incorporating my own photography into my graphics, I graduated from college and had a realizationwith all the experience I had accumulated myself, why not create a media company that could house all the talents that I had taught myself? Even better, work for myself!

My Skin is Black

“

RAINE : What are the qualities that make something especially photogenic?

MONROE : The word photogenic only speaks to some-

one being able to take a great picture. That’s all subjective to the person looking at the picture and how they see the person being photographed, which usually only focuses on what and who popular culture considers “attractive.” With that said, I believe the possibilities are endless on what can be considered photogenic. I think qualities that can help someone be more photogenic are lighting, composition, coloring, and poses that present the subject in the best way.

RAINE : What are the challenges involved with simultaneously maintaining a personal portfolio and a media organization built to support and spotlight the work of others?

MONROE : The biggest challenge would be making

sure that as a brand we have a caliber of work that is consistent with all artists, while still holding true to each artist’s unique style and eye. Hiring creative people that I admire and who hold themselves to a gold standard in their work has made it so these issues are easier to manage.

RAINE : What are the best strategies for avoiding burnout?

MONROE : Burnout is something that I once feared,

Monroe Media’s slogan is “Media that you can see and feel!

RAINE : How did your career expand into entrepreneurship with the foundation of your own media company?

MONROE : God blessed me and made me aware of

the talents that would become my career early, so I never considered my talents a career early on- only a means to make a living doing what I love, create amazing art, and try to survive in this expensive world.

When I decided to move to Atlanta in 2015 to build out what would be the foundation of Monroe Media, I would get told by what felt like every other person to only focus on one thing. I felt that to be limiting and unfair to the different parts of me that wanted to do my photography but still design graphics. One day, I decided that if I was going to do this, I would do it on my terms. In 2017 on my 25th birthday, after a year of working for a company that was not pushing my creativity nor my drive, I decided to quit and never looked back.

RAINE: What are the key criteria when choosing what people and organizations to support through Monroe Media?

MONROE : Monroe Media’s slogan is “Media that you

can see and feel! ” We want clients and people who want to do exactly that! Media is meant to evoke a call to action or an emotion, and to spread information in a way that captivates its viewer. Anyone or any business that can speak to this and believes this to be true as well fits into our criteria exactly.

then it became something I learned to understand.

You have to first be OK with knowing that you’re going to burn out— it’s inevitable for everyone. That doesn’t mean you’re going to stay there; that just means you now know what it looks like for you to be burned out.

You can now pay attention to the signs that may signal that you’re on the verge of burning out. Listen to your body when you need rest. Allow yourself time to find avenues to refill yourself spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. If you have other interests that can take your mind off of your work, do them! Always remember if you are mentally off, your work will reflect that.

RAINE : What are your instigators for crafting a passion project such as the Reflecting Beauty exhibition?

MONROE : Reflecting Beauty was birthed from COVID.

I had been locked up like the rest of the world and I’m in New York City! Seeing what was going on with the world, I felt now was as good a time as any to reflect the beauty that we sometimes overlook because of so much going on. People need to be reminded that we are most beautiful when we are showing up as our authentic selves. The show was and is a manifestation come to life!

RAINE : Do you have any further major/exciting projects coming up?

MONROE : I just completed a cover shoot with the na-

tive New York rapper, Dave East, for The Quintessential Gentleman’s style issue 2022 that will be coming out soon. We are also designing the actual magazine as well, so that is something I am for sure very excited to share.

Further, I am actively working on building out the tour for Reflecting Beauty coming to a city near you. Dates will be released very soon, and I am excited to share those dates and cities with everyone who couldn’t make the New York show.

Photo by John Paul Dia

SUNSET

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BLACK NIMBUS

DRINK

SWEET SYMPHONY MEET JAZZ DE LA VEGA

Symphony No 3 Rum is doing something new.

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Photos Courtesy of Symphony No 3 Rum

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hen you think of rum, what comes to mind? Most likely tropical islands, pirates, and the Caribbean. Although Jamaica and other tropical places are best known for producing rum, they aren’t alone. What’s more, rum comes in many different forms, from flavored rum to mixer rum to more elegant, sipping rums. There’s a new rum in town that meets the spirit of the latter – Symphony No 3 Rum. Three friends – Jaaz de la Vega, Charles Genao, and Sam Hickman – had a passion, and came together to create a new aged rum. It’s entirely made in America from Florida sugar cane and bottled in Minnesota, with headquarters in New York City.

Raine Magazine had the opportunity to catch-up with Symphony No 3 cofounder Jaaz De La Vega, and asked some questions about this unique rum.

RAINE: What was the spark of creative inspiration that led you to co-found Symphony No.3 Rum?

RAINE: What’s something that Symphony No.3 Rum offers that other rums don’t? What makes it a unique product?

JAAZ DE LA VEGA: We as a collective wanted to elevate the rum category. We feel with both the expressions - especially in the 3-year-old rye (barrels) - it can help to bring more value especially to cocktail programs.

VEGA We market our brand as a USA-made product, made 100 percent from Floridian sugar cane. We do not associate ourselves with the Pirates of the Caribbean theme, but as a quality product. A classic cocktail such as an old fashioned should have Symphony No.3 aged in it because of the notes and the flavor profile.

We want to be treated as a serious brand, nothing tied to a celebrity endorsement or a particular trend.

RAINE: Who are your major creative/business inspirations?

VEGA Apple as a brand has been a staple in my mind as far as seeing a dream come true and over-deliver. Steve Jobs was an innovator and really changed our lives day in and out.

RAINE: If you could give one piece of advice for anyone starting a business, what would it be and why?

VEGATo love what you do daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. Understand that nothing is built overnight and to lay the foundation you need to invest the sweat equity first.

RAINE: What are you doing to expand the product line and what do you want to see in the future?

VEGA We are growing through word of mouth. We feel that this has been our greatest achievement.

The overwhelming support has brought the brand to new heights, so we want to continue this organic path and keep on with our trajectory. We will continue aging our barrels but for the time being we are deep diving into the market to continue building brand awareness. This I feel builds the strategy we need long-term to have Symphony out there in both the on/off premise RAINE MAGAZINE VOL markets.

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THE CASTLE Red Hot For Hollywood

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REAL ESTATE

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he Castle, one of LA’s most historic homes, has gone on the market at $9.888 million. Built in the 1920s with almost two acres of gardens and views from Downtown to the ocean, the home, known locally as “The Castle,” was designed by architect A.F. Leicht. A long list of celebrity owners includes Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, actor John Philip Law, John Getty from the J. Paul Getty oil fortune, and tenants such as Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, and The Velvet Underground.

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A mixture of Spanish, Art Deco, and Assyrian styles, the home’s many interesting features include Egyptian-themed geometric pillars, arched passageways, gilded ceilings, octagonal-shaped rooms, a stone staircase that runs from the entry hall to the observatory tower. Outside the observatory is a roof terrace with views that are some of the best to be found in Los Angeles. The home is over 5,500 square feet with five bedrooms and a separate studio and guest apartment.

The most recent rocker-owner, Flea, whose real name is Michael Peter Balzary, has owned several interesting Southern California properties. In addition to The Castle, Flea has owned a Richard Neutra seven-sided-futuristic home, a green metal and redwood-trimmed home on LA’s Mulholland Drive, and several homes in Malibu.

Los Feliz has become a hot spot for LA celebrities such as current and former homeowners Katy Perry, Angelina Jolie, Jon Hamm, Colin Farrell, James Cameron, and Kirstie Alley.

Listing agents: Daria Greenbaum, Steve Sawaii of Compass | Ernie Carswell of Douglas Eliman Photos by Virtually Here

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

WOLVES AT NIGHT Sara McDermott Jain

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ara McDermott Jain is an award-winning, produced screenwriter and internationally bestselling author. Her passion is moving readers through fear and into empowerment via the thriller and horror genres. She's also the creator of the Book to Script Course, which shows authors how to adapt their books into screenplays, and she teaches both screenwriting and novel writing at the college level.

RAINE: Why did you pursue a career in writing?

SARA MCDERMOTT JAIN: I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but if I have to dial into a central reason why, I think it’s because I believe very strongly in the transformational power of story. Our stories help us to frame our lives, have breakthroughs, and stay strong, no matter what happens. Whether someone is a reader or writer, this is a tremendous gift. Reading stories can help people better understand and find meaning in their lives. Writing does this as well, in a very personal way. Intentionally or subconsciously, we tend to write about things we’re dealing with, so while writing can be a way to build a career and entertain others, it’s also an ongoing road to self-discovery.

RAINE: What drew you to the horror genre?

JAIN: I’m fascinated by the horror genre! It’s because horror stories are metaphors for things we’re afraid of in life, things we need to overcome in order to achieve what we really want. In horror, we see people either rise up and defeat the “scary thing”—or be destroyed by it. That’s an amazing analogy for how things work in real life. If you think about the stories that have most endured over time (even going back 1000s of years), they tend to be stories with an element of horror. It’s because horror taps into a very primal place that resonates with people on a different level than any other type of story, and therefore, I think it actually offers more opportunity for growth than most other genres.

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RAINE: What is one scary thing that you’ve overcome when building your business or career? How did you overcome it?

JAIN: It might be cliche, but the first thing to come to mind is having to share my work. I think most creative people can relate! Putting something out into the world makes you so vulnerable. I think this one fear actually breaks down into several smaller fears: fear the work won’t be well received, fear that the people we’re close to might judge or mock us, and fear that our stories won’t be as good as we’d hoped.

(Additionally, once the work’s out there, we can’t even daydream anymore about how awesome it’ll be—the verdict will be in!) I’ve definitely experienced all of these things, not just in my private fears, but also in reality, and a few specific ways of thinking helped me to overcome them….one is that, at a certain point, finding the people who your work WILL resonate with becomes more important than trying to avoid judgment or ridicule from the people that it simply doesn’t speak to.

RAINE: Why did you choose to write for both the page and the screen?

JAIN: I consider both books and films to be really powerful in different ways. With books, you tell your readers, “you’re going to have an experience,” because the way they interpret and visualize what they read will depend on their own unique filters. With films, you tell your audience, “I’m going to give you an experience,” because the writer/filmmaker designs everything and then presents it as a total package.

Both are super effective, but are going to engage people differently. Books were really my first love, and then I discovered screenwriting a little bit later.

As a creative, when I get ideas, they often present themselves to me as initially being a great fit for either a book or a movie. I like being able to jump into either medium so that I can deliver the story in the way I think best fits the idea, although I’m a strong believer that any story can be adapted for any medium down the line.

RAINE: Why did you develop programs to help writers?

JAIN: Writing has been such a major part of my life, and I love getting to share that with others. The first program I ever created (outside of courses taught at universities) was the Book to Script Course, showing writers how to adapt their books into screenplays. I became passionate about this once I realized that there really wasn’t a whole lot of information available on how to do adaptations. There were tons of courses on straight-forward screenwriting, but doing an adaptation is very different from writing a script from scratch, and I wanted to create the most thorough resources I could to show people how to do this. It was very rewarding when people who came through the program began to make film and tv deals of their own, so now it’s become a part of my life that I hope to offer for a long time to come.

Two, that if you know you’re meant to do something…if it’s a dream that has never gone away…you need to do it now, not later. Time goes by, and just by putting your work out there, you can at least continue to move forward. When we’re in the throes of a project, it seems like the end-allbe-all, but once it’s done, you don’t know what it’s going to lead to in terms of your next idea. A project that means even more to you, and which will be even more of a magnum opus, might be in your future, but you can’t get to it without getting through the others first. So don’t get hung up on everything needing to be perfect. Focus on doing the work you’re called to do, releasing it in the best way you can, and then moving forward so you can become the artist you’re meant to be.

RAINE: If someone asked you how they could stimulate their creativity, what advice would you give?

JAIN: Set a timer for just ten minutes and do something creative. If ten minutes is too hard, do five. Even five minutes will get your juices flowing. Creativity is like a muscle that you have to flex. If you never make time for it, it atrophies— but it’s always there. It just needs to get woken back up.

Committing such a small amount of time removes any pressure to do anything “great,” and just allows you to have fun as you get into the swing of things. Just do whatever you can do, without expecting a masterpiece. It’ll feel good.

RAINE: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey?

JAIN: Don’t put off your creative projects. Move forward, now, in whatever small way you can. Don’t get hung up on perfection, just always focus on moving forward. Being a horror writer, my main tagline on my website is “You can’t get out of the house without facing the monster.” The house refers to whatever situation you find yourself in that’s holding you back. The monster is whatever you need to confront in order to change your situation. Don’t be afraid to do it. There’s a world of possibilities on the other side.

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B O O K S P O T LI G H T

The Café on the Edge of the World John Strelecky

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n May of 2022, Raine Magazine founder Nova Lorraine had the privilege of interviewing #1 bestselling inspirational author John Strelecky on her Unleash Your Supernova Podcast.

John Strelecky has sold more than 7 million copies of his books worldwide. Inspiration is what led him to his writing career. In addition to being an author, he’s a kayaker, surfer, and world traveler. During their conversation with Nova, they asked this thought-provoking question - “What’s the adventure I want to be on?”

Who is John Strelecky?

John Strelecky is a #1 Bestselling inspirational author. His books have been translated into over forty-three languages and sold more than seven million copies worldwide. They have won bestseller of the year awards seven times and collectively spent more than one thousand three hundred weeks on bestseller lists, including more than three hundred weeks in the #1 spot.

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John’s entry into the world of writing began following a life-changing experience when he was thirty-three years old. From that, he was inspired to sit down and tell the story shared in his first book - The Cafe on the Edge of the World.

Within a year after its release, word-of-mouth support from readers spread that book across the globe - inspiring people on every continent, including Antarctica. It has been a #1 Bestseller in multiple countries.

John went on to write many other books including sequels to “The Cafe on the Edge of the World”, the “Big Five for Life” series of books, and more.

The Café on the Edge of the World In a small cafe at a location so remote it stands in the middle of the middle of nowhere, John - a man in a hurry - is at a crossroads. Intent only on refueling before moving along on his road trip, he finds sustenance of an entirely different kind. In addition to the specials of the day, the cafe menu lists three questions all diners are encouraged to consider.

Why are you here?

Do you fear death?

Are you fulfilled?

With this food for thought and the guidance of three people he meets at the cafe, John embarks on an incredible journey of self-discovery. It takes him from the executive suites of the advertising world to the surf of Hawaii’s coastline. Along the way, he discovers a new way to look at life, himself, and just how much you can learn from a green sea turtle.

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WRITING

Storytime Breaking Into Hollywood

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any writers find it increasingly challenging to get seen and heard. Raine Magazine, always seeking the new and exciting, has created the Storytime Short Story feature. In future editions of Raine Magazine, we’ll present a topic and request submissions from unpublished or self-published authors. Then, we’ll choose and feature 2-3 of their stories. The initial word limit for each submitted entry in this first edition was 300 words. To kick off the first Storytime, our feature writers and editors Timothy Neill, Emmaline Stoddard, and Murray Blehart share original short fiction on this topic: Breaking Into Hollywood.

Enjoy!

AI Images by Bryson Littlejohn 50

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You’d Be Surprised

By Murray Blehart Humans are so gullible.

They don’t suspect a thing.

“You play the most amazing alien,” they tell me. “You’re so convincing!”

Of course, I’m convincing every time I play an alien. That’s because I am.

I never imagined that blending in on Earth could be so easy.

Hollywood is full of phonies. Or else people who are so utterly embellished that someone like me is just considered an eccentric.

Blue-green skin? An affectation. A too-long neck and oversized, oval eyes? Surgical commitment to cosplay. Sixfoot-seven? A freak of nature.

The best part of this is that even my own people can’t find me.

Breaking into Hollywood was way too easy.

The challenge is going to be breaking out of Hollywood. When the time comes, and my people decide to enslave humankind for their purposes – my escape will be a whole other challenge.

It’s been three decades since I got here. I’m sure that my people remember what I did that sent me away. Some might even realize I’m here. But I doubt it. For now, they mostly just mess with Earth, abducting a hick here, turning a cow inside-out there, and that sort of thing.

When I first got here, I knew I had to find a way to blend in. Who knew breaking into Hollywood was it?

I love hiding in plain sight. It amuses me that I have money, men and women, and a modicum of power.

If I’d known this was how it could be, I’d have left home and come here a long time ago.

Granted, this wouldn’t have been possible before this Earth century. But speculation amuses me.

Humans think they’re so smart. You just keep thinking that.

Meanwhile, I think I’ll buy a supercar next week. @blehartmj

Hope and Expectation

By Timothy Neill The flight started to descend with arrival at the Burbank airport in Los Angeles imminent. Julian's knees began to shake with a mixture of excitement and nervous trepidation. Today might be his big break.

He had spent years crafting, performing, and building a solid - if not exemplary - social media following. Julian had been chosen as one of two final candidates in the audition process for a major upcoming Hollywood production. The final callbacks were later today.

Just the thought of those at this stage of the process seeing something in Julian's work was enough reward for him.

Not even the distinctly wafting stench of unmistakably processed airline lunch offerings put him off the chance to be directed by one of the brightest creative minds in the entertainment industry. The last hurdle was simply to do the best he could at his upcoming meeting with the casting director.

Two years earlier, an unknown actor had won a major supporting role in a blockbuster movie thanks to an open casting call. The eventual performance in the finished film got them some awards buzz and a major foothold as a potential player in the industry. On the distinctly pixelated and only marginally viewable in-flight entertainment screen, Julian had been watching the movie that introduced that previously unknown actor to the world. There was no reason if he played his cards right, that the next of these couldn't be Julian.

As the tannoy operated by the cabin crew announced their touchdown in Los Angeles, Julian was confident in the skills he could offer as an actor or potential behind-the-scenes player. Even if he didn't conquer blockbuster filmmaking, having any kind of career in the entertainment industry was his ultimate goal.

Who knew where his dalliances with Hollywood might take him? He would just have to wait and see...

(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064669993426)

A Phone Call Regarding the Hollywood Cafe

By Emmaline Stoddard Hello?

Yes, this is Monty Montgomery, owner of The Hollywood Cafe. And who are you?

Oh, hello there Officer Smaltz.

What do you mean there’s been a break-in into my cafe?

The Hollywood has had many famous guests- movie stars, writers, the mayor- but never thieves. Did those thieves also break into that dastardly Bollywood cafe across the street?

Of course not. They’re not as refined so there was obviously nothing that the thieves wanted to steal. I’m flattered in a way.

Oh my! Did they take my pen from Casablanca?

My wristwatch from Singin’ in the Rain?

My jewels from Breakfast at Tiffany’s?

So what if they were reproductions; they were valuable to me!

Then what did they take?

No! Really? Not my log from the original Muppet movie!

Kermit sat on that log and serenaded the world with The Rainbow Connection, and now I’ve let it slip from my grasp.

No, I don’t have any insurance on my log. Do you have any leads yet?

So what if it just happened? You can still have leads.

There, saying you don’t have any is more of a response.

There has to be something. You can’t just take a log and get away with it that easily.

Is there any other damage to the inside of my establishment?

-that’s my best cafe in the region plaque from this year! How dare they crack its surface? I earned that plaque, fair and square.

Oh, I have cameras! Did you check those yet? They have to have some answers.

Onion chutney? Ew, not that disgusting substance. I can’t believe they covered all the cameras without revealing themselves first.

Were there any clues? Anything left behind?

A Taj Mahal pocket square just came in? Goodness gracious. Officer, I’ll meet you at The Bollywood Cafe, stat… Maureen, I’m going to solve a crime! Don’t pour my cup of assam tea yet!

@emmaline-stoddard

Photos courtesy of Cafe Grumpy

CAFE GRUMPY= HAPPINESS Caroline Bell RAINE MAGAZINE VOL 39

TRAVEL

RAINE: Why did you decide to open a cafe?

CAROLINE BELL: We decided to open Café Grumpy to create a place where people could come in and get a great cup of coffee in a welcoming environment.

RAINE: How was the transition from working in an office to owning a business?

BELL: Out of the various restaurant and office jobs I had over the years leading up to opening Café Grumpy, it was actually my role as an Executive Assistant that prepared me the most for owning a business. Staying organized and solving problems creatively and usually on the fly are some of the skills that help me the most to this day.

RAINE: How did yo u get the idea for the concept of the cafe?

BELL: We realized that the thing we looked forward to the most in the day was going out to get coffee and that the experience at the coffee shop could really change the trajectory of your day.

RAINE: How was the transition from working in an office to owning a business?

BELL: Out of the various restaurant and office jobs I had over the years leading up to opening Café Grumpy, it was actually my role as an Executive Assistant that prepared me the most for owning a business. Staying organized and solving problems creatively and usually on the fly are some of the skills that help me the most to this day.

RAINE: What are five things that your fans don’t know about you?

BELL: -Our fans might not realize that we have been hand-stamping our coffee cups with our logo since day one which means every grumpy face you get has its own personality!

-Our Greenpoint cafe has made cameos in many different TV shows including FBI, Blue Bloods, Lipstick Jungle, The Good Wife, and Girls.

-Our cold brew takes eighteen hours to steep and is made by hand at our Greenpoint, Brooklyn roastery.

-We are coffee professionals that drink coffee each day for quality control! Our baristas go through coffee training classes. Some have even competed in coffee competitions and we have a certified Coffee Q Grader on our team (me).

-Some people don’t realize that our grumpy logo is based on a coffee bean and was drawn by my brother Andrew.

RAINE: What was the biggest surprise you have experienced in building your business or career?

BELL: We are always surprised by how much community forms around a coffee shop and how our team is made up of such creative and inspiring individuals. We have watched our baristas in plays, music performances, book readings, art exhibitions and even boxing matches!

RAINE: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey?

BELL: Take time for eating and exercising, and extra phone and laptop chargers are worth the expense!

RAINE: Do you have any exciting plans coming up?

BELL: We are excited about the coffees we will be bringing back in over the next few months including some customer favorites like Las Flores and Las Mariposas from Honduras.

A ROYAL STAY The Rubens at the Palace

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The Rubens at the Palace If you’re looking for a unique trip across the United Kingdom, this might be worth your time andconsideration.

A new collection of historic hotels offers you the opportunity to embark on a unique road trip that transports you through 1,000 years of history that sees you staying at three of the UK's finest hotels along the way.

Storied Collection seeks to connect travelers with the past– offering access to a series of hotels steepedin history, which each have a unique and interesting tale to tell.

Its '1,000 Year Road Trip' connects you with a trio of magnificent properties, which have a combined age of a thousand years. Each offers a fresh interpretation of history–and all within just a three-hour drive. One of the most unique and fascinating properties they connect you to is the The Rubens at the Palace. This iconic property has seen royalty, aristocracy, and celebrities alike visit it over the years. Built in 1700, The Rubens at the Palace is a part of Royal history. The site now occupied by the hotel previously was part of Buckingham Palace's grounds and was filled with shops and accommodations for Palace staff.

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Over its 300-plus years of history, The Rubens at the Palace has been a dressmaker’s boutique, a pharmacy, an artificial flower shop, and the home of the Aerated Bread Company Sitting in the heart of London overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, this five-star, beautifully restored historic hotel offers a regal experience like no other.

Guests are greeted by red-uniformed doormen on arrival, underlining its rich, royal heritage and exceptional British hospitality.

Whether you are in the mood for a signature cocktail in one of the hotel's three bars, traditional Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge facing the Royal Mews, or a theatrical dining experience in one of its multiple AA Rosette award-winning restaurants, The Rubens at the Palace is the perfect place for a five-star city break to indulge in all that London has to offer.

Photos Courtesy of Storied Collection RAINE MAGAZINE VOL 39

The Rubens at the Palace is an incredible example of classical Edwardian architecture, features 161 rooms, and has been visited by the likes of Charles de Gaulle, General Wladyslaw Sikorski (in fact, during WWII it was taken over by his Free State Polish Army as its HQ), and Princess Anne.

Another feature of the Rubens at the Palace is London’s largest living wall, standing at 350 square meters.

Unveiled in 2013, it features a total of 10,000 herbaceous plants.

Accolades the hotel has received include the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards – Voted No. 31 in Best Hotels in London – 2022; voted in the Top 10 hotels in Victoria by U.S. News 2022, Top 3 Best Urban Hotel – Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2021, and one of the Top 10 City Hotels in London – Travel + Leisure ‘World’s Best’ Awards 2019.

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NATURALLY GIFTED Taylor Grey

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Photo by Amy Gillam

SINGER

Driven by an intricate sound that is vibrant, seductive, classy, and distinctive, Taylor is quickly paving her way in the music industry. With several releases slated for the upcoming months, she’s going full-steam ahead in her musical endeavors with 2023 gearing up to be Taylor’s biggest year yet.

RAINE: What was the spark of creative inspiration that led you to pursue a music career?

GREY: When I was younger, especially during the first years of high school, I felt really alone. Listening to music by artists who had gone through similar experiences gave me something to lean on. So, I originally wanted to write music because I thought it would help me feel seen and help others feel seen, but over the years that inspiration has changed and evolved with me.

Now, over the past few years - and with this new record - I’m really writing to see myself. And I’ve found that when the only person I was trying to impress became me, that’s when my songwriting improved and when more people actually could relate to it.

Ultimately, I am just really fortunate to have such supportive parents who were willing to support me and give me the freedom to pursue this career in the first place.

RAINE: Who are your biggest creative and musical influences?

GREY: Taylor Swift, of course. I’m always inspired by Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, and Avril Lavigne as well.

Ultimately, I love taking inspiration from individual songs, I love looking through random playlists and finding cool things that spark a lyric or melody idea.

RAINE: If you could give one piece of advice to any aspiring musician?

What would it be and why would you choose it?

GREY: The biggest piece of advice I would give is that you can allow yourself to heal before you create art inspired by your struggles. Sometimes, you’re too deep in it to reflect properly. That has been the case for me as I was growing up. I was struggling with my mental health - depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder. I knew I wanted to write about those experiences, but I felt paralyzed. And then I felt like a bad songwriter because I could not immediately capitalize on my truth. I wish I knew that sometimes taking time and space away - allowing yourself to figure out what you want to say and how you want to say it - will result in so much more catharsis and even better songs.

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aylor Grey is an American songwriter and performer who started creating a name for herself in the music scene in 2016. A Northern California native, Taylor is a prolific recording artist navigating today’s contemporary Pop landscape with an air of authenticity mixed with a natural vulnerability. Taylor’s passion for writing music and performing began at the age of 12, when she taught herself guitar and piano - which helped to develop her musical skill set early on.

Allowing yourself to figure out what you want to say and how you want to say it will result in so much more catharsis and even better songs.

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RAINE: Your musical style on Twilight Hour - combining pop-rock with more acoustic-driven tracks - has experienced a real resurgence in the mainstream over the last two years.

What is it about this style of music that makes it particularly evergreen for revival?

GREY: A lot of people who grew up with pop-rock music are at the ages where they are now creating their own music.

For me, when I was writing this record, one of my goals was to just have fun with it and write the songs I’d always wished I could write. And I had always wanted to write an Avril Lavigne-inspired song, which became my song, Idiot. My producer, Mark Siegel, and I really aimed to take rock inspiration from several decades - we put a lot of 70s and 80s sounds in the production of certain songs as well. And I think that live band element blended well with the more acoustic-driven tracks.

RAINE: How important is maintaining a sense of creative and personal authenticity in the creative work and music you put out into the world?

GREY: It’s everything. And I feel so strongly about it because for years I didn’t prioritize that. I tried to write songs about certain issues, but could not - it felt too raw and the songs just weren’t what I wanted them to be. I still do have songs that are extremely personal that I put out before Twilight Hour, but I was so focused on keeping up with the world of music that requires you to consistently put out more.

RAINE: Do you have any other exciting projects or collaborations coming up?

GREY: I’m incredibly excited because I just signed a publishing deal, so hopefully I’m looking at some fun collaborations with other artists either for my project or for them. This year, I’m really looking to perform more, potentially even tour again.

GINA THOMPSON Photo courtesy of Infanity

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SINGER

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irst discovered by superstar producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Gina Thompson debuted her first single, “The Things You Do (Bad Boy Remix)” featuring Missy Elliott, on Mercury Records/Universal Music Group. Her then cutting-edge R&B swing style - with an infectious hip-hop bounce and smile to boot - left you feeling like the world was yours. With Gina in your ear, you could conquer anything. “I loved singing in church because the act of singing to rhythms that moved me gave me a feeling that there was something much higher than myself,” Gina reminisces about her early roots in understanding who she still is today. Ultimately, this passion from within catapulted her on a journey far beyond her hometown in South Jersey where she forged a spot in 1990’s R&B music.

Moving on to Missy Elliott’s GoldMind/Elektra Records, Gina charted again with her playful girlfriend anthem “Ya Di Ya.” She also sang the lead single and title track rework of the 1955 Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers hit, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love”; then, Gina appeared on “You Bring the Sunshine,” a Babyface and Jon-John Robinson co-write for the NBA at 50.

She also performed lead backing vocals to rap legend’s MC Lyte’s second highest charting single to date, “Cold Rock A Party.” Despite such a quick rise to the spotlight, there became the business of the music industry. Gina recalls,

Sometimes you become a priority for the major labels, and sometimes for various reasons, you’re closer to the back burner.

Ultimately Gina would walk away from trying again, but that inner voice kept getting louder and louder. She is choosing once again to center her energies on the gift she was given, but this time on her own terms - because ultimately you can’t run away from who you are.

WThe music industry is now changing, as it always does with new technologies. Web3 and digital collectibles (NFTs) delivered through the blockchain gives Gina the freedom to record and release limited edition songs that move her and offer her fans unique experiences they otherwise couldn’t receive through streaming alone. She is also coming home to a professional family who also shares similar values. “I chose technology startup Infanity, which is about music NFTs (non-fungible tokens), because they also have and value passion besides expertise, the same way I do.”

New plans for Gina are in the works with her guest feature on Baltimore-based premiere band, “The Leftovers” cover of “The Things That You Do” that catapulted Gina Thompson in the first place. Her new single, “Starving,” will be released with Infanity and will be available on other streaming platforms.

Some people go their whole lives trying to figure out what they’re supposed to do. Others forcefully fit themselves in a box, faking their way through it. Gina Thompson knew earlier on what she was supposed to do, and went on a journey, but now she’s back.

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Photo by Wes Klein

PASSION PAYS OFF

TIFFANY DANIELS

ENTERTAINMENT

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iffany Daniels is an actress, producer, and dancer who stars on Nickelodeon’s That Girl Lay Lay. Tiffany has danced on CBS’s Cold Case, Nickelodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band, Fox’s Mobbed, Disney’s Shake it Up, Comedy Central’s Broad City, ABC’s The Goldbergs, The American Music Awards, VH1 Divas Live, and Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards.

Tiffany’s stage credits include a national tour of the musical Aida, Squeak in the first national tour of Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple, Lorraine in Jerry Mitchell’s production of Hairspray at the Hollywood Bowl, and she originated the role of Liz in SURF the Musical at the Planet Hollywood Casino in Las Vegas. Tiffany danced her way to the big screen in the feature films La La Land, Gangster Squad, and Make your Move. Tiffany has appeared on Anger Management, American Crime Story: The People vs.

OJ Simpson, Hart of Dixie, Scorpion, CSI: Cyber, Dice, The Mindy Project, Timeless, Major Crimes, The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, and Criminal Minds.

RAINE: Why did you pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

RAINE: If someone asked you how they could stimulate their creativity, what advice would you give?

TIFFANY DANIELS: I graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a concentration in Food and Beverage. As interesting and unique as that sounds, the entire time I was in school, I was missing my dance and musical theatre life back in San Diego. I was searching for creative outlets at Cornell and never quite found what I was looking for.

This realization marked the beginning of understanding what I am passionate about, and what makes my heart sing. Nothing makes me happier than being on stage, or on set, surrounded by crazy creatives bringing audiences to full tears, joy and everything in-between! I made a vow to myself to live fully submerged in my passion and I haven’t stopped yet!

DANIELS: One of my favorite things to do is to listen to actors talk about their own personal acting journey. I love hearing the range of stories from actors on the rise, to the autobiographies of some of the most successful actors in the business. To me there is nothing better than listening to the personal narration of Kevin Hart, Viola Davis, or Will Smith. But hearing the comforting tales of self-tapes and pilot seasons from actors still in the grind reminds me that I am not alone on this journey and that all things are possible if I just keep going!

RAINE: When did you start performing?

DANIELS: The road to success is paved very differently from artist to artist. Try not to compare your journey with anyone else because their path was not designed for you! Walk with confidence, live with compassion, celebrate your friends, and remember that there is enough room for us ALL to shine. Yours is coming!

DANIELS: My very first performance was when I was 3 years old: my first dance recital. Does that count? My first on camera gig came when I was 6 years old as a principal actor in a commercial for the Chicago department store Carson Pirie Scott. My first stage show was with a company called City Moves when I was 10 years old. Each of these opportunities set the introduction to the career in the arts that I have today.

RAINE: What has been one of the most memorable moments in your career?

DANIELS: The day that I received my cast chair for my current show That Girl Lay Lay was probably the most memorable moment of my career to date. For years I have been working as a co-star/guest star actress on television. When you are not being used on set, you are sent back to your dressing room or to the cast chair holding area. Amongst the assigned series regular chairs sits a few nondescript ones simply labeled “Cast” that are shared weekly by various guest performers. When the moment arrived that I finally received a personalized chair to call my own, knowing the only butt that will grace this seat belongs to Tiffany Daniels, is a moment I will never forget.

RAINE: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey?

RAINE: Do you have any exciting plans coming up?

DANIELS: We have just passed the halfway mark of filming our second season of That Girl Lay Lay. We have been extremely blessed with a very long extension of our season, so we are booked and blessed until the middle of 2023! Additionally, the first half of our second season is set to be released on Netflix in February… Ha-Lay Lay- Lujah! I also have a film coming out later this year called Two Indians starring John Clarence Stewart, Cara Jade Meyers, Pritesh Shah, and myself. And lastly, the sketch comedy series Sherman’s Showcase that I had the pleasure of joining again for Season 2 hits Hulu later this year as well. I’m anywhere and everywhere… catch me if you can!W

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Breaking

Barriers Photo by Rob Echanique

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Martha Millan

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artha Millan was born in the Philippines and raised in Sydney, Australia. She attended the University of Sydney and then moved to New York City, where she graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She currently plays the emotionally volatile and chaotic ‘Fiona Da La Rosa’ in FOX's highest-rated drama series “The Cleaning Lady”. Martha is an advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry and is proud to be starring on a series portraying Filipinos.

RAINE: What was the spark of creative inspiration that led you to pursue an acting career?

RAINE: What attracted you specifically to the character of Fiona De La Rosa?

MARTHA MILLAN: I was in high school doing a play

MILLAN: The fact that she was Filipino and her fiery

by Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, and I just loved it. That was pretty much it for me, I had to see what acting was all about.

RAINE: Who are your biggest creative and more general inspirations?

MILLAN: I don’t have one person or people who in-

spire me, I just have experiences in life to draw from and channel it through scenes and moments I’ve been given to perform. I also think traveling inspires me because you see so many different perspectives from every culture and the many reasons why people respond the way they do.

RAINE: What does it feel like to have a lead role within the first FOX prime time series with an Asian female creative team?

MILLAN: Incredibly honored, but humbling, because

you know that they’ve all been working so hard all their lives to achieve such a moment, and you only hope you live up to expectations and do justice to all the work they’ve created.

spirit.

RAINE: How do you hope to see the types of diverse stories told onscreen and behind the cameraexpand even further in the years to come?

MILLAN: I only hope that highlighting the need for di-

versity and representation isn’t only a phase, but that it actually becomes normalized because it’s the true representation of how our world is today.

RAINE: Do you have any further exciting projects coming up?

MILLAN: I’m appearing in Merry Kiss Cam, a Hulu

movie that’s being released toward the end of the year starring Katie Lowes and Jesse Bradford. I play a completely different character. I’m rich, entitled, obnoxious and comedic. I play an art gallery owner and I use my own accent in this film, which is kind of awesome. I haven’t used my accent in a project since The Great New Wonderful.

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COVER STORY

POWER AND GRACE Monique Coleman PHOTOGRAPHEDBY VITALAGIBALOWfor HENSEL MAKEUPBYTHYNNAW AGENBLAST HAIRBY YULIYAHAKIMI BRAIDHAIRSTYLINGBYMIRNAJOSE STYLINGBYJANETIGAH

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Dress - Casablanca Necklace & ring - Meri Lou Jewelry Stacked rings - Cindy Kleist

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Top by Pleats Please by Issey Miyake Bralette top & Skirt - Simone Ellis

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onique Coleman is an actress, producer, and Daytime Emmy Nominated host best known for playing Taylor McKessie in Disney’s High School Musical franchise (and will reprise her iconic role in the upcoming season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series for Disney+).

Recent projects include Lifetime movies Greed: A Seven Deadly Sins Story, and A Christmas Dance Reunion. She can also be seen starring in the BET movie Love, Marry, Kill.

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Balanced with her passion for acting, Monique has an unshakable belief in the power and potential of today's youth. As the first-ever United Nations Youth Champion, she has traveled to over 24 countries and spent the last decade advocating for women and youth across the globe through movements such as the UN Foundation's Girl Up campaign and her executive-produced Discovery Life series, Gimme Mo' - for which she garnered a Daytime Emmy nomination.

RAINE: What was the initial spark of creative inspiration that led you to pursue a career in the arts?

MONIQUE COLEMAN: I came out of the womb singing and dancing. I can’t remember a time when performing, storytelling, dancing, and being creative weren’t the most important things in my life.

I read the phone book like it was a novel and was constantly putting on performances for my family members. In third grade, I had an amazing teacher who recognized that my inability to focus in class (and extremely talkative nature) were likely linked to the fact that I was actually an artist! I began training in multiple disciplines. Thirty-five years later, I love it just as much as I ever did.

RAINE: How did your initial career as an actress expand over time and broaden out to include several other creative pursuits and projects?

COLEMAN: Acting was initially an outlet for my emotional expression. It allowed me to explore parts of myself that I didn’t feel safe enough to express in my “real” life. Over time, I came to recognize the limitations around only portraying the roles that were available to me. I also wanted more control over the stories I was telling.

That led me to expand into other avenues that would allow me to have a greater impact, including writing, producing, hosting, and directing.

I do my best to prioritize self-care, which includes hydrating, meditating, exercising, and doing things that bring me joy.

RAINE: What’s the one piece of advice you would give to any aspiring creative looking to make it within their chosen field?

COLEMAN: Instead of focusing on “making it”, focus on the work and your passion for why you do what you do. Pursuing a creative field will have many challenges, and when you place more significance on your destination instead of the journey, you’ll never be satisfied. Cultivate a strong work ethic, build a supportive community, and never stop learning or growing in your respective field.

RAINE: You have built a large portfolio across acting, activism, and philanthropy. What are the key factors you are looking for when choosing which projects to endorse or devote time and effort towards?

COLEMAN: Purpose. I like to choose projects that are either personally meaningful, or empowering to young people, women/girls, or the planet.

RAINE: Do you have something you are working on right now that you have a particular passion for?

COLEMAN: At the moment, I’m really passionate about self-development and integrating the lessons I’ve learned over the years to discover how I can use my experiences to make a difference in any and all things I pursue moving forward.

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Instead of focusing on “making it”, focus on the work and your passion for why you do what you do.

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Hat - Rosa Isela Dress - Baruni Rings - Cindy Kleist Shoes - Deiji Design

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RAINE: How does it feel coming back into the High School Musical fold for the upcoming season of the Disney+ series with its meta take on the franchise?

COLEMAN: Honestly, it was an incredible experience to be back on the set of High School Musical! I had the most fun, and it truly felt like a celebration of the original series and the characters that we gave so much of ourselves to. The cast of actors in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series are all incredibly talented, and I couldn’t be happier with Disney’s decision to reference High School Musical from a real-world point of view instead of simply revisiting East High as we know (and love) it from the movies.

RAINE: With so many creative outlets available to you, what are your best strategies for avoiding burnout?

COLEMAN: I do my best to prioritize selfcare, which includes hydrating, meditating, exercising, and doing things that bring me joy. I also try to communicate when I’m feeling close to approaching burnout and ask the people I’m working with to extend grace.

RAINE: What do you see the future holding for you both creatively and professionally?

COLEMAN: I have SO many aspirations that range from improving my martial arts, breaking into action comedy, directing projects for kids, and landing a beauty campaign! I care more about the quality of the work I do and the impact that I make, rather than the specifics of what those projects are. I hope to lead a life that is creatively fulfilling and inspiring to others!

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Jumpsuit - Elmadawy New York Necklace & Bangle - Solomeina Rings - Cindy Kleist Shoes - Mia Becar RAINE MAGAZINE VOL 39

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TECHNOLOGY

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DAOs, Designers, and Digital Humans Images by Jacques Dequeker RAINE MAGAZINE VOL 39

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MaisonDAO Transitioning Digital Fashion and Art to Web3

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aisonDAO is a Decentralised Autonomous Organization (DAO), a Web3 project dedicated to digital fashion and art, founded in 2021

by MaisonLabs founder Szymon Mikolajczyk and co-founder Elena Nazaroff. A decentralised art-tech collective, they were joined by 70+ creators and 3D studios from all over the world.

Digital Fashion As part of its partnership with Kadine James, MaisonDao operates Immersive Kind Gallery in Spatial. The gallery features digital wearables and 3D creations from MaisonDao members, as well as runway shows and events.

In addition to digital fashion, MaisonDao held film screenings and discussion panels to introduce the concept of the Metaverse and create interactive VR experiences in 2022.

MaisonDAO facilitates collaboration and co-creation between independent designers and brands in the Web3 space. By bringing together creators and tech startups, it aims to assist brands in the Web3 transition, as well as educate them about Web3 tools and decentralisation.

MaisonDao aims to create a more equitable and balanced digital world - with minority and women-owned studios and brands leading the way - to support young artists from Africa, Russia, and Ukraine, 80% of whom are women. The purpose of this project is to give people around the world the opportunity to grow and earn an income as independent creators by building bridges to brands and connecting them with new clients, educating brands about the future of collective co-creation, and promoting young talent.

At MaisonDAO’s launch in June 2022, over 1000 people registered to celebrate digital fashion and get a glimpse of the future. Since then, various international young talents - members of MaisonDao - showcased their digital fashion; Jessica Avarelo UK, Jessica James South Africa, Estelle Pearce UK, HONEY brand by Svetlana Yakunina Italy, Eliz Gener Israel, KeyGee Siberia, Hadeeart (Idiat Shiole) Nigeria, Kostika Spaho USA, and many more.

An additional collaboration with The Immersive KIND gallery included a hybrid event for London Pride, featuring MaisonDAO member Jessica Avarello’s work on the largest screen in Central London. In collaboration with Greenpeace, a Movie Screening features a fashion film on sustainability, followed by a real-time panel discussion in Spatial.

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MORE TO COMe In addition to its Metaverse operations, MaisonDAO also organises and participates in world-class real and hybrid events. Immersive events include the New York gala hosted by the United Nations, the Chennai Open WTA opening gala, immersive shows during London Fashion Week, and VORN Berlin Fashion Hub Academy’s Demo Day. One of the main missions of MaisonDAO is to elevate digital fashion talent by creating the largest decentralised fashion house, MAISON, that will enable a number of digital artists and independent brands to shine in the future.

Looking forward to an exciting 2023.

Jacques Dequeker is our newest Core Member, a photographer whose work has appeared on the covers of many top fashion magazines in Brazil, including Vogue Brazil. Currently, he is developing a virtual influencer agency, and MaisonDAO is supporting his transition from Web2 to Web3. A selection of his best art is presented here.

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TOP 100

It was such an honor to meet many incredible people representing a growing network of global leaders, pioneers, changemakers, and innovative problem solvers from around the world. We hope our inaugural book project inspires many future initiatives that increase opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in the emerging technologies space.

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- Tarja Stephens CEO Mission Impact & Publishing Partner, Women of the Future

Women of the Future addresses the need for women to be in leadership positions for positive change. Research shows that diverse teams are more innovative and perform better. By featuring the stories of these leading women, the book aims to break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation of female leaders in the Web3 and Metaverse space. It is a call to action for more women to take the reins and lead in this space and for the industry to recognize the value that women bring to the table. The book is a powerful tool to inspire and empower women to take their rightful seat at the table in the Web3 and Metaverse space.

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omen of the Future, published by Global Village Publishing in partnership with Mission Impact, aims to shine a spotlight on the leading women in the Web3 and Metaverse space across the globe. The project, which includes a premium hardcover book, video interviews, NFTs and 3D interactive books, culminated in a launch event in Miami in December 2023 at the Immerse Global Summit. The featured women are making significant contributions to the development of decentralized technologies, virtual worlds, and digital economies, yet their work often goes unnoticed.

The book features their stories, experiences, and insights on the impact of Web3 and the Metaverse on various industries, including finance, gaming, and fashion. The book is intended to give these women the recognition they deserve and to promote gender diversity in the technology sector.

It was a privilege to work with these incredible women who all contributed to bringing the first Women of the Future book to life. These women are not only making a significant impact in the industry, but they also serve as inspiring role models for girls in STEAM programs and any women wanting to get into this new frontier. The initiative has gained tremendous traction and we’re excited to see the positive change it will bring.

- Sue Rooney COO Global Village Publishing & Publisher, Women of the Future

INNOVATING WITH AR

Photo Courtesy of Tracy Greenan

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TRACY GREENAN

racy Greenan is the CEO & Founder of AURELIA + ICARUS, a premium phygital accessories label for men and women based in New York and a ‘Ones to Watch’ brand winner. She is also the Founder of CAVIAR, an early-stage AR tech venture revolutionizing communication for Fortune 500 companies.

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TRACY GREENAN: It’s really important as a business leader to be constantly innovating and evolving; to be brave, be bold, challenge and LEAD. Those who don’t will get left behind.

RAINE: How did you get into web3?

GREENAN: I was asked by a phygital Paris-based fashion label called Alterrage to do a Clubhouse talk with them and a Vienna-based digital accessories platform called Jevels about a year ago. I had heard about digital fashion and wanted to get involved, but got distracted with everyday business and it wasn’t until I was invited to do this talk that I decided to look into it more and get involved.

Last year I attended DCentral Miami and made a lot of contacts in web3. I didn’t have a clue how to approach them at first. I felt like the nerdy kid wanting to be a part of the cool kids group in high school and desperately wanted to be a part of it, but wasn’t sure how they would react to me!

But it turned out great! I got out of my comfort zone and put on my big girl pants and approached them. I made a lot of good contacts and collaborations from meeting key people at this in-person event!

RAINE: What do you see as the future of web3?

GREENAN: The space is evolving and growing at a speed the world cannot keep up with, making timely predictions difficult.

What I do know is that visually it will become more sophisticated and diverse. Artificial Intelligence, AI, will have a larger say in the development of visuals and ideas.

Avatars will outgrow their ubiquitous cutsey image and become diverse, creative and real.

On the flip-side, I do feel cybersecurity will be the biggest threat in this space and will continue to grow. An example of this would be the transference of confidential documents in business meetings.

Illegal activities will also find homes here and keeping children safe in these worlds should be a top priority.

The metaverse will also be brought into real life. Prepare to see what is digital/online merging into the real world.

RAINE: What are you building or helping to build in web3?

GREENAN: My new venture, CAVIAR, is bringing Fortune 500 companies into web3 through our own proprietary augmented reality filters. We are building in a space where onein three Americans use regularly (not social media) and that is a six billion dollar global market. Reach out to us on hello@GetCaviar.io to learn more!

RAINE: What challenges do you see in the metaverse and web3 going forward?

GREENAN: Finding that fine balance between regulation and freedom. It is a slippery slope.

RAINE: What’s your perspective on how web3 has evolved?

GREENAN: We must acknowledge we are in a trial and error, experimental stage. We must be patient and realize profitability will not be immediate and must think and strategize long term.

There is much educating to do, especially from the average consumer who is still unaware of the benefits of web3. Brands must constantly amend their metaverse strategy as the space is changing and shifting in ways we cannot predict.

RAINE: What words of wisdom would you have for women and minorities interested in getting involved in web3?

I love this question–thank you for asking! As a bi-racial child, growing up in a cold, small isolated town in the middle of nowhere, with very few people of color, I had an insatiable desire to connect with other people from all parts of the world, to discover the unknown, to experience new things, new cultures and most importantly I wanted to connect with people who understood me, who looked like me, who wanted the same interesting things I wanted.

I wanted to belong, to be a part of something truly unique and special. I wanted to feel included.

The metaverse is that portal to connect and feel immersed according to one’s desires and interests. You can find your people there, your tribe. You can connect and interact with people from all around the world, at any time. It’s a great place to observe, learn and be inspired.

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RAINE: What drives you/motivates you to be part of the Web3 movement?

We definitely need to get more black and brown people in web3. The space has plenty of room for diversification and to bring the unique experiences that people of color can bring to the table! I’m delighted to see groups out there starting to germinate! Let’s do this!

I am super proud to be a woman of color in web3 and I urge all minorities to reach out, support each other, collaborate and celebrate what makes us different!

RAINE: What helpful resources can you share for someone interested in entering web3?

GREENAN:I tend to read web3 from a business perspective so I recommend and read the Financial Times. It is a broad based liberal business newspaper, but always has good, timely articles on web3. CNBC is good for tech too, their TechCheck show has the boldest ideas and most influential names in the tech industry. There are all the recommended books out there on metaverse and web3, which I’ve read, but I find reading daily business news articles more timely as the space is moving so fast.

The Technology Edit by Vogue Business is equally as good.

RAINE: What potential innovations are you most excited about?

GREENAN: I’m excited to see where AI will take us. I would like to see less of it used in facial recognition by police which is unfairly used against black and brown people (particularly in the UK and China) and more of it used to create constructive and inspiring art and design.

WOMEN To WATCH IN WEB3 empowerment Into the Metaverse

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he world of Web3 and all things Blockchain, crypto, AI, and Metaverse is swiftly evolving. Artistic, talented creators have found a medium where their voices can be heard loud and clear.

Among the newly empowered creatives entering Web3, there are a host of phenomenal women leading the way. Raine Magazine caught up to several and asked them about what drives /motivates them.

CLARE TATTERSALL Clare Tattersall is the director of Digital Fashion Week and the founder of The Drip – an haute couture digital fashion boutique. With two decades of experience innovating at the intersection of fashion design x technology, she launched DFW to provide a lens into the future of the fashion industry by exploring unconventional approaches to how we interact with fashion. Before founding Digital Fashion Week, she co-created a software to align the design-to-sales process into a single virtual experience and developed wearable technology products.

RAINE: What drives you/motivates you to be part of the Web3 movement?

CLARE TATTERSALL: Innovation and creativity.

At the heart of Web 3 lies collaboration; collaboration between artists, between brands and artists, between technology and artists. Learning to work together, learn, share and understand are fundamental qualities that can change the world.

We can also see a change in traditional hierarchies. Independent designers are where the talent pool lies at the moment and we can see the big name brands dipping into this pool, it is really exciting to see these skilled artists be acknowledged, even celebrated for their contributions. It feels as if we are on the cusp of a fashion industry with more positive values.

Avatar Courtesy of Clare Tattersall

WOMEN OF WEB3 TO WATCH

I see where things are going within Web3 and I feel that we are at the beginning of one of the largest shifts in history.

DARCY DONAVAN Darcy Donavan is an American-born Film and Television Actress, Producer, and Recording Artist with German, Italian, and Brazilian ancestry.

Also known as the #CryptoQueen, Darcy is the CMO of the cryptocurrency ECoin Finance. She was interviewed in the Crypto/ NFT Documentary, “Not_A. JPEG”, alongside many other well-known Web3 Celebrities and Founders. She has also been interviewed on Raine Magazine editor-in-chief Nova Lorraine’s “Unleash Your Supernova” podcast.

Darcy is a Co-Owner of the Income Island Metaverse and is also an Advisor for the Global Blockchain Council, Crypto Magazine, and the Glow Token Crypto Charity, where she will continue to help people around the world through new innovations and technology.

Photo Courtesy of Darcy Donavan RAINE: What drives you/motivates you to be part of the Web3 movement?

DARCY DONOVAN: I have to say that I feel blessed to be involved in the Web3 movement at the ground level. I see where things are going within Web3 and I feel that we are at the beginning of one of the largest shifts in history. This will affect not only the financial sector, but also technology, social engagement, information storage and sharing, and so much more.

The advancements in Web3 are going to change our lives as we know them. It’s also connecting us as a society. We’re seeing people working together from all over the world in new and innovative ways, who would have never had the opportunity to do so before. It’s really exciting and only growing from here.

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WOMEN OF WEB3 TO WATCH

CAROLINE JOHNOVA Co-founder, CEO of WAGMI Guide, and Chief Operating Officer of WEYU, Caroline Johnova is a multi-disciplinary creative tech leader, working across web3 events, tech-for-good initiatives, as well as blockchain and NFTs to create the next generation of interactive experiences for Web3.

Caroline was also featured in “Women of the Future”, published by Global Village Publishing in partnership with Mission Impact.

RAINE: What drives you/motivates you to be part of the Web3 movement?

CAROLINE JOHNOVÁ: As a multi-disciplinary creative tech leader, I am driven by my passion for tech-forgood initiatives and the potential of web3 to create a more decentralized and equitable world. The idea of democratizing access to capital and empowering people to take control of their data and digital identity is what motivates me to be a part of the web3 movement.

Photo Courtesy of Caroline Johnova RAINE MAGAZINE VOL 39

WOMEN OF WEB3 TO WATCH

OSNAT BENARI Osnat is a product leader, strategist, and builder, as well as an active advisor and coach for startups and young professionals. Os is also a published author.

Over her twenty-plus-year career in product management, she cofounded Dragons Can Fly, a Web3 product strategy and design agency, and led product partnerships for BBG Ventures and product and innovation groups for AOL Studios and Verizon.

As part of the founding team at WeWork Labs, she helped build the company’s physical and digital experiences, and she most recently served as senior vice president of Product Management at Diligent.

Osnat was one of the productled-growth top 25 influencers and currently serves on the advisory board for both Audioburst and Computer Science at Hunter College and is an alumni committee member at the American Friends of Tel Aviv University.

She’s an advocate for resilience and mental health in the workplace and a founding member of Chief, a network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders.

RAINE: What drives you/motivates you to be part of the Web3 movement?

OSNAT BENARI: I’m a technologist and a product builder for many years so any tech advancement is of interest to me. I make sure to always be in the know of tech trends and advancement as it often effects the company I work for, the maker, or my custom

Photo Courtesy of Osnat Benari RAINE MAGAZINE VOL 39

A New Generation

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of Creativity

rt has always been a reflection of human imagination and creativity. However, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we are now witnessing a new era of art creation. AI-generated art is created by using algorithms and machine learning techniques to generate unique and visually striking images.

One of the most exciting aspects of AI art generators is their ability to create an infinite number of variations on a single theme. This means that each piece of AI-generated art is truly one-of-a-kind and cannot be replicated.

Additionally, these art generators can also be programmed to create art in a specific style or to emulate the work of a particular artist.

One of the most popular applications of AI art generators is in the field of digital art. These generators can be used to create a wide variety of digital images, including abstract art, landscapes, and portraits. They can also be used to generate animations and videos, adding a new dimension to the possibilities of AI art.

Another application of AI art generators is in the field of graphic design.

These generators can be used to create unique and visually striking logos, posters, and other marketing materials. This can be especially useful for small businesses and start-ups that may not have the resources to hire a professional designer.

AI Art generators need human artists However, it's important to note that AI art generators are not meant to replace human artists. They are simply a tool that can be used to enhance and expand the possibilities of art creation. Many artists are already incorporating AI art generators into their creative process, using them as a starting point for their own work.

AI art generators are a new and exciting addition to the world of art. They offer endless possibilities for creating unique and visually striking images, animations, and videos. While they are not meant to replace human artists, they do have the potential to enhance and expand the possibilities of art creation. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of AI-generated art.

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The Rise of AI ART

Photo Credit – AI Images by Bryson Littlejohn

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