Raine 8 - Design and Innovate Issue by Raine Magazine

DESIGN AND INNOVATE ISSUE

evening an d resort

W W W. N O VA LO RRA IN E.COM

3 EDITOR’S NOTE WELCOME TO RAINE MAGAZINE 4*+, % 2!& ,' + *. + ($ , '*% '* , * ,!. & -& '&. &,!'& $ &,* (* & -* &+!

I welcome you to take a journey through the vivid pages of Raine Magazine. Get lost in the stunning photography and get

inspired by personal stories of the top entrepreneurs in fashion, entertainment, culture!& , and business. We are very excited '-* ( + 1'- /!$$ 0( *! & , "'-*& 1+ ' , % 2!& ( '($ ''$ +, & & / +, about this issue. We bring you talent from New York, Miami, The Netherlands, Van Couver, China and more. !& + !'& &, *, !&% &, -$,-* & -+!& ++ Each of our entrepreneurial leaders impressed our team with their innovative stories or products. Get captivated by the

$'& , / 1 , !&+! *3+ ,!(+ '& , +, ($ + ,' +, 1 , launches !$$ / in!$ !+ '. *!& , $ , +, modern design process of Prophetik. Read about some of the newest website fashion. See the shorelines of Belize within seconds & $!%(+!& / from our pages with Microsoft TAG technology. %-+, * ''#+ ' / + , , !(( +, ( *,1 ' , + +'& & , !+ !++- / 0($'* '$$1/'' 3+ +, 4$%+ ' , + / $$ + (,-* !,+ $ %'-* Before you leave the pages of Raine, listen to the smooth sounds of Res, a beautiful independent recording artist and get a ,taste *'- -,! -$ !% *1 / !$ % ,!& '& ' 3+ *!+!& &,* (* & -*3+ $! ! *! of what it's like to chill at the Polar Lounge or dine at Tresanti. Raine ,3+ & / /!, delivers the freshest and hottest creative and unconventional entrepreneurs right to your doorstep. If you haven't !& & , !+ !++- / !&,*' - ,*-$1 !&, * ,!. 0( *! & , *'- 3+ subscribed yet...what are you waiting for? We've made it easy. , !+ !+ +!%!$ * ,' ' (! ,-* * ' , , $$'/+ 1'- ,' / , Just scan the image below or log on to our site: www.rainemagazine.com and click subscribe. If you want more personal '& *, $!(+ * '&$!& $' + $$ *'% , ( + ' '-* % 2!& service, email us , # .! ' ,* . $ ,'-*+ at editor@rainemagazine.com. We welcome your thoughts and/or submissions.

'/ ' + !, /'*# ,3+ +1 '/&$' 1'-* * ! *'+' , (( *! , ,' 1'-* +% *,( '&

A '$ 1'-* ( special mention to some of the talents from Volume 7, The Hollywood Issue: '& '. * , +)- * (! ,-* ' # (!& !, &, * '& 1'-* + * & '-* ( '&

/!$$ -,'% ,! $$1 + & , & '&& , 1'- !* ,$1 ,' , '&$!& '&, &, ,3+ +!%($ -& & Photographers: "-+, ($ !& ''$ Evan Browning: Photographed Fresh Face Model - Krista Gamble www.evan-browning.com

*1 !, &'/

Steve Zak: Photographed Fresh Face Models - Elisabeth Resch and Mark Dimuzio www.stevezak.com Raine Makers: Joanne Borgella - Jewelry Designer and Model www.ellathecollection.com Todd Michael Krim - Founder of the Give Back Hollywood Foundation www.givebackhollywood.com

SUBSCRIBE to RAINE

'&3, '* , '% ,' 1 Download the Microsoft TAG app and center your phone over the image below.

*-$1

Nova Lorraine +! & * !,'* & '-& *

wwsuwb. srribinee @rain OR d ca aegazagina ownlo m ad the m zein Micro .ec.coom soft TA m G app

MAGAZINE

RAINE The Creative and Unconventional Entrepreneur

Vol.8

E D I TO R I A L T E A M Nova Lorraine – Founder/Creative Director Sam Morris– Features Editor Marilyn Wilson – Senior Editor Mary Lafayette - Editor MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Noelle Frieson EDITORIAL TEAM:

N o v a L o r r a i n e – F o u n d e r / C r e a t i v e D i r e c t o r

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS : SPECIAL THANKS: a m M o r r i s – M a n a g i n g E d i t o r Lauren Applebaum S Jordan Cavaliero r i l y n W i l s o n – S e n i o r E d i t o r Milena Jakovljevic M a Monique Forrest Tamara Walker Nicole Stone MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Gregory Williams Jaeme Griffin N o e l l e F r i e s o n Chaz Busutill Philiane Phang Akin Fadairo Soulgee McQueen GRAPHIC DESIGN: CONTRIBUTING WRITERS : Leticia Young Felicia Crawford G r e g R o b e r t s o n Natasha Gabriel N i n a U d e a g h a M a r t i n a M a r k o i l e n a J a k o v l j e v i c ShakiraM Nobles Frederique Porter S h a a k i r a N o b l e s J a v i e r H e r n a n d e z Gregory Koutrouby Vered Koshlano r e g o r y K o u t r o u b y Suezette GRobotham SPECIAL THANKS: u Owens e z e t t e R o b o t h a m DestahS RESEARCH: M o n i q u e F o r r e s t J o r d a n C a v a l i e r o Bonnie Gleicher Krystal Bailey G r e g o r y W i l l i a m Carlotta s N i c o l e S t o n e Nina Udeagha Harrington P h i l i a n e P h a n g D e s t a h O w e n s Ninah Bell S o u l g e e M c Q u e e n Sherrie Spears B o n n i e G l e i c h e r N a t a s h a G a b r i e l GRAPHIC DESIGN: F r e d e r i q u e P o r t e r RESEARCH: Martina Marko MEDIA: Javier Hernandez Geff Yabes V e r e d K o s h l a n o K r y s t a l B a i l e y

E . L o c k C a r l o t t a H a r r i n g t o n C OV E R C R E D I T S N i n a h B e l l

Ruthie Davis

MEDIA:

COVER CREDITS www.ruthiedavis.com

G e ff Y a b e s G e o r g e K o n t a x i s

w w w . g e o r g e k o n t a x i s . c o m

Raine Magazine

% & & ! & Correspondence: CORRESPONDENCE " $ ! Raine Magazine "# Floor 225 W. 39th St, 12th " " 10018 New York, NY Raine Magazine is a trademark of Raine Creative Holdings, LLC and is published quarterly. All contents, 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 publisher. Raine Magazine’s subscription is $50.00. Please make checks payable to Raine Creative Holdings. To distribute Raine at your business, please email editor@rainemagazine.com.

REINE7-final-3-28-11-all-pages.indd 2

3/28/11 1:18 PM

MAGAZINE

RAINE The Creative and Unconventional Entrepreneur

PAGE

Vol.8

guts and glory

6 8

fashion MY CANVAS IS CLOTHIES

RUTHIE DAVIS

fierce, sexy, fun

GERSHON BLYDEN

CHILLIN LIKE A VILLON

interview with mark quavillon

where to eat.stay.chill

CHILL AT THE POLAR LOUNGE New York City

24 EAT AT THE TRESANTI

bizz buzz

YILA DONG lanscape & fashion photographer

36 42 RAINEMAKERS

34 TECH TOYS

NEXT LEVEL

STOCKIN UP hoseanna.com

THE NEW NAUTICA

backstage pass

RES: MUSICIAN

a dose of culture FUNNELSCOPE

BELIZE gateway to central america & beyond MARK DEMAIO painter, nyc

INNOVATIVE INTERIORS

international spotlight

BRENDA DE VRIES photographer

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK what’s in store for fall FRESH FACE MODEL

FASHION & BEYOND gave him that first chance to use his talent for design. After four years of travelling all over the world, Garner felt the pull of his roots. “In 2002, I swallowed my ego, returned to Tennessee and moved in with my family. Everyone thought I was crazy because they felt I was on this pathway to success. But it was the wrong ladder. So I started over. I tapped into my music connections and did tour merchandising to keep me afloat and support Prophetik. I started small because I wanted the vision to stay true. That’s where it all began.”

P R O P H E T I K

My Canvas is Clothes BY MARILYN R. WILSON

Designer Jeff Garner’s soft voice and easy manner speak of his Tennessee roots. These same roots ground him and influence all that he creates. When he launched Prophetik in 2002, the artist had a vision “...to showcase how things could be done in a more positive way.” His goal – to influence designers, change consumers and move the industry in a new direction. Every collection also has a message. “I think as artists we all have a a story to tell and we have a canvas. My canvas is clothes.” Garner was raised on a horse ranch outside of Nashville. Days at home were spent doing chores, riding horses, three-wheeling and getting lost in the woods. At school, he filled the expected role of athlete, participating in football, wrestling and cross country. In private, the soul of the artist was slowly growing. As a child he would sneak into the closet with his sister’s Barbie Magic Slate and draw. One peel to erase and he would start all over. It wasn’t about keeping the images, but creating them. In his teens, the farm’s close proximity to Nashville provided friends that nourished Garner’s soul – musicians. “I ended up spending a lot of time with them. I would jump on tour buses and that’s how I was fed [artistically]. Otherwise I would have shrivelled up.” After high school, Garner loaded his Jeep Wrangler and headed off to California where he enrolled at Pepperdine University. Encouragement from a friend led him to audition for advertising work. The first time out, he landed the role of working on Blaine, Barbie’s DJ surfer friend. This became a series of Barbie commercials shown all over the world. They launched him onto the Hollywood scene and residuals provided the funds needed to finish school. When Stiletto Entertainment offered him a job, he was quick to say yes. Here, Garner did creative direction and tour support for stars such as Barry Manilow, Fleetwood Mac and Donna Summer. Creating stage costumes and tour merchandise

Garner quickly became concerned about the fashion industry’s unhealthy work environment. “My first sample maker got really sick from [her time] working with chemical dyes and cutting fabrics.”This was the impetus for the Prophetik label to become both sustainable and ethical. Dyes were the biggest challenge. “I started the process by exploring the use of tea and plants.Then I ended up finding two sisters in Nashville, Ali and Sara, who now work with us on developing new colors.” Locating the right fabrics to work with involved extensive research as well locating trustworthy fabric houses. Hemp is one of Garner’s favourites. “Hemp is by far number one. It grows fast and doesn’t hurt the ground it is planted in. It’s the longest fiber, so the strongest. It takes dye well, it’s anti-fungal and can be worn in summer or winter.” Others include flax, organic silk, cactus silk and a very small amount of organic cotton. All garments are produced from sustainable material using organic dyes created from earth and garden plants such as madder root, sorrel, indigo and gall nut – each grown in Prophetik’s Nashville Community Garden. In February 2011, Garner’s unique vision was recognized by London Fashion Week when he was one of only 33 designer chosen from a list of 1000 to be showcased that season. Inspiration for Prophetik’s F/W ‘11 collection, Artist Wonderment, came one night as Garner was sitting in front of the fire. The question suddenly hit him - when did commercialization start? Research led him to the court of Louis XV. “Everyone wanted to be like the courtesans in the court. They would make their own dresses, but as interpretations. I got influenced design-wise by that time period, but then I brought in elements from my own home, my own family, and recreated them.” Included is a wide variety men’s and women’s blouses, shirts, pants, vests, dresses and coats, all of which have an historical feel, but with an updated twist. Exposed zippers fashioned from interesting recycled metals are used as design details and slits in skirts make them more wear-able and some of the structures have more modern silhouettes. One material chosen for re-invention is heirloom quilts. The designer uses them to create mens waistcoats and as small accents on gowns. All are statement making pieces. With Garner’s vision at the helm, Prophetik continues to grow. An accessory collaboration has just been launched using discarded leather from Coach to design an iPhone case for Apple. May 2011 saw the Vancouver launch of a documentary film by Brady Dahmer. A new home collection with Livia Firth is in the works and the designer is hoping to offer a line of socks and underwear in the near future. Despite the international success of Prophetik, Jeff Garner stays grounded and true to his ‘campaign of passion.’ “I think we shape and choose our reality. We have free will. Everyone has a choice and I choose this path.” A video of Jeff Garner’s work can be seen on Raine TV: http:// rainemagazine.com For more information visit his website at www.prophetik.com

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Artist Wondermont: Photography by Fairlight Hubbard Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

s i v a D e i h t u R FASHION & BEYOND

, E FIERC , E C R , Y E X E I S F XY, EN FSU N FU BY

YN R. MARIL

WILSO

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

“

I worked with the designers and learned on the job

t the tender age of two, designer Ruthie Davis put on her first pair of red patent leather Mary Janes and refused to take them off at bedtime. By age eight she had a pair of four inch baby platforms secretly given to her by her older sisters. She would sneak them out of the house and slip them on before she reached school. In 2006, Ruthie launched her eponymous shoe line which she laughingly describes as, “Imagine Manolo Blahnik and Nike had a baby.” 13 collections later, Ruthie’s “Fierce, Sexy, Fun” design aesthetic has become de rigueur for an amazing list of celebrities including Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry and she is often referred to as, “Celebrity Shoe Designer, Ruthie Davis”.

”

to China and be taught how to build shoes. It was like boot camp. I realized I had better ideas than the designers. My ideas were also the ones that did really well businesswise.” Then UGGs offered her the challenge of coming to the West Coast and re-branding their casual line of footwear. It took three years, but her innovative ideas turned UGGs into a hot international fashion line. At the time she felt ready to focus on launching her own business, however 9/11 and a recession led her to put things on hold for a few more years. In the meantime Ruthie landed an executive position managing

Davis has always been fashion forward. Doing what had been done before never interested her and still doesn’t today. Even a bandana would find a new expression in her wardrobe and classmates noticed. A talented athlete, she loved clothing that was form fitting and aerodynamic, but her wardrobe did not include the standard track suit. “I’m talking Chanel Sport, Prada Sport. When I’d go skiing I used to think I was going to a black tie event. I’d look amazing in a Bogner one-piece, black hoodie cat suit.” Post high school, Davis earned a degree in English and Visual Arts. Her passion – writing and water color painting. She first worked as a sports writer for the Harford Current and then as a production assistant for ESPN. With a long term goal of owning her own business, she headed back to school and earned her MBA from Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. A position as Associate Product Manager at Reebok turned Davis’ focus to shoes. “I worked with the designers and learned on the job. I would go

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

footwear, marketing and design at Tommy Hilfiger which afforded her the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in a large fashion house. Tommy Girl Shoes was just one of her successful additions to the brand. Finally, the moment was right. Davis left Hilfiger and worked feverishly to complete her first shoe collection. “I didn’t spend a lot of time talking about what I was going to do. I just built the shoes. The line included this really cool graphite heel and a titanium wedge, just like Mac’s PowerBook G4. Then I did a launch at an art gallery in West Chelsea where we hung all the shoes like art. I didn’t even know who I was going to sell to at that point, I just wanted to see something tangible,” recalls Ms. Davis. Despite all her time in the shoe industry, Davis had no experience in how to market highend luxury. Packets were sent to people with photos and a cover letter, samples were placed in beautiful little 10

bags and taken on cold calls; and she even loitered in stores, befriending the sales clerks until the manager came in. Her hard work definitely paid off. Editorial attention received from quality fashion magazines, including Elle and Vogue, created a phenomenal buzz. The fact that the celebrity crowd embraced her shoes right from that first collection produced an unparalleled amount of press. From runway to red carpet, her shoes were seen and mentioned everywhere. Ruthie Davis® shoes and handbags are designed with the strong, athletic woman in mind. “My muse is a James Bond girl in a one-piece ski suit, swooshing down the mountain.” A multi-tasker at heart, Davis often designs while out running. Anything she experiences can provide that spark of inspiration. Back in the studio, Ruthie immediately jots down notes and creates sketches. Bright neons, eye-catching metallics and black fill out the palette. Studs embellish many of the designs. In true Davis fashion, she often takes a known element and elevates it to a new level. An example is the spike heel. “I’m the first one to use these taller spikes. As they didn’t exist, I had to create a custom mold in Italy. We also had to design a new technology [to attach them] as they are so long, they could catch and come off easily.” Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

After over five years of developing her brand, Davis feels this collection shows she has both matured as a designer and is on the scene to stay. “It is a real collection. It’s got all the bell’s and whistles, sizzle and sexiness, of the Ruthie Davis® brand. It also has a variety of heel heights, some sharper price points and is well merchandised. It’s super cool and on trend, but yet very wearable.” The newest pop for fall is a custom color she christened: Race Car Green. All the hardware is either rose gold or gun metal. A complimentary line of handbags round out the line. Fall ‘11 will also see a capsule collection of sneakers, to be developed into a larger offering in upcoming seasons. The next year promises to be very busy for Davis. She will appear on reality television this summer in Bravo’s Mad Fashion. A Ruthie Davis® jewelry line is currently in development for release in Spring 2012. She also manages to find time apart from a very busy work schedule to mentor women. Her message to them, “You can be whatever you want to be – smart, successful, feminine youthful, sexy – and you don’t have to compromise yourself in any way. You can go after your dreams, but you have to work hard.” For more information go to www.ruthiedavis.com. Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

FASHION & BEYOND

THE NEW NAUTICA

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY SAM MORRIS

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

ounded in 1983, the nearly thirty year-old U.S.-based apparel brand, Nautica, has truly branched out in recent years. This is partially due to the purchasing of Nautica by VF Corporation which owns other lucrative brands such as Lee, and Wrangler Jeans, Vans, Kipling, and The North Face. The company first started out solely as a men’s outerwear collection, but now has products ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories to a complete home collection Whether it’s adding more upscale items like modern styled blazers, watches, eyeglasses and fragrances for men, or continually refining and updating their staples like jeans and windbreakers and swimsuits, the Nautica name is now an international one. They have a huge market overseas (especially in China) in addition to being sold at Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Bed Bad & Beyond, and other specialty and department stores throughout the United States. Last year, Nautica launched their brand new ‘Ocean to Ocean’ advertising and marketing campaign which features real people in their own exciting and vibrant coastal communities showcasing their lifestyles and strong connection to something at the center of the Nautica brand, the water. It began just outside of Seattle in September of 2010 and features everyone from teenagers to adults who are the heart and soul of America’s coasts. Their current summer collection features a combination of reds and blues alongside more neutral tones like white and grey and can accommodate fashions for everyone from a sailboat instructor in Seattle to a magazine editor in New York, who happens to own a pair of Nautica eyeglasses.

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

www.JSHOES.com

RES musician

BACKSTAGE PASS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH SALEN

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

musician WRITTEN BY LAUREN APPLEBAUM

A decade ago, you could find Res, a velvet-voiced singer & songwriter, on top of the Billboard charts with her hit singles “They Say Vision” and the Nas remix of her song “Ice King”. Shortly after the success of her first album, “How I do”, which was released under MCA Records, the label went under and Res was immediately scooped up by Geffen Records. Res’ soulful lyrics and seductive hip-hop style with a rock n’ roll edge made a distinctive impression in the music industry and gained her a loyal fan base of followers who appreciated her unique sound and expressive flavor. After joining Geffen Records, Res created an entire second album which was completely mixed, mastered . . . and consequently shelved. While living off the label’s salary in Los Angeles, not only did Res struggle with finding a way to give her fans more of the music they were asking for, but she also found herself battling to evoke her innate creativity. Instead of adhering to Geffen Records seemingly hopeless plans for her music career, Res made one of the bravest decisions of her life: to sever ties with her major label and take her music and business into her own hands. In the spirit of true entrepreneurship, Res has since been independently releasing her music, marketing her own merchandise, and booking her own shows. The demise of her major label contract lead her on an inspiring journey which included joining famed hip-hop crooner Cee-Lo as a backup singer on his world tour and creating the group Idle Warship with Talib Kweli, one of the industry’s most respected independent rappers.

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH

Raine Magazine was able to catch up with Res after her a live performance to learn more about what motivated her to make her past business decisions, and what we can expect to see from Res as she continues to pursue her comeback. RAINE: Severing ties with your major record label in order to take your music career back into your own hands was an incredibly bold decision. What was your breaking point? RES: Taking my career into my own hands was a hard decision for me to make. I was at a point where just having one album out wasn’t enough. I would walk down the street and get recognized for my debut album, “How I DO”, but people ALWAYS asked what’s next, and that they wanted more. Learning that my diehard fans wanted more was the turning point. RAINE: You still have a very loyal fan base. Tell us about some of the things you do now independently to market yourself and help your fans hear your unreleased music? RES: I am very grateful for my fans, they keep me in the business. I get so many encouraging tweets and Facebook messages, and that’s the main way I keep in touch with my fans. Social media as a whole has given me access to fans and some great business contacts. RAINE: Being the marketer of your own brand, do you ever encounter business opportunities that you feel might conflict with your artistry? Does the business woman in you say “yes” when your creative spirit says “no”? RES: Yes, it’s hard wearing the hat of manager, marketer and artist. They can be conflicting roles at times. For example, I was asked to collaborate on a song with an unknown artist prior to even listening to the music because they agreed to pay me a certain fee. Later I had to check myself, and take a step back. I don’t want to be an artist that makes creative decisions based solely on money. The manager in me was saying “do it and this money will pay for something I need”, but the artist in me was saying “Res, how can you say ‘yes’ and you didn’t even hear the music”. So to say the least, I am always going back and forth making tough decisions. RAINE: Are the decisions that you make for your career strictly intuitive based on your experience in the industry, or do you have someone to advise you? RES: The decisions that I make for my career are part intuitive, part calculated and part based off of my experience. I do have a few people that I ask for advice here and there. And Talib Kweli is someone I talk to a lot about the business. His work ethic and productivity is to be admired. RAINE: How do you maintain the same drive and tenacity about your career that you had a decade ago? Have you ever had moments where you wanted to give up? If so, what motivated you to keep moving forward? RES: I am naturally the type of person who has never had a

problem with picking myself up off the ground after a defeat. If something isn’t going my way, I usually try to de-stress and get well rested so I can get back at them again tomorrow. I have days, even weeks, when I want to give up… but then I realize that performing and making music is what I am and why I am here. RAINE: This year alone, you have released a Valentine’s Day mix-tape and plan on releasing an EP of Fleetwood Mac covers, your 3rd album, as well as a record with Talib Kweli. Which one of these projects do you feel the most personal connection to? RES: Out of all the projects I would have to say, “ReFried Mac Tunes” [the album of Fleetwood Mac covers] and my new album “RESET” are my babies! I have been working on them the longest and have had a lot of fun times working on them. But the Idle Warship album with Talib is super special too. RAINE: With your upcoming releases, what kind of promotion will Res fans have to look forward to? Any plans for more performances in major cities? RES: Well, I am looking to do a lot of promotion through social media and videos, as well as live performances. I have done shows in supermarkets to coffee shops to concert halls! This summer I am looking to focus on New York and Chicago. I am going to perform as much as possible! RAINE: Your story, music, and passion is truly inspiring. What advice can you offer to other aspiring artists who are trying to make it in the industry? RES: Thanks! The one piece of advice I would give an artist is to not stop creating for anyone or anything! When you feel down…create! When you’re in a great mood, create! You have nothing without a product and no one can do you better than you! To learn more about Res and her upcoming performances and album releases, visit: http://www.the1res.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY THOMAS

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

WHERE TO EAT.STAY.CHILL

CHILL AT THE POL AR LOUNGE New York City WRITTEN BY JAEME GRIFFIN

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Nothing says good time to me more than a room of guys/gals dancing. And there were a lot of them at Polar Lounge on Saturday night. I have never been more impressed to see men and women so uninhibited in a public situation and it was grand. Maybe it was the high girl to guy ratio, the generally friendly atmosphere, the pitchers of drinks that were constantly being filled, or simply that the DJ was really good, but whatever it was, it helped contribute to what I would say was a smashing good dance party. From the very beginning, the staff was helpful and polite, which is never a guarantee at a club and the line moved smoothly and quickly. For such a small space, I was impressed with how separate areas were delineated, probably helped along by the “caves” within the lounge The cocktail waitresses were fantastic, constantly moving through the crowd, abandoned glasses were promptly removed from the tables and spilled drinks were cleaned up almost immediately. There were only two bartenders, which made sense for the size of the actual bar, but with the number of people in the space, it meant you waited a good long time for your drinks, and there was nothing really that could have been done, except adding another person behind the bar. The drinks themselves were a little intense, most of them having a predominant flavor that overpowered the rest of the drink, but the Artic Tea would probably have been my favorite with a little less mint. The biggest hit of the night was definitely the Operation Highjump, an original cocktail that is reminiscent of a vodka martini mellowed out with white grape juice. It was icy cold, refreshing and tasted like excellent vodka without the face you make when you drink a straight vodka martini. I’m pretty sure though, that they add more novelty than flavor. If you’re down to spend some money, you can also try the Polar Shots, which were delicious, but a little steep at 12 dollars if you’re buying a round for your friends. The décor is simple and unobtrusive, and really, no one is there to check out upholstery. It was clean (especially for a unisex bathroom) and the banquettes were comfortable. I’d say if what you’re looking for is a place to get your groove on, grab some of your friends, some dancing shoes, and check it out. Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

WHERE TO EAT.STAY.CHILL

EAT AT TRESANTI Soho, New York WRITTEN BY CHAZ BUSUTTIL

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

o simply categorize SoHo’s Tresanti as another brick oven pizza restaurant would be a gross disservice to its owner and executive chef. And that’s my point: this “nouveau trattoria”, which features real brick oven pizza in addition to numerous classic and modern Italian dishes, has an executive chef. Veteran restauranteur Jerry Longi has entrusted his family’s recipes with rising star John Navarria’s innovative yet grounded culinary brilliance. Navarria’s infusion of his classical French roots, the Longi recipe vault, and modern kitchen ingenuity is peppered throughout Tresanti’s diverse menu. As I escaped the din of the nearby Holland Tunnel and entered the festive yet subdued classical jazz soundtrack of Tresanti, I was greeted under dimmed lights by an amicable bartender in front of a well-stocked mahogany stage. There was a warm ambiance and classy, unpretentious air that was conveyed through its spirited but humble owner as well as its knowledgeable and personable staff. The authentic wood-burning brick oven imported from Italy served as the centerpiece of the sunken lounge dining area, which was encased by an arena of mahogany-framed windows. After sampling from their extensive wine menu and munching on oven-fresh garlic flatbread (a light and delicious bread substitute), I began my night with selections from Tresanti’s fairly standard “antipasti” menu. While their dry calamari left something to be desired, the fresh tuna tartare with avocado mousse and chili oil, as well as the Peroni-steamed little neck clams with pancetta and diced tomatoes, illustrated some of Tresanti’s aforementioned delicious ingenuity. In terms of their dozen signature thin-crust pizzas, I tried the standard Margherita; a pesto pie with oven-roasted chicken and house-made mozzarella which was highlighted by Longi’s rousing rendition of the classic sauce.

Had I opted to fill up on their array of pizzas, which was a tempting proposition, I would have missed out on what distinguishes Tresanti from most other restaurants of its kind. The menu was divided into two distinct sections of entrees, the first of which featured staples like chicken parmigiana, pastas, and seafood risotto. The homemade lasagna with sausage bolognese was hearty and delicious, but the pan-crisped truffle gnocchi with crispy pancetta and prosciutto finished with a brown butter sauce was nothing short of spectacular. The latter section, aptly named “Innovativo”, served as an exhibit of Chef Navarria’s French-infused progressive wizardry. Highlights included a delicate grilled fillet of orata, a light and delicious Mediterranean response to snapper, garnished with grilled cauliflower florets and a brown butter citrus vinaigrette. French-inspired dishes like braised rabbit with smashed Yukon Gold potatoes and a tangy pancetta and currant reduction, as well as pan-roasted duck with cranberry compote and a dense but light cornbread stuffing, made me almost forget about the pizza. I somehow managed to enjoy Tresanti’s homemade desserts next, saving room for two trademark Italian confections. The Italian cheesecake was tangy, creamy, and light, but with rewarding substance, and their glass-encased tiramisu won points not only for taste but presentation as well. Tresanti clearly exceeded my expectations of what I thought I was going to experience upon dining at a brick oven pizza restaurant/”trattoria”, because oftentimes the latter term is casually tossed around by restaurateurs like a football. In the case of Tresanti, though, they not only capture the essence of what a modern-day trattoria should be, but they deliver their message and style in a such an unpretentious manner. Jerry Longi and Chef Navarria have married their respective styles and culinary roots to spawn a refreshing, and winning, downtown venue.

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

“GERSHON BLYDEN: THE MIDAS TOUCH” WRITTEN BY AKIN FADAIRO

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

ERNIE DELGROSSO

GUTS AND GLORY

Most successful businesses are born out of necessity. Whether

the financial sector and focus his unique perspective and personal passion

it is from social or personal needs, filling the void that affects others is

for enriching the lives of others through TriaFit. TriaFit is a cutting edge

tantamount to creating many of the leading innovators of our generation.

triathlon fitness brand dedicated to raising awareness and promoting

Meet Gershon Blyden, co-founder to: InHouse Group, Triafit, and

cultural inclusion. Triafit educates new generations of competitors on

LegacyChamp.com.

the lifestyle benefits of triathlon competitions. “I wanted to tackle that

Gershon is no stranger to the competitive spirit. Originally from a wealth management background, Blyden adapted the skills he learned while navigating the investment marketplace and charting the financial

stereotype while serving as a trailblazer and representative, to expose this great sport to a new generation of diverse athletes,” states Blyden. The push and desire to answer the questions that others have

success of the wealthy, to giving back to the small businesses that need it

either overlooked or just failed to deem as important, is something that

most. His unique ability to implement strategic financial maneuvers has

Gershon Blyden holds dear to his personal ethos and is a mantra that has

constantly yielded success for the companies he has mentored and advised.

partially driven him to the successful heights that he has achieved thus

So much so that he was able to co-found InHouse Group, an investment

far in his career. His success has also been shaped by his dedication to

firm that provides capital and critical business acumen to minority owned

accountability and perseverance. His former career at some of the world’s

businesses. Located in New York, InHouse Group has helped many

most famous financial institutions has given him the foundation and the

community based enterprises achieve financial success in industries where

experiences to truly understand what it takes to make a fledgling business

small minority owned business have been historically underrepresented.

successful. He believes that “it’s not just an all-star product … it’s also

And it was no surprise that he brought that invaluable experience to his

about managing a team of people, communicating a consistent message

latest endeavor –TriaFit.

to your customer base, creating protocols so [the company] can operate

The world’s Ironmen and Triathlons are words that from

efficiently, and creating a culture where everyone will be enthusiastic

the outside seem to only include a select group of people that have

about the company.” Adapting to the constantly changing consumer

superhuman abilities to push themselves to the furthest extent of what their

market place, Blyden is focusing his efforts on the underrepresented

bodies allow. But what many people don’t know is that this is a sporting

factions of Triathlon sports and through LegacyChamp.com is giving

division of which is terribly underrepresented by culturally diverse

fitness aficionados like himself a place where they can network and have

groups. A creative and unconventional entrepreneur, Blyden witnessed

a centralized digital home to post their stats, find fitness tips, and to

this disparity firsthand after completing his first Ironman competition

generally exchange information about their love of sporting.

with two of his closest friends. The success of this great achievement had

Gershon Blyden has taken two of his favorite things, things that

been marred by the fact that he and his friends were just a handful of the

ordinarily wouldn’t be paired together, and is living his entrepreneurial

African-Americans in the race. A race that was documented on film by

dream. From his strong business acumen and his love of sports, Gershon

Affiliate Media LLC and is titled: “From Ordinary to Extraordinary”.

is on his way to building a fitness empire through unconventional means.

From his Ironman experience, Blyden has questioned why there

Throughout all of his endeavors, he encourages cultural diversity as a way

is such a great disparity of racial representatives, where African-Americans

to foster and promote a variety of different opinions and perspectives.

count for just 0.5% of all participants throughout the sport of triathlons.

“I am a firm believer that cultural diversity in an organization fosters

Through his research, Blyden discovered that African-Americans,

creativity, flexibility and adaptability… I’ve solved complex problems

although generally accepted as being naturally athletic, were stereotyped

by virtue of being surrounded by so many diverse viewpoints.” By

as being incapable of the discipline necessary to compete in and complete

seeking out a wide variety of backgrounds, Blyden is taking small but

endurance races. Blyden was so disheartened by this misconception that he

purposeful strides to challenge and change the stereotypes that drew him

decided to leave his corporate career in

into his endeavors to begin with. LegacyChamp is just another example of this policy: “At LegacyChamp, we are an extremely diverse group, unlike most tech start-ups. Cultural inclusion and diversity is one of our advantages because we can see everything that our competitors see and many viewpoints that they do not.” His extensive portfolio boasts many successful endeavors and he is determined to change the fitness industry on Ironman. Gershon Blyden is an entrepreneur for the digital age, one who is embracing the change that has come with the evolving scope of the consumer marketplace. With that in mind, he isn’t in it for the profits. “I hope to inspire people to do whatever it is that they have always wanted to do. Create your reality and own your legacy. Discover your personal genius and live the life that you truly want to live.” With these words TriaFit and LegacyChamp will represent not only the products of determination, hard work, and community support, but they will also represent the change that can happen when one person stops to question and want more.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JASON GREEN . GERSHON BLYDEN, AL SIMPSON, FRANK WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIUS JEFFER SON

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

GUTS AND GLORY

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

INTERVIEW WITH MARK QUAVILLON

WRITTEN BY TAMARA WALKER

chillin like a villon

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Quavillon made a name for himself in the community for making unique tables and other pieces out of sustainable materials, including bamboo. Mark Quavillon could be the perfect spokesperson from the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” initiative. Not a kid who grew up in front of the TV or with video games, he spent a lot of his childhood outdoors. Thanks to parents who encouraged an active lifestyle and growing up just steps from the ocean on Florida’s Space Coast, Quavillon enjoyed a childhood filled with sand and surf, horses, and a variety of sports—all of which led to a natural transition into a career that focused on the outdoors. 30

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREN COOPER WELLER

The Space Coast of Florida is not only known for NASA and shuttle launches (Cape Canaveral is just up the street), but also as the hometown of some of the world’s top surfers including, CJ and Damien Hobgood— particularly Satellite Beach. The whole town of Satellite Beach has the surfing bug. From amateurs and casual surf enthusiasts to members of the pro-circuit, everyone has at least one surfboard at home. The town easily leant itself as the perfect birthplace for Villon Sportswear. Surfing may be Quavillon’s favorite sport, but it is also the core of who he is as a person. Surf culture is all about loving and enjoying life. It’s a lifestyle that embraces self-exploration. It’s this mentality that has helped him take a natural and very organic journey into creating his brand. Originally a furniture designer, Quavillon made a name for himself in the community for making unique tables and other pieces out of sustainable materials, including bamboo. He later tried his hand at designing cool, comfortable gear for friends

and family. Starting with t-shirts and artwork he personally designed, he took an artistic hand (he had a natural affinity for drawing), combined the lessons learned from a multi-sport background and used them to lay the foundation for what is quickly becoming one of the top brands of surf fashion in the United States. But Villon is more than just t-shirts and surf/skate wear. Villon is something for the people. Villon started out as something Quavillon did for fun; giving his friends t-shirts and other gear with unique designs which quickly caught the attention of surfers visiting Satellite Beach. Soon, friends were helping him grow his business by organizing events where his shirts were being sold, and later he hired them as his first sales reps. Villon is growing quickly and, like surf culture, is embracing the community in which it was born. Going green and embracing a sustainable lifestyle is more than a trend for the brand. It is actually its next step with the soon-to-be launch of Ollive, a charity driven collection whose proceeds will go to benefit charities that focus on children, the environment and animals. The line itself will be made of organic cottons and inks. Villon Sportswear is currently being sold through handpicked distributors in select locations and very soon online at www.villonsurf.com. Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

BIZZ BUZZ

TECH TOYS WRITTEN BY MILENA JAKOVLJEVIC

ON EAR WANGS by FUNNY WANG Funny name, amazing sound quality. They come in shiny red, sleek white and cool black. Called “the first social headphones” because of their integrated duo jack, On Ear Wangs are meant for you and your significant other to walk hand in hand while both listening to the same music from the same source. The headphones deliver natural, thumping bass with crystal clear mids and highs. Truly beautiful music. PRICE: $169 http://www.fannywang.com/on-ear-wang-headphones.html#

USB MAILBOX NEW MASSAGE INDICATOR A cool little gadget notifies you with a light whenever you recieve an email or a massage on a ton of different social sites. The little USB mailbox changes the color from red to green when you get a massage and makes a little sound. It’s not necessarily the funnest of gadgets, but it is pretty useful. PRICE:18.00 $ http://www.usb.brando.com

FUJI FINEPIX X100 In this hipster day and age, retro and vintage is almost the only acceptable form of design and companies are listening to the demand. Canon, Leica and others have launched retro appearing cameras and now Fuji is following with it’s X100. The compact body with a fixed lens in combination with a full sized SLR sensor, make for a unique combination as well as an amazing mixture of old and new.

BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK TABLET It hit stores a few weeks ago, so it’s fresh out the oven. Smaller and lighter than an iPad at just 425 grams and 7-inches, it’s running a BlackBerry tablet OS with the screen resolution1024×600. The creators promise “true multitasking“ and for all you gadgetarians out there, I’m sure you are eager to try it out. With a size similar to e-readers, it’s going to be very handy for reading e-books and as Amazon comfirms, a Kindle app for the PlayBook is already on the way. PRICE: $499 Avaliability: In stores

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK COLOR With the addition of new features to the e-reader, it is becoming more of a tablet than a reader. In addition to existing features, Barnes & Noble has added Adobe Flash playback support, email and an app store and of course, as the name states, a screen in color. All of that makes Nook Color a contender in the tablet market. PRICE: $249 Avaliability: Barnes & Noble

EVERGREEN USB POWERED TUNRNTABLE Do you still hold a candle to vinyl records? The unforgetable quality of sound and the cool retro element still make it a pretty cool thing to have and use. The company Evergreen is making the experience of listening to vinyl records easy and accessible, they have released a USB record player turntable. It connects to a USB port and outputs the audio through your computer and it also has analog audio output jacks for an external set of speakers.You can order it online for a cool price of about $49 USD. PRICE: $49 http://www.donya.jp/item/19011.html

PHOSPHOR REVEALS TINY CRYSTALS WATCH Have you ever seen a mechanical digital watch before? It’s certainly a novelty, and a pretty one at that. Using rotating plastic Swarovski crystals to display the time, it works by flipping individual dots to display number. The technology uses an electromagnetic pulse to change the position of crystals on the face of the watch. The watch is a little big and heavy for a wrist, but the stlye and the technology more then makes up for it. Men and women models are avaliable. PRICE: $199 - $249 http://www.phosphorwatches.com/

VTECH’S INNOPAD TABLET The kids are always the first to follow technology, even the youngest ones, and here is something made exactly just for them - The Vtech InnoPad tablet. Designed for ages 4 and up, it is similar to your typical tablets while mimicking the intuitive interface in a child friendy manner. Anything your child would want – music player, games, animated books, photos, eReader and more is avaliable on the InnoPad. We recommand the Vtech’s Learning Longe Navigator, an app that enables parents to supervise their child’s use of the tablet by tracking their learning progress in the software already on the tablet. http://www.vtechkids.com PPRICE: 74.99 $

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

RAINEMAKERS A BUZZ IN THE BEAUTY BUSINESS

After an almost 10 year career on the East Coast, Jenny moved west to pursue writing and hosting in the beauty industry as well as to prove that she could persevere as a freelance hair and makeup artist in Los Angeles. As a member of the Hair and Makeup Artists’ Network in Los Angeles and after a total of over 14 years now in the industry, Jenny is considered an expert in the field. She currently writes for the health and beauty sections of numerous publications, such as DivaVillage.com and LA2DAY.com, as well as hosts a makeup how-to series for EHow.com. Jenny also finds time to be the LA trainer for numerous cosmetics lines including the natural mineral makeup line www.HerbsOfGrace.com and the botanical skincare and makeup company, Jordan Essentials Cosmetics. Jenny started her beauty career at the tender age of 17 in New Jersey. She worked for a well known cosmetics company (Garden Botanika) as well as a freelance makeup artist in NYC / NJ throughout her college career. She left The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 2000 at the age of 21, but continued to pursue a career in the beauty industry, working for numerous cosmetics companies, including beauty giant MAC Cosmetics. Jenny currently works with an amazing team of celebrity stylists and photographers at AgentsforArtists.com and is preparing to launch Dish Magazine, an online fashion and beauty magazine, acting as Beauty Editor. She is also working on a huge project to revive LA Fashion Week by September while giving great indie designers a platform to showcase their amazing work.

Jenny Karl: Makeup Artist RESEARCHED BY GEFFREY YABES

Jenny also owns and runs Jenny Karl Hair and Makeup Agency based in Los Angeles. Founded late last year, the agency has an amazing and highly trained team of hair and makeup artists, specializing in Airbrush Foundation, Print, Film, Television, Beauty, Fashion, Special Events, Mens and Ethnic hair and makeup. Jenny is also a 30 (something) single Libran who loves long walks on the beach and is a certified beauty product junkie :) To learn more about Jenny, visit her at www.jennykarl.com

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

RAINEMAKERS Growing up, Mark Johnson was always mesmerized by the imagery and sounds of New York City he saw in films and on television. By age 10, he began charting his place to live there and by age 20 he was a resident. Starting off as “the computer guy” at a Japanese Trading Co, most of his free time was spent walking around the city exposing himself to art - from street artists to tagged sides of buildings by neighborhood kids to Andy Warhol. While enjoying a coffee in Hell’s Kitchen one day, Johnson was approached by a modeling agent. Not the type of person to pass up an opportunity to be exposed to fashion and culture while traveling the world, Johnson signed with the agency and went on to work with fashion icons like Gianni & Donatella Versace, Giorgio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger & Ralph Lauren. Through his work on the pages of magazines and in front of the lens, Johnson began to learn and appreciate the art of fashion advertising.

THE BIRTH OF THE BIONIC EGG

While still modeling, Johnson was offered a position as Art Director for a groundbreaking digital media project at Big Time Productions in collaboration with MTV.com. As he got deeper into the project and the world of web design, Johnson started suggesting and implementing redesigns of websites he felt looked too busy, were difficult to navigate, or that had too much informational clutter that did not add value to the product or services that the site was supposed to represent. Johnson saw a major opportunity to launch his own web design business and started working with mostly fashion clients, soon after expanding to the worlds of PR, Hospitality & Commerce clients. Johnson had always thought of his sites as organic organisms that were growing and evolving as a collaboration of client and creator. In 2001, BIONIC EGG was born. A decade later, BIONIC EGG is still evolving. In the internet game, 10 years is a long time and Johnson prides himself on recognizing where we’ve been within the digital space and has a unique outlook on where we’re going. In his spare time Johnson likes to paint large portraits on 4x4 canvas and has been featured in several NYC shows and exhibits. WHAT’S NEXT FOR MARK JOHNSON: “I’m currently collaborating with GLEE’s Adam Anders on his label Ander’s Music Records, dedicated to developing young talent. The site I’m working on will help launch these artists and spread their music to targeted audiences. I’m also developing a new e-commerce site with Lance Bass that helps raise funds for various charities...but that’s still in the works so I can’t reveal too much right now!”

Mark Johnson: Webdesigner

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

WRITTEN BY CORINNE FISHER

RAINEMAKERS EXISTING WITH XIST TALENT

Although her days are now spent booking and guiding young performers, Maria, age 33, started in the business in 1991 as an actor in independent films. Trained in New York City at American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Weist Barron and at New Jersey’s Papermill Playhouse Conservatory, Maria loved being exposed to all facets of the entertainment industry, including the behind the scenes happenings. Always intrigued by the creative roles of casting directors, Maria always felt that this was a natural instinct that may just be more rewarding and exciting than being in front of the camera. In 1998, Maria was offered the opportunity to begin a lucrative career in the Information Technology field and therefore, made the decision to embark on a journey into the world of corporate America. She spent the next 7 years working in computers, as a network engineer in the legal field. Although Maria enjoyed utilizing her skills in her position, 2005 proved to be a turning point. Xist was formed in 2005, as a entrepreneurial project. With offices in her hometown of Caldwell, NJ, Maria quickly tapped into her years of business management experience in her IT career, as well as her intense passion for the entertainment industry, and made sure Xist entered the scene with a fierce competitive spirit and unwavering client support.

Maria DeSantis: Agency Owner RESEARCHED BY GEFFREY YABES

Since inception, Xist has become the go-to Agency for NYC Casting Directors, Producers and Creative Photographers. With a large base of talented youngsters ages 4-17, Xist is also the only Agency on the East Coast boasting an exclusive Extras Performers Division, handling background and non-speaking roles for performers ages 3-25. With an astounding roster of past and present projects, and a terrific staff including Booking Assistant, Jamie Jacobson, Xist is always generating positive buzz and vibes. Xist was featured in Seasons 1 & 2 of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, as Maria represents Gia Giudice, daughter of Teresa Giudice. This year is already proving to be a successful year. In February, Xist moved offices to trendy and artsy Montclair, NJ. With a newly-formed Production Company, Stellar One Entertainment, Maria is working on a few projects, in addition to running the Agency. Major announcements to come for both Xist and Stellar One Entertainment. To keep up with the buzz, check out the website www.xisttalent.com and facebook: www.facebook.com/XistTalent.

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

RAINEMAKERS Edward L. Jamele III is an entrepreneur, residing in New York City for the past 5 years. The Southington, CT native is a University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island School of Design alum. His career started during college as a consultant specializing in group dynamics and strategic marketing. From there, Edward honed his skills at RISD’s Interior Architecture program in 2005, where a mentor and professor of his quickly urged him to continue working in the field. At that point, Edward had already secured a solid base of clients, under his design and consulting firm Gemelli Design, LLC. He has been published in several trade magazines for his accomplishments in niche markets including Senior Health Care Facilities, Hospitals and Restaurants. From there in 2007, he cofounded Done Construction LLC, a residential and commercial service and small construction firm based in his hometown of Southington, CT. Done Construction services over 900 corporate locations including clients such as Target, Wal-Mart, Dunkin Donuts and more. They are also the lead service and construction supplier for the largest extended care facility management firm in Connecticut, Athena Healthcare. Quickly after the booming success of Done Construction, Edward acquired United Cabinets of Newington, CT with his partner, mentor and father, Edward Jamele Jr in 2008. United Cabinets allowed Edward to grow his creative persona as Creative Director, to a new level, where he has designed and consulted on over 200 special projects to date. United Cabinets is known for their superior craftsmanship in custom woodworking, cabinetry and design. The in-house design team consists of highly qualified and

trained professionals lead by the vision of Edward and his father. In 2010, Edward got the itch to begin his next venture alongside his business partners, Joshua Thomas and Staci Perkins. From there, Good Life Event and crowdMGMT were born. Good Life Event is a monthly concert series produced by the trio that combines cool brands, up and coming artists, celebrity headliners and philanthropy. One would think this is a lot to accomplish in one vision, but it certainly has been pulled off nicely receiving rave reviews from both peers and media alike. CrowdMGMT was born from the demand and word-of-mouth buzz about this trio’s successes and from there, a creative agency was born. CrowdMGMT is an experiential marketing boutique agency that focuses on special event production, live music events, brand awareness consultation, social media and celebrity talent acquirement. The small firm has quickly grabbed the attention of clients like Popcorn Indiana, DEOS, NBA, Anti-Hangover, Roosevelt Room Toronto, and Boardroom Chicago to name a few. With his record of embarking on new things and mastering his abilities to succeed in niche markets, it is clear that Edward has no intentions of stopping any time soon. He plans to get his hands in television production and is an aspiring author as well. He tells us, “You can expect to see Good Life Event on tour in major cities across the US as well as a noticeable increase of awareness with any brands we work with at crowdMGMT.”

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE

Edward L Jamele lll Serial Entrepreneur and Founder of Good Life Events RESEARCHED BY GEFFREY YABES

The motto Edward swears by: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and pursue the life you’ve imagined without hesitation.” Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

RAINEMAKERS PHOTOGRAPHER

Andrew Werner is a successful New York-based photographer. When his finger pushes down to click and capture the view, it’s a picture perfect snapshot. Many accomplished photographers have had the opportunity to discover his ability and passion to encapsulate the extraordinary beauty in each frame, and how his nonstop footage fosters his passion and innovative mind. Andrew was born and raised on Long Island. He studied photojournalism, but his focus quickly shifted to projects with both aspiring and experienced models for fashion and editorial shoots. With his outgoing personality shining through the lens, Andrew’s eccentric, edgy style of shooting developed; making his subjects flash out all their flaws and light up their beauty, relaxed and camera ready. Andrew’s internal drive and attention to detail are apparent in all of his images, whether it be in fashion, beauty, or event photography. Andrew is constantly on the lookout for creative, ambitious, and motivated artists. He works with a fantastic and talented team and wide variety of looks and styles. He is always open to new ideas and “anything that will make a focal point stand out from the clutter.”

ANDREW WERNER RESEARCHED BY GEFFREY YABES

He has covered New York Fashion Week for many seasons, shooting and working with the hottest designers including: The Blonds, Adrienne Landau, Sally Lapointe, LAMB, Milly, Buckler, Richie Rich, Alexander Berardi, Tadashi, Betsey Johnson, Tommy Hilfiger, Diane von Furstenburg, BEBE, Malan Breton, Duckie Brown, Zang Toi, and Monique Lhuillier, just to name a few. Andrew’s work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, InTouch Weekly, am New York, Life&Style, The New York Post, NBC, Fiasco, Creem, and The Village Voice, where he was named one of the Bravest and Best Photographers in New York of 2010.

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

BIZZ BUZZ

the

next LEVEL

FINANCE . MARKETING . MANAGEMENT by noelle frieson

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Cash Flow is King By Noelle Frieson

cash flow is king According to the Small Business Administration, 56% of businesses fail in the first five years. Most would think the primary cause of failure is the inability to garner a profit; but surprisingly, it’s not lack of profit that kills most businesses, it’s the lack of a positive cash flow.

BECOME OBSESSED WITH YOUR ACTUALS Business owners tend to overestimate sales and underestimate expenditures. Keeping track of the week-to-week, day-to-day actuals, gives business owners a snap shot of their financial health at that moment.

Cash flow allows your business to run on a day-to-day basis as well as purchase goods, pay employees and your vendors. The biggest mistake many entrepreneurs make is counting receivables as cash flow. Many companies that anticipate a profit from their recorded receivables end up being cash poor. For many, making a sale doesn’t mean you will receive the cold, hard cash at that very moment.

CONTROL YOUR PAYMENT PROCESS It is always best to get payments upfront for any goods or services. However, sometimes that can’t be done. In my business, I have found letting clients pay in installments helps us close sales. Installments can leave a business lacking cold, hard cash in anticipation of the next payment. If you must invoice clients or allow them to pay over installments, you will want to control the payment process. Check the financial health of your clients before you extend credit. Sites like dnb.com (Dun & Bradstreet) can give you reports on the financial health of your clients for as little as $39.95. Also, have your clients pay by credit card with a clearly defined installment or payment dates in place. By having a credit card on file for payment, it saves your receivable department the task of contacting clients for payment.

Let’s start with the difference between profit and cash flow. Profit is the difference between sales and expenses. Sales and expenses are calculated at the time the sale is booked or purchase is made, not when cash exchanges hands. On the contrary, cash flow is the difference between actual cash in and actual cash out. Recognizing the difference can help keep your business both profitable and open!

What are some vital ways to stay on top of your cash flow?

DON’T SIT ON CHECKS Many businesses will deposit checks on a weekly or monthly basis. This keeps the business cash poor. Deposit checks the day they come in. Daily trips to the bank not only keep money flowing through your business, but it helps you stay on top of your liquid assets. MAKE RECEIVABLES A PRIORITY If you are the owner of a small business you may be the CEO, Sales Representative, Office Management, Accounts Receivables and Payable departments; all in one. It’s easy to neglect late payments from your clients or give them more time than your policy states. Begin the collections process the first day a payment is late. And don’t continue providing services if bills remain unpaid.

About Noelle Frieson: Noelle is the principal partner of Prosperiti Partners Inc., a marketing firm specializing in small business marketing and recruitment. You may reach her directly by emailing, noelle@prosperiti.net.

The success of your business depends on your executive team being completely committed to the business financial health. Even though the end goal is profit, cash flow is still king. But don’t stress. By following the simple steps above you can keep control of your cash flow and reap the fruits of your labor in profit. Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

THE NEXT LEVEL

blogging and marketing Over the years I have attended a multitude of seminars on, “Marketing for Entrepreneurs”. The one thing I hear speakers saying over and over again is to start a blog. With that one word, “blog,” a sea of pens get to work and eager entrepreneurs take notes on the importance of blogging for the promotion of their businesses. Most believe that if they start a blog they will gain new customers and increase their profits. But the truth is, starting a blog alone won’t make your business an overnight sensation. Blogging has changed the landscape of marketing. Not as an easy way to garner foot traffic – anyone who has tried to keep a blog up knows that it is not easy – but as a conversation tool with your clients and followers. As the Internet becomes more interactive, businesses must also become more interactive. Blogs allow your business to publicize your expertise and then discuss it with your clients and fans. If you follow a few simple tips, your blog can help drive traffic to your site…and keep them coming back.

POST ON A CONSISTENT SCHEDULE: This doesn’t mean you have to post every day, or even multiple times a week, but having a regular schedule tells readers when to come back for new content. If a reader comes to your blog and sees old content they become disinterested, move on and don’t come back. MAKE YOUR BLOG A CONVERSATION – NOT A MONOLOGUE: Make sure to answer people who comment on your blog – let them know you care about their responses. Urge readers to talk back and forth about the blog topic. Answer their questions and ask questions to spur conversation. Having an open conversation with your readers can help you make necessary changes to your customer service, inventory and marketing plan. MAKE YOUR BLOG INTERESTING, RELEVANT AND SEARCH FRIENDLY: An obvious statement, but not as easy as it sounds. Feel free to draw in pop culture and top search topics that are relevant to your website. I once knew a woman who owned a vintage clothing shop. She frequently blogged about celebrities sighted wearing vintage pieces and then link back to similar pieces and designers sold in her boutique. The genius of her blog was that she kept her topics relevant to her readers and drew in new readers by tagging her blogs with the celebrity names. When a person searched for their favorite celebrity they would stumble across her blog and be tempted to purchase from her online store. BE A GUEST BLOGGER ON OTHER SITES: By asking a relevant blog to be a guest blogger on your site and by you guest blogging on their site, you are able to maximize 44

on their readers. It’s a win-win situation because you both gain readers. And if you are able to guest blog on several sites, your name and business gain searchability, as well as credibility. SYNDICATE YOUR BLOG: This would mean adding your blog’s feed to the other sites that compile content. For instance, Alltop is a site that compiles blogs into categories, making it easy for the reader who wants to find new blogs to read about a certain topic.You can also submit your blog-to-blog directories such as; My Blog Log, Fuel My Blog or Blogs on Blogged. DO A SERIES; EVEN BETTER… A VIDEO SERIES! Give them a teaser and a cliffhanger and they will come back for more. Why do we tune in every Sunday to Desperate Housewives or Grey’s Anatomy? Because it’s an on-going story. Dole out your blogging knowledge over several entries. It will give your reader a compelling reason to come back. And if you are really ambitious, make it a video blog series. Video is becoming a must in disseminating information. It will allow your readers to put a face and personality with the information. USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO CONNECT WITH YOUR READERS: Everyone has their own preferred method of following their favorite web brands. Using Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets, gives your readers an alert that you’ve posted new content. About Noelle Frieson: Noelle is the principal partner of Prosperiti Partners Inc., a marketing firm specializing in small business marketing and recruitment. You may reach her directly by emailing noelle@prosperiti.net.

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Tablets vs Laptops July 28th 2010. That was my husband, Mario's birthday; the day I got him an iPad, and the last day I saw him on his laptop. From that day, he checks and sends emails, plays games, creates music, surfs the web, watches movies and navigates the streets of Northern New Jersey; all in the time it takes his laptop to power on.

to Omar Khan, Chief Strategy Officer of Samsung Mobile, “We want each company to hand out 50,000 tablets instead of 50,000 laptops.” Khan continues, “Android is becoming more enterpriseready every day, we’re all working on hardening Android to make sure the security is there, so it can become a true laptop replacement.”

His almost romantic association with his 10 inch black device made me question if our laptops are going the way of desktops and dinosaurs? Can a person live on tablet alone? So with my purchase of iPad’s archenemy, the Motorola Xoom, I decided to take a week vacation from my trusty laptop and go "Survivor style" with nothing more than my new android operated device.

But from my personal experience, it’s not a laptop replacement yet. Heavy productivity apps for design and website development are lacking, storage on most tablets is limited and touch-typing is just plain annoying. So for now, I would keep your laptop at home or the office – as we did with our old desktops – and buy a tablet for vacations, meetings or the occasional doctor’s office visit.

Footloose and Laptop Free Installation was easy. Upon turning on the Xoom, I entered in my Gmail account and within a few seconds, all of the apps I have in my Android phone appeared out of thin air. I was able to get all of my emails, but responding by touch typing was awkward. I missed the ease of my trusty keyboard. All of my important laptop files were handy through the DropBox app for android. DropBox is an online file storage system that links to all of your computers and devices. I opted for the $9.99 a month package for 50GB of storage over the free 2GB of storage, and moved most of my computer files over to my DropBox account. And with that one app, all I had to do was click on the screen, and all my daily files were at my fingertips. By day four my laptop jones had dissipated, and I was happy to only use my new tablet. The Xoom was a lifesaver at a “doctor’s appointment gone bad.” After 15 minutes in a room filled with other patients gathering dust from their wait, I pulled out the Xoom, connected to the office Wifi and spent the next hour finishing articles for the June issue of Raine Magazine as well as answering client emails. The Jury Is Still Out After 5 days of Xoom only access, I was still left with the overwhelming question, “Can I toss my laptop in exchange for my tablet?” The answer is, almost. With mostly every computer company coming out with a new tablet in the next year, we know the market is paving the way for tablet laptop replacements. Someday soon most major companies will be utilizing tablets instead of laptops. According

If you decide to go Laptop free, here are some great apps for an easy transition: DROPBOX : DropBox is an online file storage system that links to all of your computers, tablets and mobile devices. Paid subscription starts at $9.99 per month. For those of you on a budget, there is a free subscription that allows up to 2GB of storage. DOCUMENTSTO-GO: An app that mimics Microsoft Office; you can view and Adobe PDF, Work, Excel and PowerPoint files. In addition, you are able to save it to your device or to a Google Docs account for easy access from anywhere. There is a free limited version; however the full version is $14.99. ROOT EXPLORER: Root Explorer is the ultimate file manager where you area able to access the whole of an Android’s file system. Features include: a SQLite database viewer, text editor, the ability to create and extract zip files, and send files via email. Root Explorer is sold on the Android market for $4.01. LOG ME IN IGNITION: LogMeIn Ignition for Android allows remote access to one or more computers anywhere, anytime. Directly control your Mac or PC, all your programs and your files – like that important presentation for your boss or that application that only exists on your work computer – with a simple click. Log Me In Ignition is sold on the Android market for $29.99.

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

BY CARLOTTA HARRINGTON

FUNNELSCOPE: travel meet s s ocial media

BIZZ BUZZ

Picture it: you’re planning your first trip to an amazing destination. Your flight is booked, but you’re still searching for that perfect hotel. After hours of surfing the net for rave reviews, you finally choose one that appears to have the best amenities and biggest bang for your buck. Once you’ve arrived, you see that the room isn’t clean, the floors are stained and the service is lacking. Disappointed that you didn’t get what you expected? Kul Singh, a social media entrepreneur and founder of Funnelscope. com, had the same experience. Singh, who has traveled to over eighty countries, was continually frustrated with the disconnect he experienced when planning a trip. “One part of the planning that takes the most time is booking a hotel,” Singh explains. “Since a hotel usually represents the greatest cost of a trip, it can often make or break a trip.” Most travelers go to alternative sites in search of getting the best deals and reviews on the hotels in that area. In the late ‘90s, hotels rarely had their own websites for consumers to browse. They depended on sites like Hotels.com, Orbitz or Expedia to put them in the traveler’s reach. “Current online travel sites offer a wealth of information, but are tedious to research or [are] like reading a brochure— Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

lacking any interactivity and engagement.” In an age where customers are consistently utilizing social networks like Facebook and Twitter to connect with one another, Singh saw an opportunity to develop a social networking atmosphere to revitalize the way hotels connect with their consumers. “Funnelscope seeks to create the first social network and commerce platform for hotels. We are creating a platform that brings together users and friends—via Facebook and Twitter—along with hotel experts and the hotels to engage in a single platform.” By doing so, Singh’s goal is to reduce the “middleman” of third-party sites like Expedia or Orbitz, and place the patron in direct contact with the hotels. According to Singh, “This interaction transforms the hotel search process from a cold, lonely experience on a website to a more personalized experience where the hotels can engage with qualified consumers from the very beginning.” He envisions the search function of his site in the form of a question (similar to Ask Jeeves) as opposed to putting information into a search box. This, in turn, would offer the consumer a more effective and positive search experience, similar to combining a search engine with Facebook. “We expect this will change how people currently search for hotels,” explains

Singh. He adds, “We intend to transform the search text box into a conversation.” By incorporating social media, Funnelscope. com will make it more user-friendly to get reviews for your destination. Instead of simply anonymous reviews or reviews from strangers, the user could get feedback from trusted sources—friends and family. “What I would like to do is to create a platform where the hotels are establishing a relationship with the customer,” Singh acknowledged. Making lasting connections is something that Singh believes in and he has inspired a similar goal with his team. When Singh was ready to move forward with his idea, he knew that he had to find people who felt that same passion. “Through networking and job posting, I was able to put together a great team of people to help me with my vision,” replied Singh. Kul Singh has bootstrapped this whole project and is now looking for venture capitalists to invest in his company. It has taken him eighteen months to reach this point and is confident that, within the next three to five years, Funnelscope. com will be a household name.

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

BIZZ BUZZ Hoseanna, the new online hosiery subscription service for women, was created to prevent the all too familiar last minute scramble to purchase pantyhose. Launched in March 2011, Hoseanna was founded by Tracey Solomon and Katrina Caroll-Foster, who have not only been best friends since high school, but both are veteran road warriors of the corporate world. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or onthe-go CEO, Tracey and Katrina understand that there are just not enough hours in the day to stop by a store and gingerly shop for hosiery. And let’s face it; the overwhelming selection of new brands and styles has turned this seemingly simple purchase into a frantic chore. But what if you could just go online and order a subscription of your favorite pantyhose to be delivered to your doorstep each month? This is exactly the savvy and convenient service that Hoseanna has prescribed for today’s busy women who suffer from symptomatic forgetfulness of stocking up on their essential personal products. Raine Magazine was able to catch up with the innovative co-founders of Hoseanna and learn more about the inspiration and journey behind their entrepreneurial endeavors: Before

teaming

entrepreneurs

and

business

becoming

partners,

you

celebrated individual success as accomplished business women.

Tell us a little more about

your professional backgrounds and life before

Hoseanna: Katrina: I’ve always been attracted to companies with strong brands and great stories – be they billion dollar corporations like Intrawest Resort Corp, to fast-growing startups like HCareers.com. A strong story makes the offer more compelling for the customer and also made me feel like I was really filling a need that they had. It was important that I felt like I was providing something worthwhile, while delighting them in the process.

“Stocking Up” with Hoseanna.com Hosiery Delivered Right to Your Door WRITTEN BY LAUREN APPLEBAUM 48

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: KATRINA CAROLL-FOSTER AND TRACEY SOLOMON

Tracey: My whole professional career has been as a consultant or advisor, always looking to make things better for my clients or solve a problem that they didn’t know they had. I’ve been lucky to work with people at Fortune 100 companies all over the world, and through it all, I’ve learned the importance of connecting with people on an emotional level. It’s hard to be unique these days – people have so many options. But if you can connect on an emotional level, it’s hard for someone to replace you once you’ve won their heart and mind. We’re working really hard to make Hoseanna that kind of brand - a brand that women can relate to, that looks, feels and smells like them.

Starting a business with your best friend is every woman’s dream come true. However, leaving the corporate world to embark on your own business venture requires a giant leap of faith.

Why did you decide to take

the jump into entrepreneurial waters and leave your successful careers behind you?

Katrina: After years working in the corporate world, we had both come to realize the importance of independence and flexibility when it came to our work lives. For years we had talked about doing something together, but the timing was never right. I was thinking about going back to school for a Master’s Degree, and Tracey was jetting around the globe during her consulting years. We never seemed to be in the same place at the same time Tracey: Timing is so important. We knew we needed to do our time in the trenches to build up the right network of people that we could tap into in the future. It took us years to feel like we were

at a place where we could leave it all behind and swim on the strength of our own relationships. We had helped others be successful – why not join forces for our own benefit? Plus, tech was hot again, and women were not going to be left behind. Gilt Groupe and Net-a-Porter were taking the Internet world by storm and we wanted to ride that wave! Providing a hosiery subscription service is such a breath of fresh air for hardworking women everywhere, no matter if they are a stay-at-home mom or a corporate road warrior. When was the “Ah-ha!”

face the music. We had to trust our instincts and believe in our own abilities without letting fear of the unknown prevent us from taking our shot. Tracey: When you work for a big company, you have a false sense of time – like you have all the time in the world to get things done. When you’re an entrepreneur, time is your enemy. Nothing can be done fast enough and you don’t have the luxury of waiting until everything is perfect. One of our advisors said ‘go early, and go ugly’. When you’re used to dotting all your I’s and crossing your t’s, it’s hard to let go and say ‘let’s see what happens’.

moment that inspired the concept behind

And lastly, can you list 3 items that Raine

Hoseanna? Katrina: I remember talking about a girlfriend of mine who always wore these fabulous stockings from Italy – the kind of funky stuff that even a pantyhose-hating girl would love to get her hands on. The more we talked about stockings and hose, the more personal stories we had about our own hosiery mishaps. That’s when we thought to ourselves, ‘we’re on to something’. Tracey: Our Type A personalities kicked into high gear and we started to do some research on pantyhose, subscription and replenishment services. It didn’t take too long to realize that there was nothing out there.

readers need to have in place before moving

What proved to be your biggest obstacle while working to get Hoseanna off the ground? Katrina: The biggest challenge was believing in ourselves and that the idea could work. Even though we’ve had success working for other people, we were putting ourselves out there and at the end of the day, we were going to have to Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

forward to execute a new business plan?

Tracey Make sure you are solving a problem or identifying a pain point that is important to the market. It’s no good if you are creating a solution for something that no one cares about or isn’t really a problem that the market needs to fix. Katrina: Don’t focus out of the gate on making money. You need to build a brand and have a relationship with your customers. Focus your efforts on doing what’s right for the customer, and you will make the right decision. If they feel connected to you and trust you, they will buy your products. Tracey: Know your tolerance for risk, and be prepared to go past it. You have to be willing to adapt – nothing ever happens the way that you expect. But if you’re willing to embrace the change and roll with it, new and better opportunities will come your way To become part of the Hoseanna experience, visit www.hoseanna.com . 49

A DOSE OF CULTURE

Belize

Gateway to Central America & Beyond BY LETICIA YOUNG

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

It was a sweltering December afternoon as I sat under the thatched roof of a an open-air restaurant, unwrapping my tamales and washing it down with an carroty colored Fanta. I was only five years old at the time, but I released a sigh of contentment as I realized just how far I was from the familiar streets of New York. I was in a little town called La Democracia in Belize – my father’s native land – and as a child I always looked forward to my annual Christmas visits. Christmas in Belize meant palm trees and moon guided walks to Midnight Mass at St. John’s Cathedral in Belize City, the oldest Anglican Church in Central America. My father’s folklore tales of Tata Duende, a powerful spirit that protects the animals and jungles of Belize, made certain I wouldn’t stray far from his sight. Frequently hailed as Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret, few destinations in the world offer the mystique of Belize; whether it is the remains of the Ancient Mayan Civilization, the biodiversity of the Belize Barrier reef – the largest system this side of the Western Hemisphere – or the abundance of the Rainforest. In general, Belize is considered to be a Central American nation with strong ties to both the Caribbean and Latin America.

Ready to Explore. There is an abundance of activity available in Belize. Tourists can explore the Belize Barrier Reef with over 1,000 offshore coral and mangrove islets and islands known as Cayes. There is safe water for fishing, boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling; as well as numerous rivers for rafting and kayaking. In addition, there are a variety of jungle and wildlife reserves of fauna and flora with hiking, bird watching, and helicopter tours. There are also many Mayan ruins to explore as well as the largest cave system in Central America. Some 36% of Belize’s land territory falls under some form of official protected status, giving it one of the most extensive systems of terrestrial protected areas in the Americas. Try something new. The Caribbean coast is lined with a coral reef and some 450 Cayes, which offers an abundance of family fun and exploration. Snuba, a hybrid cross between snorkeling and scuba diving, is a great, wonderful family activity along the Barrier Reef off San Pedro. Other family adventures include a must visit to the Belize Zoo to see Howler Monkeys or the National Bird, the Toucan. A pleasant surprise. Belize serves as an open classroom with many wellestablished programs from archeology, anthropology, or biology; to sustainable development, history, or linguistics. The country is ideal for experiential educators and life-long learners. Popular programs include, tropical ecology with both rainforest and marine experiences, and traditional herbal and medicinal practices. Design your Belizean Journey. The motto on the Belizean Flag reads, “Sub Umbra Florero” which means, “Under the Shade (of the mahogany tree) I flourish.” So we invite you to flourish and find your space in the shade, whether it’s at Film Director Francis Ford Coppala’s Turtle Inn in Plancencia, or rocking to the rhythms of Garifuna drums in Southern Belize. Maybe it’s the awakening of a spa treatment in a Temazcal (a Mayan sweat lodge), followed by a Sun Lovers Herbal Mayan Mud Wrap. Everyone should mark their calendar and design a Belizean journey today! For more inspiration visit travelbelize.org Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

A DOSE OF CULTURE

MARK DEMAIO

A Rare Public Appearance by the Martyrs of Port Lligat

PAINTER NEW YORK CITY 54

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Pray For Us Sinners Mark DeMaio was born in upstate New York and currently resides in New York City. He is heavily involved in charitable work and is a rising talent on the art gallery scene. Look for his work online or at his upcoming December show: Synchronicity Fine Art. www.markdemaio.com

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

A DOSE OF CULTURE

INNOVATIVE INTERIORS 56

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Cecelia Cronk Makes her Mark BY TAMARA WALKER

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

ow many of us can remember sitting in our

Cecelia Cronk’s design stamp can be seen in

first grade class trying to come up with

the heart of downtown Eau Claire at the Metropolis Hotel,

the perfect answer to the question, “what

a four-star boutique hotel. “The owners of the hotel read

do you want to be when you grow up?” So

an article about me in a local publication and called me

many of us had big dreams of being an

about the project. They liked my concept and hired me.

astronaut, a ballerina, Superman, a teacher, a doctor…

I designed the entire interior including 108 individually

even President. Looking back on those times, many can’t

and unique guest rooms; the conference room, lounge

say that they are living their childhood career dreams.

and public restrooms. Also, eight of the guest rooms are

But Eau Claire-based interior designer, Cecelia Cronk,

specialty suites using large metropolitan cities as my

can.

inspiration. One of Eau Claire’s most distinguished interior

She first fell in love with interior design the day

designers and the founder of CityLiving, Inc., Cecelia

Cecelia and her father put together her playhouse as a

Cronk is known for her unique design style that she

little girl. But it was after taking on the daunting task of

brings to her vast array of projects which range from

designing a nursery for her nephew all by herself at the

residential to commercial. Since its inception in 2005,

age of 15, that Cecelia realized that interior design was

CityLiving has experienced amazing opportunities and

her true calling.

growth which has helped to make Cronk one of the most

“I went into the basement, found an old crib and

sought after designers in the Midwest. It’s her core belief

dresser, and re-purposed them into the furnishings for

that “exceptional and stunning interior design should

the nursery,” said Cronk. “The dresser was rather large. I

be accessible to everyone” which has given Cecelia an

made an armoire out of the dresser making a space for

extensive and very diverse client list that includes large

hanging clothing, drawers and a dressing table on top.

professional and commercial clients as well as those in

I sanded and painted the crib and armoire in the same

small spaces.

soft pastel colors and they looked like the set was made

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

METROPOLIS HOTEL

aturally gifted with an eye for all

Bolton Refuge Shelter is a refuge for battered

things alluring, Cecelia never

and abused women and children.

received formal training in

In doing the shelter, my desire was

interior design but rather drew

to give it a design comparable to a boutique

inspiration and experience from

hotel.

It was most rewarding to provide a

each project and the things in life she was

space for women and children who may have

passionate about. Self-educated, Cronk relies

been living in less than desirable situations to a

on her intellect as well as her God-given ability

beautiful place of refuge.

to create and design for her craft.

For Humanity Design 2011, we have

I truly enjoy all of the work that I have

selected a well-deserving senior citizen in our

completed locally. However, giving back to the

community. We are redesigning her bedroom

community is close to my heart. My greatest

into a Hollywood Regency design.”

influence was my late mother. She taught me

Cecelia’s creativity isn’t limited to

to share my talents and to give back to others

interior design. She is also a celebrated

less fortunate. In my heart, I wanted to do a

photographer. Her passions routinely fuse with

special charitable community project every

one another.

year. My first such project was Humanity Design 2010. Our design team decided that

To learn more about Cecelia Cronk and

designing the Bolton Refuge Shelter was a

CityLiving Design, visit www.ceceliacronk.com.

timely and worthy cause in our community. The

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Brenda de Vries

PHOTOGRAPHER

The Netherlands

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

YILA DONG LANDSCAPE AND FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER CANADA

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Through the Eyes of Yila RESEARCHED BY N. LORRAINE

Yila L Dong, originally from China, started her photography journey 8 years ago. She fell in love with photography when a friend recommended Magnum’s website to her. After seeing those world top pictures taken by some of the most famous journalist photographers, she was desperate for an SLR camera. Like many other photography newbies, she dreamed about taking the same level pictures someday; but at that time she couldn’t afford a very basic SLR camera. Finally, about 8 years ago, she spent her savings on her first toy - a Canon SLR film camera which opened this new world to her. She also started teaching herself dark room processing for black and white photos. Due to digital technology not yer being popular at that time, this new found hobby became very expensive for her. With Yila’s natural talent and effort, her pictures were gradually recognized by her friends and coworkers. Soon after, an international company – IBM, invited her to be the event photographer for their large marketing events, which gave her lots of chances to improve fast-capturing skills. As a result, her photography continued to improve. She was totally self-taught without attending any official photography course, and the images from her documentary as well as her event and landscape pictures, started to get published in magazines. Besides landcape photos,Yila also has a love for fashion.Yila’s fashion photography started after she moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. In 2007, a fashion designer recognized Yila’s photography potential in the fashion industry and picked her to be his new design photographer. The fashion pictures she took became quickly well-known by many people in town. Besides taking pictures,Yila has been teaching photography at an art school in Vancouver since 2008. Yila doesn’t want to stick to one style, she is always ready to take a challenge and try something new. If you ask her what her best picture is, she will say: “There are no best pictures but only better ones”, because she knows one’s creativity should never end.

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

what’s

“IN

TORE” for fall

A New York Fashion Week Trend and Designer Report by Sam Morris

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Christian Siriano Photography by Sam Morris

his past February the runways of New York Fashion Week were occupied by an array of designer collections attempting to move fashion forward. As always, for fall collections black was the star color and with trends ranging from a less is more approach in jewelry and styling to a consistent presence of various shades of grey. It was easy for looks to get a little on the drab side. But one trend for fall that made the most exciting impression on me was designers’ homage to the decadent style of the 1920’s; from sequins, lace and fringe to golds, bronzes and silvers. All the best collections I saw creatively tapped into this revival of the first era of contemporary style, adding a heightened sense of sophistication to looks for fall. The very first fall runway show I saw in the tents in February was that of Christian Siriano, who has shown in the tents of New York Fashion Week every season since winning Project Runway in 2008. The 25 year old, whose entire Fall 2009 collection was picked up by Saks Fifth Avenue, is known for the hard, youthful edge and drama his clothes often exude. His upcoming collection was no exception. Though it was black heavy, the balance of both fitted and looser fitting garments alongside a diverse range of textures made up for it, and the collection was certainly inspired by the strength, femininity, and dark color palette of the 1920’s and the art deco era. A more traditionally 1920’s collection, Polish designer Eva Minge showed for the first time in New York in February and her striking and effortless looks for evening were a real treat. With sequins and sheen, stunning oversized fur boots and shades of brown and copper throughout (plus a cameo from bright red), Minge showed you don’t need a ton of color to carry a collection. If you like lots of color and buoyant fashion,

Custo Barcelona is a sure bet on your list of designers you want in your closet. The energetic and bright fall collection from the European based men’s and women’s wear line also drew inspiration from the 1920’s, most notably in the usage of fringe and shoulder embellishments (and a little sheen here and there). But like always, the Dalmau brothers (Custo and David) have a whimsical way about their clothes and their interpretation of 1920’s chic was handled in a fresh and exciting way. New Zealand-born Rebecca Taylor, known for her playful and sexy looks for day and night, added a much welcomed level of simplicity to her most recent fall collection. With lots of blue, pops of fuchsia and of course a little black thrown in, her fall offerings had a 1920’s motif carried through in several looks, especially ones with richer and more solid tones. Taylor also played with color blocking and the variety of her looks surely has something for everyone. You can always rely on Tibi designer Amy Smilovic to deliver a bold and flirty collection during New York Fashion Week. Her fall line also had an understated sense of refinement that was, in part, a throwback to the fashion of the 1920’s. From her consistent use of fabulous prints to ultra-flattering silhouettes, the Tibi show in February relied a great deal on fit, color and texture; balancing golds and darker prints with appearances from blues, teals, and reds, making for a well rounded and elegant collection. Fashion industry staple Vivienne Tam was also no stranger to an influence of the 1920’s for her fall offerings. Known for her sweeping and highly visual clothes, the designer presented a simpler collection for fall than we are used to, but sometimes a little simplicity can go a long way. A plethora of textures in more muted fall color tones made for a stunning collection with a dark and exciting edge to it. Korea’s most famous fashion designer, Son Jung Wan, brought her stunning collection to New York Fashion Week for the very first time in February. The strong Asian inspired collection had a subtle presence of 1920’s glamour carried throughout, not to mention a fun 1970’s sensibility. From silvers and furs to beautiful draping and wide legged trousers to the usage of neutrals like beiges and whites, Son Jung Wan’s looks stood out in a sea of dark, sometimes heavy handed collections. As the last show I attended during fashion week, it was a wonderful way to end and left me wanting more.

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Eva Minge 68

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Custo Barcelona Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Rebecca Taylor 70

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Vivien Tam Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Son SonJun Jung Wang Wan 72

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Tibi by Amy Smilovic Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

FRESH FACE MODEL STEVEN JEAYS Born in Australia Currently living in Vancouver, BC Height: 6”1

Photographer: Yila Dong (yilaimage.com) Makeup Artist: Tommy Chiang Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

ANGELIQUE VELEZ Currently living in New York City Born in Bronx, NY Height: 5' 7"

FRESH FACE MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN MOSMEN

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate

P H OTO

GRAPH

Y BY O

LIVER

DIAS

P H OTO G RAPHY B Y ABIEL R UIZ

Raine Magazine Vol. 8 - Innovate