The Technology Issue Autumn '22

THE TECHNOLOGY ISSUE

Lucid Motors Luxury mobility company reimagining what a car can be.

Innovative engineering, Design and Technology defining a new class of vehicle.

VICEROY HOTELS & RESORTS

With provocative design, intuitive service, and imaginative art encounters, each Viceroy hotel is a reflection of the local culture and a uniquely authentic experience.

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The Art Of Wearing

The Art Of Wearing

The Art Of Wearing

celebrating us, the strong, resilient, and radiant women in our communities that inspire the world with our diversity and beauty

celebrating us, the strong, resilient, and radiant women in our communities that inspire the world with our diversity and beauty

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The Fall Technology Issue Autumn ’22

Do we really think tech, culinary, art, travel, and fashion can’t mix or co-exist?

The stark dichotomy begins to blur when what fashionistas love about fashion is juxtaposed with what tech enthusiasts and fanatics love about technology and science.

From the first stone tools to the industrial revolution to what is now, in my opinion, the digital revolution, technology has changed everything we encounter on a daily basis and in our everyday lives. Some would say technology has come to dominate our lives. You are most likely reading these words on a screen, instead of in our meticulously curated and beautifully designed 100% PCW print edition (your loss). I think few of us Few of us would want to be without our phones, tablets, laptops, or broadband, Wi-Fi, Wikipedia, etc.

I say it depends on the lens you choose to use to view your content and consume your media. On the surface, fashion, culinary, art, beauty, and technology seem to have very little in common. Hemlines and coding live in different worlds. You can’t reboot your art, wardrobe, and accessories. Or can you?

For those of us living in the leading cities of the world, we are spoiled by what the prominent industries have to offer. Some of us love the mix of heritage and traditions combined with state-of-the-art technology and are constantly searching for what the future will bring. Look, for instance, at some of the features we bring you in our Fall Technology Issue 22.

Starting with our cover, we present The Fabricant’s Fluid Collection designed for digi-sapiens to wear on their avatars on their platform, LEELA. This month, in our Science and Innovations and technology sections, we introduce you to a diverse and inclusive group, whom we spotlight as extraordinary individuals who are breaking boundaries in their fields. Women in Africa breaking the mold in Technology as well as Inspirational stories in Art, Travel, and beauty, keeping in our vision and mission to continue to inspire.

Of course, all progress is only possible if it’s anchored in a solid foundation. As a way to build a strong infrastructure and truly highlight our featured partners, we hold our Fall Technology Issue Launch Event on Friday October 21st in San Francisco. We pride ourselves in providing a platform to give a voice and help with more visibility and brand awareness to their projects, products, and brands. Join us in celebrating TrooRa’s 4th anniversary and 13th issue release. I hope our efforts will keep those able to provide additional support and resources to small businesses and minority entrepreneurs encouraged and inspired.

Trystanne Cunningham Editor-In-Chief Creative Director Founder

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CREATIVE ART DEPARTMENT

Creative Director TRYSTANNE CUNNINGHAM

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT

Editor In Chief TRYSTANNE CUNNINGHAM

Copy Editor AMANDA ORAHA

Editorial Design Director SHERDELLAH ANUNCIADO

Creative Art Director ANDRES MALDONADO

Proofreading CRISTINA DEPTULA

Proofreading MICHAEL DAKS

ART DEPARTMENT

Graphic Design Director SAMMY CAMPANER

Multi Media Graphic Design MUHAMMAD ASIM

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

Brand Outreach WILMA BASCO Global Brand Outreach KATIE LISTER European Brand Outreach MANSOUR NDIAYE

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

HR Director PETA-GAYE WILLIS

OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT

Operations Director TRYSTANNE CUNNINGHAM Operations Manager PETA-GAYE WILLIS

ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT

Administrative Director PETA-GAYE WILLIS

Executive Administrative Assistant RONA MAGLINES

Virtual Administrative Assistant INNAH MARIE ALMARENIA

MARKETING DEPARTMENT

Marketing Director KWESI DONTOH

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING DEPARTMENT

Social Media Director JUSTICE ANN CUENCA

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Finance Director RONA MAGLINES

WEB & SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT

Web Design & Development MATT SCHULER

Web Maintenance AMANDA POWELL

Systems & Operations Director ALESSIO MONINO

PRESS DEPARTMENT

Press & Public Relations BARBARA WICHMAN

LEGAL DEPARTMENT

Legal CHINWE OHANELE

WRITING DEPARTMENT

Contributing Writer MICHAEL DAKS

Contributing Writer NIZIE LOKMAN

Contributing Writer JESSE ADUMA

Culinary Contributing Writer CARY WONG

Contributing Writer CRISTINA DEPTULA

Travel Contributing Writer FILIPA ARAÚJO

Fashion & Beauty Contributing Writer STELLA POLIZOIDOU

Beauty Contributing Writer NEHA SURADKAR

Contributing Writer GEORGE DIKE

Contributing Writer ROBYN ALEXANDER

Contributing Writer VICKI SLEET

Contributing Writer GREG COX

Contributing Writer MANDY ALLEN

Contributing Writer TUDOR CARADOC-DAVIES

Contributing Writer ELSA YOUNG

Contributing Writer GRAHAM WOOD

Contributing Writer TARA SLOGGETT

Contributing Writer ARUNA NAGARAJ

Contributing Writer KEVIN JEFFREY JAMES

STYLING DEPARTMENT

Styling Contributor SHELLEY STREET

Styling Contributor MICHELLE RIVET

PHOTOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT

Contributing Photographer MICHAEL DAKS

Contributing Photographer GAELLE BELLER

Contributing Photographer WARREN HEATH

Contributing Photographer KWAME ACHEAMPONG

Contributing Photographer COURAGE MUEGBEYOGHO

Contributing Photographer GILBERT ASANTE

Contributing Photographer CHARLES SCHOENBERGER

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STORY BEHIND THE COVER:

The Technology Issue Fall 22

The specially designed FLUID digital couture collection has been created specifically for the LEELA platform.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: FLUID COLLECTION BY THE FABRICANT TEXT BY: THE FABRICANT

Adigital fashion house leading the fashion industry toward a new sector of digital-only clothing.

As a company of creative technologists The Fabricant envisions a future where fashion transcends the physical body, and their digital identities permeate daily life to become the new reality. The Fabricant will be a leader in the movement that uploads the human to the next level of existence. We are building a business that prepares for that eventuality.

The Fabricant is trialing a new digital platform, LEELA, that allows users to

create a photo-real avatar to test out digital couture.

Leela, which means ‘play’ in Hindi, encourages users to experiment with bold digital garments for their avatars to wear, picking designs from FLUID – a specially created digital-only couture collection. Using 3D technology, the platform enables users to capture images of their digitally dressed avatar from multiple perspectives.

Conceptualized as a “self-expression playground,” LEELA has been created at a time when brands are exploring digital fashion and virtual runways. With physical stores remaining closed due to Covid-19, digital solutions such as

PHOTO CREDIT ‘FLUID COLLECTION, BY THE FABRICANT

LEELA can fuel new business and marketing models for brands. ‘In LEELA, people are not passive consumers but creative agents crafting their self-expression and curating their visual identity through digital clothing,’ explains Amber Jae Slooten, creative director at The Fabricant.

We waste nothing but data and exploit nothing but our imagination. Operating at the intersection of fashion and technology fabricating digital couture and fashion experiences.

The specially designed FLUID digital couture collection has been created specifically for the LEELA platform. It is presented with genderlessness in mind, and users are free to play with the various aesthetics however they choose.

Digital sizing fits all. Regardless of body type, shape or gender, LEELA users will find a look that perfectly fits. Second creation for FLUID, a digital couture collection that allows you to express your multiple selves.

To be fluid is to be free, able to take on shape and meaning yet remaining open to endless possibility. The Collection was designed for digi-sapiens to wear on their avatars on our platform: LEELA.

PHOTO

PHOTO CREDIT ‘FLUID COLLECTION, BY THE FABRICANT

Inspired by a love of vintage pieces, flowing feminine dresses, florals, and life by the sea.

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CREATED TO DISAPPEAR BY CRISTINA

DEPTULA

Kelp as an Eco-Friendly Plastic Alternative.

FARM FUSION

BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

An old farmhouse near Cape Town is transformed into a unique country bolthole which playfully combines rustic charm with Victorian elegance.

LIGHT TOUCH

BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

A pair of serial renovators in Johannesburg brought a midcentury gem back to life with a sense of subtlety and fun.

Created to Disappear: Sea Briganti and Loliware

Kelp as an Eco-Friendly Plastic Alternative

PHOTO CREDIT: SEA BRIGANTI/LOLIWARE WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

Ifirst met Loliware’s CEO, Sea Briganti, at San Francisco’s Women of Silicon Valley conference last May. She stood out in her colorful blue, green, and brown outfit in a landscape of conservative, corporate solid colors (and a few pairs of jeans).

Befitting her name, Sea Briganti told me that she was the founder of Loliware, a company dedicated to fashioning plastic straws and utensils out of compostable kelp as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Headquartered in New York and San Francisco, the team Briganti has woven together includes scientists, artists, writers, designers, and engineers. They believe their work has the potential to mitigate climate change to a substantive degree.

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING BEHIND THE BLUE CARBON STRAWS

Loliware has developed a new material out of kelp and other aquatic plants known as “seaweed,” that they believe will tackle plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity collapse.

Plastic pollution has become a major issue for our planet’s and our own health.

Plastic production and waste account for 15 percent of the world’s projected 2050 carbon budget, and by then, there will also be more pieces of plastic in the oceans than fish if current trends continue.

Plastic contamination poses a serious problem: traces of microplastics have been found within the bodies of fish down to the deepest parts of the ocean, and each person on the planet is estimated to unknowingly ingest a credit card’s worth of microplastic per year.

Seaweed, on the other hand, grows quickly, is self-sustaining, and requires no fresh water or fertilizer to grow. It captures five to 20 times more carbon per acre than land-based forests and permanently stores some of the carbon on the seafloor. Seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide within the

ocean that would otherwise lead to ocean acidification, that is dangerous to marine life. It is also used as a natural additive to soil.

Seaweed grows vertically without roots and thus takes up less space than land crops; and over 18 million acres of ocean are suitable for seaweed farming. Seaweed farming is zero waste: all parts of the plant can be useful, either as biomaterials, biofuels, or protein concentrates that can be useful in agriculture.

This gives products made from seaweed a distinct environmental advantage over petroleum, corn, tree, or canola oil-based products.

The products Loliware produces, beginning with drinking straws, are called Blue Carbon, after the scientific term for the ocean’s stored carbon. The world’s oceans absorb around 30 percent of the planet’s carbon emissions, some of which have become stored for millennia. Seaweed is a key component of both blue carbon in the ocean and Loliware’s Blue Carbon Straw.

The company uses a patented five-step process to produce the Blue Carbon material that begins with extracting biopolymers from kelp. Next, the polymers get turned into pellets, which are then melded into the straws, which finally decompose after use and return to the earth or the sea.

Cup of the Future

The straws only contain natural ingredients: the seaweed blend, mineral colors, and a powder made from seashells. They break down roughly the same speed as a banana peel, so they will last long enough for consumers to enjoy drinks!

Made from farmed seaweed, the material for Blue Carbon will be grown and harvested sustainably. There will not be a need to dive into sensitive coastal ecosystems and pull out the kelp. By increasing demand for farmed seaweed, they will also support the livelihoods of coastal people around the world.

Blue Carbon production is also compatible with the regular industrial machinery used for plastic, so the transition has been smooth. This makes Blue Carbon more affordable than other alternatives to plastic.

BRIGHT ECONOMIC POTENTIAL AHEAD

Briganti graduated at the top of her class at the Parsons School of Design and built innovation pipelines for global corporations, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestle, and L’Oreal.

So far, she has raised $12.2 million

in funding and obtained venture capital backing for Loliware.

The Blue Carbon straws are fully commercialized and available for order by small and large businesses seeking food service solutions with less environmental impact than plastic. Environmental organization Oceanic Global has certified these straws as a plasticfree product.

In the future, they will introduce plates, cups, utensils, and takeout containers.

HOPE AND GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

Loliware proudly announces on their website that they are “hyperfocused on rapidly replacing plastics with seaweed to tackle plastic pollution, improve ocean health, and decarbonize the future.”

Briganti remains confident that we can harness the power of nature to achieve a plasticfree world. To her, all products should be “manufactured to disappear,” and waste is a design flaw.

Founder, LaToya Tucciarone

REGENERATIVE AND JUST.

zero-waste, fair fashion tonle.com

Farm Fusion

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: WARREN HEATH WRITTEN BY: ROBYN ALEXANDER

“The work on this house was more of a resurrection than a renovation. We live in a throwaway culture where new and fashionable designer stuff is desirable. I wanted to do the opposite, without being confined by trends,” reflects the homeowner of the 160-year-old house in the hamlet of Philadelphia, near Cape Town, Dapper De Wet. The house, part of which was being operated as a general store, was bought on a whim five years ago. The pandemic propelled his plans to relocate from Singapore, presenting an opportunity to transform the building while living in it and plenty of time on his hands. First converting a tractor shed into a rustic, barn-like wing, Dapper drew out the house’s full potential, replacing and repairing heritage features and

The homeowner wanted to restore the face of the home to its Victorian splendour. He fixed the ornamental wrought-iron work (locally referred to as “broekie lace”) and installed a formal fountain. “It’s like an old lady putting on lipstick. Suddenly you can see what she looks like,” says Dapper. “It’s almost like the house is smiling at you know.”

infusing it with décor inspiration and pieces collected while traveling.

The travel photographer and financier, raised in a remote village farm, hasn’t called South Africa home for decades. Relocating to Philadelphia (population 570), he faced the challenge of accommodating farm heirlooms that had been in storage for decades with furniture that had graced his apartments from Moscow to Sri Lanka. “In some ways, I designed the house around everything that came out of my storage crates,” laughs Dapper. “I’ve been collecting pieces that interested me for decades, and they finally all have a home under one roof. It felt like being

An old farmhouse near Cape Town is transformed into a unique country bolthole which playfully combines rustic charm with Victorian elegance

The shed was converted into the home’s primary living quarters, claiming the attic space for a mezzanine bedroom/bathroom. “I bought nothing new for the house. Everything in the shed has come from my childhood farm or my travels,” says Dapper.

The homeowner retained the original shed doors, which open onto a private courtyard with an informal dining space, and freeroaming chickens.

“My story is the typical one of ‘I knocked on a door of a Victorian house to ask if it was for sale’,” says Dapper de Wet. He says it was vital for him to respect the house, which guided his work on it.

reunited with old friends. I started with the furniture and worked backwards.”

The most pressing concern was to create a place to live while renovating. Dapper designated the garage for this, embracing the double barn doors, exposed brick and mud walls and corrugated iron roof. He transformed the attic into private mezzanine sleeping quarters perched above a living room, linked by a wooden staircase featuring reclaimed iron road barriers. It now connects to the main house but retains it’s own aesthetic, with farm tools, equipment and other memoryinfused pieces from his childhood.

“I wanted to respect the house,” says Dapper. “It felt appropriate to explore a rustic, farm feel with the shed. But a lot of my newer furniture, like the four-poster bed, had been picked up in Sri Lanka and has a Dutch Colonial feel,” he says. These pieces found a natural crossover with the house’s original footprint, with its beautifully carved doors and high wooden ceilings.

The ever-resourceful homeowner used old window shutters for kitchen cabinets.

The dining table, which came out of a monastery in Sri Lanka, is positioned in a central space in the house, open to one side. “I loved the way of living in Sri Lanka, where you are continuously connected to the outdoors,” explains Dapper. This lifestyle is celebrated in the room, where Indonesian and Eastern furniture are blended with collected pieces that give it a wonderful charm.

In the dining room, a milk separator and other vintage farmware are clustered on a wooden cabinet bought in Sri Lanka.

“The pieces in my home are an accumulation of experiences,” says Dapper. Pictured is a string of bells worn by a donkey on a riding trip in Bhutan, but in the shed, you stumble across stirrups he wore while crossing the Himalayas and numerous more storied pieces.

The shed links with a central dining room, open on one side, to create an airy, transitional space that opens on three sides to the kitchen, guest room wings, and entrance passage. The kitchen unapologetically retains its traditional roots, transporting one into a cozy room featuring a wood-fired stove, glassfronted wooden cabinet and an assortment of humble, vintage kitchenalia. “When friends visit, they inevitably comment on something that reminds them of their childhood and the nostalgia it invokes,’ says Dapper.

With clusters of pieces grouped throughout the house, a similar ode to the Victorian roots is expressed in the guest bedrooms. However, the guest bathrooms have a spalike disposition, inspired by the earthy design elements and tones of Asian bathrooms. Ornate wooden shutters have been reworked into vanities, copper shower fittings cling to wooden cladded walls, and the concrete flooring contributes to the raw feel.

The original main bedroom retains its Victorian essence, with charcoal walls giving it a contemporary edge. Above the picture rail moulding, the wall strip was kept white, highlighting the original wooden ceilings. “This bedroom gets the most light, so I could be a bit bolder and choose a dark colour for the walls,” explains Dapper.

This guest room, dominated by a fourposter Sri Lankan bed, celebrates its Victorian heritage with plush bedding and antique furniture.

While the house dates from 1860, Dapper reflects that he is only the sixth owner. This, he says, came with a responsibility to retain and celebrate its character. “My soul has gone into this place. It’s a home that makes me feel very connected with my roots,” he says.

A freestanding antique roll top takes centre stage in the master bedroom.

An experienced and enthusiastic rider, it was a priority for Dapper to live in an area where he could house horses. He is pictured with fellow resident Lindy.

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Light Touch

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ELSA YOUNG WRITTEN BY ROBYN ALEXANDER

t takes a good eye to spot potential in a fixer-upper, particularly in a city like Johannesburg. There are some real gems – almost always undervalued – but their qualities are often lost beneath the add-ons that barnacle their way onto houses over time.

Christo Vermeulen and Nico Venter are serial renovators. Inevitably, after a few years of living in a house, they find their eyes wandering. They most certainly do have a knack

The house spills out into the neat, structured garden via a tidy terrace. Nico and Christo recognised the intricate system of proportions at play in the design of the facade, and were careful to keep it in place, even giving it extra emphasis in their updates. The way in which the glass doors were broken down into three portions, for example, has been replicated in the new aluminium frames. The same proportions are reflected in the larger façade: the height of the planter is doubled in the section extending to the concrete sunshade, which is doubled again up to the soffit. Christo and Nico widened the door to match the width of the entrance hall and added the vertical strip of air bricks.

A pair of serial renovators in Johannesburg brought a mid-century gem back to life with a sense of subtlety and fun

for recognizing the signs that something special might be lurking beneath the surface a nondescript exterior. Over the years, a few of the city’s houses have benefitted from their transformations.

The kitchen was moved from its original position at the back to the front of the house, with easy access to the dining room on one side, the living room (so you aren’t excluded from conversation if you’re cooking) and the veranda, which Christo and Nico added. Nico loves the calming effect of ponds and water features, so there’s a sharp-edged fishpond right outside, which has the benefit of cooling the breeze coming into the house in summer when the doors are open.

Christo is a former textile designer turned builder/renovator –with a side-line in manufacturing bespoke features, especially metalwork and ironmongery – and Nico is an urban designer with a keen interest in the city’s architectural history. Together, they make a formidable team: insightful and capable, with the perfect combination of vision and respect for the innate qualities of a good find.

They recognized that they were looking at something special when they walked into this early 1940s double-story house in

the suburb of Greenside. The perfection of the sensuously curved, Artdeco inflected balustrade on the stairs was the first clue that highly skilled builders had been at work here. “There’s not a nick on it,” says Nico, adding that there were other details, particularly in the cast concrete, which were “impeccable.”

The monochromatic kitchen with its sleek kitchen island is supported by a scullery, so it becomes a living area in its down right. All the furnishings have been designed and manufactured by Muse Designs, Christo and Nico’s design and company. Nico explains that the white cabinet with the coffee machine is a modern interpretation of his grandmother’s kitchen dresser, replicating its design in modern materials. He adds that it’s the hardest-working piece of furniture in the house, proof of the perfection of its design. The cylindrical extractor chimes with the ceiling lights, which have been used throughout the house.

He also recognized the fine workmanship of the rounded edges where the walls meet the ceiling.

Christo soon realized that there were timber floors – parquet upstairs – and terrazzo beneath the layers of carpeting and glue. There were other “beautiful features of the era,” as he puts it. They were both particularly pleased with the brass fittings sprinkled throughout and the long, narrow planters outside.

The lounge keeps the idea of the traditional sitting room in place, although the doorways have been widened to enhance the connections between adjacent rooms, creating what Nico calls a “broken plan” living arrangement. The original timber floors were uncovered and restored. They are kiaat, sometimes called ‘African teak’, a darker, reddish hardwood. While the ceilings throughout the house have been kept white, the walls are darker, creating a cosy, painterly atmosphere. The steel and marble coffee table was made by Christo, under the banner of his design and renovation company, Muse Contracts. The stainless steel and black leather chairs are a Zara Armchairs by sohoConcept. The vintage, Art-Deco-style drinks trolley picks up on some of the Art Deco characteristics of the house itself. The curtain fabric is ‘Magical in Willow’ from Hertex Fabrics.

The overall design suggested a thoughtful architect. Its orientation was perfect and other details such as the cantilevered concrete overhangs above the windows, it has been borne out, were precisely designed to keep the hot sun out in summer and let it in during winter.

“This house begged to be reborn,” says Christo. He and Nico answered its plea.

They began, as all good historical renovations should, by stripping away all the accumulated clutter that was layered on the building until they were left with something resembling its original form.

“The bones of the original house were absolutely perfect,” says Christo. All was structurally sound, which, he says, is testimony to the quality of the workmanship of the era.

Seen from the main lounge, though the widened doorway, the entrance hall is a deliberately compressed space with a low ceiling that gradually opens up to the double volume of the stairwell as you progress into the house. The flooring here was originally a light green terrazzo, but it was damaged beyond repair, so Christo and Nico replaced it with terrazzo tiles to pay homage to the original finish. Inlaid brass strips in the floor pick up on the brass fittings throughout the house. The fluted panelling, called the ‘Majoni’ range was designed by Nico and Christo and manufactured by Muse Designs, their design company. This fluted finish has been restricted to the unaltered areas of the house, while areas they changed or updated were kept smooth. The door frames are kiaat, a local hardwood, to match the original timber floors.

“Probably Italian,” he muses in reference to the excellent reputation of the immigrant builders of the time.

Christo and Nico’s alteration brought those features decisively into the 21st century, so you could, as Nico puts it, live a “modern lifestyle” (and use more efficient power and water sources) while still having the luxury of being surrounded by “the feel of the old walls.”

Nico says there’s no slavishly applied ideology or principle at work in their approach. Rather, they allowed themselves to be inventive, creative, and playful as they went along. They’ve clearly been respectful, taking joy in celebrating the finer historical features, but never becoming precious or pretentious.

Details like the wooden floors and parquet – which turned out to be the local, dark hardwood, kiaat,

Christo’s workshop has terrazzo floors, just as the entrance hall and stairs do. A sliding door allows it to open up completely to the courtyard, and he’s included a skylight to allow natural light right into the back of the room. The bar stools are from Dark Horse. The table is oak and steel by Muse Designs.

rather than the more conventional teak –could be revived. They were less lucky with the terrazzo, which had been damaged beyond repair. They replaced it with terrazzo tiles, however, to update it with a nod to the original finish.

They replaced the rickety old steel windows with modern aluminium frames, but Nico had noticed an intricate rhythm of proportions throughout the house. “All of the windows are broken down into three sections,” he explains.

On the lower floor, there was a little portion at the bottom, above it, another section double the height, and above that, the top section was double the middle one. A similar pattern was repeated on the upper level, but in reverse.

The windows, in turn, become part of a larger geometric game. The composition of the front façade follows the same proportions: the height up to the flower box is doubled in the next section up to the sunshades and doubled again above it to the soffits.

He and Christo replicated it in the modern material, so the integrity of the overall design remained intact.

Many of the alterations they’ve made draw attention to original architectural features of the house. They’ve widened doors, for

example, to improve the lines of sight between rooms. One between the living room and entrance hall now perfectly frames the staircase.

In the dining room, the glass-topped table was designed by Christo and Nico and manufactured Muse Designs, Christo and Nico’s design and company. Its transparent top not only allows you to appreciate the kiaat floors, but also the dining chairs from Dark Horse. The double-door cabinet is by The Iron Banister, a well-known local ironmonger/metalsmith. Christo and Nico picked up some of its brass detailing in their dining table design.

The beautiful curves of the solid concrete balustrade on the stairway were one of the first things Nico and Christo noticed when they first saw the house. Its fine workmanship alerted them to the overall quality of the house and the craftsmanship of its design. While the walls are dark, the balustrade is white. The contrast emphasises its elegance. Nico and Christo added a skylight to allow natural light into the stairwell from above. Their fluted cladding features prominently here, interacting beautifully with the light. The circular pendant lights are Artemide Egg Pendant Lights. The ceramic on the landing is from Sonia Scholtz of My Beautiful Mess.

They’ve subtly distinguished the original features from the areas they’ve altered, but it comes across as a feeling rather than an overt signal. Christo and Nico designed fluted wall paneling that runs up to waist height, which is restricted to the original areas. Where the kitchen, dining room, TV room and study have been switched around, the walls remain smooth.

Similarly, Nico points out, that wherever they’ve included new doors, they’ve used reeded glass, which has a kind of vintage ‘feeling,’ but also signals a change. (It also complements the fluted paneling beautifully!)

They’ve picked up on other little details that belonged to the original house, such as the brass fittings – the door handles for example –and found ways to emphasise them. From the brass strip inlay in the terrazzo in the entrance hall and master bathroom to little brass details like nuts and bolts in the ironmongery and furniture, there’s a glimmer of brass at play.

The master bedroom has beautiful parquet floors, which were uncovered and restored. The bed is from La Grange interiors, and the cover is from local décor and design story Beck/Ernst.

Christo and Nico have planted the courtyard between the dining room and Christo’s workshop with arums and phormium purple haze. A window in the dining room was opened up to create a connection between the workshop and the house, which mirror each other across the courtyard, so that there is a visual connection between the ‘working’ and the ‘living’ areas.

All the light fixtures are spherical, which almost unconsciously harmonizes with the curves in the architecture. Christo has paid homage to the curves in the design of new features, such as the bathroom mirrors and other fittings, recognizing and emphasizing this aspect of the original design.

In other instances –such as the covered patio – they’ve tried to create continuity. Its PVC strips mimic the timber soffits on the original house, as Nico says, “in a contemporary way.”

In contrast to the bright white exterior, the interiors are dark, playing with a kind of chiaroscuro hinted at in the chocolatey floors. Christo says that he found himself studying paintings by the Dutch Old Masters, and carefully selected what might superficially look like black paint for the walls, but with undertones of brown to give it a kind of variation and warmth.

“We also knew that we could go dark inside because the exterior is white, so there’s a lot of light coming in,” he adds.

It’s not just light, but lightness that he and Nico have brought in. Their home’s mid-century features have been given a second lease of life, celebrated in the context of a contemporary lifestyle, with as much joy as reverence.

A covered balcony leading off the main bedroom was enclosed to create a generously proportioned en suite bathroom. A light nougat terrazzo with brass inlay has been used in this area as a variation on the darker terrazzo downstairs. Once again, Christo and Nico have made use of circular, curved and arched shapes throughout the design, in a playful homage to the Art-Deco-inflected elements of the original home’s architecture. The lozenge-shaped mirrors and vanities are designed and manufactured by Christo’s company, Muse Designs. He included a hint of the reeded glass used downstairs for the new doors and cabinets, as well as candleholders. The mirrors are mounted from the ceiling, so the windows behind them can be opened. The mobile is from Joon (www.joon.co.za), the side table is from Weylandts.

Nico and Christo beside the pool. In the garden, the planting is more formal and structured in the central areas to offset the wilder planting around the edges of the garden. The garden chairs are from @Home.

The generously proportioned veranda was added by Nico and Christo, with space for dining and lounge furniture. They paid attention to the details and proportions of the original house to make sure that it harmonised with the existing architecture. In this instance, rather than offset the old and new, they’ve replicated some of the original detailing – the wooden strips beneath the soffits – in a contemporary material. It resonates with the house without trying to pass itself off as part of the original structure. Planters with ferns, abundant “Delicious Monsters”, and hanging baskets with orchids and cymbidiums create a lush, tropical atmosphere. The veranda is close to the kitchen, garden and swimming pool, so it receives abundant use. Furnishings include a marble table by Muse Designs, Ercol-style chairs, and an Acapulco-style chair. The veranda includes an outdoor fireplace too keep it cosy in cool weather.

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CARY WONG

innovative mind of Chef Paul Liebrandt.

Pioneering Refinement

The innovative mind of Chef Paul Liebrandt

WRITTEN BY: CARY WONG

Trends impact what chefs and restaurants do to an unbelievable degree. From the early days of French haute cuisine came the nouvelle approach. In contemporary times, we have seen fusion, molecular gastronomy, farm-to-table, fermentation, and more. These different themes dominated their respective periods—and fell off just as fast as they were proclaimed the next hot thing.

Even the role of a chef has changed dramatically. Especially during the last ten to twenty years, the biggest of them have been elevated to rockstar status.

And just like culinary trends, these stars move around more often than one would think.

A veteran in the game, Chef Paul Liebrandt has seen his share of rises and falls.

Originally hailing from London, England, he started cooking at 15 there as well as in Paris at numerous Michelin-starred kitchens. Then he decided to go to the United States—specifically New York—in 2000. Starting at the tender age of 24, he was able to put his feet down and run a number of successful restaurants in the City That Never Sleeps, including Atlas, Papillon, Gilt, Corton, and The Elm. Along the way, he also garnered countless national and international awards.

To him, the ethics, the mentality, and the sensibility of the culture of pushing ahead and being successful in New York City are unlike anywhere else.

However, one can see a parallel to his hometown.

Growing up near Gerrard Street, a main street in Chinatown of London, he saw roasted ducks hanging in restaurant windows and cooks making wonton. These images impressed his young mind. And that is the kind of multicultural influence one can live through in a big city.

Throughout his career, he has worked in many extraordinary restaurants that featured great chefs. However, his stint with Chef Pierre Gagnaire in Paris was especially impactful.

“The thoughtfulness of food… the sensibility of how to join the dots with French food is a very, very, very interesting and very complex thing,” he says. “I really thought what [Chef Gagnair] was doing was a cut above a lot of other chefs.”

In addition, at 21 years old and speaking nary a word of French—while working in a city that is completely enamored with food—was an amazing experience. There were excellent bakeries and patisseries at every corner. His co-workers came from every country in the world and were all eager to learn. He realized that the most important languages were that of food and of the work ethic that brought them all there.

During his early days in America, he tried to establish himself in the city’s challenging dining scene and broke new ground as he was filmed as the subject matter in a documentary called “A Matter of Taste: Serving Up Paul Liebrandt.”

Unlike the wave of food-focused documentaries that are now all the rage, his was shot over ten years, from 2001 until 2010. It was more a

“The thoughtfulness of food… the sensibility of how to join the dots with French food is a very, very, very interesting and very complex thing”

Chef Paul Liebrandt

portrait of a young person working in a demanding industry. The viewers could see things in a more honest and raw way, instead of being presented with beautiful platings accompanied by swelling classical music. “I think we were one of the [few], if not the only ones within the food world to do that. Especially in a major city like New York,” he says.

Since the documentary’s original release in 2011, the media landscape has changed drastically. Social media can now make or break a restaurant overnight while the hype cycle has accelerated a thousandfold. Something that was trending all over the world one minute ago could go out of style faster than the blink of an eye.

Despite that, Chef Liebrandt thinks the shift is not as dramatic as it may seem.

“We still want the same end result; you just approach it in a different way—and that's evolution. That's fine… Food is the same way. I think people want to drink a beautiful bottle of wine. They want to eat beautiful food, (though) how they approach it has changed,” he says.

He thinks that social media makes the higher-end of food more accessible to more people—which is a good thing. The ubiquity adds a level of legitimacy to a chef’s work. For example, if someone could afford to eat at a great restaurant 20 years ago, it would only have been for a special occasion. Nowadays, there are good restaurants everywhere, with more people than ever before wanting to enjoy that experience. So that is a positive thing.

And while chefs are always injecting new techniques into their repertoires, he thinks they often come from ideas in other fields. Take the application of nitrogen to create frozen treats. It is something that

conglomerates like Mars or Nestle have utilized since the 50s or 60s to create popular candies or ice cream. Many chefs have now applied it in different ways for delicious products.

Fermentation would be yet another example. It has co-existed with humans since the beginning of time. Cheese, beer, bread, and many basic food items came from this process. “It's not really that new, I'll be honest,” he says. “But it [has] become popular, obviously.” So more restaurants increasingly feature this technique.

For him, the first and foremost goal is for great ingredients to present themselves—the chefs can help at the margins to craft a well-composed dish with some of the techniques—but not the other way around. It is never about showing off how a chef cooks or the technique.

When it comes to innovation, he thinks there are only a few true culinary geniuses who revolutionized dining throughout history. Antoine Careme, an expert in the elaborate grande cuisine cooking style of the royals, was an early pioneer. Then came Auguste Escoffier, the father of haute cuisine. Then Paul Bocuse, the main proponent of nouvelle cuisine. Then Ferran Adrià led the way in using different chemicals and scientific methods in cooking.

Chef Adrià’s legendary El Bulli was “phenomenal at doing things that one could talk about now as if it were yesterday” but still generated a sense of wonder and mystery today. And Chef Liebrandt liked the grand philosophical way of thinking about food and cooking.

As we move forward, the guests' expectations are higher than ever. Everybody takes pictures or videos for social media and the world to see. Restaurants have to improve constantly and cannot rest on their laurels. Dining experiences like those at Ultraviolet in Shanghai, China, and Alchemist in Copenhagen, Denmark, have upped the ante even more.

Though he used molecular techniques earlier in his career, he prefers to call it cuisine with an openminded view. He incorporates influences from different cultures, technologies, and areas to improve his dishes. And as he accumulates more wisdom, he feels that he has almost come back full circle to the foundational cooking, in the classic French way of doing things.

Ultimately, Chef Liebrandt thinks that chefs tell stories. When customers go to a restaurant, they have certain ideas, expectations, or dreams. The restaurant’s job is to create pleasurable memories that linger for five, seven, ten years, maybe even for life.

And techniques and innovation are only a couple of ways to get there.

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delight in the details of cooking

Building a Mystery

A deep dive into Chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard and Under Restaurant

WRITTEN BY: CARY WONG

he underwater location feels more like a secret high-tech laboratory or a lair of a Bond villain. And if you guess the former, you would be half correct.

This is Under, a restaurant and a science project of sorts in Lindesnes, Norway, located exactly 5.5 meters under sea level. With a dining area of 495 square meters and a capacity of 40, it is the biggest underwater restaurant in the world.

Chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard

As an architectural marvel, it was designed by the Norwegian architectural office called Snøhetta and took only 14 months to build. First, a big hollow concrete block was constructed. Then it was put in the ocean and dragged to the current location. To avoid floating, it was filled with water to make it sink down.

During the final steps, 14 different spots of the seabed were locked-in. And after emptying all the water, everything else inside was constructed—important details like stairs and elevators, among others.

The restaurant’s exterior features some peculiar things: seaweeds growing on the concrete. Snails, limpets, and blue mussels have also started to attach themselves to the outside of the restaurant and spawn organically. All these things live and die in a very natural rhythm.

The sense of surprise continues from the moment the diners enter the restaurant to the menu. As the guests step foot in Under, the restaurant’s six-hour-long soundtrack is played in the background. They are then led to sit on low couches that partly obscure the full view. The dramatic window that overlooks the ocean does not reveal itself

until the guests are further along the dining experience. All of this happens while the guests are completely blind about the food—because the restaurant does not publish its menu online.

“I think it is important when you go out and dine… that you relax and not think about what's coming or what's not coming. You just have to enjoy the moment,” Chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard says.

The guests will be served what the team thinks is the best on that day. Not only is that an artistic statement, but it is also a practical consideration. The remote location is a one-and-a-half-hour drive to the closest city. If an ingredient is not of high enough quality, the team has to be able to replace it with something better that is available.

To add to (or subtract from, depending on one’s view) the riddle, this town of 200 people is a healthy 5-hour drive south of Oslo, the Norwegian capital.

In this setting, Danish chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard is hard at work in more innovative ways than only food. And just so we are clear, there is no romantic backstory here.

“I was tired of school, and I needed something to do, and then my teacher said that maybe you should try to become a chef,” he says.

In the Danish school system, the students get two weeks in ninth and tenth grades to go and try to learn a particular skill— for example, a plumber or a carpenter. It was under this circumstance that he first stepped foot in a professional kitchen, and after the first week, “I just fell totally in love.”

He did not have high expectations initially. It was just fun for him to cook. One day, the chef at his apprenticeship told him the way he worked was not good enough. That he had to think about what he wanted in life. Chef Ellitsgaard’s response? He wanted to have a Michelin star restaurant in the future. That was the turning point that pushed him to become the best that he could be.

The restaurant concept is strictly about showcasing southern Norway and all its culinary possibilities. So outside ingredients are prohibited. Foraging and locality became the two backbones of the menu, and these restrictions forced him to think differently.

Olive oil, for example, could not be used. To overcome this, he tested wild plants from nearby forests in all their forms—from fresh to preserved to fermented—that are stored in a two-and-a-half-ton fridge container the team

calls “the bunker.” Chef Ellitsgaard discovered that new flavors are often found during the preserving process. And he could replace olive oil with something new that only hints at olive oil without tasting exactly like it.

One may also be surprised to see that in such a marine-focused environment, proteins like lamb make occasional appearances. These animals generally take care of themselves with minimal help from a farmer.

However, most of the star ingredients come from the sea. In addition to common highend regional ingredients, littleunderstood-and-underused-gems and bycatches are also used extensively. One of the things Chef Ellitsgaard discovered was seaweed that tastes like truffles. It took a long time to assess the ingredient to find out what it was. Eventually, a breakthrough was reached, and it is now a regular feature on the menu.

Bycatch is another elevated item at Under. The name conjures up images of organisms unfit for human consumption, let alone used by a high-end restaurant. In reality, however, it refers to crab or other crustaceans caught in a fish trap.

Take the squat lobster—a small little langoustine that gets caught inside the trap for larger species. The fishermen normally just throw them overboard without using them.

However, Chef Ellitsgaard convinced one fisherman to take care of these crustaceans and then put them to use. As time passed, the species caught on—as some English and French restaurants started to feature them. These exciting developments prove that these items do, in fact, have value.

As for the larger fishes, it is an obligation for those who work with Under to kill and store them using the Japanese Ikejime method that kills the fish instantaneously and drains them of their blood rapidly. When done correctly, it preserves the flavor and texture and allows the flesh to develop a deeper savoriness when aged. It is very interesting when Chef Ellisgaard shows these unconventional techniques to his suppliers - who have done things the same way for fifty years or more - and they see the actual difference in the product quality.

Since the restaurant also functions as a research center for marine life, it takes more than one person to manage everything. Tom Ruffles, Under’s Scientific Adviser, also drives various projects at the restaurant. One such undertaking is investigating the relationship between the amount of fish in the sea and the water salinity/temperature.

“When it rains, the level of salt in the water will fall,” Chef Ellisgaard says—as the amount of fresh river water will rise during that time. The idea is to determine whether that change will impact the yield of what is caught. It is a very interesting study and one that may have a far-reaching impact.

During his personal time, he does not venture far from the ocean. He goes freediving once a month as a hobby but also to find out what next season’s seaweed looks like. During these dives, he also forages for ingredients for his personal use and gets new ideas for the menu.

Additionally, he has recently become the father of a new child, which has become a priority in his life.

With a busy personal and professional life, there is no shortage of mysteries for Chef Ellitsgaard to solve!

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InVintory: Never Again Lose a Precious Bottle

PHOTO CREDIT: INVINTORY WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

Jeff Daiter had planned to spend his retirement sipping wine and writing screenplays. However, he could never keep track of his wine collection or find his bottles.

One night, he wanted to find a special bottle he’d set aside for a friend, but it was not where he expected it to be. Pulling shelf after shelf out of his fridge, he finally saw a bottle topple off the side and crash onto the floor—the one he’d wanted.

Frustrated, he turned to his son, Josh, a software developer with a master’s degree in AI, and asked for help. Josh built a quick app over the weekend for his dad’s personal use, but his friends soon wanted access, and they realized they had a business on their hands.

Yule Schmidt, chief operating officer of InVintory,

says that the whole team enjoys wine.

“We are all wine drinkers, yes! Jeff has lots of Napa Cab but these days tends more towards Brunello (Casanova di Neri is a favorite). Josh is an explorer but, of late, has been enjoying whites, like Loire Sauvignon Blanc. I’m very partial to white Burgundy and Barolo, although I have a few favorite producers in my local wine region of Niagara.”

To Schmidt and others, the purpose of creating InVintory was to solve a problem, which is the only reason they believe anyone should start a business.

“If you’re a wine collector, you’ll have hundreds or thousands of bottles. You may not need an app for your Bentleys, but you’ll need one for your Bordeaux.”

Guided by a team of sommeliers, InVintory provides 3D inventory for your wine cellar

INVESTMENT OR ENJOYMENT?

Many people find wine an attractive investment because the supply of any given wine bottled in any year is finite and constantly depleting, so prices will go up over time. It is also exempt from capital gains tax in the UK.

“And let’s not forget that it’s a collectible you can actually crack open and drink! Try that with your Basquiat,” says Schmidt.

Some might wonder how wine collectors decide what they want to drink versus what they want to keep as a resellable investment.

“Some see wine purely as a financial asset. Others see it as a conduit of history, place, and culture and a winemaker’s entire year’s effort and find seeing it only as an investment nearly sacrilegious. That said, a healthy number of people fall somewhere in the middle,” says Schmidt.

Buying and selling wines to realize a gain on occasion is a way to find wines you want to drink and to clear your cellar of wines that are valuable but perhaps no longer to your taste.

“The best way to avoid drinking your future sellable wines? Ensure you have enough other stuff on hand to keep your palate busy!”

THE APP’S THREE DISTINCTIVE ADVANTAGES

InVintory has three main distinct and attractive features. The first is the ability to create a 3D mockup of your cellar or fridge, assign bottles to specific slots, and then find them with the tap of a button. It is unlike anything else on the market now, and they are developing an advanced version of this technology.

Also, they pride themselves on their clean, sleek design that makes management easy. “No one wants to deal with a finicky or clunky app when they’re looking for the third bottle of the night during a dinner party.” They also have a team of admins and sommeliers who will import your collection for you from another app or spreadsheet to minimize the required onboarding effort.

Finally, InVintory’s underlying database of wines isn’t crowdsourced. “We worked hard to build it from scratch, with beautiful label images, regional information, winemaker notes, and (for Prestige subscribers) market values from reliable third parties (WineSearcher and LivEx). Anytime a user submits a new wine, our team first reviews it and finds a perfect label image, perhaps by emailing the producer directly, before we add that wine to our database.”

REVELING IN SUCCESS

Schmidt revels in the many technologies that make the development and expansion of InVintory possible, including her home Wi-Fi extender for the team’s constant Zoom meetings.

People like Jeff Daiter will never have to risk knocking a precious vintage to the floor while searching for the perfect bottle to complement a meal.

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art, music & film

134

THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY BY MICHAEL DAKS Rikard Österlund & Zara Carpenter each explore the process & possibilities of combining technologies, both old and new, within the framework of their photographic imagery.

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ART TO LAST GENERATIONS

BY CRISTINA DEPTULA Art that captures the sense of vastness and timelessness when on the ocean or in the mountains.

Through A Glass Darkly

Rikard Österlund & Zara Carpenter each explore the process & possibilities of combining technologies, both old and new, within the framework of their photographic imagery.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ZARA CARPENTER & RIKARD ÖSTERLUND WRITTEN BY MICHAEL DAKS

ara Carpenter stepped nervously onto the catwalk for the very first time. What was she doing here? She was a poet, not a model! Her friend Fanny Kellerman had insisted, “I absolutely want you to. You’re perfect!” A few steps later, Zara spotted a handsome photographer at the end of the runway. Nerves vanished, and the die was cast. She had seen her future husband.

The year was 2005, and they have been together ever since. They married in Rochester, Kent in July 2013.

Rikard reminisced. “We were finally introduced, and I invited you around for dinner after a few dates. I cooked you lots of things that you were allergic to….”

Girl on the Rialto Bridge-From SelfPortraitsAndOtherScenes book

Zara was mostly writing poetry at the time, a lot of which was autobiographical, and that is where Rikard’s interest lies in photography. She had published two books by then and had also been in several anthologies. When she was 15, Zara went to a youth club in Sittingbourne, where she was living at the time, and a youth worker there was Bill Lewis, one of the Medway Poets. “I eventually showed him some of my work, and he introduced me to the work of the Beat poets and showed me stuff that school never did!”

Bill was instrumental in getting her first poem published and then, a few years later, included her in an anthology with other Medway Poets, including Billy Childish (perhaps better known now as a painter, musician, and ex-boyfriend of Tracy Emin). Billy and Bill later helped her publish her first book of poetry, ‘Chatham Girl.’ The book sold out its initial print run almost immediately. There was a collaborative element to help illustrate the book where Zara worked with other artists and photographers. She was also doing her own abstract paintings at the time. “I did it because I loved it. I didn’t really think anything of it. I was even commissioned to do a few paintings by an interior designer.”

Rikard-and-Zara-Photobooth

ZaraCarpenter-Sissinghurst (top). ZaraCarpenter-Darrell Hawkins (center). ZaraCarpenter-Yukimi Akiba Collab 2 (bottom).

Rikard politely interjected at this point, “if you saw her paintings, then there is a clear thread through to her Polaroids.”

Rikard Osterlund was born in Norrköping, Sweden, and began his artistic journey at 14, creating videos with some friends on a giant VHS video recorder for a project on social studies. “We did a documentary about buying alcohol as a minor.”

His brother Mikael is five years older, and Rikard remembers him having a darkroom in the bathroom that he was always fascinated by and a Minolta camera.

“A few years later, that Minolta was mine!”

Rikard joined a media program to study photography, “The darkroom was a key feature to how I got into photography, but I was very into music, which at that time was grunge, so it was that and also Edvard Munch.”

Photography gradually became more important to Rikard as he became interested in portraiture and shooting bands, so he went to a junior college to study media, photography, graphic design, video film-making, exhibition curation, and radio. He began spending most of his spare time in the darkroom. In 2001, Rikard moved to the UK to do a degree in Editorial and Advertising photography at The Kent Institute of Art and Design (K.I.A.D.), now part of UCA (University for the Creative Arts in Rochester). Sweden, at that time, only had two photography degree courses.

“At that point, I actually thought I could do photography as a living!”

The two big courses at the art college were photography and fashion design, so it was not a surprise that Rikard found himself working with the design students to photograph their collections. During his last two years as a student, he was asked to photograph the end-of-year catalogs. The day he graduated, the head of the fashion course

Stuart-Dirty glass plate-Ambrotype

Artist DavidOMara-10x8tintype

Rose-tintype-From

offered him a job teaching design and photoshop as well as video editing. Within a couple of years, he also taught photography until he eventually became an acting course leader before leaving to pursue photography full-time in 2013.

“My own work at this time leaned more towards fine art and autobiographical and conceptual projects, but at the same time, I was also doing a lot of commercial commissions.”

When he was young, Rikard found a lot of the old photographic techniques quite boring and not particularly relevant. The main photographers that turned that around were Sally Mann and Julia Margaret Cameron. He went to see an exhibition of Mann’s work at The Photographers’ Gallery in London around 2011 that featured her large format portraits from her book ‘immediate family’ and her wet plate collodion images.

Wet plate collodion is one of the earliest photographic processes invented in the early 1850s by Frederic Scott Archer. It involves coating a piece of glass or metal with a collodion emulsion, sensitizing it in silver nitrate, and then making the picture immediately so it can be developed before the emulsion dries (i.e., while it is still wet, hence the name “wet plate”).

They have a beautiful quality inherent in the craft behind each image, showing signs of the steadiness of your hands and the state of your chemicals. The emulsion is more sensitive to light in the blue (UV) end of the spectrum and renders colors and skin differently from a digital sensor or film. Photographs from the Crimean War (see Roger Fenton) and the American Civil War (Alexander Gardner) were made using this process as albumen prints from wet plate negatives.

Most of the plates Rikard makes today are straight positives, meaning that each image is a one-off—like a Polaroid. Positives are called ambrotypes if they are on glass or tintypes/ferrotypes if they’re on metal (most modern practitioners use aluminum).

Chest-tintype-From

Cradled Birch Tree-SaltPrint-stiched negative-May 2020

Papaya-tintype-From

“For me, the two processes that I really love apart from the wet plate are salt prints and albumen printing. It’s a bit like baking; the temperature needs to be right, the timings need to be right… there is a certain amount of ‘zen’ when the moment is right and you are in the flow. You are at the mercy of the process and working on intuition.”

He bought an early 20th Century camera, a ‘Thornton Pickard Ruby half-plate,’ from eBay.

I have the same camera, which was my great grandfather’s from 1907. Rikard set to work learning the technique after a workshop with John Brewer in 2014.

ZaraCarpenter-Yukimi Akiba Collab

ZaraCarpenter-Stuart Anderson

ZaraCarpenter-Fanny Kellerman (opposite)

For Zara, early inspiration came from a book ‘ Entre Jeunes Filles ’ by Carole Bellaïche, that she discovered in the sales bin of a photographic bookshop on the Charing Cross road, images posted onto walls and completely weather-beaten. “There was a particular image that really struck me, we were sitting on a train, and I said to Rikard, ‘This is how I feel today!’”

At this point, I should mention that Zara lives with a chronic illness called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) which affects her joints, which can dislocate or bend the wrong way, and this causes chronic pain as well as other side effects. It is a ‘hidden’ illness that is hard to describe in words, so the idea came to create images and distress them to represent how she felt. With Rikard, they created a series of images of Zara, which were printed out on a cheap office printer, and then Zara was left to experiment with bleach, drawing on where her pain was, crumpling up the paper, and then scrubbing with anti-bacterial wipes to scratch away some of the surface. She then scanned the images, printed them out, and repeated the process until the colors bled. “I was just trying to express my experience with the pain.”

This poem was used on the cover of Zara’s book ‘Distress.’

Distress

My body drinks in the harsh cold of winter Setting my bones on fire

My hands ball up into blotched white fists Suddenly and viciously A message travels down my Over over sensitive nerves Sending my fingers shooting out Dead straight Rigor morticed in pain Liquid churns hot in my spasming bowels Limp sprinting to the bathroom

I watch through my open legs

As blood drips into the toilet bowl

A crimson red rose blooms Then slowly dissolves I am a clockwork toy Wound too tight

The obsessions I neatly tidied away Are coming out of their boxes

Quicker than a child’s presents at Christmas

ZaraCarpenter-Polaroid-20191013-0023

ZaraCarpenter-Pick Your Own Flowers

At some point, the idea of shooting on Polaroids came to her, so she would have more control over the imagery and could take the photos herself. She began taking Polaroids of specific body parts causing her pain that day. Then, as happy accidents go, she pulled a Polaroid out before it had properly developed, and it did strange things to the image she liked. “What if I do this and then play with the image as it develops?”

She started slashing them, freezing them, and boiling them. Playing with shadows and color before latching on to adding other chemicals to the Polaroid. This led her to discover that the images would change over time, and she could rephotograph them or scan them as they changed.

In 2018, she went with Rikard to the Shape of Light exhibition at The Tate Modern in London. She was especially bowled over by the work of Daisuke Yokota.

“That absolutely floored me. They made me cry”

‘ ‘There are no stories in my work. There is only what the viewers find within it for themselves.’

Daisuke Yokota

Polaroid has now created a mini-lab that lets you dock your phone with the machine to create Polaroids from your images.“The polaroid process is amazing because the chemistry is already there, and you can play with it—there are so many options to what you can do.”

Recently Zara has been collaborating with the Japanese artist Yukimi Akiba and inviting other artists and friends to donate self-portraits that she

puts through her Polaroid Chemigram process. “Yukimi is one of my favorite artists, so I was really thrilled when she agreed to be a part of my portrait collabs.”

One Polaroid was given to her by the famous illustrator Ralph Steadman (perhaps best known for his collaboration with Hunter S. Thompson on ‘Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas’). It’s a Polaroid of Elvis taken from the television, but she has been too nervous to apply the process!

Zara also has a long-term project, ‘Vapours,’ about the history of Hysteria and the myths around women’s sexual and mental health. “I am experimenting with wet plate chemigrams and other forms of image making for this project. Eventually, the plan is to exhibit this work and create a book”.

Rikard’s most recent book ‘Self-Portraits & Other Scenes’ was selected in June 2022 by the Belfast Photo Festival as one of their photobooks of the year.

“I am in the early stages of developing an idea which will combine my fascination with the very first photographers of Rochester with a new creative project—using a hybrid of modern and Victorian photographic processes. This combination of new and old methods is something I find really interesting”.

HTTPS://INTREPIDCAMERA.CO.UK/BLOG/RIKARDOSTERLUND-GUIDE-TO-WET-PLATE-COLLODION WWW.RIKARD.CO.UK WWW.ZARACARPENTER.COM INSTAGRAM @ZARACARPENTER @RIKARDOLINO

sculpture and site-specific installations elevating vernacular forms of knots inspiring awe and understanding the journey of the line

windychien.com

Art to Last Generations

Nathie Katzoff’s Huge Glass, Wood, and Bronze Installations

PHOTO CREDIT: NATHIE KATZOFF AND RACHAEL CODINA WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

lass artist Nathie Katzoff says that his art captures the sense of vastness and timelessness that he experiences when on the ocean or in the mountains.

He spends a lot of time hiking, surfing, and sailing on the Pacific Northwest coast and recently spent several months on a wilderness expedition in Patagonia.

“This embedded in me the impermanence of life and how precious each moment is. Maybe [in my art] I’m trying to capture an essence of ‘freedom’ that can’t be contained.”

Nathie Katzoff

Mt Pilchuck

FREEDOM TO LEARN FROM EXPERIENCE

Katzoff perhaps gained that sense of freedom from his education. He attended Sudbury Valley Elementary in Massachusetts, a school run according to a radical philosophy of education.

“They treated a sixyear-old with the same independence and respect as an adult. We all hired and fired the staff with a democratic process, regardless of age, and had autonomy as to how we spent our days.”

That experience allowed him the self-respect, self-confidence, and freedom to choose what he wanted to pursue in life, mostly music and the arts.

“Where others might spend years studying in a university, I sought out the mentors I admired to help me grow my skills and learn by experience.”

KATZOFF’S CREATIVE PROCESS

Katzoff has a background in fine woodworking and shipbuilding, which prepared him to design art that could be maintained and last for centuries. He prides himself on using natural materials and techniques that have been used for thousands of years— glass, hardwoods, and bronze.

“No plastic here!” he says.

His art tends to be large-scale. He loves to create images of whales because they are smart and poetic and also because they are “freaking huge and mesmerizing.”

Sequoia Heart

His work tends to be quite physical. He loves dramatic, highimpact pieces and often starts with an initial concept but allows for the process to create the path to the final product. This is especially true with his abstract work, which he says is about flow, feeling, and color.

“I work with heat and fire, with large saws, and also fine paint brushes in the quiet of the night. I love how this vast energy transforms a simple substance (e.g., sand) into a thing of complexity and beauty. I love turning something raw into something profound or thought-provoking. This could be with glasswork, woodwork, and metalsmith, or

Cascadia

Moss At Midnight

painting on white canvas. So many of my sculptures become a combination of metal, wood, and glass - as a representation of all the elements.”

Also, he says his craft process feels like dreaming at times. He will stop once his dream tells a story he likes or “just looks really rad.”

MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Katzoff sees himself as continuously evolving. He has followed a creative path his entire life and his focus goes with the flow of whatever opportunities are available.

At 23, he started a woodworking company and became immersed in design and interior architecture.

“My artistic flair was expressed in the way I designed very sculptural things that were both functional and uniquely artistic. Now I see

that things still have value even if they are not strictly functional.”

He sees the spread of artistic expressions and culture as his favorite form of technological advancement, as it “grows our brains with possibilities,” expanding our tastes and sense of design.

ARTISTIC POSSIBILITIES OF WASHINGTON STATE

He loves to paint with oil and has a collection of abstract images that can be viewed at his own Seattle gallery and at Galerie D’Orsay in Boston. Also, he is currently following a passion for cast and fused glass, which is still very three-dimensional and sculptural.

Washington State happens to be the center of glasswork in the United States and home to a large arts community. “Its eternal darkness, rain, and fog force one indoors often and turns me into a creative, prolific artsy vampire during the winter.”

Artist Dameon Priestly focuses on times and events of social and cultural change

PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL DAKS

OL’AU PALAU: WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF ECO TRAVELING BY FILIPA ARAÚJO

Introducing you to the movement setting the standard for a new concept of tourism in countries all over the world. Ol’au Palau is more than just a tourism app. It’s an open invitation for family.

WANDERFULLYSOTHE WONDERS OF AFRICA BY FILIPA

ARAÚJO

Lily Makaleng challenges us to reimagine travel in Africa and truly connect with the wonders of an authentic local experience with the click of a button.

FREEDOM TO FORGE

BY NIZIE N LOKMAN,

FCIM Technopreneur & Co-Founder of FreeGuides takes glocal travel experiences to a phenomenal level.

THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY IS GREEN BY FILIPA ARAÚJO

Start packing your bags as we introduce you to the top 10 hotels championing sustainability in 2022.

Photo by kylefromthenorth on Unsplash

Ol’au Palau:

Welcome to the future of eco traveling

INTRODUCING YOU TO THE MOVEMENT SETTING THE STANDARD FOR A NEW CONCEPT OF TOURISM IN COUNTRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD. OL’AU PALAU IS MORE THAN JUST A TOURISM APP. IT’S AN OPEN INVITATION FOR FAMILY.

WRITTEN BY: FILIPA ARAÚJO PHOTO CREDIT: HOSTHAVAS

ow often do we consider our carbon footprint when we travel? How often do we stop to reflect on our impact on the places we visit and on the people we meet?

Tourism is vital for many regions around the world, but as tourism grows, problems like pollution, exploitation of land, and destruction of the environment start to arise.

THE PALAU PLEDGE

The Palau Legacy project - Palau Pledge is a unique movement that is reinventing ecotourism as we know it.

The Palau Legacy project was created to promote sustainable tourism and protect the environment and the wildlife in Palau, an island paradise in the western Pacific Ocean. The growth of tourism in Palau brought great economic benefits to the island but, unfortunately, brought some

challenges as well. With the intensification of climate change and the recurrence of extreme weather events, the situation in Palau was a recipe for disaster. After seeing the negative impacts of tourism on the beautiful forests, beaches, and ecosystems of Palau, four women decided to take action and change the scenario. Nicolle Fagan, Jennifer Koskelin-Gibbons, Laura Clarke, and Nanae Singeo are the project’s co-founders, and their initiative has amazed people worldwide. Working with the agency Host/Havas, they launched a campaign to raise awareness and create a global call to action.

Together with the children of Palau, they developed the “Palau pledge,” a declaration that every visitor of the island must sign in the form of a passport stamp. In this declaration, the visitors must

— CHILDREN OF PALAU

commit to leaving nothing but footprints behind. Sustainable traveling, mindful use of resources, and non-destructive behavior are some things you must pledge to when entering this beautiful island. This is the only way to ensure that the beauty of this country stays untouched while preserving the culture and ensuring that future generations will have a home.

“Children of Palau, I take this pledge, as your guest, to preserve and protect your beautiful and unique island home. I vouch to tread lightly, act kindly, and explore mindfully. I shall not take what is not given. I shall not harm what does not harm me. The only footprints that I shall leave are the ones that will wash away.” - The Palau Pledge

“Throughout our traditional chants, our elders have passed on that we don’t inherit the land and the water from our ancestors, we borrow them from our children.”

PAVING THE WAY TOWARDS A

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Palau is the first country in the world to include a conservation pledge in their legislation and the first country to include this in their immigration policy, taking a very important step toward sustainable tourism, minimizing the effects of climate change, and assuring the future of the

children of Palau. To ensure the island worked as a united front, the co-founders of the project also worked with the businesses in Palau to pledge to this sustainability project. The goal was to get restaurants, hotels, tour agencies, and other businesses to consider their carbon footprint and to be mindful of how they use resources, how much waste is being produced, and how they could reduce their water and power consumption.

Developed

is

by Host/Havas, Ol’au Palau

an app that offers a game-like experience for the visitors of Palau.

The challenge was to get people excited about all of this. Besides the obvious benefits for the environment and the people of Palau, there was a need to get businesses and visitors to take the initiative and develop a desire to protect the land.

That’s how Ol’au Palau was born.

OL’AU PALAU

In the local Palauan language, Ol’au translates to a way of welcoming a friend, an invitation to one’s space.

A warm invitation is precisely what the app proposes. The idea of the app was to get visitors to take the initiative toward responsible tourism. Through actions that promote sustainability, visitors gain points to unlock unique experiences. Just like a treasure hunt, there are different tasks to be completed around the island. Using reefsafe sunscreen, supporting accredited businesses, interacting with the community, and learning about cultural heritage are some of the things that will award points to the user. These points can then be redeemed to unlock unique experiences and access areas usually reserved for the community’s locals.

By accessing these unique experiences, visitors have the opportunity to create memories as a local instead of a tourist. From visiting historical sites to exploring paths off the beaten track to discovering

beautiful caves, traditional activities with locals, or having the privilege of meeting indigenous elders and sharing a meal with the community, it will surely prove to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The people of Palau challenge our views towards tourism and propose a new type of exchange. “We are inviting you to access our most treasured natural and cultural wonders, not according to how much you spend, but by how gently and respectfully you treat our island home” - Ol’au Palau

The project puts into perspective our behavior when we are traveling. How can we make sure that we’re leaving a positive footprint behind wherever we step foot? How can we make sure that we are not part of the problem but rather the solution?

So, next time you travel, try to take a moment to appreciate the gift of the environment we are lucky enough to have. Connect with the locals, learn about their culture, be mindful of nature and its ecosystems, and make sure to leave a sustainable future for the children by maintaining a beautiful home for the generations that will come after us.

O’lau Palau: “Arrive as a visitor, leave as a friend.”

WanderfullySoThe Wonders of Africa

Lily Makaleng challenges us to reimagine travel in Africa and truly connect with the wonders of an authentic local experience with the click of a button.

PHOTOS BY WANDERFULLYSO WRITTEN BY: FILIPA ARAÚJO

Born from the desire to empower and change lives, WanderfullySo is the first pre-travel platform in Africa. This innovative tourism tech startup aims to link travelers with unique local insights through virtual encounters and create memorable, everlasting experiences while empowering local communities. They are redefining how we connect with our destination and helping us reimagine travel in Africa.

Lily Makaleng, founder and CEO of WanderfullySo and originally from South Africa, came up with the idea when she found herself at a pivotal moment of change. Feeling unfulfilled, Makaleng decided to create a concept that would combine her passion for travel with the desire to empower others. The pandemic helped to accelerate the transition from an idea to a reality, giving Makaleng the courage to take a leap and dive deep into the adventure of entrepreneurship.

Photo by Lina Loos on Unsplash

Lily Makaleng, founder and CEO of WanderfullySo

“I desired to build and grow a company that makes travel in Africa an enriching experience by changing how people travel, from beginning to end. Moreover, I desired to have a company that empowered the locals through earning opportunities. Travel was the best way for me to do that, and I’m happy to say starting WanderfullySo was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”

ENJOY, ENHANCE, ELEVATE

WanderfullySo is not your traditional travel platform. The concept of this platform is set on three main pillars: Enjoy, Enhance, and Elevate. Making virtual travel a reality, allowing people to explore parts of the African continent without the barriers of borders and transportation, and helping people daydream and get to know a country or city even before they step foot in their destination.

Providing a unique insider’s view, the platform makes travelers feel like locals. Whether you want to explore that safari you never had the chance to from the comfort of your couch, learn about different African cultures, or find the best restaurant to get a traditional bunny chow in Cape Town, the team at WanderfullySo has got you covered!

All of this, combined with uplifting the local community, is a key part of what drives the idea of WanderfullySo and one of the main pillars of the company.

“When I talk about empowering and elevating local businesses and communities, I believe it has to be through collaboration. It has to be through collaboration that allows locals to actively contribute to creating economic opportunities that will set them up to get long-term benefits through ownership,” says Makaleng.

To take it a step further, the team is currently working on launching an initiative called WanderfullySo Gap Opportunities Programme

Photo by Ian Macharia on Unsplash (above). Photo by Gavin poh on Unsplash (below).

Photo by kylefromthenorth on Unsplash (below). Photo by naeim jafari on Unsplash (above).

(WGPO), with the goal of collaborating with community tourism, creating long-term opportunities for locals, and redefining our idea of tourism and how it can impact communities at such a deep level.

THE SPIRIT OF UBUNTU

Makaleng also speaks about incorporating the spirit of Ubuntu in everything they do. Ubuntu is an ancient African concept that’s hard to define and translate but easy to feel and understand. “I am because we are.” Deeply rooted in community and connectedness, it calls out to our humanity and the beauty of working together.

“As a South African, I was surrounded by Ubuntu from an early age. I grew up seeing it all around because it was everywhere, in how we speak, in how we lived day to day. That is Ubuntu, living from a place of compassion and kindness in unity with others. It is a part of who we are. So when it comes to connecting with travelers, the first thing we do is make sure that from their very first interaction with WanderfullySo and during pretravel planning, they are treated with kindness and compassion.”

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGES AND WINS

Looking back, the journey as a first-time entrepreneur hasn’t always been easy. Even so, Makaleng has remained strong and optimistic when things don’t go exactly according to plan and sees past mistakes as an opportunity to grow.

“I have learned what it really means to be resilient, patient, and determined through the daily challenges that come with building a business, especially when you are starting out like I am. You need to have a solutions-driven mindset and be able to stay calm in the face of adversity. Our biggest challenge to date has been access to the market. When you are a small company, and you’re starting out, the few people you manage to reach don’t really trust you, and it takes time to earn their trust.”

She advises others on an entrepreneurial journey: “Make sure you have a passion for what you are building because it is a true adventure, full of challenges and wins. The startup journey is not one of glitz and glamor. It requires passion, commitment, and bravery.”

Photo by Tobias Reich on Unsplash

She believes in the importance of having a strong support system on which to rely and learn. She calls out for fearlessness, reminding us that our capabilities are beyond our imagination and that the world needs more entrepreneurs to solve the challenges we currently face globally.

REIMAGINING AFRICA

When asked how she would like travel in Africa to be reimagined, Makaleng challenges us to put preconceived ideas aside, change the narrative and look at Africa from a new perspective.

“One of the reasons I decided to focus on travel in Africa is because I feel much of Africa’s beauty is yet to be revealed, and by that, I mean both the people and the continent. I would like for the world to see us for who we truly are instead of judging us by the challenges we have on our continent. We are tired of being the poster child of poverty and pain because we are more than our circumstances.”

Finally, a passionate Lily Makaleng talks of the amazing and enriching experiences to be had when going out of our comfort zone, immersing ourselves in Africa’s beauty and culture, and visiting a destination from a local perspective. “I promise you, when you go back home, you will leave feeling fulfilled and having really Reimagined Africa,” she says, sparking in us the desire to wander through every inch of this beautiful continent by the hand (or the camera) of a local.

Team Wonderfullyso

Photo by Alexandre Chambon in Unsplash

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Freedom to Forge

Technopreneur & Co-Founder of FreeGuides takes glocal travel experiences to a phenomenal level

WRITTEN BY: NIZIE N LOKMAN, FCIM @NIZIEXPRESS

Daniel Wasilewsky, the Founder and Chief Explorer Officer (CEO) of FreeGuides , is a 26-yearold technopreneur from Sydney, Australia. Amazingly, a young seasoned globetrotter turned technopreneur took action on his business start-up idea with his brother, Cameron Wasilewsky in 2019. Within three years, he astonishingly scaled it into a global business with a mobile app that travelers can’t live without— FreeGuides .With this app, travel explorers like you and I can create, manage, and monetize our own self-guided experience with free walking tours around the world. Intrigued by the bubbly and cheerful Daniel and his achievements, TrooRa Magazine decides to dig deeper into how he unearths his great idea, spreads his influences, and empowers his people that now mark FreeGuides as a global travel brand.

FROM TRAVELER TO TECHNOPRENEUR

Daniel has forged his footsteps forward in traveling since he was a child with his parents. Throughout the years, his never-ending journeys across the world just grew. He would find every opportunity to travel in between semesters while in University. Every footstep brought him to many cities, destinations, and terrains and grew to be more than just a hobby. Travel became an undeniable passion in his inner world. The more he traveled, the more he enjoyed being outdoors, appreciating the outside world. While exploring New York City in one of his travels, he discovered what was missing in the travel niche. Never did he imagine that 2019 would be a new dawn as a groundbreaking technopreneur drawing a niche in the global tourism industry beyond Australian markets within three years.

The leaders of FreeGuides

Other than travel, Daniel has always been interested in entrepreneurship. From the tender age of 10, he started a business selling cookies. He even hired someone to help him and managed to sell 100 cookies a day in school. Later on in University, he started building a few technology apps. It’s hard to believe that the bubbly and cheerful technopreneur Daniel Wasilewsky, who we met virtually, mentioned, “To describe me, I would say that I am a collection of my failures, of the hurdles that I’ve overcome, of the race I have run.” After some unsuccessful attempts to create mobile apps from self-mediating noise levels and games to parking spot

sharing, he learned that when the hurdles start getting bigger, you need to jump higher. Daniel, who is a fast learner, had a reflection. “You only truly fail when you learn nothing from your past mistakes, and every lesson I learned in the development of these apps was put into FreeGuides ,” which was Daniel’s fifth start-up in the consumer space.

His passion for technology entrepreneurship snowballed as an intern at Tank Stream Labs. Tank Stream is a technology-focused coworking space known as the center for start-ups in Sydney. While the learning curve was steep within the firm, Daniel was able to connect the whole host of startups, scale-ups, and businesses that grew in Tank Stream. Daniel was Head of Operations and Business Development at Tank Stream Labs for several years. It’s amazing with his vast work

Milan Italy

experience in technology, coupled with his journey traveling the world, he quickly found a sweet spot from what was missing to how to fill in the gaps by incorporating walking tours with travel experiences.

FORGING THE IDEA FORWARD

Daniel recalled his previous travels to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Japan. He would look for the cheapest and most effective way to get to know the cities. “The first thing I would do is look up a free walking tour.” He fell in love with the idea of being taken on an adventure by a real local. “I love this idea because you have an opportunity to meet someone in a certain location where they walk you through the city, and at the end, you choose how much you want to pay, according to your budget.”

It somehow sparked curiosity in Daniel. “Who was behind these people who created these travel guides, and can anyone create it in their own way?”

Daniel was also curious about the power of data and information. He knew that there was no way he could capture all the travel content around the world by himself or his team. Realizing that technology has the ability and capacity to move the needle in a big way, an app could be an answer to empower travelers as the best experts in their local destination to share their content and be part of the global travel community. Travelers have access to create content through their individuality of self-expressions and get paid to create it. It will enrich their experience by being themselves on their journeys.

Initially, he designed the business model as a guided travel experiences marketplace where the locals of a particular place, city, or destination will guide travelers in a specific area. Then, COVID hit the world unannounced. As a technology company, Daniel and his team

had to face big challenges such as the disruption of local and international travel, getting the right people, and the unpredictable launch time due to many lockdowns.

Daniel said, “the plan was to go live in April 2020, but I realized it was not the best time to launch a travel app, during a global pandemic. Fortunately, there was enough time to reflect and change our business model and build up the technology development.”

With his co-founder brother, Cameron, Daniel repositioned FreeGuides as a platform that allows anyone to create, manage and monetize their own self-guided experiences. There, the FreeGuides app took off, making a strong presence in Australia in early 2021, New Zealand in August 2021, and by October 2021 the travel app was launched globally.

Tech Central Sydney

CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO

It is undeniable that COVID has changed how we travel now. Before the global pandemic, Daniel had relied on Google search to navigate his way through and manually search for interesting places of the location in his travels. He would open up FreeGuides and see cool places on the walking tour in Central Park, New York. He noticed the oldest monument structure in New York from Egypt, which he had passed so many times before and did not realize. “ I had no idea it existed and probably would have walked past it without FreeGuides . These experiences were created by local New Yorkers who know Central Park in and out, compared to a traveler who visits New York for the first time,”

Daniel explained. Essentially, FreeGuides helps to solve the problem through navigation for travelers. Amazingly, it has created true innovativeness, expression, and influence in societies and communities.

“I don’t go on tours anymore, just @freeguides,” celebrity Justin Bieber shared his post on Instagram, while Kim Kardashian is another global celebrity using FreeGuides in her walking tours. There are more than 1,500 unique travel experiences in different categories, live on the platform FreeGuides app, with more than 900 guides from multiple categories. Today, there are Guides in every country around the world.

The success of this app is due to its algorithm, personalization,

and mass customization to create based on travelers’ locations, profiles, and interests, similar to social media app TikTok. Daniel explained, “if you are a traveler and you state your interest in FreeGuides l as female friendly, or halal, you will be shown curated content based on these interests for you. It points to where you are located, who you are, and the topic of interest.” In other words, different people will receive different content from the platform. For example, if you are next to a person who opens up FreeGuides on their mobile devices, the curated content may be different than yours. The beauty is that anyone on board the platform can easily do this by creating their journeys through their mobile devices of Apple and Android applications.

Daniel Travels

The founder brothers’ mission is to enable anyone, including locals, organizations, and government, to create their own self-guided walking tours. It also includes the everyday person who can go out and make these experiences exceptional and charge for the travel content they created.

CREATING A CULTURE OF UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS

While interviewing Daniel in a virtual meet, TrooRa magazine congratulated Daniel and his team on their latest partnership with the Australian government in Sydney’s tech economy and Australia’s innovative engine. The founder of FreeGuides reiterates that their mission has always been to enable anyone to create exceptional self-guided walking tours. “I am very proud of my team, who have now expanded ‘anyone’ to include organizations and government.”

While empowering his team to create new ideas and challenge each other’s ideas, bonding as a family is a working culture that Daniel, Cameron, Technical CoFounder, and Jairaj Sharma, Chief Technology Officer, created together. They practice flat hierarchy management. “We do have a management team, but no decision is final. We say that everyone is wrong until proven right.” Daniel explained that as a data-centric company, many decisions are made based on information.

— SADHGURU

When hiring talents for FreeGuides , Daniel looks for passion, problem-solving, and idea explorers. “Our team is a group of unique individuals who are born travelers that have interests and passions outside of work because, by definition, we are an experience company, so we want people to be looking for experiences in everything they do,” Daniel mentioned in his past interviews.

Orlando

“Being a leader is not about dominating the situation. It means empowering them to do what they would not have imagined possible.”

Interestingly, race, religion, or gender segregation has never been in his binoculars in choosing his team in his organization; instead, he believes in inclusion and diversity. I simply hire the best people with specific skill sets for the particular role and a good fit for the team. “It just so happens we have a good balance of 50/50 in terms of female and male employees. We hire those who have the potential to help us realize our vision to become a go-to place for intriguing discoveries, for domestic and international explorers.” Daniel also believes in balancing work and play within the organization. They recently had a team retreat out of the office.

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGY TOOLS

Now that Daniel has created FreeGuide , he can’t live without the travel app. Other technology tools Daniel loves include Google Photos because it reminds him of a photo he took of his dog. Nevertheless, in powering his potential as a travel technopreneur, he believes in a work-life balance, where he absolutely can’t go without his FitBit app to track his health data, including sleeping patterns, workouts, and other related wellness analytics.

FreeGuide Team

Team that Sticks Together

Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites — An elemental travel experience in the Aran Islands, Ireland Nadúr fiáin an Atlantaigh

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

— Warren Buffett

The future of hospitality is green

WRITTEN BY: FILIPA ARAÚJO

THE ZETTA, USA

We kick off our list with an eclectic hub making waves in San Francisco, the Zetta Hotel. Part of the Viceroy Hotel Group, this urban boutique hotel is set right in the heart of the hip neighborhood of SoMa. With its pledge to take care of guests and the planet, the Viceroy Group has designed a range of interesting sustainability programs, showing us that eco-consciousness doesn’t mean boring. And the art at The Zetta reflects just that. It adds a couple of extra R’s to “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle,” bringing us the concept of “Redefine and Recreate.” Let your inspiration flow with this hotel’s playful yet sophisticated aesthetic. With a collection of reclaimed and repurposed materials turned into unique art pieces that reflect the hotel’s personality—from chandeliers made out of broken glass or specs, to scrap metal sculptures—The Zetta will spark your creativity and turn your stay into an exquisite cultural experience.

AREIAS DE SEIXO, PORTUGAL

This rustic-chic hideaway, perfectly located overlooking the ocean on the beautiful silver coast of Portugal, is a true wonder for all the senses. From their farm-to-table concept to their commitment to sustainable practices, this space is one with nature, weaved together in beautiful harmony. The use of local natural resources like cork and geothermal energy regulates temperature and demonstrates the perfect alliance between architecture, technology, and sustainability, creating a space where nature rules and luxury is king.

THE BRANDO, FRENCH POLYNESIA

On the pristine island of Tetiaroa, you can find the exclusive remote resort nesting between swaying coconut trees. The translucent water and infinite stretches of white sand beaches are not the only things that will blow your mind. Their innovative Sea Water Air Conditioning system harnesses cold water from the deep ocean to cool off the buildings, creating a sustainable way to respond to the island’s high temperatures. As part of their pledge to protect and preserve ecosystems, The Brando also created an Ecostation, a hub for scientists from all over the world to gather and lead sustainability research. This upscale resort has all the ingredients for a perfect remote getaway.

WHITEPOD, SWITZERLAND

Experience sleeping in a cozy cocoon in the beautiful alps of Switzerland, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and dense forest. The pods are transformed from snowy white in the winter to murky green in the summer, effortlessly blending in with the surroundings. The eco-resort is built in a way that the geometric shape of the pods allows for energy efficiency and a low impact on nature. You can play an active role in their ecological mission while enjoying breathtaking views in a setting that is completely out of the ordinary.

SIX SENSES BOTANIQUE, BRAZIL

Earner of multiple sustainability awards, The Six Senses hotel group aims to give more to nature than it takes. The Six Senses Botanique in Brazil is the perfect hideaway for those who want to combine elegance with mountain serenity and a lot of love for the environment. Blessed with seven natural springs on the property, they have installed a water treatment station where they can return clean water to nature. Using locally sourced materials in their construction, such as natural stone slate and jacaradá, they manage to stay true to the landscape and make us feel like we are a part of it.

CAMPI YA KANZI, KENYA

Located in the vast “green hills of Africa,” this eco-lodge sits on the Maasai-owned reserve, surrounded by miles and miles of untouched wilderness. Based on an eco-tourism model and completely carbonneutral, their efforts toward sustainability are at the forefront of eco-responsible lodging without compromising a luxury experience. An homage to the preservation of nature, wilderness, and culture, a stay in this fascinating safari lodge will surely create everlasting memories and provide an unforgettable experience.

FOGO ISLAND INN, CANADA

A unique building in a unique location on one of the world’s four corners. With its bold contemporary design, carefully thought out as a way to minimize the impact on the soil, this hidden gem sits right at the edge of the wild North Atlantic. Built to last 100 years and with

nature’s best interest at heart, it has the cuttingedge feature of heat recovery ventilators. A smart system that captures and extracts warmth in the air to warm the building in the winter or cool it in the summer. This incredible hotel allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the vast wildlife of Fogo Island without leaving a footprint behind.

H2HOTEL, USA

The quirky boutique hotel in the charming town of Healdsburg is not just a pretty undulating roof but a powerful ally of eco-technology. They have meticulously thought of every little detail, from the mindful construction, efficient design, and wastefree room amenities, to make this hotel green from top to bottom, literally. Having a “green living roof” takes this space to the next level, allowing the filtration of rainwater and minimizing the heat produced by the hotel while blending in perfectly with the greenery of wine country. A perfect choice for the ecominded traveler looking for a modern twist.

HIX ISLAND HOUSE, PUERTO RICO

The cleverly designed hotel in Vieques is a retreat for nature lovers and the Caribbean’s best-kept secret. With a strong eco-design and staying true to the principles of Wabi Sabi, the intention was to create spaces connected to the earth and natural materials while maintaining an authentic minimalistic character. Each room is uniquely conceived by combining four buildings championing different themes and sustainability efforts. Awarded the first sustainably designed hotel in the Caribbean, it is a pioneer of comfort and responsible living, where the integration with nature feels effortless, and we’re transported to the jungle from inside our room.

SOORI BALI, INDONESIA

We can find this charming boutique resort in the peaceful paradise of coastal Bali. A beautifully conceived piece of contemporary Asian architecture, complemented by the magical stretches of volcanic black sand coastline and rice fields. It champions an extensive number of green initiatives, from the smart design of open spaces for natural ventilation, and the use of volcanic rock as part of their natural cooling system, down to the details of water recycling for irrigation. The Soori Bali is committed to protecting the environment and community while providing their guests with an ethereal experience that promises to rejuvenate those who visit. A true delight for the mind, body, and soul.

Sourced small batches of materials, with the idea that scarcity is the ultimate luxury.

Each piece of clothing brand is designed and made for women who want comfort and cool in equal dosage.

basilracuk.com

The new Apoteca collection “Elements” is like the universe – black inside, but full of life and colors outside. It’s abstract, but at the same time clear and understandable. It is wild inside, but feminine and fragile outside. Every ELEMENT in collection is essential like air and water.

fashion & accessories

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INSIDE THE FABRICANT BY

STELLA POLYZOIDOU

At the intersection of Haute couture and high technology, the Fabricant studio in Amsterdam reshapes fashion, culture, and identity.

REFLECT THE BEST OF YOURSELF BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Image Consultant Katty Lopez de Gull says, “Don’t Just Dress to Fit In”.

CUTECIRCUIT: THE BRAND’S INTERACTIVE GARMENTS ARE CHANGING THE FASHION GAME BY STELLA

POLYZOIDOU

At the intersection of fashion and technology, CuteCircuit reconceptualizes wearable technology, offering a new perspective on the modern world.

PHOTO CREDIT ‘FLUID COLLECTION, BY THE FABRICANT

Inside The Fabricant:

Is digital clothing the next big disruptor of the fashion industry?

PHOTO CREDIT: THE FABRICANT WRITTEN BY: STELLA POLYZOIDOU

At the intersection of Haute couture and high technology, the Fabricant studio in Amsterdam reshapes fashion, culture, and identity through a digital platform where anybody can create, wear, and monetize their unique fashion.

In the 21st century, the digitization of fashion is truly changing the industry’s status quo, going towards a digital revolution known as Industry 4.0. This revolution introduces new technologies, enterprises, and approaches that are transforming creativity, development, and consumption. Since digitization has increased the demand for customization and exclusivity, new emerging realities have popped out in the fashion world. These revolutions have changed not only fashion but also how people perceive it. In the midst of this revolution, the Fabricant steps in, offering new monetization opportunities and creating outstanding visualizations.

Wouldn’t it be incredible to download a new outfit that is not only extraordinary but also sustainable from anywhere in the world? The Fabricant is changing how the fashion industry operates. Pioneers in entering the digital virtual showroom space, the studio has adopted a slow fashion mindset in a fast fashion world, which should be more ethical and less polluting. Based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the digital haute couture fashion house is leading the fashion industry towards a new sector of digital-only clothing. The brand’s motto, ‘’Always digital and never physical’,’ encloses the idea of creating a new medium of self-expression because of the environmental crisis.

“It’s not about the functionality; it’s about identity.”

PHOTO

Behind this enterprise is a team of inspiring individuals under the direction of the founder Kerry Murphy and co-founders Amber Jae Slooten and Adriana Pereira. The core team comes from different backgrounds and consists of fashion designers, gaming designers, and blockchain developers, making the brand truly unique.

By operating between fashion and technology, Fabricant started in 2016 out of the necessity to do something extremely creative and something that would be impactful for the world. Officially formed in 2018, the growth has been unimaginable from a traditional fashion perspective. The Fabricant is a decentralized digital fashion house where people can co-create, trade, wear and monetize digital clothing in their virtual existence. Anyone can become a digital fashion designer using materials beyond fabric through the brand’s innovative platform.

“With sustainability in mind, the Fabricant studio lays the groundwork for an equitable community where people can scan themselves and create their own digital identities.”

PHOTO CREDIT ‘FLUID COLLECTION, BY THE FABRICANT

With sustainability in mind, the Fabricant studio lays the groundwork for an equitable community where people can scan themselves and create their own digital identities. From this standpoint, anyone can participate, explore unlimited options and combine different raw materials, patterns, and trims to make a unique digital garment for his virtual version. It’s not about the functionality; it’s about identity. Every time the customer buys a fashion garment, he will be able to wear it in different spaces in the metaverse.

In this new fashion realm, you can express a new identity without limitations and feel emotionally connected to the virtual world. Recently, the studio has teamed up with the World of Women to make Web3 more fashionable and diverse, offering an amazing collection featuring 10,000 artworks of powerful women. This whole enterprise draws inspiration from the characters in the WoW NFT artworks, and the idea is to bring women and fashion together.

The purpose of Fabricant’s business plan is two-fold. It serves brands and retailers by digitizing samples and creating content for marketing campaigns. It is also involved in the crypto market to sell digitalonly assets and

maximize its profits. With a target on younger generations, Fabricant’s audience consists of digitally savvy people, digital fashion creators, meta tailors, professional buyers, multilabel retailers, fashion fans, and people who have a very prominent virtual existence in media gaming or other digital channels.

Overall, digital fashion provides endless opportunities to the designers to create something that doesn’t have gravity or the textures that would never exist in real life. Beyond the reach of the real world, digital fashion can exist in many virtual universes. As the technologies of the digital world continue to innovate, the way people perceive fashion will only continue to evolve. The most exciting part about digital experiences and digital fashion is that we have such endless creativity to explore and so many different versions of ourselves that we could begin to create. Moreover, digitizing fashion production gives the fashion industry greater opportunities to grow sustainably and ethically minded decisions throughout the entire fashion value chain. As the second largest polluter in the world, the fashion industry constantly looks for solutions, and digital clothing could be the answer.

But will virtual fashion become ubiquitous eventually? Given the selfie culture, face filters all over social media are the new form of self-expression these days. Consumers are already expressing themselves digitally, and shifting to digital-only clothing seems inevitable in the future.

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NEW LUXE LEATHER TOTE BAGS VEGETABLE-TANNED VACHETTA LEATHER NATURAL, NON-TOXIC CHEMICALS

Reflect the Best of Yourself: Image Consultant Katty Lopez de Gull

Don’t Just Dress to Fit In: Style as Your Personal Brand

PHOTO CREDIT: KATTY LOPEZ DE GULL WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

“I had years of training in leadership, conflict resolution, and negotiation, customer service and sales experience, and two college degrees in Marketing and Human Resources, but I still felt like a fraud coming into the office every morning.”

Image consultant Katty Lopez de Gull had built a successful career in human resources yet struggled with self-confidence as a woman and as a Venezuelan immigrant.

“Did I have anything to contribute? Was I showing up the right way to advance my career and reach my fullest potential? Were my ideas and experience as a professional being taken seriously? What impression did my coworkers and bosses have of me?”

PERSONAL IMAGE DEVELOPMENT

Lopez de Gull had always dressed to fit in at her mostly male workplaces. However, when she discovered that image and style consulting existed, she had an epiphany that she could dress to reflect how she saw herself, how she wanted to present herself in the office.

She crafted outfits as a way to show up authentically, illustrate her expertise, and be part of the personal brand she created for herself. She currently enjoys bright colors, especially purple, and blouses and pants and classy shoes.

“Suddenly, I was being taken more seriously. My opinion was consulted more than ever before. I was heard and seen.”

“All along, I had known the important role image plays in how others perceive us, but it was upon completely redoing my personal style that I realized the influence it had on my professional development.

Suddenly, I was being taken more seriously. My opinion was consulted more than ever before. I was heard and seen.”

She also received raises that, over time, doubled her salary.

A NEW CAREER ADVANCING AUTHENTIC AND INCLUSIVE SUCCESS

Lopez de Gull created a new career for herself as a certified image consultant and fashion stylist. She was personally trained by Stacy London, cohost of the internationally known television show What Not To Wear.

She now works with other professional women around the world in various industries, including tech, to help them discover their own personal style and show off the best of themselves at work.

An immigrant herself, she believes in welcoming clients from all cultural backgrounds and offers services in both English and Spanish. The company she founded provides consulting for corporations on how they can become more gender-inclusive. This consulting addresses the implicit bias in how women are judged by their appearance and presentation rather than their knowledge, character, or competence.

Lopez de Gull’s company recently interviewed a sample of 100 women in Silicon Valley and found that eight out of 10 believed they needed to behave and dress like their male counterparts to succeed at work.

While fitting in might seem the way to go and might work for some women, Lopez de Gull has personally changed her attitude.

“Workplace fashion continues to be in crisis. Before and during Covid, it has been confusing, boring, frustrating, and even alienating to fit our preferences into other people’s standards or rules, to fit our bodies into clothing that are cut and manufactured for a standardized body type that isn’t ours, to try to satisfy our physical, psychological, social, and artistic needs without the proper tools and without knowing how to do it effectively all by ourselves.”

WORKING WITH AN IMAGE CONSULTANT

Her image consultancy has three main goals for clients: presence, the ability to own and be seen within any room (even on Zoom); confidence, to show up as a leader and feel like one; and recognition, to be seen as the leaders that they are.

How this works is that clients meet with consultants regularly over a three-month period of mentorship. During this time, the consultant helps the client come up with ideas and adjectives describing how she wants to come across at work, such as bold, creative, competent, or resilient.

“Working on your Authentic Personal Brand is as critical for a professional working in a corporation as a strategic business plan is for a business owner.”

Then, the consultant helps the client combine articles of clothing she already owns to create work outfits that communicate the personal style and brand she has defined.

“Imagine the Coca-Cola logo in grey and rectangular background, with black and angular fonts? Does it communicate fun, enjoyment, and celebration to you?

The same happens to our image and brand. If what you want to communicate or believe about ourselves doesn’t match what you see in the mirror every morning, you doubt it the entire day because you still believe in what you see more than in anything else; and a confused mind always says no.”

The idea is for clients to choose and pair clothes that help them best come across the way they would like in the office, rather than to get clients to buy new clothes.

Lopez de Gull’s goal is for clients to come away with 25 outfits for the office, created by reorganizing their wardrobes to mix and match their clothes.

Their site offers testimonials from a variety of satisfied customers, who praise the consultants’ ability to choose clothes that flatter each client’s proportions and body shape. Also, women she serves are often happy she can help them spend less time stressing over what to wear in the morning.

Not every client of Lopez de Gull comes from the corporate world. One testimonial comes from a nanny who wanted to come across as “fresh and playful.”

They have also served young women who needed a confidence boost on entering the workplace and older women re-entering the office after taking time off to raise children.

As for general advice on what to wear to work when you aren’t sure of the appropriate style or your authentic personal brand, Lopez de Gull offers some suggestions.

“If you are totally unsure, you can opt to wear something traditional or classic that fits well on your body and add our own touch with accessories. Play with different styles of ties, pocket squares, pins, brooches, scarves, belts, shoes, jewelry, bags; from relaxed to bold or dramatic, the important thing is that they are authentic to your taste and that you can easily change or take them off if you need.”

Lopez de Gull’s ultimate goal is to reveal the beauty and power each woman has from within, one woman at a time.

Ethically Handmade and Sustainable Jewelry

Made in Spain

CuteCircuit: the brand’s interactive garments are changing the fashion game

At the intersection of fashion and technology, CuteCircuit reconceptualizes wearable technology, offering a new perspective on the modern world.

PHOTO CREDIT: CUTECIRCUIT/ FRANCESCA ROSELLA WRITTEN BY: STELLA POLYZOIDOU

Once, the business of creating clothes lay on nothing more than fabric, buttons, zips, and needles. However, with technology becoming an integral part of our lives, fashion is turning increasingly to the possibilities offered by technological innovation. High-tech fashion may at times appear absurd and pretty unwearable, but often it’s as much about conveying messages as it is about clothing.

Over the last years, technology has advanced in leaps and bounds, and a perfect example of this is CuteCircuit, the first company in the field of wearable technology. The dynamic duo behind this

Francesca Rosella

Founder Cute Circuit

enterprise is Francesca Rosella and Ryan Genz, who together co-founded the Londonbased brand in 2004.

CuteCircuit has found the sweet spot between fashion and high tech, creating experiences that didn’t exist before.

Through innovative digital technology, CuteCircuit brings a revolution in fashion. The brand’s mindset is to bring magic to everyday life by integrating microelectronics and smart textiles into cutting-edge fashion designs and creating intelligent garments with magical properties. Thus, people wearing them obtain abilities beyond traditional fashion, such as telecommunicating over distance or even feeling the music on your skin!

In 2001, Rosella and Genz met at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea in Italy and started their entrepreneurial journey together. Soon, they realized they could explore the body’s senses through technology and came up with inspiring ideas such as t-shirts that hug you and clothing that connects people. The initial idea was based on their common belief that the new media tools of the digital age could make fashion more exciting.

Although they come from different backgrounds— Rosella has a strong background in fashion design,

while Genz in Interaction Design and Anthropology— they share common values and visions, one of which was to create truly magical and mesmerizing garments using new technologies. What motivates them the most to design new products is the feedback they receive from people. Moreover, the founders draw inspiration from futuristic museum collections, sci-fi movies, space travels, and every plausible future scenario. They love watching events such as the Crew Dragon spacecraft docking to the International Space Station or looking back to a retro-futuristic past of Pierre Cardin’s amazing space-age fashion designs from the 1960s.

From conceiving an idea to bringing it into life, a significant gap in the creative process needs to be bridged. Behind the creation of a CuteCircuit garment, the software runs on the intel power tablet that sends messages to the garment, constructed entirely out of smart textiles and conductive films. Starting as a typical fashion design process, first, they create the garment and then integrate the technology seamlessly into it. Through the tablets monitoring your body or environment, everyone can interact and get strong emotional connections with people far away.

“Through innovative digital technology, CuteCircuit brings a revolution in fashion.”

Models at the catwalk on the runway show Autumn/Winter 2014/15

In 2002, the idea of making interactive clothes and developing interpersonal relationships came to life when CuteCircuit first invented the HugShirt—a shirt that lets you send hugs over distance through haptic feedback—one of the most advanced haptic telecommunications devices that is wearable.

In an attempt to create a way for people to communicate without sending a text message or making a phone call, the HugShirt fulfills the expectation that a physical interaction over distance is possible. Imagine how amazing it would be to send a hug to your

loved ones if you live thousands of miles away from them, simply by putting on the HugShirt. The data goes via Bluetooth into your smartphone and transforms into a hug message.

Developing this idea further, the founders started considering technology as a way of inclusion. When the Symphonic orchestra of Hamburg in Germany approached them, a new exciting idea was born—the SoundShirt. Keeping in mind that this enterprise could allow deaf people to feel the music on their bodies, Rosella and Genz developed a brand new software that allowed each part of the orchestra to render a different haptic sensation in a different location across a wearer’s torso. Thus, the wearer could start understanding each instrument’s rhythm, intensity, volume, and passage of music. Microphones all over the stage cover different instruments, while software converts the sound into data and sends it to the shirt. This innovative design with technology woven into the shirt translates sound waves into physical vibrations. The SoundShirt can be described as a

“CuteCircuit first invented the Hugshirt—a shirt that lets you send hugs over distance through haptic feedback.”

Cute Circuit Hugshirts

Cute Circuit Soundshirt

wearable device that enables deaf people to experience a concert through touch sensations. Not only people with hearing loss but anyone who wants to experience music through a different medium can wear the SoundShirt and feel like they are a part of the music.

Many collaborations with celebrities and famous fashion houses verify the brand’s strong presence in the fashion field. From Nicole Scherzinger and Katy Perry to U2 and Fergie, many pop stars, artists, and singers have chosen the brand’s designs to connect with their audience during live performances. The famous Galaxy dress of Katy Perry, with 24,000 tiny LED lights—now part of the

permanent collection at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago—marked a huge success for the brand. In addition, the popular rock band U2 commissioned CuteCircuit to make their jackets for the 360° Tour, while Nicole Scherzinger wore their first ever couture Twitter dress.

With rapid technological change, the brand continues redefining fashion’s future and leading the way in a more sustainable digital ecosystem, allowing people to express themselves in new, exciting ways. Given that wearable technology significantly impacts overall fashion choices, let yourself free to explore futuristic creations that come with unique experiences.

Cute Circuit Unisex Collection

Passion for travel and exquisite apparels.

« People come, live and go ».

And we are here to celebrate the diversity of the world.

alledjo.com

Breathing New Life Into Antique Fabrics A Sustainable Take On Luxury

swim and lounge wear sustainable and inclusive designed for fit, comfort, and versatility

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BESPOKE BEAUTY

BY NEHA SURADKAR

Beauty takes a leap forward with technology.

BUTTAH SKIN BY DORION RENAUD: BY STELLA POLYZOIDOU

A Black-owned company founded by Dorion Renaud and based in LA promises radiant, smooth butterlike skin.

Bespoke Beauty

Beauty takes a leap forward with technology

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: SOUND ON, MART PRODUCTION, ANKUSH DAWAR, SHINY DIAMOND, COTTONBRO, EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA WRITTEN BY: NEHA SURADKAR @NEHASURADKAR

Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The beauty industry in the past aimed to bring out all-in-one products that everyone could use for their multiple needs. But, in the last few years, personalization has become the buzzword in the beauty industry. The industry now views the consumer as an individual with unique requirements and is trying to offer solutions by customizing and personalizing the products. Technology plays a significant role here, as it does in all other areas of our life—banking, shopping, or food. The beauty industry is now using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) to give its customers a tailormade experience.

Some of the very well-known names in the beauty industry, like L’Oreal, Est é e Lauder, Shiseido, and P&G, are offering their customers a personalized experience through the use of technology. They are becoming the “BeautyTech” companies by embedding digitalization and technology in the core of curating, manufacturing, and distributing beauty products to enhance customer experience.

Selecting a beauty product has become easier, thanks to AI & AR, which provide users with a more personalized approach to beauty. Most beauty and makeup mobile apps integrate AI and AR to offer an unforgettable experience to the users.

Technology has been incorporated into beauty in multiple ways, and the industry is offering the customers various benefits such as:

1. Bespoke Products and Routine : Technology has helped provide customers with customized colors in Foundations and Lipsticks, where it is essential to use the right shade according to the skin tone. Also, skincare and hair care routines can be tailor-made, and products can be recommended based on the concerns. For example, Lancôme, a Luxury division of the French multinational L’Oreal, has a custom foundation machine named Le Teint Particulier (The Particular Tint). The beauty consultants use a colorimeter, a digital scanner, to identify a customer’s skin tone. Data is then fed into a proprietary algorithm to match

the customer’s skin tone. It selects from 20,000 distinct hues and transmits the information to a machine that precisely matches the foundation to the customer’s skin tone. Similarly, lipsticks are also being personalized by brands like The Lip Lab. Customers can get the exact hue, matte, creamy or glossy finish, glitter or shimmer, and even their favorite fragrance in the lipstick.

Luxe Hair Care Brand, Kérastase, provides hair diagnosis online and in the salon to understand the condition of hair and scalp and suggests the treatment and homecare based on the same.

Premium and Boutique beauty brands like SK-II and Kiehl’s have their skin diagnosis tests. The SK-II Magic Ring Test and Kiehl’s Instant Skin Reader identify the skin concerns in terms of texture, hydration, pigmentation, and spots and give product recommendations accordingly.

2. Virtual Try-On : Most beauty brands and stores have mobile apps with a ‘Try On’ feature. Through this feature, a customer can upload their photo on the app and then try on various products offered by the brand. This feature helps significantly in selecting color cosmetics like lipsticks, foundations, eye shadow, blush, etc., where customers are often confused if the color will work with their coloring. This makes the decision-making easier and gives an almost store-like experience of trying the products before buying. Some brands offering this feature are Sephora (Sephora’s Virtual Artist) and L’Oreal (ModiFace). Perso is a proprietary product created by L’Oréal. Perso uses cutting-edge digital technology. By utilizing ModiFace technology, a virtual try-on system that combines AI and AR, Perso can produce makeup, lipstick, and skincare products that are ideal for customers’ skin through a smartphone. The Modiface technology will assess how the skin is affected by environmental elements, including humidity, pollution, and air quality. It will also diagnose the skincare concerns, such as pore visibility, fine lines, and a lack of radiance. The technology in the product will ultimately dispense the ideal formula for the customer.

3. E-Makeup : With all the advancements in technology, AI, and AR, one’s digital self has become as important as one’s physical self. To enhance the digital self, one can get different makeup looks from e-makeup artists. Using this e-makeup, the customer can take selfies on Instagram and Snapchat. A virtual makeup artist can also help a customer learn the best way to do makeup, how to apply eyeshadow and how to wing eyeliner. They can also tell where and how to apply highlighter and contour according to the face shape. In addition, beauty companies can now develop makeup filters based on their products. This acts like a marketing strategy. Instead of committing to purchasing actual makeup products, customers can “try on” these filters using their profile images. If the users enjoy how they appear after applying the filters, they might buy the product. Procter & Gamble, for instance, offers the Opte Wand. This makeup printer scans the skin and applies the

proper quantity of makeup to cover a variety of facial flaws.

With these innovations, the beauty industry is trying to reach the next level by including a diverse customer base. The technologically advanced solutions with bespoke products could be slightly higher priced than the overthe-counter products, but sometimes the value for customization is worth paying. Due to the pandemic,

consumers have become used to stay-at-home, digitally powered markets. The beauty industry tried and succeeded in wooing consumers using technology.

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Buttah Skin by Dorion Renaud: Glowing melanin-rich skin at its finest

A Black-owned company founded by Dorion Renaud and based in LA promises radiant, smooth butter-like skin. Buttah Skin is more than the average skincare brand; it’s an inspiration.

WRITTEN BY: STELLA POLYZOIDOU PHOTO CREDIT: BUTTAH SKIN PHOTOGRAPHED BY: OBIDIGBO NZERIBE/ DIEGO VOURAKIS / EYEATTRACTI0N

Ihad a lovely time sitting down with founder Dorion Renaud via Zoom call and talking about his entrepreneurial success, how he incorporates innovative melanin-rich skin technology into his products and what’s coming next for Buttah Skin.

Dorion Renaud birthed out the LA-based brand, specializing in skincare products formulated with hi-technology specifically for melanin-rich skin tones. The purpose of the brand is to offer high-quality skincare products that not only nurture the skin but also bring up to the surface the beauty that lies within. Renaud’s motto is “from my heart to your face; my brand is working for all races, genders, sizes, skin types, and my heart is as well.”

In the early 1900s, it was common for black skin care companies to sell survival through bleaching products that would lighten the skin. It wasn’t until the 1960s, with the creation of the Black Power Movement, that instilled a sense of pride in one’s dark complexion. The evolution resulted in products empowering AfricanAmericans and melanin-rich skin’s beauty. However, it has proven tricky for Black women and men to find their skin tone in the spectrum of limited colors offered. Today, black skincare

The founder Dorion Renaud holding the tinted mineral sunscreen photographed by Obidigbo Nzeribe.

companies aim to make a difference in the beauty industry, as does Dorion Renaud with Buttah Skin since 2018.

Due to a lack of representation of Black people and quality skincare options available in his local neighborhoods, the idea of Buttah Skin was born. “It’s important to represent all shades and all different types of people. I was inspired to start Buttah because I wanted to be the voice for Black people in beauty. I felt African-Americans and people of color were overlooked when it came to quality skin care. I wanted to feel included, and the same for my people as well,” Renaud recalls.

He first entered the art scene as a model, actor, and entertainer, and his relationship with his skin became complex. “I grew up in Beaumont, Texas, struggling with problematic skin, dealing with acne and hyperpigmentation, and I couldn’t find products that suited me,” Renaud adds. In an attempt to solve his skin problems, Renaud chose to enter the world of skincare, “I knew nothing about the skincare world outside of the fact that I had struggled with my skin for a long time. For that reason, I want to share the simple solutions I’ve found that worked for my skin.” What keeps him inspired creatively is the people, his audience, and all the feedback he receives from them. “The community drives me and inspires me the most! I’m inspired by people and all the Buttah lovers that use these products.”

For Renaud, diving into the beauty industry and going from actor and model to product maker and entrepreneur was a dream come true. What truly makes the brand special is Renaud’s mindset to merge the world of entertainment with skincare. “I’ve been in front of the camera since I was young, so being in the entertainment industry helped me to establish my image. I learned stories from being a model, an actor, a host, a musician, and an entertainer, so it was only right to provide skincare products and good campaigns that people could relate to.”

Teaming up with Natalie Manuel Lee for a new digital series called Beyond the Surface, Renaud dives into the stories of Black artists, actors, musicians, and entrepreneurs that have shaped their lives and careers. “We interview people about what makes them resilient and who they really are beyond their surface when their labels fall off while trying to keep people interested in our brand. I loved to entertain and learned so much while on set; I think Buttah skin and music go hand in hand.”

When asked if he faced any challenges during his entrepreneurial

“The community drives me and inspires me the most.”

journey, he said, “Absolutely! When people think about the beauty industry, they don’t necessarily think of a Black man.” For him, it was pretty challenging to be involved in this industry, Black men and beauty aren’t always synonymous within the beauty field. “Being a Black man, it was definitely odd to the skincare industry, but it wasn’t odd to me or any of my peers because we have always been taking care of our skin,” Renaud claims.

On changing the beauty standards within the beauty community, he thinks, “We are starting to get into that era of celebrating beauty and embracing melanin-rich skin tones. When I first started, a lot of people didn’t quite understand why melanin was so important and why we need products specifically for our skin type. I had to earn my respect and obtain knowledge because the cards were stacked against me a bit more than some of my black

counterparts.” He also claims that “I’m neither a beauty expert nor an esthetician. I’m a skincare lover with an urge to learn.” What makes Buttah products stand out from others on the market is that they are created by somebody that has experienced skin issues and knows the complexity of African-American skin.

As the brand’s tagline suggests, Buttah aims to give melaninrich skin the attention it deserves by focusing on women and men of color and formulating clean products for them. Women and men should feel empowered to show up in the world as their best selves, which applies to Renaud’s vision. He encourages men to participate in more self-care and skincare and highlights, “For me, creating a unisex line was always the key. Often, I found that going to department stores, not only did they not have products for me as a Black man but as a man in general; hence I aim to take the stigma away that skin care is not emasculating.” Skin health is not a gender-specific thing. Everything about Buttah, from the packaging to the product ingredients, is carefully considered to make everyone comfortable enough to use it. The quality packaging feels a bit androgynous, reflecting that it is for everybody, while it also exudes an air of luxury and elegance. “I wanted to make a simple, effective, affordable option for our customers,” he indicates.

Each Buttah product targets daily skin issues such as dark spots, skin discoloration, hyperpigmentation, dryness, oiliness, and blemishes, delivering instant results. “I spend many hours in the lab working with chemists to formulate clean products, combining innovative technology and amazing Buttah secrets to give this smooth texture to the final product,” says Renaud. As the name Buttah indicates, the ingredients used are rich, nourishing extracts, butters, and oils, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, lavender, cardamom extract, and vitamins C and D that leave your skin glowing, healthy and hydrated.

“Being a black man was odd to the skincare industry, but it wasn’t odd to me.”

The founder Dorion Renaud photographed by Diego Vourakis

Renaud’s morning skincare ritual can be summarized in three steps. “I use my Buttah Skin complete skin kit, which can be customized for any skin type. First, I wash my face with a gentle cleanser, then I add Vitamin C Serum, my holy grail product, and finish off with CocoShea moisturizer to lock in all this nourishing hydration. I may add some refreshing products throughout the day, but that’s my go-to three,” he describes.

Buttah Skin gets a lot of love from celebrities, beauty gurus, and famous artists, including names such as Beyoncé, Keri Hilson, Ashley Greene, Malika Haqq, and many more. Renaud declares that his brand has been affected tremendously by Beyoncé recommending it on her website, featuring a directory of Black-owned businesses to shop. “The stamped approval from Queen-B is one I can’t deny. It’s been amazing to have the support of these people who are leading the culture, as I hope to do it one day,” Renaud declares.

For those willing to start their entrepreneurial journey, Renaud suggests, “Before you expect anyone to put money behind your brand, invest your own money into it, put your own heart and your soul into it. Always listen to people who love your products, do your research, and try to give as much knowledge on this business as you can.”

When I asked him if it’s more difficult for women entrepreneurs to start a business than for men, he answered, “I think women can do anything! I am a

woman’s man! It’s easy if you put your heart into it, no matter who you are.” Having an all-black female executive team around him makes him feel more secure and strong; he adds, “Buttah is seen through my eyes but also through the strong Black women I am working with.”

Buttah Skin products are found on shelves nationwide in major retail stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s and recently launched in Ulta in seven hundred stores. “It keeps me inspired and excited that everybody expects something new and innovative from the brand,” Renaud adds.

As for the brand’s future plans, he is thrilled to announce, “We have some new releases coming in 2023. This year you’ll see many new faces in the brand, more episodes of our talk series, and more surprises. Moreover, we will be able to bring some high-end products to a big luxury retailer as well.”

With new emerging beauty brands popping up every day, Buttah continues to transform the beauty sector by always staying updated with current trends. Renaud’s vision to build a successful skincare brand complies with the needs of his community. In the future, he sees Buttah as a legacy brand that will continue to expand into the fields of art, music, and entertainment.

The Buttah sample set includes our Gentle Cleanser, Vitamin C Serum, and Hyaluronic Gel Cream.

SHOP CONSCIOUSLY

be the change.

KHANUNBYMIMI

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Uniquely Hawaiian Skincare From Soil to Skin to Soul

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www.tomfoolery.la

Keep CosmeticsyourCool!

Compact, Intelligent, and Eco-Friendy Refrigerator for Cosmetics from Beautigloo

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BEAUTIGLOO

WRITTEN BY: NEHA SURADKAR

Who would have ever thought that our cosmetics need a separate refrigerator? We are all used to keeping our cosmetics in the kitchen refrigerator, and then we are either too lazy to go back to the kitchen and procure the product or simply forget about the product. This often results in the non-usability of that cosmetic product and loss of our hard-earned money. Apart from being impractical, the kitchen refrigerator can contaminate cosmetics with food odors and bacteria. In addition, the low temperature can change the texture or crystallization of cosmetic products.

In 2017, Clara Lizier and Florian Ménard established Beautigloo. Inspired by innovation, the duo decided to work together and create

cosmetics and salon experiences for the future. Beautigloo knows how to innovate while emphasizing perfection because of its dedicated and driven crew. This French start-up is an active participant in France’s reindustrialization. And in the field of electro-beauty, Beautigloo is a French company with expertise. Beautigloo has entered the L’Oréal and LVMH accelerators at Station F with the support of the luxury and beauty ecosystems.

Refrigerated Beauty Box was the first product from Beautigloo, made especially for cosmetics. This unique patented cosmetic refrigerator was created with the help of specialists to preserve the cosmetics and boost their effectiveness while being ecologically friendly. The Refrigerated Beauty Box provides the most effective and fresh beauty experience. The Refrigerated Beauty Box is the ideal storage space for cosmetics as

it is equipped with optimal temperature, a patented thermal system, and vented cooling technology. The cosmetics will last longer and retain their active ingredients’ potency. The Box is powerful, silent, and can be installed comfortably in the bathroom or bedroom. It includes a touch screen and an internal light, among its many functions. Both a day mode and a night option are available. With a small volume of 5L and detachable shelves, the beauty fridge adapts to all skincare and beauty regimens. Its sophisticated temperature regulating software ensures optimal performance while lowering energy use. Also, there are no harmful refrigerants in this refrigerator.

“We have created a product with a patented cooling system and an intelligent temperature control software that guarantees a perfect efficiency and a reduction in energy consumption,” explains Florian Ménard, Co-Founder of Beautigloo.

The Beauty Refrigerator can store cosmetic products like nail paints, perfumes, eye care products, lipsticks, creams, serums, face masks, micellar water, sunscreen, face and body mists, and lip pencils. Storing cosmetics and skin care products at the right temperature has multiple benefits. First, applying fresh cosmetics on the skin refreshes and decongests the skin, resulting in a radiant complexion. The cold products lead to vasoconstriction and vasodilation. The blood vessels constrict and revitalize blood circulation and promote venous return. By stimulating blood circulation in the dermis, the application of cold products increases the firmness and tone of the skin. It is an excellent natural remedy to fight against skin slackening. The tightening effect of the cold tightens enlarged pores and reduces sebum production, making the skin firm and less slack.

The Beauty Refrigerator Box is the need of the hour, especially with increasing temperatures worldwide. This compact, smart, silent Box can easily be installed and used by individuals and professionals. Beautigloo works with its goal to maintain attractiveness by developing a variety of cutting-edge solutions that maximize the efficacy of cosmetics.

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The first device to hack

health & fitness

KEEPING FIT IN TECH VILLE

BY JESSE ADUMA

Deriving maximum fitness benefits from your daily routine by limiting technological influence when possible.

EXERCISING IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGY

BY JESSE ADUMA

The role technology plays in aiding fitness goals with regards to fitness app monitors.

EXPERIENCE THE ENDEAVORRX

BY NIZIE N LOKMAN, FCIM

The first FDA-approved video game app to treat ADHD in kids aged 8-12 was scientifically proven to increase attention control in focus and multitasking

A BIG BREATH OF FRESH AIR

BY JESSE ADUMA

Airofit , a sports tech company out of Denmark, has taken respiratory exercises to a new level with “the world’s first smart breathing trainer.”.

THE VERGE OF OBJECTIVE CONCUSSION DIAGNOSIS

BY KEVIN JAMES JEFFERY

Leveraging artificial intelligence, Neurolytixs is able to diagnose concussions within 48 hours.

PHOTO CREDIT WARREN HEATH

Keeping Fit in Tech Ville

MUSCLE OVER IRON

Deriving maximum fitness benefits from your daily routine by limiting technological influence when possible

TEXT BY: JESSE ADUMA PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MARTEN BJORK/ TJ KOLESNIK/JESHOOTS.COM/MADDLE WRITTEN BY: JESSE ADUMA

Efficiency is all the rage in this age of technology. Getting tasks done quickly and with the least possible effort seems to be the goal of every activity. However, while technology has brought about huge progress in various aspects of life, becoming to civilization what the muscles are to the body, it has also introduced a certain tendency for apathy toward keeping the body active. This unintended consequence has become a blight on the physical health of many. From the “nine to five” daily commuters to the introverted “couch potatoes,” we could all use a break once in a while.

As such, while taking advantage of the various luxuries advancement in technology provides, making a conscious effort to “get off one’s arse” should be encouraged. Workout exercises should be incorporated into daily routines, however atypical it may seem. For example, rather than driving or catching the train or bus to work every day, introducing a more strenuous mode of transport—such as biking or walking—allowing you to exert yourself could be you doing your part to burn your daily dose of calories without having to set aside time from an already busy schedule, thus crushing two nuts in one swing.

Another significant way physical health has taken a hit from technology is the subduing of our entertainment. Through the use of computer gadgets such as smartphones, televisions, laptops, iPads/tablets, etc. Anyone can access various forms of entertainment, including music, movies, TV dramas, reality shows, live sporting events, etc. Thereby drastically reducing the desire to go out and explore, consequently decreasing the volume of physical activity performed by individuals in a day.

Here at TrooRa, we strongly advocate body positivity and would have every individual be proud of their physique. That aside, the importance of exercise and being physically active cannot be overemphasized. Besides burning fat, leading an active lifestyle has many benefits and can greatly influence an individual’s overall outlook.

BENEFITS OF LEADING AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Besides the obvious, more popularly stressed advantages of exercise, such as weight regulation, stronger cardiovascular system, etc., being regularly active affords many more physical and mental benefits.

Did you know your level of activeness in the day could directly impact your quality of sleep? It’s a known fact that the more tired or exerted the body feels, the more prone to rest it will be. A sit is much more appreciated after a great deal of standing. Hence, driving that short walkable distance or throwing the dishes in the washer when you can spare a few minutes to do them manually may be all that stands between you and better sleep quality. What’s more? Using the bed as a comfortable place to read, work, or watch TV is considered a bad habit. Per good sleep habit regulations, the bed should be reserved for sleeping as this will help strengthen your brain’s connection/association

between your bed and sleep, making it much easier for you to fall asleep.

Being active can also prove an effective tool in dealing with depression and anxiety. By extension, this could explain the sudden burst of energy and tendency to fidget when waiting outside the bathroom. Other physical health regimens like pilates and yoga have been proven to go a long way in helping deal with depression.

Physical movements like pacing also help soothe nervous minds, although it can be counterproductive to those around you.

TACKLING THE ISSUE

Except when making a conscious effort at getting fit, like embarking on a weight loss campaign, committing to staying active for the sake of exercising can be quite grueling, especially when you’re already working around a busy schedule. If you’re still wondering what to do, you haven’t been paying attention. There are many ways to burn extra calories while going about your usual routine—however slightly. For example, commuting to work or school via biking or walking will help you burn off a buttload of calories while simultaneously helping you sweat off toxins from the body and strengthening your cardiovascular system and calves.

For entertainment, committing to outdoor social engagements can serve as a much healthier substitute

for lounging about indoors watching TV. Besides the obvious additional boost of physical activity caused by mobility, there are also certain perks of being under sunlight, such as vitamin D, which is important for typical growth and the development of bones and teeth.

Furthermore, exposure to sunlight also helps facilitate the release of a hormone known as serotonin by the brain. This hormone is thought to boost mood. So by extension, going out could make you happy. Consequently, establishing an equilibrium between leading a tech-savvy life lavish with the exploitation of technological advancement and a more active mundane one could improve your life outlook and increase your tendency to smile.

Exercising in the Age of Technology

The role technology plays in aiding fitness goals with regards to fitness app monitors.

For most of us, finding the will is the most challenging aspect of working out. Consciously or not, we tend to make excuses as to why we can’t or shouldn’t—some more reasonable than most. ‘It’s too early,’ ‘I can’t find time to go to the gym,’ ‘my daily schedule already keeps me active,’ ‘oops, I woke up late, maybe tomorrow,’ ‘I don’t know what exercises to do,’ ‘I’ve been working out, and there have been no changes.’ We can always come up with a hundred different reasons to justify a lapse in commitment; fortunately, this is yet another aspect of life in which recent technology has been quite helpful.

With the use of workout apps, we can now personally monitor and track our progress, thereby optimizing our workout sessions. These apps come with features that not only help in tracking development but also recommend workout times, workout exercises tailored to meet individualistic needs, and motivational quotes to give you that much-needed moral support. Below are the top four most used fitness apps in 2022, according to Forbes Health.

TEXT BY: JESSE ADUMA

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ONUR BINAY, MIKA BAUMEISTER, ANASTASE MARAGOS, LUKE AGUAITA, SPORLAB, JEREMY BISHOP, CATHY PHAM, SUSHIL GHIMIRE

WRITTEN BY: JESSE ADUMA

FREELETICS

According to Forbes Health, this fitness app is what’s popping in 2022. The Freeletics fitness app boasts a series of high-intensity workouts that prove super-efficient and get you sweating in no time. An added bonus is that exercises on Freeletics mainly make use of body weight with little or no equipment. This means that users can efficiently work out from home without visiting the gym. High-intensity workouts incorporated by Freeletics include squats, sit-up variations, upper body workouts (pushups), burpees, etc.

The Freeletics fitness app also boasts an advanced AI coach, which uses information from an individual’s physique and workout progress to help track their fitness journey and prepare workout regimens specifically tailored to individualistic needs. Its audio feature provides moral support with audio coaching and serves to motivate you through each exercise.

MAP MY RUN

Reading the name from my notes, my little cousin asked if I run around and draw maps, to which I answered yes while shoving him aside playfully. My cousin was right about the running aspect, though. As the name suggests, Map My Run is a fitness app specifically for runners. The app offers a variety of features that help individuals get the most from their runs.

Benefiting from cool features like accurate GPS tracking, audio coaching, accurate heart rate monitor, etc., the app’s fan base has continued to expand. As a result, there is little wonder the app continues to rank highly.

Other features of Map My Run include a bank of over 70 million running routes, accurate tracking and recording of pace, distance covered, calories burned, functioning and accurate GPS tracking, and audio coaching. Also, the app allows you to create/map out a route ahead of time using its online interface. Would you look at that? My cousin was right after all!

STRAVA

Much like Map My Run, the Strava app mainly focuses on cardiovascular exercises like running, swimming, biking, etc. One prominent difference, however, is the element of competition in the Strava app, which is a fortunate consequence of its social feature.

The Strava fitness app boasts a vibrant and social fan base community where users may enjoy and participate in friendly competitions while swimming, running, or biking. Like any other social app, Strava users may interact with each other via the platform, follow friends’ fitness activities, planning exercises, workout challenges, and/or sharing pre/post workout photos with one another.

Besides its enticing social element, Strava also boasts some other basic stellar features such as tracking and recording speed, distance, and endurance, and customizable training plans with live feedback. In a nutshell, the Strava fitness app is “social media for people who want to be active”—as cleverly put by users.

JEFIT

Like every other app listed above, the JEFIT platform runs two domains, functioning as both a free and a paid app. However, a major advantage of this app is that users may gain access to a host of features and workouts on the free version without having to subscribe.

The JEFIT fitness app is another highly ranked in the field of strength training, with a variety of workout exercises and variations, numbering over 1,300. The app not only avails the user with a series of effective exercises but also provides a bank of variations for users to draw from, reducing the risk of boredom and maintaining levels of enthusiasm, allowing for optimal results.

Some notable features include a log that helps users keep track of their development. It also boasts a vibrant web presence, allowing users more freedom and efficiency as they can access, track, and plan workouts on their computer.

No one needs to be reminded of the importance of exercise, especially in this day and age. The choice to put in effort should be just as important as knowing what exactly you want for your body, which is another way that these apps have proved useful, helping individuals identify their body specifications before embarking on any such workout regimen. This is a very important step as it will serve to help draw a roadmap before you begin your race, as my cousin said.

Experience the EndeavorRx

WRITTEN BY: NIZIE N LOKMAN, FCIM

EndeavorRx broke the mold in June 2020. There is a new way to help kids with ADHD; they become superheroes chasing alien worlds and saving lives from extinction using the EndeavorRx video game app. Inspired by Akili Interactive, the company that created the first game-based digital line of therapeutics, kids with ADHD have a new mental health treatment. Akili Interactive’s team incorporates experts in technology, psychology, and medicine.

CONNECTING WITH SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

Going the distance from a different angle was the beginning of the breakthrough idea by

the co-founders of Akili Interactive. The company’s thought leaders in their expertise, Adam Gazzaley, Matt Omernick, and Eddie Martucci, are the company’s Chief Scientific Officer, Chief Creative Officer, and CEO, respectively. They were looking for a different way to bring it all together for the greater good in the medical care ecosystem.

The first FDA-approved video game app to treat ADHD in kids aged 8-12 was scientifically proven to increase attention control in focus and multitasking.

According to the Medical Maker, it all began when Gazzaley, a neurologist from UC San Francisco, at the university’s translational neuroscience center, Neuroscape, had written books about the cognition crisis. Gazzaley wanted to find ways to assess the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of cognition and improve it. Gazzaley said, “Cognitive training does exist, but the tasks are usually delivered humanly, on a one-to-one basis, and you cannot deliver multiple tasks simultaneously. I wanted to find ways to deliver different cognitive tasks together, but the only way to do this is to make it digital.”

In his research, he connected with Omernick, who discovered a trend in the tech sector exploring gaming for good, as well as interest in using video games to help improve generic cognition and attention. Being experienced in the gaming world and having experience in big gaming houses on the west coast, including EA and Lucas, he saw this opportunity to work with Omernick. This concept attracted Eddie Martucci, a trained biologist from the venture capitalist side of Boston. The integration of their specialization, knowledge, wisdom, and experiences saw the birth of an idea that breaks down video games’ negative reputation for “rotting kids’ brains.”

CREATING VIDEO GAMES AS A NEW MEDICAL DEVICE

According to Motherly, EndeavorRx debunks that common myth. It doesn’t mean that all video games are good for children. To put it into perspective, the average American spends over 10,000 hours playing video games before age 21. Even ‘brain games’ that claim to boost your brainpower are not that good for you. A 2017 study found that these games, whether they were digital puzzles or word games, did not improve people’s mental abilities or cognition.

More and more research and a pilot study were conducted to prove the potential of the technology app, and some meaningful insights were achieved. Gameplay that emphasized multitasking was widely accepted by children with ADHD and led to higher engagement than

conventional educational treatment. Comparatively to educational programs, gameplay improves the focus on relevant information for a specific goal. Another result showed that 33% of children were no longer considered to have inattention, with improvements lasting for about nine months.

Children who played the video game showed significant improvements in attention compared to the control group based on a 2020 clinical trial that tested the attentional performance of 348 children between the ages of 8-12 after playing EndeavorRx or another digital control intervention. There were also no adverse events associated with playing the EndeavorRx video game. 68% of the parents of children in this study provided positive feedback after receiving a second course of the treatment when paired with stimulant medication for children aged 8-14.

Additionally, children who took stimulant medication and played video games showed the same magnitude of improvements in attention compared to children not taking stimulants.

With multiple clinical trials and research studies for years, backed with significant improvement evidently for kids, Akili Interactive made a new footing by positioning EndeavorRx video games as a medical device with a difference.

INSIGHTS SUPPORTED BY DATA

In the bigger picture, Akili Interactive, which created the one-of-a-kind video game, also addresses the social concerns of ADHD that are on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6.1 million children received an ADHD diagnosis in 2016. Yet 40% do not take their prescribed ADHD medication, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments.

Interestingly, Christopher D.Dietrich, PAC, DSc, a medical director of Orion Behavioral Health Network in Alaska, explained that video games and digital therapeutics provide a unique opportunity in a world with scarce providers of behavioral health services. “ Having a variety of modes of therapy with proven benefits expands options for many.”

The results showed that 68% of parents reported improvement in their child’s ADHD symptoms after eight weeks of playing EndeavorRx.

FUNCTIONALITY & SIMPLICITY IN THE

TECHNOLOGY CREATION

“Simplicity is complexity resolved,” a famous quote by Constantin Brancusi. The mechanics behind the EdeavorRx in a few steps. The sensory stimuli are activated while motor challenges target areas of the brain that play a key role in attention function. Kids are challenged to multitask and ignore distractions by navigating courses, collecting targets, and avoiding obstacles. An algorithm measures performance and customizes each patient’s treatment in real-time. Endeavor Rx is typically played for 25 minutes, five days a week, for at least four consecutive weeks or as prescribed. Parents can follow their child’s treatment using the app to track daily efforts and level competition.

While the video game is changing the world in the medical industry, Akili Interactive emphasizes setting boundaries on screen time for kids.

There have been suggestions that excessive electronic use that is not structured for school or learning studies suggest that excessive electronic use...may be linked to an increased risk of attention problems. Dr. Dietrich mentioned preschool children who spent two or more hours of screen time were more likely to have attention problems and a 7.7-fold risk of developing ADHD. Another pediatric study found that excessive screen use is linked to lower brain white matter in areas important in language and literacy.

“The EndeavorRx treatment ends following its usage, which is generally a good concept for electronic use to have limits,” explains Dr. Dietrich. “From a larger view, all children could benefit from having set parameters on their video game usage, in general, to help facilitate a physical and social activity that provides variances for their interactions and attention needs.”

In June of 2020, Akili Interactive successfully obtained regulatory clearance from the FDA for EndeavorRx to be prescribed for children aged 8-12 with primarily inattentive or combined-type ADHD who have demonstrated an attention issue. It’s important to note that this video game is not meant to replace ADHD drugs that are working for some kids, but it’s a great new option that parents can turn to as part of their child’s treatment.

Live the Life You Were Meant to Lead

life-organized.com

A Big Breath of Fresh Air

AIROFIT IS LEADING THE WAY IN THE THERAPEUTIC DEVICES INDUSTRY.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: PEXELS/ JIM DE RAMOS & VALERIA USHAKOVA WRITTEN BY: KEVIN JAMES JEFFERY

Breathing exercises have gone mainstream and become one of the top wellness trends in 2022. And while the wellness brigade touts its effect on psychological and physical health, there’s also the science to back it up and companies looking to capitalize.

Airofit, a sports tech company out of Denmark, has taken respiratory exercises to a new level with “the world’s first smart breathing trainer.” The device and app were designed for athletes, singers, and asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients to strengthen their lungs and improve breathing effectively.

Danish company Ambu originally developed the device to increase lung capacity for people with chronic breathing conditions. But after Christian Tullberg Poulsen discovered the device’s potential to help singers improve their performance, he decided to purchase the rights to the device from Ambu and market it to classical singers.

It was years before Poulsen realized the breathing device’s potential to help athletes. This discovery happened after his 15-year-old son used the device to

improve his swimming performance. After qualifying for the Nordic Swimming Championships and training with the device for three months, his son returned with eight gold medals. Poulsen knew he had something special on his hands.

Poulsen hired three high-end engineers to help him design and develop what is now the Airofit smart breathing trainer and application. By training lung capacity, lung muscles, and anaerobic tolerance, the Airofit is expected to help amateur and professional athletes and anyone else who wants to enhance their quality of life.

In the medical field, this type of breath training is called inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST). That means any device that adds resistance to breathing muscles when you inhale or exhale. Airofit describes this as “taking your breathing muscles to the gym.” The device makes your diaphragm and intercostal muscles work harder during exercise.

The company claims you can strengthen your diaphragm by using the device for just 5-10 minutes a day with the Airofit. Training your diaphragm allows you to breathe deeper, decrease your breathing rate, and slow your heart rate as your lungs have more room to expand.

The Airofit is not only beneficial to athletes. The training device can also help with stress, sleep, mental health, and depression.

How much does the Airofit smart breathing trainer help with performance?

While the sample size was small, AMBU International did conduct a clinical study regarding the effectiveness of the Airofit device when used for training purposes. In the study, 68 participants were split into three groups. Each group had to train with different resistance levels for 10 minutes a day for eight weeks.

Before the training started, the groups had to perform the standard Cooper running test. After two months of training, the groups did the same running test. The results were as follows: Group 1 (almost no resistance) improved their performance by 0.05%, Group 2 (33% resistance) improved by 8%, and Group 3 (50% resistance) improved by 15%. That means that the higher the resistance training with the Airofit device, the higher the performance due to stronger respiratory muscles.

In addition to AMBU’s study, there are other studies that prove the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training (RMT) in sports. A 2019 study by Ren-Jay Shei at the University of Alabama at Birmingham proved that RMT improved performance in swimming, rowing, running, cycling, and other sports. Increased performance from RMT was specifically linked to respiratory muscle fatigue performance.

What do all these positive results mean for the global respiratory trainer market? Well, the good news for

The Airofit can help swimmers strengthen their diaphragm so they can go longer between breaths by getting more oxygen.

Airofit is that demand for these types of breath resistant training devices looks to be growing. The bad news is that competition will be stiff among existing and emerging brands. However, that’s great for the people buying these devices because strong competition leads to lower prices.

As of 2022, the global respiratory trainer market is estimated to be valued at $481.83 million and is expected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate of 7.3% to $844.72 million by 2030, according to Coherent Market Insights. Most of this market growth can be credited to novel breathing devices like the Airofit. A Globe Newswire article specifically mentioned Airofit as a key market player affecting the market’s growth.

Airofit’s popularity is due not only to its early entrance into the market but also to its sleek design, easy-to-use app, and various price points. At the higher price point is the Airofit Pro, which is more data-driven and aimed at amateur and professional athletes that are serious about improving their performance levels. Then there’s the Airofit Active at a lower price point, their entry-level version for people who want to improve their general well-being.

The best part of the Airofit Breathing Trainer is that it helps people in all aspects of their lives. From sports performance to health and wellbeing, increasing lung capacity has all sorts of benefits, including more daily energy, reduced stress levels, and improved sleep. And the best part is? You can train from your couch!

This finger prick blood test is the first of its kind to leverage AI to help diagnose concussions.

The Verge of Objective Concussion Diagnosis Leveraging artificial intelligence, Neurolytixs is able to diagnose concussions within 48 hours.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: PEXELS/ ARTEM PODREZ & OLEKSANDR PIDVALNYI WRITTEN BY: KEVIN JAMES JEFFERY

Is there finally an objective way to diagnose concussions in sports and active duty?

Neurolytixs, a Canadian R&D company, has licensed and patented a novel blood test technology that uses artificial intelligence to help diagnose concussions within just 48 hours.

Founded by Dr. Douglas Fraser, Peter George, and Adrian Uthay, Neurolytixs works by identifying a number of biomarkers to accurately identify brain injury among amateur athletes, active duty members, and others. Dr. Fraser developed this first-of-its-kind technology to yield accurate results with just a prick of the finger blood test. Using dried plasma spot and metabolite measurements, a mass spectrometer can accurately diagnose mild traumatic brain injury with rapid results.

“This product has been six years in the making, and amongst field experts, it is considered the ‘Holy Grail’ of traumatic brain injury research,” says Dr. Fraser, a Clinician Scientist at the London Health Sciences Center, Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology and Pharmacology, and Clinical Neurological Sciences at Western University, and member of the Office of Military Academic Medicine.

This is big news in the concussion diagnosis field which relies heavily on behavioral, physical, and cognitive methodologies. Clinical observation and testing are often susceptible to error, while symptoms of concussions can be nonspecific and subjective. When these concussions go misdiagnosed and untreated, depending on the severity, a person can experience an increased risk of memory loss, Alzheimer’s, trouble reasoning, and communication issues.

Research shows that more than 10% of young athletes experience a concussion each year, with 50% of those going undiagnosed. That’s why Dr. Fraser and his team have specifically tailored their blood test to adolescents aged 13 to 17. He says that because this age group has years of their life to live, they need to be treated properly so that their concussions can be recognized.

But it’s not just amateur athletes that concussions threaten; children and military personnel also experience long-term brain health. In Canada alone, 452 people each day experience a traumatic brain injury, also known as an mTBI. Of the military personnel sent to Afghanistan and Iraq, 20% experienced an mTBI, and many continue to experience long-term symptoms.

5 out of 10 concussions go unnoticed in youth sports, but the Neurolytixs test can help diagnose concussions within 48 hours.

This new technology will help remove injured athletes from play to prevent further acute injury. For Armed Force members, this technology can be used in training and deployment settings. Both scenarios support better strategies for helping patients recover. So, how complicated is the process? There’s not as much to it as you think, with a fast and efficient two-step diagnostic process.

Step one of the process is a baseline sample of the patient, which must be taken before the season starts or before a military person is deployed. This “chemical fingerprint” provides an accurate assessment of the patient. The second step must occur within 72 hours after a possible concussion, also known as the “post-impact sample.” A fingerprint blood sample is taken and sent to the lab for testing. The post-impact sample is compared to the baseline sample, and within 20 minutes, it can be determined if the person had a concussion or not.

Dr. Fraser’s main concern is making sure concussions aren’t missed. He says that cumulative concussions cause more debilitating symptoms and are more likely to last into older age. In rare cases, these repeat blows to the head can be lifeending.

So far, preliminary research has shown up to 96% accuracy on adolescent athletes, promising signs for a test that’s likely to sell for around $100, according to Dr. Fraser. It’s been six years since Neurolytixs started researching and developing this medical innovation. And the company anticipates spending up to $5 million to develop the product.

Then there’s the competition. Other companies are coming out with their own concussion diagnosis technology with claims of objective assessment. A company out of Wisconsin combines neuroscience with a proprietary algorithm to diagnose concussions. One research team based in Alberta claims to use urinalysis to detect concussions successfully. The list goes on.

The good news for Neurolytixs is that its blood test is already licensed and patented worldwide. Even more, they started clinical trials with the Food and Drug Administration in April, which means the test could be available as early as 2023. Dr. Fraser also mentioned that there had been real progress in the last two years despite COVID-19 disrupting sporting activities.

As of now, the next step for Neurolytixs is to investigate whether blood testing can be effective in assessing the severity of a concussion. This would help determine how long a person should sit out to allow their brain to heal before returning to action. But still, Neurolytixs’ new tool has the potential to objectively diagnose concussions accurately with just a prick of the finger, and that would give peace of mind to a lot of parents.

sports

PIVOTING: FROM BIG TIME BASKETBALL TO BIG TECH BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Osborn-Jones encourages others who seek to pivot from one industry to another to lean into their fear and uncertainty rather than letting it paralyze them.

Pivoting: From Big Time Basketball to Big Tech

Alexandra Osborn-Jones, Director of Growth at AppLovin

PHOTO CREDIT: ALEXANDRA OSBORN-JONES WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

lexandra

AOsborn-Jones played in many varsity basketball games in her 2010-14 Yale career, starting in many of them.

She made a good number of shots during the games, from the field and from the three-point range, and provided solid defense by blocking and stealing.

All of this skilled gameplay took place while she worked towards a degree in the history of medicine, although hoping to become a pro basketball star.

However, the cumulative physical and mental effects of injuries she experienced on the court caused her to seek a different career rather than playing ball professionally. Unsure what to pursue with a humanities degree, she scanned job boards after graduation, applying for and landing a consulting position with a private equity company.

“I read over the job description and saw that they didn’t require a particular kind of background, so I figured I could go for it,” Osborn-Jones said.

OSBORN-JONES’ PIVOT

While the connections between basketball and technology might not be immediately obvious, Osborn-Jones insists that her sports background prepared her for a career in tech.

“In basketball, you have to immediately start working as a team, the same as in any business. And in an industry where things change as rapidly as in tech, you have to pay attention to everything in the moment, just as you do in sports,” she said.

She found startups a better fit for someone new to tech than larger tech firms because they cared more about personality traits and mindset than hard skills and they appreciated her willingness to learn.

“If you don’t know something you need to know for your job, go learn it, go figure it out! Being able to do that is a valuable skill,” she says.

Ultimately, Osborn-Jones discovered technology firm AppLovin and worked her way up over several years to become their director of growth. In her role, she is responsible for driving company, customer, and revenue growth.

ADVICE FOR OTHER CAREER CHANGERS

Osborn-Jones encourages others who seek to pivot from one industry to another to lean into their fear and uncertainty rather than letting it paralyze them.

“Most career moves are reversible,” she says. “If your new direction truly doesn’t work, you can always go back to what you know.”

However, a few failures are not the end of the

world. “Failing is learning! Also, try the ‘count up’ trick: will this mistake or setback matter in a year? In five years? That will help put it in perspective.”

Osborn-Jones also advises would-be career changers to think over their skills and what sort of work would be possible or realistic.

“Draw connections between what you’re doing now and what you’d like to be doing. And don’t underestimate soft skills! Attitudes and people skills are vital to any industry and will help you pivot.”

While you’re still in your current role, Osborn-Jones

suggests raising your hand and volunteering for extra projects at work. This will build your skillset as well as your resume.

She also offers up one final point of advice. “Remember to give yourself the benefit of your own doubt! Many managers want to give new hires the benefit of the doubt and act as if they will succeed in their new roles. So, shouldn’t you do the same for yourself?”

Even though Osborn-Jones isn’t the WNBA star she hoped she’d become, she feels she has scored, personally and professionally, and wishes the same for anyone else in her position.

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282

HEFORSHE

BY FILIPA ARAÚJO

special interest

HARNESSING TECH CREATIVITY TO SOLVE FOR DEI JUSTICE

BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Her background and professional experience inspired her to make diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a high workplace priority.

WOMEN PIONEERS IN WEST AFRICA’S TECH SPACE

BY GEORGE DIKE

Spotlight on The Top Seven Female Tech CEOs in Africa’s Largest Economy.

SHOP, WORK, LOVE

BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Joining forces in a powerful fight to close the gender equality gap. 298 306 310

Suitability goes further and involves a person or job situation which inspires you, helps you “level up,” and become a better version of yourself.

HeForShe

Joining forces in a powerful fight to close the gender equality gap

WRITTEN BY: FILIPA ARAÚJO PHOTO CREDIT: HEFORSHE.ORG

Whether it is women fighting for their seat at the table, or men being trapped in gender stereotypes, everyone loses in the battle of inequality. Gender inequality is a global issue.

When faced with gender-based issues, regardless of gender, we often think, what can I do to make sure this doesn’t happen? In what way can I support and empower the women in my circles and deconstruct toxic male stereotypes? How can I be an agent of change?

Emma Watson

HeForShe is a global movement that invites people of all genders to support gender equality and call world leaders to action.

HeForShe comes as a response to the gender equality gap. An alliance that aims to “accelerate progress towards gender equality.”

The movement started in 2014 and was created by UN Women, an entity of the United Nations that focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The idea was to build a movement with powerful leaders from different backgrounds: government, business, non-profit organizations, and academics. The leaders, known as HeForShe Champions, pledge to act on all fronts, achieving economic justice, empowering future female leaders, promoting new cultural norms, and ending genderbased violence. The goal is to try and test different solutions within their organization to solve a specific gender-based problem.

Throughout time, women and men have been put in boxes. Boxes often define and shape the way we perceive the world, the way we adopt social roles, and the way we act toward others and ourselves. After being confined to a box for so long, it can be difficult to imagine a world outside of that box. So it’s important to create space to empower women and men, whose voices have been suppressed by the influence of gender stereotypes.

In a speech given by Emma Watson, a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, during the movement’s launch event, she stated the power of stepping out of gender confinement: “If we stop defining each other by what we are not and start defining ourselves by what we are—we can all be freer, and this is what HeForShe is about. It’s about freedom. I want men to take up this mantle. So their daughters, sisters, and mothers can be free from prejudice but also so that their sons have permission to be vulnerable and human too—reclaim those parts of themselves they abandoned and, in doing so, be a more true and complete version of themselves.”

ACTION KITS FOR CHANGE

To make these solutions accessible to everyone and use technology to their advantage, HeForShe creates digital action kits for individuals and organizations. These action kits are essentially step-bystep guides to implementing change in our teams, our communities, our schools, and our homes. In a way, how to empower women 101. These action kits use successful projects as examples, providing instructions on how to implement changes. They also provide resources and contacts to help others achieve the same results. All of this information can be downloaded from their website: heforshe.org.

This leads us to the question, could a solution developed in Finland have the same results in the US? Or in South Africa? How can we consider cultural differences and access to resources?

How can technology incorporate human factors, such as multiculturalism and social norms, or work cultures and economic factors?

Every year, new leaders are selected from different corners of the world, bringing new perspectives and ideas to the table. The aim is to expand the movement and reduce its limitations while expanding the ability to act and make a change in every sector, industry, and country.

REDEFINING THE TECH WORLD

In the corporate technology world, NGOs and university academics are developing new action kits focused on empowering women in tech. Projects such as “Growing future women leaders in STEM,” a free summer camp for high school girls to encourage and support young

women’s involvement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The STEM Innovation Leadership Academy is a solution developed by the Exelon Foundation, an American energy company. Exelon’s CEO and President, Chris Crane, stated: “By creating opportunities for young women to learn about and pursue STEM-related careers, we are helping develop the workforce of the future. We recognize that a diverse team of people—with different backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and perspectives—makes for a better, more innovative company and a stronger community partner.”

On the other side of the spectrum, technology is also being used as a tool to end gender-based violence. An innovative action kit that leads the way to eliminate sexual and genderbased violence (SGBV). Kenyatta University developed a mobile app that anonymously and securely helps survivors report SGBV cases. Paul K. Wainaina, Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University, stated: “Acknowledging that SGBV is a barrier to the educational, scholarly, and research purposes of the university, Kenyatta University will continue working toward eliminating it in all its forms. Moving with the challenges of the 21st century, we turned to technology through the use of a mobile app that anonymously, efficiently, and securely helps survivors report SGBV cases.”

By bringing in people from different backgrounds, we allow for a more inclusive range of solutions that can truly impact societies all over the world and affect global change.

Stem Leadership Academy

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The HeForShe summit in 2021 gave us insights into how far the movement has come.

In the press release for the summit, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Executive Director of UN Women, said, “After today, with our partners providing almost 40 solutions, no one can say they do not know where to start. No one can be a bystander.”

So, what has changed since 2014?

The overall representation of women in these companies has been steadily increasing.

There are more women on the boards of the partnering corporations, and the number of women in senior leadership positions in partner universities has tripled.

These are only some of the astonishing achievements that the movement has accomplished.

Since it started, word of HeForShe has spread to all corners of the world and started millions of conversations. Since 2014, thousands of men around the world have committed to fighting for gender equality. In their companies, organizations, communities, circles, and homes. It is remarkable to see how intentional words provoke a powerful call to action. It starts with opening the conversation. The rest is up to us.

HeForShe Champions

To uplift, inspire, and empower women all over the world, playing any variety of roles, and at all ages through clothing and community that helps you feel like your best self and reach your highest potential.

A great Blazer can only go so far...

Presence Learning: Remote Flexible Therapy for Children with Learning Differences

Wisdom from Shanelle Reese, Chief People Officer at Presence Learning

PHOTO CREDIT: SHANELLE REESE WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

Presence Learning’s Chief People Officer, Shanelle Reese, was a huge fan of remote work before Covid-19 brought everyone’s offices into their living rooms.

“It supports work/life balance. About 97% of our clinical workforce are women, of which the vast majority are primary caregivers,” Reese says.

Presence Learning is a site connecting educational therapists to children around the country with learning differences. Their goal is to make therapies available to more children and to assist therapists in building their client bases and careers.

As head of human resources, or “Chief People Officer,” as Presence Learning calls her role, Reese says that the flexible schedules and location independence of remote work attract therapists to the platform.

EXPERIENCED HR PROFESSIONAL INSPIRED BY HER SON

Reese’s own son needed speech therapy when he was two. Although the family lived in an urban area, it still took them a while to find a speech therapist with available appointments. .

“I remember wondering at the time: ‘How do parents in rural areas deal with the inability to access services for their children?’”

She says her experience was part of the reason she took a position with Presence Learning. And she appreciates how the team at Presence, which includes certified special education professionals, is committed to something beyond themselves, to work that helps children and families.

“That is the secret sauce of our company,” she says.

Prior to Presence Learning, Reese led HR Operations at Amerit Fleet Solutions before transitioning to an HR Project Manager role at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital of Oakland.

EXPANDING THE POOL OF THERAPISTS

Reese is committed to encouraging more people to pursue special education and speech and language therapy as a career. The Presence Learning platform intends to reduce the national shortage of therapists by promoting the field and making it easier for clients and therapists to find each other.

“Presence Learning’s clinical network spans the country and is a growing resource of 1,500+ providers who serve a range of needs and connect with students through live, online sessions on the Presence Learning platform. We are working to continue to grow that network and help grow the pipeline for provider positions more broadly.”

She’s proud of how Presence supports the working moms among their educational provider community. Providers are able to choose the number of days they work and to work remotely, and they say this flexibility is a factor in keeping them working in education.

Reese says special education presents many meaningful career paths that offer solid salaries, professional mentoring, and the chance to help children.

“We need to fully support the young people who want to enter this field.”

HOW TELETHERAPY CAN HELP SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

Online special education therapy also has the potential to greatly benefit children, as Reese explains.

“Teletherapy is revolutionizing our ability as a country to address the needs of the next

generation! It offers a way for kids, especially in under-resourced communities, to receive their special education or mental health services because they are getting these services online instead of relying on the availability of a therapist at their school. There’s more research done every year about its effectiveness versus in-person therapy, but official organizations like the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have given their stamps of approval.”

She says teletherapy comes naturally to many children who spend a lot of time engaged with electronics already, and provides the therapists with resources and information from colleagues around the world.

What helped Reese’s son the most, in her view, was open communication, positive reinforcement, and being able to adapt his Individual Education Program (IEP) to his individual personality, schedule, and energy levels. Teletherapy can assist with each of these dynamics.

Teletherapy was also able to continue without interruption during Covid, which proved invaluable for many children.

“For kids, consistency is critical, so going without services for such a long time definitely had a negative impact on my son and the other friends in my circle with kids who also have IEPs. It was a tough position to be in. That’s why I’m so passionate about the benefits of teletherapy. It provides a solution to connecting students with the clinical support that they need, no matter where they live or if they can attend school in person.”

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Reese supports up-and-coming, as well as current, special education therapists by championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within Presence Learning.

Towards that end, she has helped Presence Learning set up Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for employees from under-represented groups to find and connect. These groups provide a space where the employees can support each other and also create a mechanism by which the management can receive feedback from employees about the experiences of different groups in the workplace.

She says that while these groups have been in the works for years, the staff has been balancing many different priorities. However, the racial tensions of 2020 brought about renewed, urgent interest in the ERGs, and Reese considers this a wonderful development.

“If you don’t give power to voice and give people an opportunity to influence their work environment and community in a positive way, they won’t continue to contribute. The oxygen given to each respective ERG is very important.”

To Reese, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not simply matters of justice and respect for Presence Learning’s employees and clients. They are critical parts of what makes the company able to be creative enough to meet the needs of the children and families they serve.

“Diversity of background, life, and work experiences allow for shared understanding and ultimately drive innovation. At Presence Learning, we encourage each other to think outside the box, to trust one another, and to break down barriers. We don’t just want to hear the ideas of those in management positions or those who have the loudest voices, we really want to hear ALL ideas.”

Remote work expands the pool of employees and therapists who can work through Presence Learning and thus the opportunity for diversity and inclusion. The team occasionally meets in person and makes the most of those times. Still, Reese and others in management feel that being present in person every workday is no longer necessary today.

This flexibility has led to an improved work culture and, for the therapists, has reduced burnout and fostered longer-term connections between therapists and children.

As for the broader topic of workplace culture, Reese offers advice informed by her experience.

“It’s important to know your culture and know your people. You can’t take a cookie-cutter approach. One size does not fit all. Knowing your people builds community, and community builds trust. Listen to your employees. Give them an avenue like an engagement survey to share their feedback. Make them part of the solution. Show them their voice matters by acknowledging their ideas, acting on the ones that make sense, and helping your employees solve their concerns.”

Photographer: Elias Gurrola instagram.com/eliasgurrola twitter.com/Elias_Gurrola facebook.com/eliasgurroladesign pinterest.com/eliasgurrola/_created eliasgurrola.com

Breaking The Bias In Africa’s Tech Space

How Women Are Rising Above Stereotypes To Become Industry Leaders in Africas Tech Space and Leading The New Generation of Female Tech-prenuers.

WRITTEN BY: GEORGE DIKE

n recent years, Africa’s tech scene has witnessed a boom with a dramatic increase in innovators

and tech entrepreneurs. These ‘techpreneurs,’ as they are popularly referred to, use technology to provide simple and accessible solutions to everyday problems.

Across Africa, tech hubs have sprouted in places such as Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa, with Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, leading the pack. From payment services to applications that help people increase their savings and make it easier for Africans to participate in the global crypto rush, Africa’s tech scene is livelier than ever.

Photo by: Christina Morillo

An estimated 30% of businesses in Africa are owned by women. Compared to these record rates of women’s entrepreneurship, women’s participation in the tech industry is woefully behind. Women are underrepresented and marginalized as tech entrepreneurs in the digital economy, albeit it is one of the most promising and fastest growing sectors in many countries.

ARE WOMEN TRULY UNDERREPRESENTED IN AFRICAS TECH SPACE?

Globally, leading tech hubs like Silicon Valley have focused on gendered discrimination. Yet, the participation of women in tech sectors remains low. To have a clear understanding of women’s underrepresentation in tech, let us see the statistics:

Venture Capital for Africa’s 2016 showed that only 9% of African tech startups were led by women.

According to the World Bank, women’s labor-force participation in Africa has been projected to be about 60% in previous years. This number, however, only conveys part of the tale.

Research by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) shows that women account for just 30% of technology professionals in SubSaharan Africa.

McKinsey estimated in 2016 that women occupied just one-third of leadership positions in telecoms, media, and technology.

It is evident that women are unequal producers and consumers of technology in Africa. Although many tech entrepreneurs claim their objective is to ‘offer inclusive or accessible solutions to common issues,’ it is impossible to do so effectively when men produce the majority of applications and

services, and women’s participation in their creation is limited.

Most African women in the labor market continue to engage in low-wage, laborintensive professions such as agriculture, which lack value-addition and growth prospects and contribute to the poverty of many women. Nonetheless, African women continue to lead the world as entrepreneurs and company owners.

WHAT STEPS RE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE STATISTICS?

The lack of women in tech can not be underlooked. Even as it grows to new heights, women’s involvement in the tech sector is not where it should be. Only 10% of West African firms that raised $1 million over the last decade had at least one female co-founder.

Today, women have risen to checkmate systems that have constantly withheld them from breaking the bias and actualizing their true potential. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and purpose, here are some key projects helping shape the next generation of women in Tech.

MY FIRST CHECK AFRICA

My First Check Africa was founded to provide a pipeline that identifies women early on, before they become frustrated by the fundraising process, and provides them with funds to construct a minimum viable product so they may go on to secure seedstage funding. It was co-founded by Odunayo Eweniyi and Eloho Oman.

LADIESDOTECH (WEB3LADIES)

LadiesDoTech is a community that aims to build the ideal African tech ladies. Founded by Oluchi Enebeli, the community seeks to bridge the gap between tech aspirants and

According to the World Bank, women’s labor-force participation in Africa has been projected to be about 60% in previous years. This number, however, only conveys part of the tale.

the real representation of women in IT firms worldwide. They accomplish this by grooming confident women who are self-aware and providing them with an opportunity to compete favorably in the tech ecosystem.

Their target audience includes newcomers looking for a career path in technology, career switchers looking to start a new tech career, women looking for a deeper meaning in life but unsure how or where to begin, and women already in tech looking to connect and create something awesome and willing to nurture others.

They also provide mentorship and guidance to women who are just starting as a way to facilitate their growth.

SHE CODE AFRICA

As a non-profit organization, She Code Africa connects African girls to a network of female professionals through an intense mentorship program. SCA is currently functioning on thirteen campuses in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Cameroon, including the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Kenya.

The organization has 14 off-campus locations in Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda.

She Code Africa was founded by Ada Nduka Oyom, an Ecosystem Community Manager with Google’s Developer Relations team, to create an Africa where women are equally represented across all career roles in technology. It offers girls access to learning resources such as tutorials, articles, videos, job opportunities, and promotions to global conferences and tech events.

AFRO TECH GIRLS

Afro-Tech Girls is a non-profit organization based in Nigeria created in 2015 to boost the engagement of young women and girls in STEM. The group works to promote STEM disciplines in high school, university, and beyond. Every summer, ATG runs a boot camp for secondary school girls to expose them to the potential of technology.

WOMEN WHO CODE

Women Who Code is an international non-profit organization that started as a community in 2011 when a group of technologists realized they wanted to transform the industry experience for female engineers.

It has now grown into a global non-profit organization and the world’s largest and most active community committed to promoting women to pursue professions in technology. Women Who Code grew one city at a time, reaching more than 20 countries.

In Africa, it has locations in Lagos, Nigeria, and Accra, Ghana. Both networks, which launched in 2019, believe in WWC’s long-term goal of a society where women are proportionally represented as tech leaders, CEOs, founders, VCs, board members, and software developers.

HOPE FOR THE NEW GENERATION

Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has traditionally struggled with a gender imbalance, resulting in a lack of finance for women-led enterprises. Despite a lack of gender diversity on investment boards, a financing deficit, or even an unconscious bias, many female African digital entrepreneurs continue to significantly impact the industry.

According to a survey by The Women in Tech Africa Summit 2019, global technology startups managed by female entrepreneurs generally generate a 35% greater return on investment while obtaining 50% less venture capital funding. This and many more pointers show that women can attain peak heights when put to it.

No doubt, when women are given an equal opportunity, they excel. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Break the Bias,’ has shown women gradually demonstrating that they can achieve tremendous goals without limits. Therefore, we celebrate every woman putting in the work to ensure the future of our women in tech is secured, safe, and equal.

#BreakTheBias.

We celebrate every woman putting in the work to ensure the future of our women in tech is secured, safe, and equal. #BreakTheBias.

Photo by August de Richelieu

Harnessing Tech Creativity to Solve for DEI Justice

Roku’s Human Resources Manager Ericka Tate

PHOTO CREDIT: ERICKA TATE/ROKU WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

The first in her family to graduate from college, Ericka Tate accepted the first job offer she received on graduation: a sales job.

“I was the first woman that company had hired for that role,” she remembers. “So, boy, do I have stories!”

While in sales, Tate was asked to help grow the team and ended up serving as a recruiter, a position with which she fell in love.

Tate now manages human resources for Roku and serves as their Global People Business Partner.

“I was in recruiting for many years and then organically transitioned into HR. HR is a perfect fit for who I am at my core. No two days are the same; really, no two hours are the same! I wear 100 hats and help people and companies grow. What more could you ask for!”

Her background and professional experience

inspired her to make diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a high workplace priority.

DEI AT ROKU

Tate says DEI efforts at Roku have taken off and expanded in recent years, and she’s been proud to be a part of the process. She also highlights that this work isn’t just about recruiting a diverse pool of candidates or employees but also about supporting and retaining existing diverse talent.

“We now have a team of folks focused on making Roku a more inclusive and diverse place to work, attracting and retaining diverse talent, and educating us all on how we can work better together. We have speakers who are experts in DE&I, employee resource groups (ERGs), workshops, and are being bold by continuing to have conversations that help us all learn and grow. We find it important to not only focus on recruiting new diverse talent but to support our current workforce.”

She urges companies of all sizes to fully invest in DEI, which includes taking the initiative to hire and learn from experts who can show them how to do the work.

“One thing they could do is acknowledge how important it is. Saying hey, we know we need to work on these areas, and we are, join us in this work. Help us be better. Sending an invite to their employees and even customer base is key. Second, you have to think outside the box and hire experts to help you get there. If you are looking for diverse candidates using the same sources you always have, most likely, you will continue to get the same results. You have to try new things, spend money, time, and energy to get real results.”

Tate affirms that the technology industry has creativity that could be harnessed toward creating equitable and affirming DEI resources and programs.

“I think those in the technology field have a real advantage over other industries.

Technology companies are leaders, innovative, willing to try new things, risk takers, and trying to improve their clients day to day. That is exactly what makes a great DE&I program. Think about the changes you would like to see and tackle it in a similar way you would a business problem.”

Tate’s own Roku device is one of her favorite pieces of technology, along with the Uber Eats app. She’s thrilled to be able to stream a variety of shows on Netflix and her favorite, the Hallmark channel.

She loves working with Roku as well and finds the company culture exciting.

“The opportunity at Roku [is] about building something great. They have these really great products and are in an incredibly fast-growing industry, and that combo was music to my ears. I love being part of a fast-growing team and riding the waves of trial and error, and seeing all of that hard work pay off. And if you can do all of that while having a good time, that is success!”

Seamlessly Outsourced for Smooth Success

Peta-Gaye Willis and exceptional ADMIN

PHOTO CREDIT: PETA GAYE - EXCEPTIONALADMIN WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

Peta-Gaye Willis’ virtual assistant company, exceptionalADMIN, helped many firms survive the pandemic.

“[Covid-19] triggered a massive influx of new customers that were looking to pivot from brick and mortar bases to e-commerce. My company ended up helping a lot of businesses continue to operate despite having their store locations being shut down due to changing government requirements.”

In their early days, exceptionalADMIN focused on raising awareness of what virtual assistants did and how someone in that role could help an operation. But when Covid-19 hit, companies started looking to outsource their social media and recruitment activities to find the best people and the best deals, as everyone was working from home anyway. Word of mouth referrals from satisfied customers have grown the business over time.

Willis describes in depth how the company has grown and adapted to the needs of its increasing client base.

“We have expanded our services to include payroll and HR compliance services. We also now offer VIP Days to work with clients where they get expertly guided, organized, and supported to get to the heart of the stumbling blocks, bottlenecks, and find fresh tools and ideas to get more done in their business—that translates to an easy way to move forward at lightning speed. We also offer training workshops to mentor new and upcoming Virtual Assistants in partnership with the Toronto YWCA.”

PASSION FOR EDUCATION, INCLUSION, AND TECHNOLOGY

Willis appreciates the role of technology in speeding up and smoothing out business operations.

“So I am up to date on all of the emerging tech and tools that increase business productivity. I am fascinated and passionate about adult education and always take courses to develop my expertise and support ongoing development which adds value for my clients.”

She says one of the first things you will notice is that they implement a lot of automations and streamline existing technology and processes. Since they already work with companies from a range of industries, they see upcoming trends, provide a level of stability and consistency, and can recommend solutions that improve business.

EXPERIENCED CORPORATE EMPLOYEE TURNS ENTREPRENEUR

Willis’ corporate background gave her insight into the needs and challenges of business owners.

“I wanted to [start exceptionalADMIN] because I was taking HR and marketing courses at the time and saw the immediate value that the skills I was learning would add to business owners. I was working remotely in a corporate role previously and had experience using online tools and technology to increase productivity and efficiency. I came across the idea and did my research to see if this would be a viable business, and it was!”

Her corporate experience includes training, event planning and coordination, and team building, and she has supported lawyers, directors, and a company president through roles including executive assistance. She’s also certified in Microsoft with an Office Assistant Diploma and as a digital marketer and brand ambassador for the Digital Marketing Academy of Canada.

Her personal favorite technology is Canva, as she loves the graphic design software’s intuitive interface and capabilities.

Yet, exceptionalADMIN never loses sight of the human aspect of their work. They believe in meshing well into teams or individual clients, getting along, and matching others’ work styles for seamless integration. Diversity, equity, and inclusion is also a core value in their operations as well as in the training and mentoring workshops they provide for students.

“exceptionalADMIN is owned and operated by a black woman, so diverse and inclusive representation is at the core of everything we do.”

The world’s first highly sustainable and environmentally friendly organic material made of Nopal cactus, also known as the prickly pear.

desserto.com.mx

Women Pioneers In West Africa’s Tech Space

Spotlight on The Top Seven Female Tech CEOs in Africa’s Largest Economy

WRITTEN BY: GEORGE DIKE

Globally, the Tech Industry has experienced a high influx of women breaking grounds and leveraging financial technology (Fintech). Still, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimates that only 30 percent of professionals in the tech sector are women. Their research also revealed that only 12 percent of global Fintech founders and co-founders were women.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, women constitute only 30% of professionals in the tech industry. These statistics shed light on the significant gap between women and men in exploring careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Despite not having a fair percentage in the Tech Industry, Nigerian women have had a significant global impact. Nigerian women in the tech industry have secured lucrative deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars, launched start-ups, and advocated for gender equality.

In acknowledgment of their many exploits, here are our top seven female tech leaders in the Nigerian Tech space. These women are shattering the proverbial glass ceiling and making their marks in technology and innovation.

BILIKISS ADEBIYIABIOLA FOUNDER, WECYCLERS

Adebiyi-Abiola is a former IBM software engineer who created social networking software for Fortune 500 organizations. She returned to Nigeria to launch WeCyclers, a firm that provides garbage collection and recycling services to residents of Lagos.

WeCyclers provides incentives to low-income people through SMS points for every kilogram of garbage recycled. Rewards, which include essential food products, are sponsored in partnership with major corporations such as Coca-Cola and GlaxoSmithKline.

ODUNAYO EWENIYI CO-FOUNDER/ COO, PIGGYVEST

Eweniyi is the CoFounder and Chief Operations Officer of PiggyVest, a West African online savings platform for personal savings and investing. Similarly, she cofounded FirstCheck Africa, an angel fund for female entrepreneurs, and PushCV.

Odunayo Eweniyi, Somto Ifezue, and Joshua Chibueze established Piggyvest in 2016 to make loans available to as many Nigerians as possible. Odunayo and her team led Piggyvest in raising $1.1 million in 2018 for license acquisition, product development, and increased marketing investment.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Photo Credit: Global Citizen

FUNKE OPEKE FOUNDER, MAINSTREET TECHNOLOGIES

Opeke is the founder of MainStreet Technologies, the creators of MainOne, a major provider of telecommunications services and network solutions in West Africa. Opeke spent almost twenty years with Verizon Communications in the United States before returning to Nigeria in 2005 as the Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria Communications (MTN).

ADIA SOWHO CEO, THRIVE AGRIC

YANMO OMOROGBE CO-FOUNDER/COO, BAMBOO

As Bamboo’s co-founder and COO, Yanmo Omorogbe handles Bamboo’s growth and operations. Bamboo is a digital investing platform that allows Nigerians to purchase, sell, or hold assets traded on the US stock exchange via their mobile phones or computers in real-time. The idea is to allow investment across Africa by making it simple for Africans in the diaspora to invest back home.

Omorogbe is committed to aiding the longterm success of the organizations she has found herself.

OLUCHI ENEBELI CO-FOUNDER/CTO, CREVATAL

Enebeli is the co-founder/CTO of Crevatal, a Blockchain user experience design and development company. To encourage the next generation of female entrepreneurs, she launched LadiesDoTech, a network dedicated to creating the ideal African tech ladies. She also works as a Blockchain Engineer at Bundle Africa.

Oluchi enhances crypto interactions across products by utilizing scalable blockchain services. She has experience with technologies such as Binance Smart Chain, Tron, Multichain, Solidity, Node.js, and ExpressJs. She has worked for companies such as Crenet TechLabs and Sterling Bank Plc.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Interim CEO of Thrive Agric and nonexecutive director of Hover Developer Services, Sowho has established herself as a problem solver in Nigeria’s business, technology, and media sectors. With a background in mobile content development, technology, and financial services, she is now focused on improving Nigeria’s digital culture and motivating more young women to join the industry.

FOUNDER, MAMAMONI

Former banker, Nkem Okocha, founded Mamamoni, a social enterprise and Fintech firm that provides women with microloans and free financial and vocational skills training. The enterprise has influenced the lives of around 5,000 low-income women in rural areas across Lagos, Nigeria. Nkem is a Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme and Young African Leaders Initiative alumni and a 2016 LEAP Africa Social Innovator.

Nigerian women are impacting every aspect of life in their country, continent, and globally. They are laying lasting foundations in varying industries, from politics, commerce, entrepreneurship, academics, and tech. The women of Africa’s most populous nation have geared up, identifying societal problems ranging from education, health, finance, and climate change and are providing innovative solutions using tech.

No doubt, these extraordinary female tech leaders have excelled in their fields. They have grown beyond start-up phases and have built their brands to international standards. We celebrate these women as they show their prowess amid the many challenges they have been through.

Photo Credit: MainOne

Photo Credit:

Photo Credit: A New Touch of Africa

Photo by Adia Sowho

Photo by Vanguard Nigeria NKEM OKOCHA

loveiguehi.com

LOVE THE WAY YOU LOOK LOVE THE WAY YOU FEEL.

Shop, Work, Love Level’s e-commerce, career, and dating site

PHOTO CREDIT: SHOP LEVEL WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

What if you could be matched with employers and job opportunities the same way dating apps match you with potential dates? And catch up on shopping while that’s happening?

Level is a new site set up to make it all possible in the same place. According to spokesperson Laura James, “Level is the perfect platform for those who are ready to take their career and love life to the next level.”

James intends for Level to save users’ time as well as connect them with optimal matches in life’s different categories.

“You can say goodbye to hours wasted scouring the internet for job postings or trawling through dating apps. Instead, simply create a profile and let Level do the hard work for you. We’ll match you with potential employers or dates based on your preferences and skillset. So whether you’re looking for your dream job or your soulmate, Level is here to help,” says James.

BENEFITS OF LEVEL

When people use Level to seek work, they can search for job opportunities and create a profile with their interests and a resume. The site uses that information to match people with job opportunities.

When it comes to dating, Level uses smart technology to enable deeper and more authentic matches by helping people meet others who have similar interests or are working within the same industry.

As for shopping, Level’s AI identifies customer interests and introduces them to brands that they might appreciate.

“We use brand-new proprietary shopping technology designed to help you discover and purchase products from world-renowned brands,” the site explains.

They also connect shoppers to products from artisans around the world and upand-coming and small businesses.

SUITABILITY IS THE ANSWER

Level’s social media provides various tips for mind shifts to help people enhance their lives. The primary one is to seek suitability, in a job, a partner, or artwork and accessories for your home.

Suitability is explained as different from compatibility and an even better way to make choices. Compatibility simply means you get along with dates or coworkers, share interests, and function reasonably well without major conflict. Suitability involves a person or job situation which inspires you, helps you “level up,” and become a better version of yourself. A suitable match, job, or even piece of furniture is “right” or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation.

“While compatibility is definitely important, it’s not the be-all and end-all of a successful relationship. In fact, the most successful relationships are between people who are not necessarily compatible [in all ways] but who are suitable for each other.”

This applies to the job market as well. Level encourages job seekers not just to apply to positions for which they can perform all the required responsibilities but to find the most suitable roles.

Employment candidates can do this by researching employers’ cultures and values and making sure they are aligned with the organization’s ideals and style. Leveling up your qualifications can help you fit roles with employers who match your values, and Level encourages constant self-development.

One way someone can find suitability in love and career is to date a co-worker at their dream job!

Level encourages users to date co-workers because of the shared trust, interests, and respect and because they will understand each other’s busy schedules and commitment to career growth.

FINDING SUITABLE ENVIRONMENTS

Level also encourages remote work as a suitable option for many people. Working remotely can improve work-life balance for people by allowing them to avoid spending time commuting or dealing with office politics.

Also, certain roles and certain workplaces highlight and make the most of different personality types. Level offers six basic “personalities” for which you can find suitable work on their site: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

Realistic environments are task-oriented and hands-on (custodial work, landscaping, piloting), while Investigative environments involve data and analysis. Artistic workplaces foster creativity and expression, while Social workplaces thrive on interaction among people. Finally, Enterprising venues are inspirational and entrepreneurial, while Conventional places are organized and detailoriented.

Level’s founders have seen over time that matching users to jobs and employers based on that criteria goes further to help them find suitable work than simply matching listed skills and experience.

They seek to fine-tune matching in three seemingly different areas of life, shopping, seeking work, and dating, to bring more people to a life that’s levels of magnitude more suitable for them.

Suitability goes further and involves a person or

which inspires you, helps you “level up,” and become a better version of yourself.

skincare + soul care

science & innovation

ACCENTURE’S VRUSHALI GAUD ON ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Amplifying Your Voice for Sustainability.

THE PERFECT SCENT BY STELL APOLYZOIDOU

NINU—the first AI-powered perfume that suits your mood.

WHAT WAS THAT AGAIN? A NOTE-TAKER IN THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE

BY CRISTINA DEPTULA

Dr. Jacqueline Darna describes new Intellidoc software that helps patients remember and order doctors’ over-the-counter recommendations.

PHOTO CREDIT KENDALL RUTH IN UNSPLASH

Accenture’s Vrushali Gaud on Organizational Sustainability

Amplifying Your Voice for Sustainability Within a Large Organization

PHOTO CREDIT: VRUSHALI GAUD/ACCENTURE WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

rushali Gaud, managing director at Accenture, was always blazing a trail for a more inclusive and purpose driven workplace. As an engineer, she was one of the few women to pursue mechanical engineering and work on the automotive shopfloor at Tata Motors, India. Subsequently she moved to the US to pursue a master’s degree and had the opportunity to work at the then newly launched Emissions Solutions business at Cummins Inc.

“My experience with Tata Motors shaped my understanding that businesses thrive when the communities in which they operate thrive; and Cummins initiated the journey towards building businesses that

Vrushali Gaud

address the world’s most pressing challenges. Sustainability became a business imperative and key to long term value creation,” Gaud says.

These early experiences working in the automotive sector got her thinking about carbon emissions, environmental regulation, climate change and the ways corporations can embrace a more purpose driven agenda to address the world’s biggest challenges, including sustainability. She continued to champion environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, through engaging with multi-stakeholder bodies, corporates, regulators and policy makers that scaled adoption of integrated sustainability reporting and transparency in disclosures across South Asia.

Currently a leader in Accenture’s Sustainability Services practice, she helps companies transform towards more sustainable and resilient businesses that create positive value and impact for all stakeholders.

WHY SUSTAINABILITY?

Gaud believes that sustainability is a priority issue for all companies, as they look to understand future risks, build long term resiliency, drive inclusive growth and thrive in the new socio-economic environment.

“We believe every business must be a sustainable business. Infusing sustainability into how companies operate will not be optional – they must embed it into everything they do.

Just as the digital revolution transformed how people live and work, so too will sustainability, driving new value and growth and permeating everything that we do,” she says.

Sustainability encompasses a more interconnected view that spans environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, from transitioning to a net-zero economy to protecting human rights to advancing inclusion and diversity. This is because of humanitarian and environmental concerns, in particular, the urgency of addressing climate change. She points out that since the 1980s the rate of increase in global temperatures has more than doubled, increasing our risk of storms, droughts, heat-exacerbated diseases, and other calamities.

Also, because businesses and their customers need a healthy and functional world in order to operate. Natural disasters and social unrest disrupt supply chains, shake consumer confidence, and constrain the supply of resources. Moving towards sustainability can bring potential new economic opportunities. Gaud says that Accenture’s research shows 72 percent of global consumers say external factors such as climate change, social movements and others are impacting their lives more than in the past.

Ninety percent of a company’s value today resides in intangible assets – and yet the vast majority of business models, investment decisions, strategy is centred purely around

financial metrics. Gaud says we need a paradigm shift of how companies integrate sustainability with traditional business metrics to provide a more holistic view of the organization.

“My motivation comes from the urgency for a just transition to a net-zero economy and to leave the world a better place for our future generations. Today at Accenture I influence transformations at global companies to drive this shift through innovation and scaling solutions that enable a more sustainable, ecosystem centric and purpose driven business.”

SUSTAINABILITY PHILOSOPHY AT ACCENTURE

Accenture’s Sustainability approach revolves around four basic principles: practicing companywide ecological and social responsibility along with high business performance, offering clients the tools and expertise they need to be sustainable, infusing sustainability into every product and service offering, and creating a positive impact everywhere they operate around the world.

Gaud explains that corporate sustainability happens when leaders take a systems-thinking approach and consider environmental and social impacts of every decision and process. “This is a journey that entails an end-to-end, iterative process which starts from board-level conversations, down to the management decisions on strategy and capital investment, and ultimately influences day-to-day operational activities.”

In her view, environmental and social sustainability rank as high on the priority list as financial sustainability. These goals can no longer be put off until an organization becomes extremely wealthy or relegated to a separate and siloed “sustainability committee.” And sustainability requires the efforts of people at all levels within an organization.

HOW TO MOVE YOUR ORGANIZATION TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

The UN Global Compact–Accenture CEO Study on Sustainability found that 71% of respondents said they are actively working to develop a net-zero emissions target for their company. According to Gaud, now it’s time for execution and companies need to shift focus from “Why” to the “How” of sustainability. Accenture recommends three actions – reframe, reshape and retool – for companies.

Reframe strategy and narrative around ‘value’

Companies must put sustainability at the heart of their business strategy and define the sustainablebased initiatives that unlock trapped business value. That means rethinking how they define “enterprise value performance” beyond reporting.

Reshape the organization and culture

Once companies have the strategy in place, then they should develop a program to embed sustainability in the DNA of all processes across

the organization. This includes hardwiring the company’s purpose into the culture; clarifying governance; defining inclusion and diversity ambitions; and completing upskilling and reskilling plans. By infusing sustainability into every role, companies will ensure it is linked to the HR agenda and remove siloes that may have hindered previous efforts.

According to Gaud, “employees play a big role in moving their organizations to deliver on the promise of sustainability. Start at the top with board and executive buy-in to extend corporate social responsibility programs to include business sustainability and ESG initiatives. Build awareness and encourage dialogue on where and how the company can have the biggest impact. Upskill and gain competency on climate, sustainability related topics, ideate and drive innovation and incentivize employees to action those.”

Gaud says every employee, regardless of the size of their employer, can consider how they can make their own role or their own departments more socially and ecologically sustainable. People can set up sustainability goals for themselves and their teams along with productivity goals, and start forums and committees to raise awareness and start discussions.

Retool to transform and scale

Trust and transparency are at the heart of driving sustainable change. For this reason, it is critical to accurately and reliably capture and report ESG

data with confidence to all stakeholders. This need necessitates fundamental changes to core business processes and data capture. Automated data flows, end to end visibility of data, using the power of analytics to drive insights and decisions are key to this data-led transformation. The ability to measure end to end carbon footprint across processes and products, improving transparency and traceability across global supply chains will be critical. That data will help uncover insights to spur action, whether that means launching green products, transforming customer experiences, or building a more sustainable organization.

Gaud also highlights the important role technology plays in sustainability. “Technology is one of the greatest enablers of sustainability, delivering the speed and scale necessary for a system wide transformation. An effective sustainable technology strategy is a twofold imperative: we must make technology itself more sustainable, and we must use technology to accelerate adoption and drive breakthrough innovation. And we must do both in a responsible way, building in proper governance, respecting privacy, and building trust.”

At Accenture, Gaud is working with some of the world’s largest organizations as they tackle their greatest sustainability challenges from strategy through execution. She looks forward to the future and to helping her clients transform their organizations with scalable technology solutions to create value and drive sustainable impact for business, society and the planet.

The Perfect Scent

NINU—the first AI-powered perfume that suits your mood.

PHOTO CREDIT: NINU

WRITTEN BY: STELLA POLYZOIDOU

ith one spritz, you can change how you feel by changing how you smell.

Tired of having a different perfume for each occasion?

How about one portable device that not only changes according to your mood but also allows you to mix your own fragrance? NINU is an innovative company based in Romania that forges ahead in the beauty tech industry.

For those who want a fragrance to match their

mood daily, NINU’s clever gadget allows you to have hundreds of scents in just one revolutionary bottle. A fusion of beauty and technology, the fragrance device stands out for its timeless Italian design and innovative engineering.

It’s no secret that scent and behavior are tightly linked, meaning that the formulation of perfume triggers a positive reaction and is, after all, what attracts us to someone. However, finding the right scent for you may prove tricky, but with AI technology, creating a custom fragrance for every occasion is a fantasy fulfilled.

NINU evolved out of the desire to solve a problem—to eliminate the need for multiple perfumes to suit all moods and occasions. The vision of founders Marko Matijević and Simon Mohorovič was to bring something truly ingenious and not yet seen to the traditional fragrance market. “Instead of having dozens of different fragrances, you can get 100 scents in one bottle,” claims Matijević.

The reason for NINU’s success lies in the founders’ shared common values and expectations. “Values that we have in common are honesty, a passion, an innovation-driven mindset, bravery, fortitude, respect towards others, and the persistence never to give up,” declares Matijević.

The inspiration was sparked by an idea to continue the legacy of the greatest Slovenian inventor Peter Florjančič, who made a great invention in perfumery some 70 years ago.“We wanted to create modern fragrances for

our customers that would be simple to use while keeping the traditional values and quality that premium fragrances offer,” Matijević denotes.

The result is an advanced perfume mixing device that can personalize fragrance on the go. By mixing different perfume bases in different ratios— from numerous blossoms and other raw materials— users can adapt the scent according to their preferences through a smartphone app.

The brand teamed up with the most capable engineers and professional perfumers, designing the app as functional as possible and making suggestions inside the app based on the mood and occasion.“Our perfume experts created the core fragrances that blend well together and really offer

The perfume bottle pairs with a smartphone where the NINU app functions as a sort of perfumery.

“Instead of having dozens of different fragrances, you can get 100 scents in one bottle.”

something new to the users,” says Matijević.

NINU is named after one of the first recorded female perfumers in history. Dating back to ancient times, two women from Babylonian Mesopotamia were creating signature fragrances for the kings and queens of that time. One known as Taputti was the leading perfumer, while Ninu was her assistant. The name is a tribute to those women and symbolizes that the device, NINU, is a personal assistant that prepares a unique fragrance for you.

But how does this magic in a bottle happen?

fun part starts when you create your own desired combinations by mixing and matching scents via your smartphone. “We created a patentpending tech to extract and mix fragrances electronically in a handheld device. The user can opt for one scent in the morning when going to work and simply switch for an after-work drink—all in one bottle,” Matijević discloses.

The procedure is simple when choosing the desired scent via the NINU app. “Once you input your preferences within the app, you have multiple fragrance choices. From opting for a pre-made mixture to customizing your own scent or exploring the auto-mode that gives you recommendations based on your usage, the weather outside, and the data from the AI engine. After finding the right scent, the fragrance recipe is sent to the NINU device, and you can spritz immediately,” he describes.

Inside the bottle, three different but complementary fragrance bases can be blended to create various smells.

Each NINU perfume hides a secret inside its beautiful packaging. There are three recyclable cartridges; each contains a complementary base, which can be worn on its own or mixed to output dozens of variances in different intensities. The device holds three fragrance bases: Flora (feminine), Aura (unisex), and Terra (masculine). However, with just these three scents, users can create more than 100 different scent combinations thanks to the device’s precise blending system. So, you can wear something subtle for the office, something elegant for a special dinner or date, or something casual for everyday use. Moreover, the app suggests different scents depending on the occasion— work, date, meeting, sport, night out—or the mood you want to achieve. The

The world is your oyster since, with Ninu, you can create up to 1 million different scents! What’s more is that the three containers can be replaced with new ones, which technically means that your perfume will never run out. Once you deplete a fragrance, you can recycle the old vial, restock the core perfumes and replace them with new recyclable ones. “Taking care of our

planet was one of our main guidelines during the process. We designed the device so that the fragrance cartridges are replaceable and users can buy and use it for years to come,” says Matijević.

For the founders, the concept of sustainability applies not only to their mindset but also to products and packaging. Adopting earthfriendly technologies and sustainably-sourced ingredients, NINU is proud to use recycled glass for its cartridge refilling system and natural ink in packing cartons, reducing packaging waste. All the fragrances are vegan, ethical, and traditionally sourced—created with Extrait de perfume oil concentration.

However, choosing the right perfumers and fragrance experts was a perplexing process. “Even though numerous perfumers are out there, especially in France and Italy, we struggled to find the right ones. After months of unsuccessful and disappointing trials, we cooperated with Dominique Moellhasen and her team. Her forward-thinking and innovation-driven mindset matched ours right away. They loved the idea of our device and took on the challenge immediately,” Matijević recalls.

When asked if he faced any barriers during his entrepreneurial journey, he said, “Most entrepreneurial journeys are a rodeo with many ups and downs. With NINU, we started as a B2B business offering our tech to other brands. Given the Covid-19 pandemic, the opportunity to promote our product was practically gone. However, we took the initiative to set up our product and offer it directly to users. Not only was it challenging for us to assemble the best of fragrances, but also to build the tech inside and fit everything into a hand-sized device.”

In the new realm of young entrepreneurs, those who stand out are motivated to keep learning from all their mistakes. Matijević advises to “Never give up in the middle of the process. When you bump into an obstacle that seems impossible to overcome, remember that everything can be divided into smaller chunks that are easier to handle.”

The future of NINU is predicted to be promising. The company will launch the product later this year since it is still in production. “For now, we sent some fragrance testers around and showcased the fragrance device in Las Vegas, Paris, and Monaco,” adds Matijević.

Among his plans is to develop the fragrances further based on direct users’ opinions to fit their preferences even more. In this way, users can become part of creating new fragrance sets. “Apart from NINU personal fragrance devices, we are also exploring other areas where NINU can innovate—the most obvious segment is the home ambiance market. But this is only after we focus completely on the NINU personal fragrance device,” he concludes.

What is going to be the future of the perfume industry?

Will perfume brands follow the example of NINU and incorporate AI into the fragrance-making process? What’s certain is that it will be worth the wait to find out!

The NINU perfume bottle uses a patented system designed to give its users the power to create their own scents on demand.

What Was That Again?

A Note-Taker in the Doctor’s Office

Dr. Jacqueline Darna describes new Intellidoc

software that helps patients remember and order doctors’ over-the-counter recommendations

PHOTO CREDIT: INTELLIDOC/DR. JACQUELINE DARNA WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

s a physician, Intellidoc’s Dr. Jacqueline Darna is a very busy working mother. One day she remembers using voice-activated telemedicine to seek help for her son’s allergies. The doctor gave her various over-the-counter recommendations, but since she was driving at the time, she couldn’t write them

down to remember them.

She said out loud, “I wish there was a listening device that made a shopping cart with all the over-the-counter suggestions that the doctor made, so I can just push ‘buy now’ to either pick them up at my local pharmacy along with the prescription medication or have them sent directly to my door.”

Now, Darna has created the device she wanted, the patent-pending Intellidoc. It’s the first overthe-counter fulfillment system for telemedicine, offering comparison shopping, consumer choice, and oneclick fulfillment.

She’s received substantial investment and interest in the product and is a finalist in a competition through a major American tech conference.

HOW INTELLIDOC WORKS

Intellidoc creates a shopping list for you by listening to your doctor during your telehealth session and writing down all the non-prescription suggestions. It shows you where to buy each of them, at a local pharmacy or online.

She gives the example of a pregnant patient whose doctor recommends NoMo Nausea bands, ginger candy, and tea for morning sickness. Intellidoc will activate and show the patient the products, and its AI will pick up that the patient is pregnant and include pregnancy-related information in its product descriptions.

“At the end of the telehealth visit, the shopping list becomes a cart and shows the products at the patients’ pharmacies of choice. They can then choose which they want to order, either from the pharmacy or from an online retailer.”

Darna has tested Intellidoc extensively with people who have a variety of accents and native languages, and it seems pretty good at recognizing their speech. The system could also be a great tool for patients with hearing loss.

HOW INTELLIDOC HELPS DOCTORS, PATIENTS, AND PHARMACIES

Darna says Intellidoc will help patients by making it easier to take all of their doctors’ advice. Also, it’s expected to save physicians time during visits, enabling them to see more patients and bring in more revenue for brickand-mortar retailers, saving people’s jobs. Her inspiration for starting Intellidoc was to help people on a larger scale than simply seeing them one at a time in her office. This has been a goal of Darna’s throughout her career, starting with the successful company she founded, NoMo Bands, which has treated nausea, migraines, and sleep problems for over one million people.

As a physician who does telemedicine regularly, she can see why Intellidoc would be useful for all facets of medicine. One service it provides is answering the common patient question of why a certain treatment works. Intellidoc provides a medical explanation about the usefulness of each over-the-counter recommendation with language crafted specifically for each patient (thanks to AI) that gives the feeling of concierge medicine while freeing up physicians’ time.

“Docs, imagine ordering a lab test all with your voice; that’s what the future of Intellidoc looks like!”

EMPOWERING PATIENTS TO TAKE MEDICAL ADVICE

Darna says that in the U.S., 25-50 percent of prescription medications never get picked up by the patients, and she estimates the statistics would be similar for nonprescription medicine.

“If patients don’t take their own healthcare into their own hands, who else will?”

Intellidoc allows patients to buy and pay for over-the-counter treatments after video chatting with their doctor.

“If they buy remedies, I guarantee they will go to their pharmacy and pick them up along with their prescriptions, or at least choose to get them sent to their door so they can get better faster by taking their doctor’s recommendations seriously,” Darna says.

She believes that making it easier for patients to buy and use overthe-counter or natural medicines along with prescription drugs will help them get better faster. Physicians like herself often use multiple modalities to heal, and Intellidoc facilitates that.

Relationships and service are at the core of Darna’s career, and she loves to connect with others, personally and professionally.

As Darna explains, “Strip everyone of their titles, degrees, identifiers, we are all people and want to be relevant for what we bring to this world. I want to help the world by serving people, and our mission at Intellidoc is simple: better health and wellness for all.”

“Strip everyone of their titles, degrees, identifiers, we are all people and want to be relevant for what we bring to this world.

I want to help the world by serving people, and our mission at Intellidoc is simple: better health and wellness for all.”

COMPLETING THE CIRCUIT BY CRISTINA DEPTULA New app holds promise to revolutionize the construction industry

YOUNG INVENTOR SPOTLIGHT: MARK AND THE PILI SEAL BY KEVIN JAMES JEFFERY

This young Filipino inventor is shaking things up in the aviation industry with his sustainable aircraft parts sealant.

HOBBY TINKERING TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY CRISTINA DEPTULA Sherdellah and Darryl Anunciado’s Action Drone.

Completing the Circuit

New app holds promise to revolutionize the construction industry

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: CHARLES SCHOENBERGER

WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

s a little boy in Dundrum, a small coastal town in Northern Ireland, Michael Cunningham loved to deconstruct his toys and bikes.

“My parents always had a need for electrical services around the house. I helped them with minor

fixes, such as switching out fuses in many appliances. Even though I didn’t own a tool kit, a standard bread knife became my screwdriver, and my teeth became my wire strippers.”

He also learned to replace bulb holders and wall plugs and developed a work ethic from afternoons and summers as a part-time helper at his grandparents’ fish and chip shop.

As he puts it, “a few shocks later,” he was done with school. His mother encouraged him to choose a career, whether or not it required higher education, and he decided to pursue electrical work.

After five years of working in Ireland, he went to San Francisco with his older sister and then stayed after she returned. After several years with prominent electrical contractors around the Bay Area, he pursued his electrical contractors’ license and started his own business, MC2 Electric Inc.

His 17 years of hands-on experience in his firm has prepared him to quickly handle ordinary repairs and provide cost-effective sustainability solutions for customers looking to protect the environment.

Michael Cunningham

NEW APP FOR INSTANT SERVICE CONNECTIONS

Cunningham is currently developing an app that he believes has the power to transform the construction industry.

At this point, he can say that it will facilitate immediate communication between clients and construction professionals, and both parties will be able to track the progress of the work in real time.

“Similar apps currently available don’t provide the same services, and they don’t work in real time,” he says.

Cunningham discovered the need for this service through his experiences in both ends of the

construction industry as a consumer and an electrical contractor. “This app will be useful for construction professionals as well as consumers,” he says.

THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION TECH

He’s a fan of technology in general and swears he can’t live without his navigational, fitness, and music apps. His favorite devices include his smartphone and watch, and the piece of tech that he most admires is the induction motor, invented by Nikola Tesla.

To him, AI will be the future of the construction industry as well as the future of software in general. And AI-related breakthroughs could come sooner than we know: we’ve come further in the last five years in AI development than in the last 50 years.

“My parents always had a need for electrical services around the house. I helped them with minor fixes, such as switching out fuses in many appliances. Even though I didn’t own a tool kit, a standard bread knife became my screwdriver, and my teeth became my wire strippers.”

“Cunningham is currently developing an app which he believes has the power to transform the construction industry.”

Young Inventor Spotlight: Mark and the Pili Seal

This young Filipino inventor is shaking things up in the aviation industry with his sustainable aircraft parts sealant.

PRODUCED BY: MARK KENNEDY E. BANTUGON PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MARK KENNEDY E. BANTUGON WRITTEN BY: KEVIN JAMES JEFFERY

Meet Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon, the Philippines National Winner and International Top 20 Winner of the 2021 James Dyson Award for his invention of the Pili Seal. The James Dyson Award is given each year to current and recent design engineer students to encourage and inspire the next generation.

Pili Seal was named after the resin waste of Pili Tree, which is the base ingredient in Bantugon’s aircraft integral fuel tank sealant meant to stop fuel leakage. What makes this product different from commercial sealants on the market is that it’s safe and non-toxic to the user’s health.

In addition to the integral fuel tank, the Pili Seal is also applicable to other specific aircraft parts that are subject to the contact of fuels, oils, lubricants, water, and weathering. It works as a two-component sealant, meaning the base and the hardener material need to mix to create a reaction that works and functions.

When asked about this young, ambitious engineer’s inspiration for the Pili Seal, Mark credits his father, a local farmer in the Philippines, for exposing him to different trees, plants, animals, and waste materials growing up. “It also allowed me to establish a good and strong foundation in education, particularly in experimental-based research which is aligned on agriculture and sustainability,” he said.

In the Philippines, Mark says the Pili Tree is known to the locals for its delicious nuts and fragrant essential oils used in the perfume industry by companies like Gucci and Chanel. To extract the oils used for perfumes, these companies have the resin separated from the essential oils and then discard the spent resin waste.

Mark had a different idea. He wondered if it was possible to come up with a way to use the resin waste material as a source ingredient for the sealant formulation. It requires a sticky material to fill gaps and join two surface materials. Mark said this idea helped him “show that Pili Tree

is not only beneficial in food and perfume sectors but also in the field of sealant and adhesive industry as a source of ingredients for the sealant production.”

What made Mark pursue his Pili Seal invention was his experience interning for big-name aviation companies like Lufthansa Technik Philippines, Philippine Airlines, and IloiloNegros Air Express Company (INAEC) Aviation Corp. While learning new techniques, skills, methods, and gaining handson training, one of the situations that caught his attention was the application of aviation sealant in different aircraft parts.

“I noticed that the commercial sealants used in aircraft have unpleasant and toxic odors,” said Mark. That’s when he decided to conduct further research into the commercial sealants on the market. He found various drawbacks and degrees of hazards due to the chemical compositions of these substances. So he introduced a sustainable aviation sealant to help solve these problems.

“With all the knowledge, foundations, and experience that was implanted by my father (being a local farmer), the Pili Seal was created. It is also amazing that my life experience as a son of a local farmer and the great exposure I have gained in my internship training helped me connect the field of agriculture and the aviation industry,” said Mark.

My Father as a local farmer (my greatest inspiration in my invention)

Asked whether environmentalism and sustainability were always the main focus while coming up with the Pili Seal, Mark said, “As a Filipino inventor, student researcher, and a son of a local farmer, personally, I always consider the sustainability of the Pili Seal invention (particularly before, during and after formulating it), through environmental, health, social, and economic impact which is aligned in 4Ps (People, Protection, Planet, and Profit).”

So, what’s next for this young Filipino engineer and inventor? Mark says his ultimate plan and vision is to use this product invention as a means or gateway to building his own manufacturing company of aviation sealant in the Philippines. This would not only help

the local aviation sector but also the local farming community to have new streams of jobs, livelihood opportunities, and income.

To the enthusiastic readers of TrooRa Magazine, as well as students, future scientists, and inventors, Mark’s message is to “Always allow yourself to dream because it is valid. And on your journey, you are never denied but only redirected.”

2021 James Dyson Awardee

Hobby Tinkering to Entrepreneurship:

Sherdellah and Darryl Anunciado’s Action Drone

TrooRa Magazine’s editorial design director Sherdellah Anunciado and her husband Darryl launched their technology company, Action Drone, by accident.

As Darryl explains, “One day, I realized I was bored at my day job doing real estate and property management, and I wanted to pick up a new hobby. So I asked Sherdellah if I could buy either a piano or a remote control airplane. Unfortunately, the piano was too expensive, so she chose the RC airplane instead. What she didn’t know was that the RC airplane choice would end up costing more money because I got addicted to building more airplanes, making each one better.”

PHOTO CREDIT: ACTION DRONE WRITTEN BY: CRISTINA DEPTULA

Wind Turbine Inspection

Darryl wondered if he could photograph sunsets from the RC airplane but thought the footage was too shaky. After researching on online forums, he started sketching ideas for more stable platforms and finally succeeded.

“After a year of tinkering and developing, we were able to build a flying platform that completely stabilized the GoPro while flying over 70 mph. We didn’t know it was called a drone at that time until someone online pointed it out.”

He posted some prototypes on Facebook, and they sold within hours. “That’s how we knew we needed to start a company!” he explains. Soon they were selling drones for twice their cost.

In 2013, Darryl and Sherdellah registered for a business license for Action Drone and set up a free website using Wix. Eventually, the U.S. Navy discovered them, and the drones began to take off!

Sherdellah Anunciado

Darryl Anunciado

BALANCING WORK, LIFE, AND PARTNERSHIP

Darryl’s background is in psychology and business, and Sherdellah has a degree in graphic design. Both have harnessed their natural creativity and built a thriving business without engineering degrees.

They both say developing work-life balance takes thought and intention but is completely doable. In the beginning, they were constantly talking about work even when they were relaxing or socializing with others, but now they are better at not letting Action Drone take over everything.

“I would absolutely encourage couples to do business together! As long as you have boundaries and mutual respect, work just becomes a natural part of your life. It’s actually easy to find work-life balance,” Darryl explains.

Rather than establishing rigid walls between “work” and “family” and “social” time, they insert work here and there into nonwork trips or events and then take breaks and do fun or social things during slower times of the workday.

“How we see it is that work is part of our life, and we get to live life because of our work. Today we’re as happy as ever and just enjoying the fruits of our labor.”

Wind Turbine Inspection

INCREASING DRONE AUTONOMY AND MACHINE LEARNING

Drones have always been autonomous, as Darryl points out. They have gradually reached higher levels of autonomous behavior and can now inspect wind turbines without pilots manually flying them. Human pilots are only there for observation to make sure the drones operate properly.

“We are now working with other companies to develop drones that are capable of learning their work the more they are being used— meaning, the drones and people operating them are becoming

smart together. Machine learning is as good as human learning in our industry,” explains Darryl.

Action Drone has now built drones that can sense movement miles away and search the area without human interaction. They can identify whether they’ve sensed a person, animal, or vehicle.

However, to Darryl, technological limits are not the biggest challenge to using drones effectively in industry.

Sherdellah Anunciado and an AD-VW1 VTOL (Vertical Take off and Landing) Fixed Wing Drone

Pilot and industrial drone instructor Darryl Anunciado

Pilot training flight characteristics

AD-F folding quadcopter

OBSTACLES TO DRONES IN INDUSTRY

“What [we] need now are better policies to deploy drones in the workforce. Today it is an extremely cumbersome process to allow drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The real purpose of a drone is to fly autonomously on its own and to go beyond the line of sight. Today, we still can’t max out the capabilities of the simple function of the drone because of red-tape politics.”

Also, there is a shortage of people who know how to operate drones professionally. Operating a drone takes time and coordination skills. There is no easy nationwide program or certification to learn how to operate industrial drones. A few college classes here and there teach drone flying skills, but even that is insufficient to meet industry standards. Companies have difficulty filling their drone pilot ranks, and getting them to agree that the technology’s benefits outweigh the costs is challenging.

“To us drone companies, it’s a big hurdle to accomplish and convince companies that drones are worth the long-term investment.”

Darryl and Sherdellah do vouch for the usefulness of drones in many industries, though. Drones today are most useful in the inspection and mapping industry. Any industry requiring inspection can

really benefit from drone technology. This includes wind turbines, powerlines, rail, oil pipelines, agriculture, GIS, and more. Fire departments and police departments have been heavily using drones to increase situational awareness at a fraction of the cost versus using actual helicopters.

MAKING DRONE DATA USEFUL

Collecting data with a drone is only part of the process for most operations; people need to be able to effectively use the data they’ve gathered. Software tools that enable information processing have become the Anunciados’ favorite pieces of technology.

“Well, for me, [my favorite technologies are] absolutely the apps that make the drones useful, Apps like Pix4D, SketchFab, our own proprietary apps for inspection, and more. We have apps that we use to create 3D maps that help us create cool things like 3D printed buildings accurate to scale. Or we have apps that automatically identify defects on things we inspect. This cuts down cost and time for our team, and I just love efficiency. The drone itself is cool, but what is a drone without the data it collects, and what is data without finding ways to quantify and make it useful? The apps are where drones create gold!” says Darryl.

Drone inspection team at a wind farm

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TrooRa’s Sustainability Efforts

TrooRa is committed to building a sustainable business model promoting and protecting the environment . Our digital platform on troora.com offers a conscious approach, creating an immersive space.

With your help in building a robust online support, TrooRa will print fewer magazines to ensure we remain a leader in the industry. However, when TrooRa produces print issues, we will uphold the highest quality in sustainable standards.

The magazine you are reading is:

printed on fully recycled paper; printed with vegetable-based ink and biodegradable laminates;

printed in close proximity to our markets in an effort to reduce distribution emissions.