ZIELEY
Photography by Akhil Suhas
Editor’s Letter What better way to kick off 2018 than with a new issue of Zieley Magazine! It’s amazing to think about how it all began three years ago in a small apartment in downtown Seattle. New roommates, in a new city, we had no idea what to expect. Issue 4 is the issue of interviews. We connected with people who are building careers by following their passions. We learn more about a beauty company that’s changing the way the industry looks at producing shampoo and conditioner. We explore New Zealand through an adventure photographer’s lens. We connect with inspiring female entrepreneurs in Boston. We even hear what it is like opening for Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden. The amazing men and women who have contributed to Zieley inspire us, and we are excited to share their stories and passions with you. So grab a seat, grab a drink, and relax with Issue 4 of Zieley! XOXO,
Melissa and Kenzie
A Special Thanks We would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this fourth issue of Zieley Magazine happen. We would like to extend a special thanks to all of our features and our different photographers. We would like to thank Ahkil Suhas, Zahir Dossa, Jessica Fracalossi, Sarah Coppinger, Melissa Ostrow, Kristina Tsipouras, and Dylan Rockoff for contributing to this issue and continuing to inspire us. 1 Zieley /JANUARY 2018
JANUARY 2018 3 Travel
Adventure & travel photographer Ahkil Suhas shares the inspiration behind his project #GandalftheGuide.
Business 13 Founder & CEO
Kristina Tsipouras shares how she started the organization Boston Business Women & discusses where it’s going.
18
Beauty
Founder Zahir Dossa discusses how Function of Beauty began and what inspired the pops of color and personalization of the line.
Photography by Sarah Coppinger
26 Fitness
Fitness entrepreneur Jessica Fracalossi tells us about The Handle Bar, her chain of indoor cycling studios in and around Boston, Massachusetts.
29 Music
Singer/songwriter Dylan Rockoff describes what it was like to open for Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden.
A
khil is a self-taught adventure and travel photographer based in New Zealand. Inspired by a love for the wilderness, his work focuses on the connection between individuals and nature. He became very popular on Social media after documenting his six-month journey throughout New Zealand’s wilderness and its magnificant landscapes. He is most-known for coming up with a project concept that caught attention across the globe. This project was known as #GandalftheGuide.
got my own camera and put in the time and effort to learn all the other aspects of photography!
Zieley: When did you first get interested in photography? AS: I started out about six years ago at the age of 15, when I joined my school's Photography Club. But for my first 3 years as a photographer, I just used the "Auto" mode on the camera. Things didn't really change until I
Zieley: So after graduating you traveled around New Zealand for over 6-months to go on a photography trip. What is one of your favorite experiences from that trip? AS: Sometimes for a picture, getting to and from a location tends to be the hardest part, while taking the image tends to be the easiest. My hike to
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Zieley: Your pictures are truly amazing, how did you learn about photography and the various tools you use? AS: I’m a self-taught photographer, so I spent countless hours watching YouTube videos and reading articles. Zieley: Have you developed a favorite photography style? AS: Shooting stills particularly - landscapes!
Travel New Zealand
Angelus Hut was a scary one, my buddy @adaptography and I underestimated the amount of snow and ice on the track. We were underprepared and one misstep along the ridge line could’ve been fatal. A valuable life lesson learnt there - take crampons and ice axes! Zieley: After seeing almost all of New Zealand, can you pick a favorite place? AS: When you drive 15,000 kilometers over six months, you cover a lot ground. So it’s safe to say, I’ve seen quite a bit of this wonderful country. Picking a favorite spot is extremely hard when there are so many contenders, but if I have to pick one, it would be sunset at the Pouakai Tarns at Mount Taranaki where I shot a perfect reflection of the snow capped mountain, which went viral on Instagram. Zieley: You’re very well-known on social media for your #GandalftheGuide project. What sparked the idea to follow Gandalf around New Zealand? AS: I was planning my road trip across the country for when I finish university and I wanted a recurring
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subject in my photos. With so many photographers visiting the country, I figured I needed to do something to set me apart! I was watching The Lord of the Rings for the fifth time and realized that New Zealand is famous for two things – it’s landscapes and The Lord of the Rings + Hobbit Trilogies, so why not combine the two by having Gandalf in the landscapes! Zieley: Do you have a favorite photo of Gandalf? AS: Up on Coromadnel Peak on Mount Roy, Wanaka! Zieley: Can you reveal who Gandalf is? AS: So once I began my road trip, I started to wonder who would dress up as Gandalf since I was traveling solo and would be taking the pictures. I tried the camera on a tripod with a timer shot, which didn't work since the wizard hat needed careful adjustment, as it’s flimsy. So, I started meeting people along the way and asked them if they wanted to put on the outfit and they gladly said yes - who doesn't want to dress up as Gandalf? And that's how the idea came into fruition!
Zieley: Have you lived in New Zealand your whole life? AS: Nope, I grew up in India. Zieley: What initially attracted you to New Zealand? After finishing high school, I came to New Zealand to do my undergrad at The University of Auckland in 2013 and I just graduated a couple of months ago. I was allured by the idea of moving to a foreign country and meeting people from different cultures. Since I was interested in photography, the landscapes were a bonus! Zieley: What has been your favorite part about living in New Zealand the last five years? AS: I love the landscapes and it’s people – I think that New Zealand has the most diverse set of landscapes given the size of the country. So that means you can find yourself on a beach on the West Coast, drive for an hour and end up amongst the Southern Alps - unless you're in Milford Sound, where the mountains meet the Tasman
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Sea! The Kiwis are the kindest people I’ve met. That’s why I always talk about how the people I’ve met along this journey are what’s made it so memorable. Zieley: Is there another country you would like to explore? AS: I love shooting landscapes, so places like Australia, West Coast of the US, Canada, Patagonia, and the Himalayan Ranges back home. But next on my list will have to be Iceland, which is similar to New Zealand in terms of the diverse set of landscapes given the size of the country! Zieley: What’s something people wouldn’t know about you from your photos? AS: I love nachos, it’s a little ritual of mine to have some after an intense hike!
To keep up with Akhil’s travels and photography make sure to follow him and Gandalf @akhilsuhas and at www.akhilsuhas.com
Support. Encourage. Inspire.
Business
For
two and half years, Boston Business Women has been empowering women in the greater Boston area to explore what it means to live a fulfilling professional and personal life. Boston Business Women serves as a local community platform, offering support through a variety of networking events and educational workshops focused on health & wellness, happiness & inspiration, and career development. We had the opportunity to speak with the founder and CEO, Kristina Tsipouras, to learn more about how Boston Business Women started, where it’s going, and what Tsipouras likes most about the organization. For Boston-native Kristina Tsipouras, entrepreneurialism runs in the family. Tsipouras’ father owned a dry-cleaning business in Newton when she was growing up, giving her a close up view of what it takes to own a business and ultimately inspiring her to become a business owner herself. This passion, coupled with her background in event planning, led Tsipouras to create Boston Business Women in 2015. But the full story of the company’s beginnings is best told by Tsipouras herself.
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Zieley: Can you tell us about about your career path and what you’ve studied? KT: I went to Stetson University in Florida where I studied Communications and then did a double minor in Marketing as well as Women and Gender Studies. I was social chair of my sorority for two years and did some internships with events and wedding planners in Boston, so that’s really the career path that I launched with. After graduation, I supported an event marketing firm, where I assisted with the day-to-day planning of events like weddings, fundraisers for Bill Clinton, and working with a local non-profit healthcare company that Queen Latifah would do a private concert for. Then, I moved to Manhattan where I worked for a wedding planning firm for two years. Zieley: How did you make the transition from event planning to coming up with the idea for Boston Business Women? KT: I always believed that I would eventually start my own business. For a few years, I had a company called Adopee Events where I was planning weddings for friends and just smaller more intimate events for people in my network. I dipped into different industries Kortenhaus Communications is a big PR firm in Boston that I interned with for a year, I did a little marketing for people in the events and wedding industry, and then I moved home from NYC to officially launch a product that I had been thinking about for a long time, which was a Greek iced tea company. So, I was actually running a beverage company for three years, and realized that was not the industry I was really passionate about. Two and a half years ago, I pivoted and launched both Boston Business Women and my lip balm company, Moroccan Magic. Thankfully, both of my new ventures have taken off at the same time which has been challenging to manage, but very exciting! Zieley: How did you raise awareness for both your companies? KT: Through my beverage company, I was in an accelerator program, which introduced me to all of
these amazing women who were entrepreneurs working from home. I realized that there were so many women that could probably help elevate each other in business, so I started Boston Business Women as a Facebook group. I simply stated our purpose and our ideal member profile, and asked everyone who had joined to invite ten friends, and so on, which led to massive growth. I think it grew in a few months up to 2,500 members, and then it just kind of flourished from there. Zieley: Since BBW has grown, how has the company changed over time? KT: Very soon after we got started, we began setting up monthly meetup groups that were starting to sell out and expand beyond our initial expectation, which was a call to action to become an established company. So, we launched a conference and did something a bit different than Boston had really ever seen before. We were filling in this niche for women by focusing on personal and business development -
we work with the wellness aspect of your life, the balance/self-help aspect of becoming the best in your industry, and reaching your fullest potential, which most other business-oriented groups do not address. As we’ve grown, we’ve developed a membership program that offers events with industry luminaries who present and share their best practices. We are currently gearing up for a smaller, more intimate forum this year that will be geared towards women in business, allowing us to speak to both female entrepreneurs and working women in corporate America. Zieley: Can you tell us about any future plans for growth? KT: We understand that women are so busy, so we are trying to create online programming, potentially an app, something that is just really helpful to the mobile businesswoman today. We’re hoping to offer tools that would help track energy level, mood, nutrition, and goals accomplished personally and professionally. So, we have some ideas that we’re
playing with and hopefully that’s an industry we’ll be entering, but that’s more like a three to five-year plan. Zieley: Have you considered expanding into other regions outside of Boston? KT: Yes, the idea has been proposed a few times. There are a few groups that have been interested in collaborating with us, so if we were to be venturing into different cities, we’d be teaming up with another like-minded business group to help take us to the next level. Zieley: As the founder of BBW, can you tell us about some of the amazing businesswomen you have had the opportunity to meet through your events along the way? KT: There’s a lot of them. Helena Grant, who is a personal stylist in Boston is one great example. I am too busy to shop, and I was walking into all of these big boardrooms with CEOs and executives, and I really wasn’t dressing the part. That definitely affected the confidence I had when I walked into the room. Helena teaches women the more emotional and mental side of finding your personal style and what that actually means; it’s much deeper than the exterior look. She’s someone who really stands out to me. Jamie Cholaki is a hair stylist, but she’s actually gone through my entrepreneurial boot camp in hopes to launch an entire hair care line and company. I’ve witnessed many others who have grown in a way that is simply just an expansion of their mind, their capabilities and what they can do. It’s all about pushing people to set their goals higher and bigger. I think we all need this kind of genuine, relatable community and support—other women who have your back when you courageously make the career jump, launch the business, or ask for the salary increase, etc. Zieley: With all the success you’ve experienced and seen in other women, what is one piece of
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advice you’d give to businesswomen? KT: I would say to stay in your lane, I think the ones who really stand out and the business women who thrive and reach the top of their industry are leaders who are truly authentic and true to themselves. And honestly, selfish is a negative word, but you need to stay focused on your personal goals and put yourself first, before you have anything to offer your potential customer. So I’ve stayed focused on that my entire career and that’s what I share with others.
Kristina Tsipouras, Founder and CEO of Boston Business Women
For more on Boston Business Women make sure to check out their website: https://bostonbusinesswomen.com
Function of Beauty is a beauty company that specializes in creating customizable shampoo and conditioner that is personalized for every hair type. New users take a quiz on the company’s website about their favorite color and scent, hair type, and hair goals. From there, a formula is made that is unique to each consumer. We had the chance to catch up with the founder, Zahir Dossa, to learn more about how Function of Beauty began. Zieley: What did you want to be when you grew up? ZD: An astronaut – I wanted to do something cooler than going to the moon though. Ziieley: Is there any advice you would give your 15-year-old self? ZD: Be open to anything and shampoo may be just as cool as space!
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Zieley: Can you tell us a little bit about your background? ZD: I completed my undergraduate degree at MIT in computer science and business. I then went on to complete my master’s in computer science focusing on value change transparency. While working on my master’s, I launched my first beauty company, The Argan Tree. The company grew rapidly and expanded over time. I continued my studies at MIT, completing a PhD, which focused on value chain optimization and leveraging ecommerce technologies for DTC. Zieley: Have you always had an interest in the beauty industry? ZD: After experiencing much success with Argan Tree, I saw that the value chain for beauty needed to be revolutionized and transformed by technology and ecommerce. The big question was, how can you use ecommerce strategies and leverage technology to better connect directly to the consumer? Beauty has twenty-four times the middlemen, and my goal was to reduce that number drastically.
Zieley: How did the concept for Function of Beauty come to you? ZD: I continued to grow The Argan Tree creating 5 products: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and serum. As the products launched into wellknown retail stores, Whole Foods and Sprouts, I noticed the middleman was growing within the production process. I also looked at customer feedback and found that there was always one consistent piece that could have made the product perfect for a particular consumer, whether that be an increase or decrease in moisturizing, volume, or anti-frizz for example. This, led me to the idea to start Function of Beauty. Zieley: Can you explain how you came up with the name, Function of Beauty? ZD: The base of a “function” is that it takes input and produces an output. The thought was if we accept consumers’ inputs (their hair goals, hair profile and preferences) and put that into our algorithm (which is a fancier word for “function”), then we can produce an output.
Zieley: What gave you the idea to have a hair quiz? ZD: We wanted to create a product that is truly personalized for every customer, and we needed to come up with questions to make a product that is individualized for every consumer. I worked closely with formulation chemists to collect information from each customer to create a formula that works for based on different individuals’ hair types and specific hair goals. Zieley: Do you have any recommendations for first time users of Function of Beauty? To revel in the process of their first personalized set of shampoo and conditioner. It’s difficult to grasp all the science and technology that went into creating a personalize set, but it’s impressive and worthwhile! Zieley: What is your favorite color and scent? ZD: Blue and all(you)calyptus
Zieley: What gave you the idea to let customer personalize the color of their shampoo and conditioner? ZD:We really want every aspect of the shampoo and conditioner to be personalized. One of our design studios came up with colors. We wanted colors that were loud, bright, and screams individuality! Zieley: How did you choose the various colors? ZD: One of our design studios came up with colors. We wanted colors that were loud, bright, and scream individuality! Zieley: Can you tell us about any future plans for growth? ZD: We’re looking to expand internationally.
To learn more visit functionofbeauty.com, as well as their Instagram @functionofbeauty 25 Zieley /JANUARY 2018
Zahir Dossa, Founder of Function of Beauty
Fitness
Is cycling on your list of workouts to try? Zieley caught up with fitness entrepreneur Jessica Fracalossi to learn more about The Handle Bar, her chain of indoor cycling studios in and around Boston. Zieley: How did you become interested in cycling? Jessica Fracalossi (JS): I was drawn to spinning in college as an effective and intense way to burn calories and fully reset. I love all types of group fitness, but spinning was my cup of tea in terms of difficulty and energy level. Zieley: What would you say to someone who is considering giving cycling a try? JF: The workout is intimidating because it's intense, there is no getting around that. But it is so popular because it works! And because it is applicable for people of all fitness levels. I always recommend folks take 3 classes in 10 days before deciding whether or not the workout is for them. This allows for recovery, but also allows for steady improvement and adjustment. The difference between the first class and the third will be noticeable, and will likely give you the confidence to stick with it.
Photography by Sarah Coppinger
Zieley: How would you describe The Handle Bar community? JF: Positive, warm, inspiring, accepting, playful, authentic. Zieley: What inspired you to start The Handle Bar? JF: Just after college I accepted a job with a startup activewear company. I was selling the line to studios and gyms in Boston. I spent a lot of time meeting instructors, taking classes, and enjoying the growing local boutique fitness industry. On a trip to New York I took a few cycling classes in a studio setting. I had never experienced anything like it and realized right away that Boston was missing this component in the fitness industry. I decided to leave my position in the startup company to focus on my
Fitness own venture. I started waiting tables to make cash and spent my days writing a business plan and pitching the idea to investors. It took about 2 years to go from idea to launch, but the work was worth it. Zieley: What do you find most interesting about being an entrepreneur? JF: I love the flexibility of every single day. When I wake up in the morning I have to plan out a path and execute on it, with no oversight. I get to mix it up every day, add value to all aspects of the business, & chart my course to the beat of my own drum. This allows for a lot of deep thought.. and that has been the most interesting part of being an entrepreneur. I am not confined to one role, one way of thinking. I have to keep my head on the swivel and it allows me to consume knowledge, creativity, and perspective with no limit. Zieley: How did you come up with the name The Handle Bar? JF: When I was brainstorming names, I noticed a cute little trend in using the word 'Bar'.. due in part to the barre craze that was taking shape in 2013, but also brands like Dry Bar. As soon as I considered the word 'Bar'.. the words The Handle Bar came almost immediately. Zieley: How does The Handle Bar set itself apart from the crowd? JF: We work hard to keep our classes exciting, diverse, and extremely challenging. We are constantly shifting and editing our efforts to be a better version of the business that launched almost 5 years ago. Riders have so many options to choose from so we hope to satisfy them with a reasonable price point and a stellar product... but we really set ourselves apart as you become a regular rider and member of our community. We offer more events, opportunities to connect with the community, and chances to give back than any other boutique brand in Boston. Earlier this year we launched a non profit arm of the business - Handle With Care - dedicated
to raising awareness and battling the stigma associated with mental illness. Through HWC, our riders have the opportunity to join an important conversation and help us make a change. We are constantly incorporating members of the rider community into our efforts, and will be rolling out a new platform for hosting community rides. We'll give our riders a chance to spearhead charity rides to raise money for our partner organizations in the mental health community. Community engagement is our priority and you can feel that in our communication, our events, and the loyalty of our rider base. Zieley: Do you have plans to expand into other fitness arenas such as yoga or Pilates? JF: Not at this time. At The Handle Bar, we do cycling very well. I have so much respect for the studios setting the pace in the yoga and Pilates industries, but with services like Classpass, and flexible package offerings (with no expiration date, like ours!) it is easy for consumers to get their yoga classes at the best yoga studio, their Pilates session at the best Pilates studio, and their cycling fix at the best cycling studio. By adding other offerings, we dilute our specialty and backtrack from the niche boutique model that has proven so potent. Zieley: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? JF: I see myself running a larger business with more employees, more locations, and a vaster footprint. I will hopefully be integrated out of the day-to-day operations of our current locations and focused more on mission, product, and growth. I would also love to have 2 kids.. one boy one girl.. and a good babysitter.
To learn more about Jessica Fracalossi and The Handle Bar community, visit handlebarcycling.com!
Olivia Harvey Photography
Between opening for Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden and releasing his new album 115 Gainsborough, 2017 was a hot year for singersongwriter Dylan Rockoff. Our bet? He’s just getting started.
Zieley: What was your reaction when you found out you'd be opening for Bon Jovi? Dylan Rockoff (DR): I was actually at work and my manager had given me a call but I couldn’t answer because I try to be a good employee. He started texting me that it was an emergency so I got worried. I gave him a call and without hesitation he said “would you like to play Madison Square Garden?” I thought he was joking so I brushed him off and wanted him to tell me the real news. But he insisted it was the truth and I was speechless. The first person I called to tell was my mom because she is a diehard Bon Jovi fan. I guess my manager had called her before he even called me because she was absolutely sobbing when I called to break the good news! Zieley: What was it like opening for Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden? DR: Ever since I picked up a guitar for the first time it’s always been my dream to play to a huge arena full of people. I’ve seen so many of my favorite artists at MSG so the thought of playing there seemed to be
an unlikely wish. While I was on stage I’ve never felt more full of life and energy. It’s incredible to be on stage in front of that many people sharing the music that I’ve put my heart and soul into over the years. Growing up listening to Bon Jovi, it was an honor to get the crowd ready for a rock icon. Truly an incredible and special experience. Zieley: What’s another venue you would love to play? DR: As a Boston resident, I would love to play the House of Blues or Paradise Rock Club. I’ve seen a lot of shows at those 2 places over the past 5 years and either of those venues would be a real treat to play. Zieley: How did you first become interested in music? DR: I grew up surrounded by music so it’s always been a part of my life in some way. My mom was always listening to Sinatra and singing along as she cooked in the kitchen. She has these little melodies
that she sings to me and I sing a response line right back. To this day we do the same thing. But it wasn’t until I picked up the guitar in 6th grade music class that I really fell in love with music. The guitar opened a door to a new world of music for me and from that point on I was so infatuated with music and wanted to learn everything that I could about it. I loved the guitar so much because it was a mystery to me and in a lot of ways it still is. Zieley: What was the inspiration for your new album? DR: All of the songs on “115 Gainsborough” were more or less brought to life – or at least came of age – in my room at that address. All of the songs were centered on the life experiences and the lessons I learned during my time in that place with that group of people. I felt the title was fitting because I will always be able to place those songs with the dynamic
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of emotions I felt and the experiences I had in that place Zieley: Where do you do your best writing? DR: In my bedroom. Usually very late at night (sorry roommates/neighbors!). Zieley: Who is one person or group that you would love to collaborate with? DR: I’ve recently become a big Shawn Mendes fan. I think his music is great and I really feel like our voices & styles would blend well together. John Mayer is a hero of mine as well – a real guitar slinger – I would love to trade ideas with him. Zieley: What has been your best memory since releasing your first album and why? DR: Being on stage at MSG and watching all these people – some who I knew and some who I did not – screaming the lyrics to my songs back at me. That’s
Music really something that I’ve always wanted because when the audience is singing your songs back to you, that’s when you really know that those songs are just as much theirs as they are your own. It’s a special feeling to know that these songs I’ve brought to life have had that kind of an impact on people – especially people that I have never met.
around the same time I began to write my own music so I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from him over the years. His songwriting abilities coupled with his vocals and guitar playing are out of control. The guy is a knockout, he’s pretty much Robert Plant & Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) in one person. His only album “Grace” might as well be my musical bible.
Zieley: What has been something that has surprised you the most through your growth as an artist? DR: I have been surprised at how therapeutic it is to be honest through music. It took some time for me to really get comfortable enough with myself as a writer to be confident to tell my own personal stories. “I Made a Mess Here (22 Symphony)” off of the new album was a sort of breakthrough for me in that respect. It felt really good to get that story off of my chest and out into the world. I have been surprised at how people seem to have taken to that honesty. Zieley: Do you have a favorite artist? If so, who? DR: If artist includes bands, then Led Zeppelin is my all-time favorite. If we’re talking a single person, then definitely Jeff Buckley.
Z: You graduate from Northeastern University in May – have you decided what’s next for you? DR: I have tentative plans to move to Nashville, TN to find as much work as I can as a musician. I plan to continue to write, record, perform, and release new music so stay tuned!
Zieley: What is it that you admire most about this person? DR: Led Zeppelin: They rock. Plain and simple. Their music is always in your face; heavy, real, and raw. But what amazes me about Led Zeppelin is their versatility. Over the course of 6 years they successfully traversed just about every genre of music and they played each of them very, very well. And yet, regardless of the stylistic nuances, you could always tell it was Led Zeppelin. Their ability to flex their versatility while maintaining a singular identity has always been something I have admired about them. Jeff Buckley: That voice. My God. He writes incredible songs and I started listening to him
To keep up with the latest, visit Dylan Rockoff on Spotify.
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