“I taught special education to delinquent kids, kids who were pretty much like me growing up. So I was able to connect with at risk teens because I remember being one myself.�
Nevis Naturally
Weight Loss Tips
Banks Won’t Lend
Natural Black: No Prejudice
Michael Jai White: Action Rooted in Reality
Jewel of June
About Taj Hunter Waite
Spice Up Your Life
Carnival Run 2014
Island Boy Designs
Trending High Fashion Sneakers
GQ Rush
Get Scented
Agent Sasco: Mission Maximize
Kyu Melange
Nude You
drennaLuna: Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
CONTENT
ST. THOMAS
ANTIGUA
ST. MAARTEN 21st–22nd
Oneness Reggae Festival Jamaica
17th-18th Rebel Salute Jamaica
13th – 16th
Moonsplash Anguilla
15th
28th – 30th
3rd - 4th
St. Croix Food and Wine Experience
9 Mile Music Festival Miami, FL
United Nations of Dub UK
30th-Feb. 1st
Jamaica Jazz & Blues
31st.
6th – 12th
Raggamuffin New Zealand
Dominica Mas Domnik
30th–Feb. 4th
3rd - 4th
Grenada Carriacou Regatta
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
6th – 9th
St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Carnival
23rd
Guyana Music Festival
7th – April 27th
Jamaica Carnival
28th
Reggae on the Hill Barbados
26th – May 2nd Sailing Week Antigua
30th - May 11th
St. Lucia Jazz Festival
BARBADOS
UNITED KINGDOM
8th - 14th 1st – 3rd
VI Carnival St. Thomas
CHICAGO
2nd
Grenada Carriacou Maroon Music Festival
9th – 11th
Sunshine Reggae Festival on the Beach France
23rd – 25th
MIAMI JAMAICA
California Roots California
Jamaica Reggae Sumfest
13th – 15th
15th – 17th
20th – 22nd
26th - August 5th
Reggae in the Hills California
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, California
25th
Best of the Best Florida
27th – July 5th
29th – Jun 1st 6th – 8th
Riddim Festival Aalborg Denmark
NEW ZEALAND
1st – 3rd
Grenada Spicemas Carnival
Reggae Jam Bersenbruk, Germany
3rd – 6th 4th – 5th
12th – 14th
Unity Festival Guernville, CA
Lakesplash Festival Switzerland
4th – 6th
Summer Jam Germany
8th – 10th
6th – 12th
9th – 13th
St. Croix Food and Wine Experience
10th
10th-14th
6th – 8th
City of Trees Music Festival ,California
Antigua Carnival
St. Vincent & The Grenadines Six Flags Reggae Concert Series Vincy Festival New Jersey
International Festival of Life Chicago
Ruhr Reggae Summr Germany
One Love Festival Leighton Buzzard, UK
26th - 28th
St. Kitts & Nevis Music Festival
23rd – 26th
Kentucky Reggae Festival Kentuck
13th - 19th
Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
20th – 25th
Welcome to Jamrock Cruise Miami, FL
Riddim Stage Sonde borg, Denmark Bababoom Festiva Marina Palmense, Italy Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 5
Editor's Note
Where to Find Us:
Twitter: @triplethefocus Facebook: Triple the Focus Instagram: Triplethefocus
WHAT INSPIRES YOU? “What inspires you?” is by far one of my favorite questions to ask. results in a 5-10 second pause before I get an answer. I don’t necessarily think that it’s a hard question - it’s just not one that we get asked often nor is it a question we ask ourselves. with social media we tend to want to capture everything for a post instead of really appreciating what we seek to capture. Nancy Novograd, Editor of Travel & Leisure shared this advice received from Christopher Testani echoing the same sentiment, “Don’t overindulge in taking photographs or you may deprive yourself of the mental images that will endure for longer than some entries in your digital library.” Profound, right? If you were to ask me right now, “what serves as inspiration to me,” I’d unequivocally say, “Vogue, InStyle, Essence, Travel & Leisure and Harper’s Bazaar Magazines, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Pinterest, Americanah novel, the streets of New York, OWN Network, HGTV, Long Island Vineyards. . .” and the list goes on Inspiration changes with our mood and our needs. With this combined August/September issue, there is inspiration galore. From the socially conscious “Global Woman Home Collection” donated to assist disadvantaged women worldwide, to the KesiKesi Impact Program that focuses on empowerment through education, whatever your mind, body and spirit yearns for, I am As is always my goal, I hope you continue to be enlightened every month. If we begin to fall short, drop us a line and let us comes appreciation and gratitude.
Stacey Bethel Your Editor-in-Chief Editor@Triplethefocus.com Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 7
ABOUT TAJ HUNTER WAITE Photos by Neil Hall, AIA.
her blog - All Things Taj her need for a creative outlet that she had full control of. As the viewership grows, entering into its second year, she hopes to inspire readers through her style in interior design and fashion; as well as, bring awareness to local and global initiatives that seek to uplift disadvantaged women, her deepest passion of all. Taj is an Interior Design graduate of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and acquired a MBA from Nova Southeastern University. She started her career at year tenure, she garnered a range of experience in the areas of interior design, business development, project and operations management. In the latter years, she co-created a Business Outreach TV Program on the local WLRN Cable-Tap station titled design industries effects and value on our everyday lives. Taj has completed projects both internationally and within the United States. In 2005, her passion for sourcing unique objects led to her co-founding The Urban Collective, a lifestyle boutique that showcased a modern aesthetic complemented by limited edition crafts and objects d’art sourced globally with an emphasis on the continent of Africa, sustainability and social consciousness. This venture provided an opportunity for her to become a contributing writer for Success South Florida and MIA Magazine with her featured column titled With year two of the blog now underway, Taj is creating more as seen in the addition of The Shop of all sales will be donated to a global or local cause whose mission is to uplift disadvantaged women worldwide, giving the customer the option to choose their favorite cause at time of purchase.
HER STORY
From losing my mother to Breast her family, the way she has cared for Cancer at the age of eight, to becoming a mother at the age of 31, It is in honor of her love, the love of constant presence of the women in my life as the force that has brought me through my darkest moments. The unconditional love received from my maternal grandmother, her life lessons, her entrepreneurial spirit - all taken to heart and have guided my everyday life and dreams. Whenever I feel lost, I think about her patience, how her love guides her actions and the simple adages she would tell me to clear my thoughts - her undying work ethic to provide whatever is necessary for
other women. Not only my grandma but my Mum, aunts, cousins, girlfriends I have witnessed throughout my life, when a woman is given the opportunity, the positive effects of her love is felt exponentially. The organizations I have chosen to support are working in areas around the world for women that do not have that opportunity. All Things Taj is where my passion for Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 9
WWW.TRIPLETHEFOCUS.COM
T RIP CARIBBEAN
A
TO THE
WITHOUT
GOING
THERE
ST. CROIX
Island Boy Design
Located in historic Christiansted, St. Croix, lies Island Boy Designs where artisan, Whealan Massicott pours his heart and soul into designing one of a kind pieces. For over 17 years, Whealan, who is also a musician, has crafted raw organic pieces that are timeless and unique. Featured in several publications including People Magazine, his creativity, expressed in each piece, is what has caused locals and tourists alike to dub Jewelry.� For more information, visit http:// www.ibdesignsvi.com/
Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept
13
FOUNDER & EDITOR IN CHIEF STACEY BETHEL
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: VICTOR E. LEWIS ART & CONTENT DIRECTOR: MIKELAH ROSE
FASHION FASHION DIRECTOR: Arlene Martin (drennaLUNA) FASHION EDITOR: Camesha Powell
BEAUTY BEAUTY EDITOR: Christine Carr
FEATURES Neka Williams Malaika Lepine Shantell “SHANZ” Hill
LIFESTYLE Jo Wheeler Raine Martin
PHOTO
ABOUT TRIPLE THE FOCUS
Marc Evans, MARC EVANS IMAGES Ajamu Myrie, AJAMU PHOTOGRAPHY
Caribbean E-Magazine, Triple the Focus launched its publication on October 5, 2011. With features that run the gamut from Music, Entertainment, Fitness, Beauty, Travel, Lifestyle and Finance, the Magazine has a reach that extends across the globe and includes countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South and Central America and by large the Caribbean. To date, the magazine has over 2,300,000 million page views not including other high traffic websites that hosts the link of the magazine on a monthly basis.
On July 23, 2013, Triple the Focus was featured on the homepage of Digital Publishing website, Issue. Out of 11 million publications, Triple the Focus’ February 2013 issue featuring athlete, Asafa Powell, June 2013 issue featuring Grammy Award winning reggae artist, Shaggy and July 2013 issue featuring 2010’ Miss Universe runner-up Yendi Phillips, were prominently featured on the site exposing the magazine to 72 million readers.
CONTACT EMAIL: Info@triplethefocus.com PHONE: 201-981-6960 (US)
September Thursday 4 9am / Pavilion
NICHOLAS K 9:30-10:30 / Hub
CUTECIRCUIT
Friday 5
Saturday 6
8:30am / Fordam Law School
9am / Pavilion
9am / Pavilion
10 / Theatre
10 / Theatre
11 / Salon
11 / Salon
FASHION LAW INSTITUTE
Sunday 7
RUFFIAN
Monday 8 LELA ROSE
LACOSTE
CAROLINA HERRERA
9 / Pavilion 10 / Theatre
BCBGMAXAZRIA
STELLA NOLASCO
LIE SANGBONG
TAORAY WANG
10 / Theatre 11 / Salon
RICHARD CHAI
PROJECT RUNWAY
12pm / Salon
11 / TBD
1 / Pavilion
12 / Pavilion
1 / 547 W 26th St
1 / Theatre
1:30-2:30 / Hub
2 / Salon
2 / Theatre
3 / Pavilion
3 / Salon
4 / 547 W 26th St
FASHION SHENZHEN
TOMMY HILFIGER
11 / Salon
MARK and ESTEL 12 / Pavilion 1 / Pavilion
SUPIMA
ZIMMERMANN
DAVID TLALE
ANGEL SANCHEZ
1 / Pavilion
SON JUNG WAN
DKNY
DENNIS BASSO
1:30-2:30 / Hub
ALON LIVNÉ
1:30-2:30 / Hub
JAY GODFREY 2 / Salon
TADASHI SHOJI 3 / Theatre
DESIGUAL
2 / Theatre
CARMEN MARC VALVO
2 / Salon
2:30-3:30 / Salon
3 / Theatre
TRINA TURK
MARA HOFFMAN HERVÉ LÉGER by MAX AZRIA
3 / Pavilion 4 / Pavilion
TOME
REBECCA MINKOFF
MARISSA WEBB
KATYA ZOL CUSTO BARCELONA
4 / Pavilion
LUIS ANTONIO
4:30-5:30 / Hub 5 / Salon
CZAR by CESAR GALINDO
SAUNDER
FRANCESCA LIBERATORE GEORGINE DONNA KARAN NEW YORK
4 / Pavilion
ETXEBERRIA
6 / Salon
NICOLE MILLER
6 / Theatre
VIVIENNE TAM
7 / Theatre 7 / Pavilion
TODD SNYDER
MONIQUE LHUILLIER
6 / Salon
6:30 / Hub
6 / Salon
8 / Salon
7:30-9 / Pavilion
7 / Theatre
7 / Salon
7 / Pavilion
9 / Salon
7-9 / 2 E 55th St
ANYA CALIENDO
NANETTE LEPORE presented by MARIST COLLEGE
9 / Pavilion
9 / Pavilion
MESKITA
CHARLOTTE RONSON
MALAN BRETON ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
8:30-11 / Hub
GRUNGY GENTLEMAN
FASHION SHENZHEN NANETTE LEPORE
REEM ACRA LIBERTINE
8 / Salon
AUGUST GETTY 9:30-10:30 / Hub
CROWN by COLIN KING
VENEXIANA
PARKCHOONMOO
9 / Salon
OUDIFU
Tuesday 9
Wednesday 10
9am / Avery Fisher Hall
9am / Pavilion
TORY BURCH
9:30-10:30 / Pavilion
J.CREW
Thursday 11
FALGUNI and SHANE PEACOCK
9:30 / 4 Pennsylvania Plaza
VIVIENNE HU 10 / Theatre
BADGLEY MISCHKA 10 / 537 W 27th St
MM6 MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA
10am / 560 Washington St
RALPH LAUREN 11 / Salon
DEOLA
BIBHU MOHAPATRA
12 / Pavilion
DORIN NEGRAU 1 / Theatre
NOON by NOOR
J. MENDEL
1 / Pavilion
2 / TBD
1 / 360 W 33rd St
3 / Salon
DIESEL BLACK GOLD
RALPH LAUREN
12 / Pavilion
11 / Salon
CONCEPT KOREA
11 / 560 Washington St
BOSS
2 / 50 Varick St
CALVIN KLEIN
BETSEY JOHNSON
1 / 269 11th Ave
JENNY PACKHAM 2 / Theatre
NAEEM KHAN 2 / TBD
5:30-6:30 / Pavilion
3 / Salon
6 / Theatre
6 / Pavilion
6 / 7 World Trade Center
7 / Salon
6:30-8 / Salon
PEDRO DEL HIERRO MADRID
PAMELLA ROLAND SKINGRAFT ZANG TOI
CLOVER CANYON
ANNA SUI RICARDO SECO
ERIN FETHERSTON
8 / Theatre
THE ART INSTITUTES 9 / Pavilion 9 / Pavilion
MICHAEL COSTELLO
5 / Theatre ART HEARTS FASHION presented by AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
B. MICHAEL AMERICA
Venue color key: Theatre Salon Pavilion Hub Off-Site
Schedule subject to change. The Theatre, Salon and Pavilion are in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center. The Hub is located at the Hudson. Entry by invitation only.
DISCOVER YOUR ULTIMATE BEAUT Y ARSENAL
HELPING YOU DISCOVER YOUR ULTIMATE BEAUTY ARSENAL IS OUR OBSESSION.
A deluxe beauty box subscription service for women of color and diverse ethnicities. COCOTIQUE delivers 5-8 full size and deluxe sample size beauty and lifestyle products to your door each month for just $20 + FREE SHIPPING.
FOCUSED ON | Beauty
Get Scented Perfumes to try Right Now
1
1.) Clique by RoblĂŠ is a gourmand fragrance based on a blood orange margarita and french toast crunch, recipes by Chef Roble Ali. The citrus is very prominent at the beginning of this perfume but quickly leads to a peppery, almost
By Christene Carr
3
2
down has hints of chocolate and cinnamon. CliquebyRoble.com $60 2.) Bvlgari Omina Indian Garnet is inspired by rare and precious Mandarin Garnet. It includes notes of mandarin, saffron, Indian tuberose, Osmanthus, Indian woods and amber. Macys.com $82
4 5
3.) Lalique - Rose, iris and jasmine give way to delicious notes of pear, wild black berries and black currant leaf, the base is a musky blend that also includes vanilla and sandalwood. lalique.com $175 4.) Rosabotanica is spicy, sweet, sensual and seductive all at once. This unique fragrance is based on the fresh and bright contemporary vegetal rose accord mixed with white wood and amber. Top notes of pepper and citrus come together and blend effortlessly with end result is seductively sweet and lasts for hours. nordstrom.com $100 5.) Tom Ford’s Velvet Orchid is big The perfume opens with citrus, honey and rum. The rum lingers and mixes with blooming middle notes that include orchids, rose, jasmine and more. The base is warm, spicy and a bit woody with notes that include balsam, suede, laudanum and sandalwood. Tomford.com $112
FOCUSED ON | Beauty
1
Nude You
Neutral Makeup Anyone Can Wear
means to be devoid of sentiment. In the beauty world, neutral or nude simply means it can be worn with just about everything. If you can
By Christene Carr
makeup look, you can master just about anything. 1.) The perfect no makeup look starts with a great foundation. L’Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting Makeup with SPF 18 starts off as a liquid and
2
superb lightweight, long lasting coverage. Target.com $10.99 2.)Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye shadow Palette includes 16 shades ranging from light to dark and from shimmery to matte. This versatile palette will help create simple everyday looks to the most dramatic and intense smokey eyes. Sephora.com $49 3.)Give
your
face
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sculpted
Contouring Kit. The kit provides light and dark powders to help you highlight and contour your face like a pro. Sleekmakeup.com $9.99 4.)Finding your perfect nude lipstick is no small feat. Maybelline has made it easy with The Buffs by Color Sensational Lipsticks collection. The collection includes 8 neutral tones, which means there is something for just about every skin tone. Ulta.com $7.49 5.)The polishes from Clinique’s 16 Shades of Beige collection are dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and safe for sensitive skin and eyes. The eight polishes range in shade from a near porcelain white to a beautiful creamy chocolate. Clinique.com $12.50
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Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 21
Nevis Naturally Courtesy of Nevis Tourist Board
Activities
Nevis is a beautiful island waiting to be discovered. There are many ways to explore it by yourself or you can enlist the help of one of the many excellent guides. Sailing Fishing Turtle Monitoring Swimming Cricket Scuba Diving Golf Kayaking Tennis Cycling
Nevis is one of the most unspoilt and relaxing islands in the Caribbean. Vividly green with blue skies, clean air and long empty beaches, Nevis has a pace of life that encourages you to stop and appreciate all the natural beauty around you. It’s a very special place famed for its charm and the easygoing genuineness of its people. Come and discover this remarkable jewel for yourself.
Where to Dine Dining on Nevis is a delight. You can ‘go local’ and sample the wide choice of delectable Caribbean dishes, particu‘taste the world’ and enjoy a wonderful range of superb international cuisine. Whether you dine at restaurants, on the beach or at the hotel, embrace the variety and create yourself an array of different dining experiences.
FOCUSED ON | Travel
Beaches The locals will tell you that the best beaches on Nevis are on the northern and western shores. But all the beaches are well-caredfor, public and free. And because they are never crowded, you might have an entire beach to yourself. Pinneys Beach Gallows Bay Paradise Beach Cades Bay Oualie Beach Lovers Beach Newcastle Beach Nisbet Beach
Weddings Nevis is a very elegant and romantic venue for a wedding. You can choose from picturesque churches, historic plantations, soft, sandy beaches or beautiful tropical gardens. All will make your special day a memorable occasion. wedding co-ordinators will give you all the help you need and guide you through the simple formalities.
Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 23
Well-Being
A holiday on Nevis will leave you feeling relaxed and at ease with the world. You can heighten that sense of relaxation and well-being with a spa treatment at one of the excellent spas on the island. Four Seasons Resort Spa Montpelier Plantation Suite Spa Oualie Beach Spa Nisbet Plantation Palms Spa
Historical Sites & Landmarks Charlestown Jewish Cemetery and Jew’s Walk Eden Brown Estate The Botanical Gardens of Nevis New River & Coconut Walk Estates
Issue 33|June 2014 19
Montravers Estate Cottle Church St. Thomas Lowland Church St. Paul’s Anglican Church
THE MEMORIES WILL LAST LONG AFTER THE TRIP DOES. You’ll find paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands. You’ll also find a delicious buffet of savory flavors that’ll make your lips smile. A rich culture of music and tradition that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. A living history where you can walk the same roads as your ancestors. And the extraordinary chance to be moved by these moments—a thrill that doesn’t always happen on vacation. Lucky for you, the USVI isn’t just a vacation.
You, unscripted. Lasting memories begin at visitUSVI.com. /visitusvi
/usvitourism
©2013 U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
FOCUSED ON | Finance
BANKS WON’T LEND? USE THESE GUYS INSTEAD By Sara Ashley O’Brien (CNN Money)
B
anks often have exhaustive approval
funds to put toward expansion costs that will increase revenue in the near future. Potential
pitfalls:
Mitchell
D.
Weiss,
adjunct
credit requirements. But there’s a wealth of non-bank alternatives for those who need says businesses must be careful about accepting
merchant advance funds -- even from a venerable company.
CAN CAPITAl Financing type: advances
Loans
and
merchant
cash getting it now. At any point, if you stop doing this, you have a hole,” explains Weiss.
What it is: CAN Capital’s merchant cash advance program gives business owners access to future rate, or APR, calculator, like this one from efunda. revenue that is paid back in small daily remittance com to get the real interest rates. amount owed each day is based on that day’s Financing amounts: sales. Four years ago, CAN Capital introduced its business loan product, which is also paid back daily. The
lENDINg ClUB
Financing type: Fixed-term loans from peers What it is: Lending Club has offered personal Who it’s best for: Restaurant owners needing extra loans since 2007 and launched a small business platform in March 2014. In a peer-to-peer virtual and seasonality).
Issue 34 & 35 Issue |Aug/Sept 30|April2014 2014 27 27
marketplace, entrepreneurs who have been in Financing type: Merchant Cash Advance business for at least two years borrow from investors What it is: Mobile payment company Square -- individuals or companies -- for anywhere from launched its Square Capital initiative last October interest rates that vary depending on the business’ risk.
advance). Who it’s best for: Credit-worthy businesses with many years of experience get better deals than Who it’s best for: Merchants using Square who are less established companies that look weaker the lengthy bank application process). Square approaches its customers, not the other way around. worthiness and term length. Potential pitfalls: Potential pitfalls: Even if interest rates and fees certainty” that they’re just having a slow period seem clear, it’s important to pay attention to the should accept merchant cash advances, says he strongly warns his small business clients against have an opportunity to remedy it?” Financing amounts: Up to $100,000
entrepreneur, but it’s really not good for your Financing amounts: No set minimum or maximum Fees: Flat dollar fee varies depending on advance
Other peer-to-peer options: Funding Circle -- The UK company opened a U.S. arm last fall. Loans go Capital -- PayPal also offers its vendors a unique
FUNDBOx
the program. Clients choose what percentage of daily PayPal sales they’ll use to repay the
Financing type:
borrowed, the repayment plan and one’s PayPal sales history.
What it is: carpenters, plumbers, freelance writers) cash in on ONDECk their invoices before actually receiving payment. It connects to a business’ accounting software and Financing type: Term loans essentially buys outstanding invoices. Customers pay back the amount, plus interest, in weekly What it is: OnDeck offers loans of up to $250,000 for established small business owners for terms of invoice amount. Who it’s best for: Businesses with a minimum annual Who it’s best for: Contract workers who are waiting revenue of $100,000 that have been in business for to be paid for an invoice. Small invoice amounts at least a year and have a minimum credit score see lower fees but according to Eyal Shinar, CEO of Fundbox, most customers are cashing in invoices a separate business location outside their home. According to Noah Breslow, CEO of OnDeck, on a weekly basis. businesses use their funds to grow their company -- whether that’s buying assets, remodeling, Potential pitfalls: Interest may be low but they can expanding or opening a new business. add up over time. Be wary of taking out too many Potential pitfalls: Evaluate the total cost of the loan -- including the annualized interest rate. OnDeck interest rates are presented as between Financing amount: Varies .17 cents and .33 cents on every dollar -- but what does that mean when considering the overall loan amount? Calculate it. SqUARE CAPITAl Financing amounts: $5,000 to $250,000
FOCUSED ON | Finance
Interest & fees: $.17 to $.33 on every dollar plus kABBAgE
lENDIO Financing type: Varies
What it is: A mediator between business owners and lenders, Lendio features a variety of different options, varying from peer-to-peer loans, SBA What it is: Kabbage offers working capital loans of loans, cash advances and more. up to $100,000 to business owners, who can apply and be approved in under ten minutes. When it Since launching in 2006, they’ve worked with launched in 2011, Kabbage initially focused on online merchants that sell products on sites like platform for free. Lendio gets paid by the lender for Financing type: Working capital
Who it’s best for: Small businesses with a one-year history, annual revenue of $60,000 and faith in computer algorithms. Kabbage is the only provider with a fully automated approval process. It uses over 100 factors -- everything from revenue history
on the company). Lendio works with hundreds of different lenders which it vets before adding to its platform. They use an automated process to suggest about four different options that suit the needs of a borrower and then connects borrowers with providers.
CMO of Kabbage.
Who it’s best for: [operators], dry cleaners -- they are very busy Potential pitfalls: Again, understanding the APR is juggling payroll, employees and hiring, inventory,” essential to putting the loan into context. Once approved, customers are able to determine if they time to go out and be an expert at all the different want to take out a lump sum or break up the loans. loan options that are out there.” months. After that, the interest rate decreases to Potential pitfalls: As with any real estate broker, it’s an intermediary business. Though the service is not several smaller loans. there is available on Lendio’s platform. Lendio says Still, it is in a customer’s best interest to pay it off as they don’t give preferential treatment to any one soon as possible. One percent may sound low for months three through six, but customers will end up Lendio in different ways, from lead generation to paying less if they pay off the loan earlier. percentage fees of loans). Financing amount: $500 to $100,000
Financing amounts and interest: Varies
Interest: Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 29
A
ction Rooted in ReAlity Michael Jai White reveals
his path from martial artist to teacher and combing those passions into a successful Stacey Bethel & Mikelah Rose acting career. by Photos by Merciful Photography
M
W
ith
over
32 ries, Michael Jai White has enjoyed a successful acting career for the past 20 years. As the ican to portray a major comic book superhero, Michael has starred in movies such as ‘Mike
titles such as direcer and martial artist, Michael took a break from his hectic schedule to talk
in Connecticut, the start of his acting ‘Why Did I Get Mar- career and his passion for martial arts. Issue 34 & 35|Aug/Sept 2014 31
Tell me about your upbringing? It was great One of my favorite Michael Jai White charcoming from Bridgeport (CT) because it was very wealthy and poor environment at the from the movie “Why Did I Get Married” and same time so I had friends in the projects and mansions as well so there’s a great background that I had. I went into Martial Arts when I was really young. I started teaching fans. In the movie Michael portrays a former really early cause I looked like a grown man at 13. So that’s what got me into teaching, because I was winning Karate tournaments against men. After college you taught junior high school. How did your role in Why Did I Get Married What was that experience like and what im- and the sequel come about? Tyler Perry had pact did it have on your life? Teaching was a cast in mind and he put us together. Tyler something that I fell into. My mom was a is very spooky in a way…he has this uncanny teacher and I started out substitute teaching ability to write about things that actually have and found that I had a gift for or will happen. Without knowing it. I taught special education to “Our representa- we were friends, he cast myself delinquent kids, kids who were and Tasha, who used to be a pretty much like me growing tion shape how couple without even knowing. up. So I was able to connect we are seen in It’s just kind of spooky how that with at risk teens because I re- other countries happened. So I went to work member being one myself. Evwith my friends and that’s a rare idently my interest in acting is so to me, to be gift to be able to work with your a good actor friends. I just didn’t know Janet. kind of similar - being a good teacher is what you need to is to be a good For better or worse, I knew Tabe when you’re acting. But he put the cast together teacher because sha. and we all became really close In what way? Because you you’re teaching friends. have to understand everyabout the role thing. A lot of the impressions from another perthat we have of people are At eight years old, Michael bespective.” informed by what we see on gan Martial Arts training. He retelevision. A lot of people form an opinion of a lawyer, a judge and so many other people without ever meeting one, so a lot of our opinions are brought through With discipline and training he is the holder of media. Our representation shape how we eight black belts in eight different Martial Arts are seen in other countries so to me, to be a good actor is to be a good teacher because you’re teaching about the role from another perspective. Wilson, Peter Cunningham, Billy Blanks, Gene What would you say was your breakout role? Undoubtedly the Tyson movie How was it playing a tough character like Mike Tyson? It was very rewarding. Even today people have great things to say about it. It was crazy because everyone knew who he was, he was one of the most famous people on the planet and if I got it wrong, everyone would know about it. If I got it right, everyone would know about it as well, so it worked out being favorable for me.
In terms of your martial arts background, how easy was it to adapt to your roles for Mortal Kombat and Spawn? Those are pretty easy for me to do. Spawn was hard for me bepretty well. I don’t really have to try hard to sound like a bad ass.
Issue 34|Aug/Sept 2014 33
Tell me about your character in Falcon Rising which will be in theatres September 5, 2014? I was really happy to play an action hero that rooted in reality because I’m playing an action hero in a true way. He’s an Afghan war veteran dealing with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and someone he cares for deeply gets hurt in Brazil and he goes to Brazil and wages war on the people that hurt his loved one. Action movie in the vein of Taken and Man on Fire. It was a wonderful opportunity. How did you get into your character John “Falcon” Chapman? I felt a big responsibility to do my research and I spoke to a lot of of-
What can movie goers expect from “Falcon Rising?” I want them to enjoy an action movie in the tradition of action heroes in the past Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee. Those movies aren’t done as they have been in the past – it’s kind of a revisiting of that. Saying something about the number of issues like PTSD, but it also deals issues. I want people to be entertained and come back for the next one. What’s in the pipelines for the remainder of 2014 through the end of 2015? Getting ready rican American Magic Mike. Black Dynamite animated series season 2 coming out in October. Skin Trade with Tony Jaa and Dolph Lundgren next year.
veterans dealing with the same thing. I did a lot of physical and gun training, shooting maneuvers. I wanted to be ready for anything What do you do on your off time? Spend time that came up. with family and friends. Workout, try to live very regular. I look at myself as a blue collar guy. I How was it working with Laila Ali? Any sparing like the cookouts, BBQ and that type of stuff. matches behind the scenes? (Laughs) no we haven’t spared. If I could have anyone play because the idea of a sequel where we both kick ass is very exciting.
EAT. DRINK. DISCOVER.
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FOCUSED ON | Food
Spice Up YoUr Life By Neka Williams
At some point in our lives, we make CINNaMON changes to our diet for various Adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon reasons, be it health or weight loss. to your daily diet can lower bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels of those with type II diabetes. Try cinnamon sprinkled on it does not have to be. You can still porridge/oatmeal. In addition, cinnamon
enjoy your favorite foods but have smaller portions and add spices for menstruating. Cinnamon Tea provides relief from discomfort and cramping. an out of this world taste. Most people use spices almost every GINGER relief,
increase
appetite,
decrease
Did you know that dried red pepper might lower the risk of skin and colon tea. Add chopped ginger to rice, dessert, cancers? There are much more meats and seafood. Also make ginger tasty spices that have great health beer, which can be a refreshing drink at your next gathering.
Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 37
NuTMEG Popular in the Spice Island also known as Grenada, nutmeg is a versatile spice. For example, it can aid sleep by adding a pinch to milk, alleviate acne and reduce scars by adding to a honey facemask and in soups or porridge to help digestive problems. TuRMERIC Popular in India, turmeric is a good source of iron and manganese, as well as vitamin B6 and potassium. Turmeric is the main spice in curry powder, which is often used on chicken, goat meat, substitute the curry powder with turmeric. grenada’s Spicy Nutmeg Chicken recipe: Total Time: 1 hour 30 min Prep Time: 4 min Cook time: 1 hour 26 min Ingredients:
1-cup water 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed ½ Tsp. ground cinnamon ½ Tsp. ground nutmeg 1 Tbsp. cornstarch 1 Tbsp. Water For chicken: 8 chicken thighs or your preferred part of chicken 2 garlic cloves crushed, minced ¼ cup grated onion ¼ Tsp. salt, to taste 1/8 Tsp. pepper, to taste ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ Tsp. pepper sauce ½ cup nutmeg syrup ¼ Tsp. ground ginger Directions: - Season chicken with salt, pepper, crushed garlic and onions. - Bake for 15 minutes at 400 F. - Mix soy sauce, nutmeg syrup and ground ginger. - Remove from oven, baste with nutmeg syrup mixture. - Lower oven to 350 F and continue baking for one hour basting frequently. - Serve hot.
Turmeric Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: Prep/Total Time: 30 min Servings: 5
ginger Beer recipe Ingredients: 1lb fresh ginger 10 cups lukewarm water 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice 1 1/3 to 1 ½ cups of brown sugar
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken 1 large broccoli head 1 onion 5 garlic cloves Directions: 2 in. ginger Blend ginger in batches 1 Tbsp. turmeric with water and pour ½ Tsp. chili powder mixture in large bowl 2 Tbsp. butter 1 lemon ginger beer into another bowl Directions: Add lime juice, sugar, and rum to ginger beer and stir Slice onion and Pour into a large bottle, chicken into strips. store in fridge, and serve Cut broccoli over ice. head into bite size chunks Mince garlic and ginger into a chunky paste For 5 min, sauté onions in butter until softened Add ginger/garlic paste and cook for 1 min Add spices. Cook for 1 min Add chicken and broccoli then cook until chicken is no longer pink and broccoli is your desired texture. Mix in lemon juice Serve over rice
FOCUSED ON | Fashion
Trending High Fashion Sneakers By Camesha Powell
summer and is setting up to transcend into the fall. The statement pairs can are some happy feet walking the streets. We love how effortless these stylish ladies rock the look.
Agent Sasco: Mission Maximize By Natalie Bloom Photo Credit: Wade Rhoden
FOCUSED ON | Music
Jeffrey Campbell, known as Assassin aka Agent Sasco, is a dancehall powerhouse. Shaped by moral character, keen vision, and openness to opportunities, he has managed to excel for over a decade. With two full albums, over 300 singles, and having worked alongside trendsetters such as Spragga Benz, Bounty Killer, and recently Kanye West, strategy applied, however for Assassin his greater purpose is about being true to his calling. The Agent is on a mission, to be the best man he can be in all aspects, living a life of integrity and consistently growing. You changed your stage moniker, Assassin, to Agent Sasco in order to enhance searchability. How did you select the name? I selected it based on a theme from James Bond. Creating an alter ego. Agent 006 was for 2006 because I wanted to motivate myself after a checked 2005. The death of my mother, I became a father that very year, my debut album came out also. 2007 would have been Agent 007, which is James Bond, so I went with Agent 00. Sasco is a derivative of Assassin so eventually put the two together, creating Agent Sasco.
itself. Jerry Wonda, Raekwon, and Melanie (Pretty Paper), Lil Jon (Turn Down for What Remix), and others that can’t be discussed yet. You are currently in the studio working on your next album. What can fans expect? My creative soul is telling me two things. First, to focus 100% on the art. I’m forgetting about all of the business, marketing, etc… The second, I want to really get inside my feelings and relationship with music. It’s about keeping the process pure. Tell us something no one would ever guess about you. I was born with 12 digits Ooooh, he’s an alien! Who is on your wish list to work with? Top of my list is Stevie Wonder. Female wise, Rihanna, I like her Caribbean vibe, she’s incredible. A number of other artists. I’m interested to see what could come out of an Assassin Hip-Hop fusion.
Describe what it feels like getting on stage and seeing the crowd. I try to survey the crowd for 10-15 minutes before I get on stage as part of my preparation. It’s like an icebreaker without them knowing. This helps determine how to best deliver. Once on stage, it’s the ultimate feeling. I cherish the purity of the connection and each time is different. There’s nothing like doing what you love and sharing that with the audience. Since your verse was selected for kanye West’ song, “I’m in it”, on the Yeezus album, has there been a greater interest in exploring Hip Hop? Certainly I’m interested. One thing that should remain constant is I want to stay true to representing don’t want to be rapping. I’ve worked with more artists since the platform presented
Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 43
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
FOCUSED ON | Fashion
Photographer: Marc Evans Stylist and Make-up: angelie Martin-Spencer Clothing: drennaLuNa
As summer ends, we bid farewell to the bright light colors that were the trend, colors such as coral, pink, yellow and orange and start warming up to the darker but equally beautiful colors of autumn. This autumn the colors trending are navy blue, teal, emerald and army green, fuschia, purple and red. But just because the colors have changed, doesn’t mean we have to let go completely of the spring/summer trends. Instead lets’ bridge the divide, embrace the two and make a seamless transition from summer to autumn. Here’s how we do it... This bold and beautiful pleated satin skirt in coral, is toned down with a simple navy blue tank top Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 45
The tailored look of these pants and cropped jacket gets a bright and playful pop of color with neon pink bow belt and head wrap
Classic, Yet Simple
FOCUSED ON | Fashion
Some girls want the train and fancy fabric, but not too much fuss. This dress pairs the fancy fabric with a simple silhouette. Playing on the feathered texture of the dress, we created a feathered fascinator to complete her look.
This sexy neon pink bodysuit is paired with a denim cropped jacket for the days when the temperature starts to drop Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 47
Bright yellow breathes jumpsuit
FOCUSED ON | Fashion
The green of this wide leg jumpsuit works for both summer and autumn, but pairing it with a wine red makes the look more suited for autumn
Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 49
The trend of teal will carry through from summer to autumn, as can the romper, pairing it with coral or orange, embraces summer but pairing it with purple, makes it perfectly suited for autumn.
Makeup tips: All our makeup synergy of mixing colors like purple eyes and coral lips with teal or accenting blue eyes with either pink or coral lips.
Weight Loss Tips:
Small Changes, Big Payoffs Courtesy of Shape.com
Diet Tips for Breakfast
Think small. For real weight loss, experts agree that tweaking your existing diet is by far the smartest approach around. Weight Management Center at University
Bakery bagel with 2 tablespoons SkIP cream cheese Two pieces of whole-wheat toast with 2 peanut butter SWAP tablespoons Savings per day 300 calories Weight loss per year 23 pounds Payoff - White bread products are a great place to start, says weight-management specialist Madelyn
equals roughly 3,500 calories, all you need to do is shave a few calories from your diet every day. Then watch the excess weight drop off - no massive diet overhaul, no mealsin-a-drink, and certainly no scrapping your favorite foods in favor of fat-and-sugar-free impostors that taste like sawdust. So where do you start? Jot down what you tracking calories or fat grams) in a food diary, then look for spots to make minor adjustments, recommends Nadine Pazder, R.D., spokeswoman for the American spots will be obvious,� she says.
and protein in the peanut butter will make you fuller
Diet Tips for Midmorning Snack SkIP
Large glass of juice
SWAP
Piece of fruit Savings per day 90 calories Weight loss per year 7 pounds
To get you started, we’ve rounded up a few Payoff small changes you can try right now. Make sweetened soda) is one of the simplest ways to slash can give your extra weight the kiss-off for good.
extra calories. Eating a piece of fruit takes longer, and
Diet Tips for Lunch SkIP Container of sweetened yogurt
Plain low-fat yogurt with 1/2 cup SWAP sliced fruit Savings per day 100 calories Weight loss per year 8 pounds
Payoff - You’ll lose tons of added sugar
Diet Tips for Mid-Afternoon Snack SkIP
Tall mocha
SWAP
Tall latte with 1 percent milk Savings per day 145 calories Weight loss per year 11 pounds
Payoff - Lattes boast more calcium and a lot less powder on top.
FOCUSED ON | Fitness
Diet Tips for Dinner SkIP cup red sauce SWAP
4-ounce skinless chicken breast with 1 cup pasta and 1/2 cup red sauce Savings per day 240 calories Weight loss per year 18 pounds
Payoff - If you’re a carb queen who loves bagels, pretzels and pastas, you’re probably lacking in the protein department. Lean meats such as chicken are satisfying and low-calorie, a good balance to carbohydrate intake.
Diet Tips for Dessert SkIP
2 cups fat-free ice cream
SWAP
Savings per day 200 calories Weight loss per year 15 pounds
Payoff - It’s easy to go overboard with fat-free foods. Miniature candy bars offer instant portion control, and full-fat versions of foods are usually more satisfying.
Happy Hour Weight Loss Tips Payoff - when you mix low calorie alcoholic drinks A SkIP
Martini
Rum and diet cola Savings per day 60 calories SWAP Weight loss per year 5 pounds
tonic, which is full of sugar) will cost you far fewer calories than most mixed drinks. Better yet, alternate alcoholic drinks with water, says Franca Alphin, R.D., senior nutrition adviser at Duke University’s Diet & Fitness Center. Studies show that your brain does not register calories from liquid as well as it does from foods, which is why you can drink a lot of calories without realizing.
Issue 33|July 2014 29 Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 53
FOCUSED ON | Music
Natural Black:
No Prejudice By Raine Martin
Natural Black is perhaps one of Reggae’s most overlooked gems – talented writer, powerful vocalist, and solid performer. But for whatever reason, he just hasn’t gained the radio traction or the popularity among Reggae fans that other, arguably less talented, artists have. However, his latest album No Prejudice, released earlier this month, debuted in the top 10 of iTunes’ Reggae Music Albums Chart, perhaps signaling a new beginning for Natural Black. Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 55
Born Mortimer Softely in Georgetown, Guyana, Natural Black was inspired by the music of Burning Spear, Bob Marley, Don Carlos, Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton to Jamaica in 1995 to pursue his dream. “Jamaica is a magical and musical place. There is nuff to be inspired about and write music about. Jamaica is a place that creates and creates and creates without stopping,” he says. “Jamaicans are always building and rebuilding themselves, always changing and creating something new.” From Reality” on Don Corleon’s popular Seasons Riddim, but despite recording and performing regularly over the next few years, his career hit a wall. understanding the business and what was happening around me was another problem. I had early blunders, I had early I create a few problems for myself – and now that time has passed. I’ve gained some experience and learned more things and now I can see my way better.” No Prejudice is a soulful blend of Rhythm and Blues, roots Reggae, and up tempo an artist and a person. Songs of personal and social strife, overcoming obstacles, love, and romance make this album a robust compilation of some of his best material. “When you rush things, you get a rushed result. When you take your time you get a better result. With No Prejudice, I took my time – right production, proper selection. Out of 25 or 30 songs, we chose only 14. It made a whole lot of difference,” he says. “I wrote most of the songs myself. I would just look around me, see how the people are living, hear what they are saying, you know. I want this album to touch people who are going through things.”
by Reggae fans since the Far From Reality album in 2006. Natural Black is preparing to go on a European tour late this summer, and since the release, he has been performing frequently throughout the Caribbean and North America.
“I give thanks, you know. Natural Black will No Prejudice has had the best reception always give good music.”
Jewels of June
Gonzalez-Solis moved to New York at age 14. School of Fashion Industries where she majored in Fashion Design. In 2014, Gina founded Jewels of June. The name of the brand, Jewels of June, is a marriage between jewelry created and her birth month. As evident in the intricate designs, Jewels of June is a labor of love with a passion and dedication the arts, the Garifuna culture, the beach and nature is where she draws her inspiration. Of Jewel of Junes, Gina states, “we design for an expressive woman. She is stylish, feminine, knows how to mix and create her own trends, and does it all without breaking the bank.” With pieces that range from $10 – $50, Jewels of June has been featured on KTLA’s morning news, worn by Keshia Chante of BET’s 106 & Park, MTV’s Girl Code Season 3 and in this fall’s Txture Magazine debut print issue. For more information, visit www.jewelsofjune. com.
FOCUSED ON | Fashion
Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 Issue 33|July 2014 43 59
FOCUSED ON | Culture
CARNIVAL RUN 2014 THREE THE HaRD WaY: HOuSTON BaLTIMORE ROTTERDaM By Jo Wheeler
It may look like a fun job but I promise you, Carnival Run 2014 is real work. By no means is it easy and here we are at the halfway mark, the road is getting rough. Sure in the midst of the action when the vibe is right, everybody’s jamming, the stage is on fyah, and the DJs are blazing tune after tune, you get caught up and somehow manage to pump the 2-3 days nonstop. It’s all love then. But to do it three consecutive weekends, and yeah, that might be a bit hard.
complete chaos. In general there was just so much confusion and drama, that even with the parties that were enjoyable most of the jovial carnival vibe was lost. In short, Houston carnival has a lot of work to do. Fortunately for them, there is a large populace ready to support.
Speaking of hard, that brings us to what is now known to us as the hardest stop on the carnival run, Houston. Houston’ Caribbean Carnival is in a strange place right now. The promoters have split and of course each is trying to move forward without the other. It was rumored that one promoter took the fetes and the other took the parade events, but it couldn’t
and supposedly banned together in an attempt to keep the carnival culture alive in the DMV area (Maryland, Washington D.C, and Virginia) by creating the Baltimore/DC One Caribbean Carnival, although no events actually took place in D.C. Nonetheless, the parade of bands went very well, with a great showing of participants in full costume, chipping alongside the music trucks in true Caribbean fashion. The parade moved easily through the streets of an historic Baltimore neighborhood ending at lake Clifton Park where performers took the stage, giving the Boss himself, Iwer george a great welcome.
Next on the calendar, in fact the very next weekend, we headed over to Baltimore, another carnival facing internal turmoil. A few years ago, both the Baltimore and D.C.
talking. But whatever happened, in the end it was the carnival goers who suffered. There were several problems with entering the parties and performer no-shows. Then Jouvert was forced to end early due to violence – four men shot and two women trampled. As for the parade, on the front end it appeared to go off with only a In true Iwer fashion, from the time he few glitches but on the backend it was touched the stage, the energy level in the Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 61
place rose at least ten thousand percent as revelers took instructions from the ‘Big Man in the Business’ running left to right and back to front. All in all, it was a beautiful summer day in the park. Plus we give the Baltimore/DC One Caribbean Carnival some extra love for including Soca artists from the Virgin Islands and Grenada. We immediately left DC heading to The Netherlands to see what Rotterdam’s Zomer Carnaval had to offer. As part of Rotterdam Unlimited, a diverse summer festival held in the center of town, Saturday is given to Zomer Carnaval. Complete with a Battle of the Drums, Queen Competition,
parade ended at stage where the king of kept the vibes pumping. Of course the crowd was full of Caribbean nationals and descendants, but it was predominantly European. We left Rotterdam’s Zomer Carnaval exhausted and spent but will
So that’s three carnivals in three weeks. Seeing how three completely different locations have adapted the Carnival culture to their individual environments, which traditions are retained and which have evolved, the differences in costumes, DJ interpretations and testing out the featuring music trucks and mass wining, different wines, it all brings you to the same over 100,000 people came to soak up place - we love Carnival and nothing can the atmosphere - including Soca addicts stop the lime!
GQ rush
puts elegance in Music By Malaika Lepine
Y
FOCUSED ON | Music
ou might have heard the story a thousand times, an artist recounts that they artists at the Tribute to Bob Marley Festival in knew from an early age their destination Wilmington, Delaware and The Caribbean and purposes, but GQ Rush wants you to know that the only way for him to live, is through his music – it’s his oxygen. What sets you apart from other artists? What sets me apart is my musical style. My music style as a balladeer of lover’s rock. the sounds of Bob Marley, Dennis Brown Where do you get your inspiration? My inspiration is from life - everyday in the music and wanted to express his experiences that we all go through. feelings and thoughts through composing lyrics to his music. As a rising artist, what has been the hardest obstacle? My obstacle at times is dealing Far from a novice, GQ Rush perfected with certain people in this business. You his craft by performing as the lead singer have to be careful and not gullible to offers with various bands throughout Jamaica’s given that can be detrimental rather than beautiful east coast at weddings, birthdays helpful. As they say “If sounds too good to and various shows at hotels and resorts. be true it possibly isn’t.” This exposure allowed him to develop both his vocals and stage presence. I recently If you could go anywhere in the world to had the pleasure to meet and speak with perform, where would you want it to be? I would love to perform in Germany and and what’s in store. Africa. I hear they love Reggae Music. To be honest I would like to perform all over What does the name gq Rush stand for the world and reach out to everyone that and how did you come up with it? GQ is loves our music. from the GQ magazine which represents a certain elegance. The name GQ was Who would you like to do a collaboration given by an editor of the magazine when with? I would love to collaborate with visiting Jamaica in 1990. Rush was later Beres Hammond. His message and music added because I’m always on the move is what I’m also trying to accomplish. Both – GQ Rush. of us together spreading love would be an explosion!! If you didn’t do music, what would be your other career path? If not music I will be What is in the works for gq Rush? Continue doing something in hospitality and most to release singles and eventually release likely entertainment an album. GQ Rush received great success in GQ Rush is presently riding a wave of success with the latest release of his video Morning.” The single was distributed by VP “All For Me” which premiered worldwide, Records and followed by the debut video. as well as taking his place among the After the success of his single release, biggest names in music at MTV.com. For he performed alongside veterans such more on GQ please visit www.mtv.com/ as Barrington levy, I-Octane, Cherine artists/gq-rush/ Anderson, Roberta Flack and Maxi Priest. Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 65
movies - tv shows - music - travel - food original series - live entertainment
serving the
Caribbean Global Market www.caribbeanonetv.com caribbeanonetv@gmil.com
FOCUSED ON | Entrepreneurship
Kyu Melange Luxury From Fusion By Camesha Powell
NMBC’s Global Entrepreneurial Program Goldman Sachs and working on Wall has attracted a growing group of young, Street, Kesi went on to pursue a MBA. It striving businesses. It’s newest member, was during business school that she found clarity in what she wanted to do and the cultural fusion on a global scale with raw dynamic brand Kyu Melange was born. materials curated from various countries across the world. The result is a unique and You’ve had an interesting journey, what highly individualized line of luxury products was the driving force behind making designed to allow women and men to My express their edgy yet sophisticated style. motivation for launching my career in fashion is rooted in a number of things – Kesi Gibson, is the founder and creative but at the center of it all is art. Through Kyu mind behind the colorful, handcrafted Mélange, I combined my passion for art, my aptitude for business, and my desire to ignited at an early age as she worked with positively impact the lives of others. For me her mother as her informal understudy in her fashion business. After a successful and fashion, and I do this every day. I can’t imagine doing one without the other. Issue 34 & 35 |Aug/Sept 2014 67
What has been the most challenging aspect of starting your own fashion business? Starting a company on your own is not only tedious, but is an all-consuming endeavor. Having the right team plays a huge role in how far you are able to go, and how quickly you can get there. The strength of your relationship with suppliers and producers is also key. A broken supply chain can destroy a business overnight and issues with production can have long lasting effects. However the most challenging aspect of starting my own fashion business is reckoning with the structure and nuances of the creative industry.
fashion interpretations to deliver exquisite and unique products. Through the KesiKesi Impact Program, we honor the talent of people who invest time and effort to ultimately deliver our end-products. We provide opportunities for them to broaden their horizons. Through the Melting Pot Movement we also share their stories.
We see that social impact plays a huge role at the heart of your brand, tells us about the the kesi-kesi Impact Project and its Melting Pot Movement. At the heart of the brand is the Kesi-Kesi Impact Program focused on empowerment through education. A key element of the Kesi Kesi Impact Program is the Melting Pot Movement. The Melting Pot Why did you choose Colombia as Movement is a photo and video project your production base? Early on in the developmental stages, as the business the Kesi Kesi Impact Program in June was being conceived, we tested 2014. The platform is designed to capture production with Indonesia, Vietnam, the untold narrative of a global people United States and Colombia. Colombia through the lens of fashion, beauty, music was the most attractive option because and urban art. of the geographic and cultural proximity to my intended home base. I had to learn Where can customers purchase kyu Spanish to be fully operational, which was MĂŠlange products? Our products can a challenge but truly worth it. I work with be accessed on: www.KyuMelange.com. passionate artisans who consider their We have multiple events throughout the work a form of art. year showcasing our products at various boutiques. Currently, we are selling at What is the core of the kyu MĂŠlange the Prince of Scots in the Hamptons. Stay brand that makes it a unique offering? tuned for more! We create luxury from fusion. We fuse quality raw materials, global cultures and