Creativ apr may 2017 issue #20

discovered talents:

ABSTRACT MINIMALIST ARTIST

JEN& EMMA

MATTHEW ADAM ROSS

FROM SMALL TOWN TO BIG TIME

fashion totally outside the box

BO KHASAMARINA

Michael Brun

HOW TO TASTEFULLY END A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARTNER

DIGITAL ISSUES At your finger tips W W W . C R E A T I V M A G . N E T Visit www.creativmag.net and enjoy our free digital copies today!

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Editor's Letter

20th

You see that picture on your left?! I keep every issue close to me in my home office. Every day I take a look at them and realize how far we have come. From the very issue to this special one which happens to be the 20th issue. Now you must say that 20 is not a large number but for someone that has spent the last two to three years creating a concept that they can be proud of, 20 is a big number. Its shows consistency and stability. For this issue, we definitely wanted to go big or go home and we did just that.

Our cover features celebrity, music producer and DJ Michael Brun. For most of us especially those of a country Haiti, Michael is a dream come true. There is no better feeling then to be able to relate to someone knowing where they came from and where they are now.

Moreover, we have featured a renown abstract artist, Matthew Ross, whose work of art inspire and delight its audience. On the next pages, the fashion is definitely out of this world. We had the honor of showcasing an avant-garde collection by Bo Khasamarina. And last but not least a little gift from the UK from Jen and Emma, two ladies with a creative mind who only wanted to bless other creatives with art ideas in a booklet.

I really would like to take this moment to thank each and every contributor that has given their precious work and time to this magazine over the years. It is no small matter, your contribution has paved the way for the magazine to be known around the world. For that I am entirely grateful.

For my senior writers and photographers, a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to donate your labor of love with no questions asked. We are getting ready to celebrate this issue in the biggest way possible so I invite each and every contributor to partake in this celebration on June 17th at the Croydon Hotel Miami Beach for our Roof Top Cocktail Party. We are excited for what is to come and can’t wait to share the creative minds waiting for us to expose them around the world.

CORHINN BRUNOT Founder and Editor in Chief Follow us on IG @creativmag

issue

CONTRI BUTORS Georgia Bryce Ms. Bryce, an eloquent and influential speaker, teacher, motivator, mentor, and life coach, finds energy and passion in inspiring individuals to reconcile their lives with the Master Architect. She helps people, through conformance to His specifications, come into the expected end that was pre-designed for them.

Her messages are geared towards empowering individuals, through the process of self-discovery and the pursuit of their tailored purpose.

Emphasis is on accurate relationship development; beginning with the individual (self) and then interdependently. Visit her at buildingaccordingtopattern.com

Check out how to become a contributor for our magazine right here on our website: www.creativmag.net

Toni Douglas Known by most as "Toni". For eleven years, Toni served her community as a high school English teacher and an Instructional Reading Coach for Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Currently, Toni is in pursuit of publishing her first book, Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend. In her spare time, Toni enjoys shopping, traveling and writing. In addition to writing for CREATIV magazine, she serves as the blogger for The Millionheiress Club and Keva J Swimwear. One day, Toni aspires to be an esteemed author and public speaker.

For the mini bio on the article: Toni is in pursuit of publishing her first book, Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend.

Showeshi Boston Showeshi Strickland-Boston, ACC, is a certified and accredited Travel Consultant with 13 years of experience in the travel industry, beginning with close to 10 years with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., before opening her own full-service travel agency as a Cruise Planners and American Express Travel Representative. Her industry experience has included managing and overseeing divisions focusing on sales, marketing and training which included training and development of Sales Managers for Royal Caribbean and fellow Travel Agents. Traveling has been a lifelong passion, fueled by on-going education within the field that allows Ms. Strickland-Boston to provide personalized, informed, consultative and expert travel planning to her clients. For more information about her agency, visit the agency's website at www.CruiseElite.com.

Emonde Prosper The Conduit for the Poet Entrepreneur, Emonde M. Prosper is an author, spoken word poet, and creative entrepreneur advocate.

Founder of RegalPoete, an arts and education programming company, Emonde devotes her time to developing artists into small business owners. With her first book, “Exposure is Not Enough: Pay Me for My Art� she continues to be a passionate vocal advocate for the social reform of the prosperous and sustainable artist in all art forms. www.RegalPoete.com

Would you like to be a contributor?

Contact us at info@creativmag.com

6 | CREATIV | Apr - May 2017 | www.creativmag.com

Got Talent?

BE SEEN... GET PUBLISHED! Are you a fashion blogger?

Photographer ?

Writer?

Become a contributor to our magazine. Email your credentials at info@creativmag.com

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APR -MAY 2017

56

Michael Brun

Celebrity Music Producer

IN THIS ISSUE VISUAL ARTS Accessories 48 Creative Handmade creations by Farah Cornely

FASHION PHOTORGAPHY

Up Photography 20 Pop Black Strong and Beautiful by Photog. Minors and Akande

Up Photography 22 Pop "TIMES SQUARE" by photographer Brady Pappas

FEATURED STORIES Minimalist Artist 30 Abstract Getting to know Matthew Ross Presentation 36 Fashion Avant-Garde wearable clothing

by Bo Khasamarina

Story 56 Cover Getting to know celebrity Artist

contents

Michael Brun

12 | CREATIV | Apr - May 2017 | www.creativmag.com

Highlight 68 Celebrity Astrid Bavarasco Reality Star or Entrepreneur?

CREATIVE IDEAS Review 74 Product ROUTE by Jen and Emma

WRITER'S CORNER Telling 84Story Blanche Williams - A Beacon of Vision and Beauty

by Yvonne Nobles

in style 88 Traveling What's Your Plan?

by Showeshi Boston

90 Empowerment Living My Life Like It's Golden

by Georgia Bryce

92Goodbye and Good Riddance Love and Relationships

How To Tastefully End A Relationship With Your Partner

by Toni Douglas

Entrepreneurship 94Artistic Setting that legacy example

by Emonde Prosper

Read Our Blog Find exclusive pictures and video of Fashion Designer Bo Khasamaraina on our blog creativmag.com Read the full article in this isssue on page:

COVER CREDITS TO THE TEAM OF MICHAEL BRUN

36

Editorial Director

Corhinn Brunot ARTICLES EDITOR Didier Brunot HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Sean Simpson DISTRIBUTED BY Joomag.com magzter.com

ARTICLES CONTRIBUTORS Emonde Prosper Showeshi Boston Toni Douglas Georgia Bryce Jolaina Peltier Yvonne Nobles

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTION Sean Simpson

Peter Simpson Herbert Tucker Deweyne Weise Korie Minors Alexander Akande

JUNE 17TH 2017 14 | CREATIV | Apr - May 2017 | www.creativmag.com

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Visual Arts |

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One thing was and is still Obvious for me: Life is precious. Living is a blessing, and I vowed to help bring joy and happiness with every piece that I will create and every word that my art will inspire me.

Because I believe that art and words can lift a soul. I believe that art and words can save a life. I believe that colors and positive words can have a tremendous power over a life. I hope that all my creations will change someone perspective of life; give the little strength needed to go on, and most of all, bring joy.

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www.creativmag.com | Apr - May 2017 | CREATIV | 17

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Pop-up Photography |

Black Strong and Beautiful Photographers: Korie Minors and Alexander Akande Editor: Alexander Akande Designs: Alexander II Akande Models: Lola ChĂŠl and Alexander Akande Hair: Melissa - @HairDoneByLiss

Photographers: Korie Minors and Alexander Akande Editor: Alexander Akande Designs: Alexander II Akande Models: Lola ChĂŠl and Alexander Akande Hair: Melissa - @HairDoneByLiss www.creativmag.com | Apr - May 2017 | CREATIV | 21

Pop-up Photography |

"Times Square"

Photographer: Brady Pappas Creative Directors: TyJah Bair & Matthew Muse HMUA & Jewelry Designer: Shawn Bair Barefoot Daughter Jewelry Models: Tanya Beau, Vivian Nwoke, Jolaina Peltier

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Photographer: Brady Pappas Creative Directors: TyJah Bair & Matthew Muse HMUA & Jewelry Designer: Shawn Bair Barefoot Daughter Jewelry Models: Tanya Beau, Vivian Nwoke, Jolaina Peltier

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SOMETHING COMING TO CREATIVMAG

BIG

IS

Featured Stories |

Matthew Ross

Matthew oss R

A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON ABSTRACT

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MATTHEW ADAM ROSS

Abstract minimalism artist, with a talent that is more inherent than learned, invites us into his world.

W Holy. Dark. Satin, 2017 From the series Tension Studies

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hen the desire to create becomes second nature that’s when you truly know that you are an artist. Matthew, lives and breathes art. To quote his own words “ He is highly influenced by architecture, form and space, psychology, mathematics, the anatomy of human lifeforms and the non living, the physics of cause and effect, the decay, failure, and subsequent restoration of American Metropolis's, are all irreplaceable components and underlying themes in his paintings.”It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to share an exchange between us and Matthew, a great conversation to get to know what goes on this beautiful mind of his.

We’ve looked at your art and beyond the reality around them, felt like it was poetry. Would this space allows a flow to take you say that you are in another place, which could be compared world when you paint? to a sort of visual poem, the way a song is a musical poem. The It is in a sense, guided way a poem threads words aimlessness through the together to create abstract ideas subconscious of emotions and and feelings, I can definitely natural instinct. Technique is that to my painting. not ignored, but doesn’t not come into it predominately.

When I’m creating, there is a sense of transporting oneself

Nero II, 2017 Chainlink Gallery $7,000 Contact gallery

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Blue Tension, 2017 Chainlink Gallery $8,500 Contact gallery

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2- It is said that you don’t use any paintbrushes to paint, what exactly do you use to create your art?

do not feel confined but rather protected from myself in a sense.

I consider myself more of a scriber or marker than a classical painter. I use my hands, drawing with tools like pencils, pastels, chalk, charcoal, ink pen, graphite, and when paint is applied it is done with hands, paper towels and tissue.

4- Your process, very unique I might add, leads to solving a puzzle. (as you stated in your previous interviews) What do you expect your viewers or spectators to get out of admiring your art?

3- You’ve claimed that your art is rooted in chaos while speaking of your creative aesthetic, can you elaborate more on that?

I strive to maximize all unpredictability, and encourage the unintentional. I want to minimize any separation between my brain and my surface where these evocations are expelled. The idea for me is that I am not only creating a style unique to myself but also the manner in which I create. Rules do exist, but I have created them, so I

I want my work to feel accessible, whether you can feel composition, color, content, or confusion I’m opening a dialogue. I want the sense of movement and freedom that exists within the tension of my work to allow others to release themselves from the binds that hold them, possibly inspire them to pick up a pen and paper and create without regulation or expectation.

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5- Do you have a ritual do you go through before you create or does it come naturally?

I am constantly drawing and sketching.

All day every day. I’m experimenting and testing different ways of scribing, combining and juxtaposing textural combinations and color palettes. A very important part of my process is music, mainly bebop jazz of Charlie Parker, and experimental jazz. I feel an invigoration and also a wall built around myself from the noise of the outside world.

and two on the Provincetown at Jo Hay Open Studio. My advice would be to stay true to yourself, forget about what everyone else is doing, you should be your only competition, but this isn’t about judgment, it’s about a responsibility to create. There is also enough space for all artists to be successful and to take theirs, so don’t be a hater, be a lover. Keep your ego in check. Value your family and friends. Don’t think too much, and do whatever makes you feel good.

6- Do your creations directly correlate with your emotions?

Not necessarily, however emotions play a large roll, sometimes the emotions are so deep I end up working within my subconscious, there’s no label for it. Each painting is like a window into my subconscious, a flood of the mind, so naturally they do spill into my work.

7- Besides NY where have you exposed your work?

I lived in Berlin, Germany for 6 weeks during a residency, and was a part of a group show following my residency at the Komunale Galerie. I’ve also shown work in multiple venues throughout California, in Los Angeles, Ventura, Newport Beach, and the community of Bombay Beach on the shores of the Salton Sea. 8- If there was one place in the world that you would like your art to be seen where would it be and why?

Any permanent collection in any museum so that long after I am gone, my work will still be viewable to the public and not exclusively collectors who own my work.

9- They say that an artist never has one talent, do you have a hidden talent that you would like to share with us?

I was a union welder and carpenter for two years in New York City. I have been surfing my entire life. I build and ride old harley choppers. I design clothes. I collect old cars and antiques. I am forever an adventurer, nomad, and admirer of the beauty of the American country.

10- What is there in the near future for you and would you like to share some last words of wisdom to those seeking your level of success?

I have three shows coming up this year, one in Los Angeles at Chainlink Gallery 32 | CREATIV | Apr - May 2017 | www.creativmag.com

Trash Study, 2016 Chainlink Gallery $8,000 Contact gallery

Vaca Muerta, 2016 Chainlink Gallery $6,500 Contact gallery

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AVAN GARDE

WEARABLE CLOTHING

photography BY herbert tucker and deweyne weise

Photographer: Herbert Tucker Designer: Bo Khasamarina Model Ale Henderson Shoes by @kruzinfootwear

FASHION DESIGNS BY BO KHASAMARINA

Featured Stories |

Bo Khasamarina

Photographer: Herbert Tucker Designer: Bo Khasamarina Model Ale Henderson Shoes by @kruzinfootwear

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Some designers create outside the box and some completely BEHOND the box, such was our feeling when we discovered the creations of Bo Khasamarina when photographer Herbert Tucker shares his latest photoshoot with us. We had a chance to catchup with Bo, as we were curious what goes on through that head of his when he designs.

take days, in very unique settings. I’ve made garments in over 20 states in the last 10 months, even in the back of uber rides and trains, and the purpose is always for them to be worn by me before they make it anywhere else. They definitely mirror my experiences.

We’ve recently discovered your designs, and for us it looks like you really are into Avant-garde? Is that correct? Or what would you call your style of designing?

I consider my wearable art to be in a sense, homeless, without a geographic, social or political sense, which to me, it makes them appropriate anytime, anywhere, reflecting the individual courage of the user, which in turn puts fluidity of Gender and personal style in the hands of whoever wears it.

At this moment in time, more than the outcome itself for my creations, i’m more focused in having fun experimenting with the unknown and trusting my subconscious instincts and parallels of beauty, which not always correlate with what you could or would call fashion. I, therefore, note that my garments are born from a conversation between each individual material and what it wants to become. The most exciting part is that 90% of my garments are still what they used to be, since nothing is removed from the original subject. So if I make something out of a rug, for example, you’re wearing all of it. and if you remove my ties from it, you’ll be left with the same item, now adorned by the scars of its transformation.

Seems like you are a man of many talents but when did you first know that you wanted to be a fashion designer?

I always knew I was creative, and feared it as it was seen as wrong growing up in a third world country. Fashion Design is not my passion nor my end goal, but a personal necessity. It’s more like the place where I can explore a side of me that knows I can achieve a sense of identity through pushing my creative limits while balancing life, creativity and business.

What would you call your recent collection?

And who would you say would wear it?

If there was one place in the world that you would like your designs to be seen where would it be and why?

Additionally, growing up I wasn’t exposed to free thinkers in a visual realm as we can be exposed nowadays, so I definitely would like to see them where they are needed the most, wherever someone feels out of place or losing hope, I hope one day any of my pieces can shed a light by reminding someone out there that it’s not only ok to be yourself, but that it is AMAZING once you learn to trust your insticts and what you don’t know, when you blur the lines.

...It’s the positively daring ones that inspire me the most.

I call it Kintsukuroi or “Kintsu” for short (Kintsugi also known as Kintsukuroi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum) and it refers to the recycling of a concept (broken pottery) and putting it together with something precious, an idea that only relates to that particular piece or pottery, due to its uniqueness in size, cut, texture, color and purpose.

I can see anyone wearing my art, like, every single human being. simply because kintsu pieces do not conform to an identity… instead, if welcomed by you, they will adopt and elevate yours.

Have you ever showcased your designs on any major runways?

If so please tell us more about that, where and when?

The first Khasamarina Solo Show was in 2011 at the Shore Club Hotel in south beach, and i’ve done a few more throughout the years, most of them private, intimate affairs. Although I have always been more attracted to showcasing other new artists vision and ideas to the public, as achieved during the Muse0World fashion shows I curated.

Do you have emotional process that you attach to your designs?

The material and I usually enter a playful mode, where by discovering what I need to improve in myself I also rid myself little by little of doubts, I remind myself everyday while making each piece that the goal is not to create what’s already done, but to allow the materials to be put together by my hands and scissors alone ,I gave up sewing all together. It’s definitely therapy and a reminder of the importance of patience and trusting the unknown.

Most garments are made in less than 2 or 3 hours, although some

Seems like you were the Editor in Chief of Raukus Magazine, is that still in circulation?

How did you get mixed into publishing?

Yes, I was, but it is no longer an active publication. Publishing presented itself as a great opportunity to connect people, to showcase the talents of so many amazing individuals whom I truly admire to this day. As a photographer, stylist, director, editor in chief, writer and creative director, I was able to take turns and wear many hats in different occasions while being inspired by the work of everyone I’ve worked with.

Who is your favorite celebrity that you have worked with?

I opt for discretion when it comes to my clientele, but I will say instead, when it comes to humans in general.. it’s the positively daring ones that inspire me the most..

What is next for you and your brand?

Lots of surprises are well underway, but at the moment i’m truly enjoying this incubator mode i’m in, before releasing my ideals to the masses. But if you or your readers want a sneak peak, you can all come to our next fashion show on June 4th at the Regatta Park in Coconut Grove FL, to benefit the National Animal Rights Day (NARD) first event ever in Miami (Shout out to the Director, Gabriela Raccah, who took it upon herself to bring the Animal Rights Day awareness to South Florida) Would you like to share some last words of wisdom to those seeking your level of success?

Success is everywhere, success is here, now! Waking up and having the choice of loving life and thriving against all odds or becoming a victim… that choice is where success lives. Everyday we have the opportunity to shine in our very own and unique way, instead we chose to give importance to things that hold us back.

When presented with a problem I tried to remind myself “Will this matter in 10 years?” if the answer is “NO” then I focus on a solution that doesn’t involve emotional stress, and if it can’t be avoided, i’ll turn it into fuel to do more. Emotions are a very powerful fuel, and they can be honed in any direction you want.. whether you chose to be in nirvana or hell, they’ll take you there.

Photographer: Herbert Tucker Designer: Bo Khasamarina Model @chloe_martini Shoes by @kruzinfootwear Bo adjusting the garment while actually being photographed by Herbert Tucker

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Photographer: Deweyne Weise Model: Avalon @ K2 Models Make Up: ThinkJenn Make Up Shoes: Kruzin Footwear by Alessandra Gold

Photographer: Deweyne Weise Model: Avalon @ K2 Models Make Up: ThinkJenn Make Up Shoes: Kruzin Footwear by Alessandra Gold

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Photographer: Deweyne Weise Model: Avalon @ K2 Models Make Up: ThinkJenn Make Up Shoes: Kruzin Footwear by Alessandra Gold

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Photographer: Deweyne Weise Model: Avalon @ K2 Models Make Up: ThinkJenn Make Up Shoes: Kruzin Footwear by Alessandra Gold

Photographer: Deweyne Weise Model: Avalon @ K2 Models Make Up: ThinkJenn Make Up Shoes: Kruzin Footwear by Alessandra Gold

Photographer: Deweyne Weise Model: Avalon @ K2 Models Make Up: ThinkJenn Make Up Shoes: Kruzin Footwear by Alessandra Gold

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Photographer: Deweyne Weise Model: Avalon @ K2 Models Make Up: ThinkJenn Make Up Shoes: Kruzin Footwear by Alessandra Gold

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2017

COMING THIS FALL

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Beyond the spectacle and refined elegance of the dinner itself, guests are brought together from diverse backgrounds by a love of beauty and good taste. Le DĂŽner en Blanc recalls the elegance and glamour of court society, and diners engage one another knowing they are taking part in a truly magical event.

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Cover Story |

Michael Brun

Michael Brun 56 | CREATIV | Apr - May 2017 | www.creativmag.com

Cover Story |

Michael Brun

G Greatest…..Feeling….Ever!!! That’s how I could describe my interview with celebrity DJ Michael Brun.

Michael, believe it or not, wanted to become a doctor, however the love of music led him to the life that he currently leads. An international DJ who’s played with the biggest stars in the industry of EDM music. He is now coming back to his roots. His latest song “Gaya” made nothing but Headlines in the Haitian community.

We’ve had the privilege of catching up with him while he was on tour and there is only one word that can define this next bit....COOL!!!! Enjoy!

IF YOU PREFER TO HEAR THE AUDIO OF THE INTERVIEW CLICK BELOW OR GO TO WWW. CREATIVMAG.COM

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Cover Story |

Michael Brun

IF YOU PREFER TO HEAR THE AUDIO OF THE INTERVIEW CLICK BELOW OR GO TO WWW. CREATIVMAG.COM

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C- The very first time I heard about you was in 2014, but you've been in the game since 2008. How did you fall in love with just being a DJ?

always just loved it, but I didn't see it as a career move, "Oh, yeah. I'm going to be a DJ."

That's awesome, especially you know how Haitian parents are.

M- I think I fell in love with music They always want you to either first. That was the main thing be a doctor or a lawyer. I guess because my dad had his band your parents saw your dream Skandal and then my mom played and really pushed you, or am I piano so I just always grew up right? around music and without the Yeah. It was great because my intention of ever being a producer or parents were always supportive my a DJ, I just loved it and had it as a whole life so when I did ... I would hobby. say the first time I really started taking things seriously, was when I Eventually when I was 15 or 16, I did my first show. So I started doing heard about these programs that shows in Haiti I also started opening allowed you to produce. Initially, for a few different DJs. At one point I Virtual DJ was the first thing I used, opened for Avicii and then I opened which was like a DJ software that I for Antoine and Max Vangeli, and I got online. Then I moved into opened for Nadia Ali. There was a Ableton, which is the software I use period of time where I played more now to produce songs. I went from shows in Haiti and that's when things just the love of music to then a love ... I was in college and things started of electronic music and then DJing coming together and then I was through the programs and eventually making my own music as well. I still just making my own stuff. And it was wanted to be a doctor, but it started just a natural progression that I getting a little more serious so I had didn't realize at the time because I the conversation with my parents was doing what I loved and at the about this music I really care about, same time, I was really focused on and I'd like to try to do this at the school. I knew I wanted to be a same time. It was kind of doing it for doctor since I was a kid. fun when I had free time and then still going back and focusing. What C- How do you go from wanting was also crazy was I had a like 90 to be a doctor to being a DJ? something percent full scholarship at Davidson, my college. I was really M- That's the thing. When I was serious about medicine and I was a younger, I really focused on my bio major. I knew that I had to focus education and I knew I wanted to be and make sure that the work I was a doctor and that being a doctor doing at school was within a level required years of college and also that would allow me to really become having the best grades possible, a doctor. It was a balancing act. It having a situation ... Basically was really really tough and my putting yourself into your craft fully parents were always supportive and so that you can have success in it. I they just were always real with me, so realized that that's what I wanted to they were like, "Make sure you get do when I was younger, so I was like, your work done. That's what matters "Okay. I have to focus in." But then, most. Creatively we support you and without realizing it as well, music want you to do the things that you was a release and music was a way love." for me to work creatively that I never saw it as a real potential career. I

Cover Story |

Michael Brun

C- Kudos to your parents because not a lot of us have parents who just support our art and especially our dreams.

Basically you made a career out of that now. When was your first big break that put you on the map?

M- The first big, big break was ... I had a song signed to a DJ that I really looked up to. His name was Dirty South. He signed my song on his label and I had ... Around the same time as well I had a song that went viral on this website called Hype Machine. I had in a ... maybe across one year period. I know it's usually there's one moment, but it was over one year that song got popular, then labels started contacting me, and then management started contacting me, and then I got remix requests and then I got production requests and then I got my track signed to Dirty South's label. All of this stuff happened in a year between my freshman and sophomore year in college. Eventually, because I got signed on Dirty South's label, he invited me down to Miami for Ultra.

We got to play the song together at Ultra. That was really crazy like,

"Wow. This is real."

C- Absolutely. Absolutely. No lie.

My favorite track of all time is the one that you did with Zashanell. I still have it on my blog. It's called Halfway. I can play this over and over and over again. After that, you came out with Whenever I Go in 2016, merging the Haitian beats with the house music. Finally you gave us Gaya. That was like the pinnacle really. Forget about the whole Ultra Fest, The minute you embraced your culture and just put it out there, that was it for us. Do you think that's the apex of your career or you still have a bunch to go?

M- I have to say, the same way that you just saw it in terms of the electronic music stuff and the Haitian influence stuff being such a different level, that's how I felt too. I never wanted to just use Haitian sound or

use Haitian culture just like that without putting thought, putting respect and love into it because Haitian music, Haitian culture is so rich. It's beautiful. The stories are beautiful. The sounds are beautiful.

Everything about it is ancient really, especially the rhythm. I was always very cautious about integrating it into my music because I wanted it to be done respectfully and then done in a way where I could take it somewhere that it hasn't gone before.

So for years while I was doing electronic music as halfway kind of music and playing those electronic festivals, all I was doing was working on my craft and developing my sound so that I could become a good producer first, and then getting to the point where I could bring in my Haitian culture into it where it was done right and I was proud of it. It took a long time. It took years of me just tweaking and getting better and figuring out how I wanted it to sound and also what I wanted to say. It took a long time to get to that point, but Wherever I Go and Gaya that was really coming together.

C- Obviously you collaborated with such amazing celebrities out there, but just tell us, who haven't you collaborated with so far and what would you do with them if you were to collaborate with them?

M- Actually, one group that I always really wanted to work with forever, and I finally got….I've always wanted to work with One Republic. I always loved what they do. In the last few months I actually worked with them, so we have a song coming out next week. That's a huge, crazy thing in my life now because it was an artist that I really looked up to and now we got to do something and it's a very influential song as well. It's a different ... It's taking everything that came together with “Wherever I Go” and then with “Gaya”, but now working on expanding that and creating something completely fresh, completely new. That was a huge one for me to get to work with them.

I hope you'll give us an exclusive listen of that turn up the music so we can put it on our social media and blog. We want to spread the word!! As soon as I can share it, I absolutely will have something ...

C- Let's talk about your humanitarian work because I love the fact that you're able to give back to Haiti. Tell me what organizations you've been working with and if ever the people out there listening to you can actually help out in that sense.

M- I would say that I never really viewed what I was doing as humanitarian work because when I was thinking about how to incorporate Haitian culture into music I was thinking about it in a idea form. My idea was that in my life, personally, the way I grew up, the way that my parents raised me, the interactions that I had in Haiti and then out of Haiti, I realized that the concept of community was what brought me to where I am today. It was because of community that my parents taught me to value, respect family, to be thankful for things around me. To want to be able to help was the whole reason I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to be a pediatrician. All of those things were related to community.

Then in education I received scholarships in high school and in college that allowed me to study and it was from strangers. It was from people I never met in my life, but they believed enough in the idea of somebody getting an education and improving their life that they funded that.

Somebody who didn't know me, but was a part of that community, changed my life. That's how I viewed everything that I wanted to do, not only personally in my every day life, but then also in my music.

That's what Wherever I Go is about and Wherever I Go was specifically was working with APJ and the Audio Institute, which is a music school in Jacmel. I did that.

Gaya was working with Lakou Mizik and with APJ again and with Silibo, the Rara band from Jalousie, all of these different groups that ... It was about bringing together a community of people in different scenarios through music and providing opportunities to the areas and giving back what comes from the music because that's the beauty of music is it's like a candle. If you have a candle and it has a flame, you can light multiple candles with one flame and it doesn't extinguish. It's still there, so you can give without feeling as if I'm giving that, but I don't have that much. It's endless. I always found that really beautiful. That's what this whole thing ... My whole career, everything that I've been doing and everything that I'm going to be doing is based around that concept and about taking the gifts that I was given and just sharing them because it's endless.

You said something that is so important here.

Taking the gift you've been given and just give it.

Definitely you are a blessing to a lot of us out there. You may not see it, but you're blessing people with your music. You're blessing people with your talent. I can only wish you nothing but longevity and health of course, to continue doing what you're doing.

It [music] was always about bringing together a community of people www.creativmag.com | Apr - May 2017 | CREATIV | 63

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Featured Stories |

Astrid Bavaresco

ASTRID BAVARESCO

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C- For those who don’t know Astrid has a degree in Speech Therapy however pursued a venture in Fashion Design. Speech Therapy and Fashion Designer are 2 different fields . Can you tell me which one was first and what sparked the creativity in becoming a fashion designer?

A- SPEECH THERAPY came first. It is my true passion, I love helping others, it is an extremely rewarding profession. I love it!

I opened up my first business when I was 23. I owned a boutique, and carried swimwear.

This sparked the creativity in becoming a designer and creating my own styles.

C- Tell us a bit more about how your swim line originated. What sparked the idea of your line Hera Swim? Is there a deep meaning to the name?

W

e recently had the chance to recently catch up with Astrid Bavaresco, who is taping for season two of the show WAGS Miami (Wives and Girlfriends of Sports Miami) premiered last year on E! according to THE DIRTY, she decided to come back for a second season after her altercation with another cast member, however here at CREATIV we rather focus on the good. One of the main reasons she decided to come back was to grow her business. “I think the show is a great platform for my business and that is the main reason for my return.” – she states during her interview.

Well we couldn’t be happier for her, a step in the right direction, entrepreneurship has a way of changing people for the best, as our obstacles and failures can only be considered as lesson learned and stepping stones for the success that awaits us. The following is a short conversation with Astrid to find out her plans about her emerging Swimwear business:

CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS AND CATCH ASTRID ON SEASON 2 OF WAGS

A- According to Greek mythology, HERA is the Goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, and family. She is the queen of the God's. It seemed appropriate when I was searching for a name to represent strong powerful women.

C-So you’ve dated a few athletes in the celebrity world, do you think this what a strategic move in terms of growing your business or was it pure serendipity you fell in love and what followed was just life?

A- When I dated the first athlete, my business did not exist and the opportunity for WAGs had not been presented to me. Life just placed these men in my path and I have genuinely loved, liked or cared for them. I am a hopeless romantic searching for true love and could never date someone as a strategic business move.

C- You’ve also dabbled into the modeling world is that a career that you would like to pursue despite the fact that

models and designers are viewed differently? No! I would never want to pursue modeling.

C- Regarding you being on the show WAGS, how are you able to balance being a fashion designer and a reality star?

A- Time management. I have become great at managing my time wisely. Thanks to my great time management skills I am able to juggle WAGs, Graduate school, a business, and a personal, social and family life.

C- Do you plan on showcasing a new collection? If so when and where can we catch it?

A- You can follow HERA on instagram @heraswim and watch more of my business journey on season 2 of WAGs miami.

I could never date someone as a strategic business move.

C- (Just for kicks!) Seems like the media waves are saying that you are single, any love interest in the horizon?

I crush a lot! Lol Like I said, I'm a hopeless romantic! And You will get to see at a bit of my dating life in season 2.

C- As a young entrepreneur what advice can you give the young ladies reading you in terms of achieving their dreams just like you did?

Set short term goals to help you reach your long term goals. Don't expect success overnight and don't share your dreams and goals with everyone. Work in silence, let success make the noise!

www.creativmag.com | Apr - May 2017 | CREATIV | 69

LET OUR MAG SHOW YOUR ART

Creative Ideas |

Product Review of ROUTE

TOUCHING THE HEART OF A MULTITUDE THROUGH THE GIFT OF ART

A PRODUCT REVIEW FOR ROUTE

ROUTE

T

hey are two creatives working on a new project called Route. The project came from obstacles that they have encountered as creatives. "More specifically, the biggest setback that you can have: a creative block. You think and think but no new ideas are coming to you. Unsure how long this will last, you try to do anything to find inspiration."

Its creators, Jen and Emma, have created these books to send out to agencies and to creative people that request one. One hopeful outcome of the project is that people will then send in what inspires them or what has inspired them in the past. This can be their own work, work that is not so well known, or works that are known by the nation.

The main goal in this project is to help with these annoying obstacles through the creation of Route. They can be described as handmade mini pocket books, each different to the last.

With a wide range of creative work included.

With a catalogue of inspiration, they hope to build up a sphere of inspired work with the potential to link back to the people who made them happen.

The objective is to help people get out of a dark spot. They are small enough to carry around with you or just keep in your desk drawer.

They were kind enough to send us a copy so that we can review. In the following pages you will experience our take on this matter.

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We are Jen and Emma, a creative partnership who have just finished third year at the University of Lincoln, UK.

THE CREATORS: JEN & EMMA

Jen, the copywriter, is a Northern gal and avid gig goer. Emma is Southern and is the art director of the partnership. She loves skiing and basically everything outdoorsy. We couldn't be more different, for instance when Jen wakes up early and still ends up being late, Emma wakes up late but always arrives in the studio before Jen. When Emma splels cetrain wodrs worng, Jen relishes in correcting them. We have the perfect equilibrium of "illiteracy and pedanticism" (guess which of us wrote that sentence).

When Emma is very chill about a situation and Jen is sweating the small stuff, Emma listens to Jen’s mini rants. When Emma is not chill about a situation, Jen knows that this is the real time to panic. We have a great partnership that is balanced out by our differences.

When we decided to make Route, it was all about the journey for us. We spent months feeling stumped on a university brief and this creative block is what fuelled our idea. We wanted to make something inspiring.

Something you could hold between your hands, rather than spending the time Googling or on Pinterest. We wanted the source of inspiration to be felt rather than found digitally, as often when creatives are looking for that spark they will simply search the same things they always search and won't leave their comfort zone to find it. This is what makes Route different: the artistic styles are all mixed together. Over the pages you'll find colour swatches, illustrations, copy and typography, cartoons and many more forms of artistry mixed together. This way, the opportunity for something random to inspire you comes your way.

Route for us personally has been a huge help with our creative block. We're excited to see where this project goes and hope to help a few creatives like ourselves along the way.

For purchase or interest of our books, please contact us through our social media accounts: Facebook: @routebooks Twitter: @route_books Instagram: routebooks Contact us about Route: jlcopywriter@mail.com mail@emma-simpson.co.uk Jen & Emma

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We compare this little book to an “Pocket Art Exhibit” A book full of beautiful art that you would only see should you visit an art gallery.

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WHAT WE THINK...

Upon receiving the little book the very first feeling is always a burst of joy, I mean who doesn’t like to receive gifts in the mail, that’s exactly how I felt when I received the ROUTE book. The book is comprised of a smooth hard white cover , creatively binded with the help of a small rope. What’s inside will elude feelings of the most interesting gallery that you have ever visited, except that it’s all compiled in a little book that can fit in your pocket.

If you are familiar with the term “Art Basel” then you would totally understand where I'm coming from.

Art Basel is the biggest art exhibit done around the world. South Florida

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gets to enjoy it in the month of December. Well the book reminded me of just that, an Art Exhibit in my pocket. The only remark that I have would be that they include the names of the artitsts.

Jen and Emma are from the UK and to think of a project such as this one demands a lot of concentration and patience. We commend them on thinking about us creatives and can only wish them success from here on out.

HAPPY HARMONY CREATE PERFECT MASTERPIECES THE IDEAL FRIENDHIP AND PARTNERSHIP, FOR THE ROUTE PROJECT: JEN AND EMMA

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www.creativmag.com | Apr - May 2017 | CREATIV | 81

SWIM FASHION WEEK IN MIAMI IS COMING...

e t a r b e l e C Summer

Miami STYLE

Writer's Corner |

Story Telling

Yvonne Nobles

writing is her passion and changing one heart at a time is her goal.

Like never before in human history, there are two distinct torches burning brightly: Reading and Writing. The first is a mirror into another's mind; the second a river that flows from our hearts. And each of us must do our part to keep these eternal flames aglow.

For your reading pleasure, the following was written with love.

84 | CREATIV | Apr - May 2017 | www.creativmag.com

Blanche Williams A Beacon of Vision & Beauty

Have you ever been labeled as “different” by someone? If so, did it dishearten you, or did you immediately take it for what it truly was, a compliment? Many aimlessly meander through life, spinning their wheels as it were, in a frenzied attempt to blend. Much like a chameleon’s survival mechanism, they spend countless moments in camouflage – never wanting to be spotted for their individual beauty.

Then there are those that do not fear standing out from the crowd. They rise each day hoping to shine brighter than the morning sun. Eager to live each day to the fullest, letting their metallic strength beam through any trial, they often receive quizzical looks and hushed whispers as they walk past others ‘marching to the beat of a different drum.’

Just recently, I had the privilege of speaking with the widow – and former manager – of the late Paul Williams (professionally known as Billy Paul), legendary Grammy Award-winning singer of “Me and Mrs. Jones.” It was a bittersweet exchange. From the outset of the discussion, it was clear she’d experienced a most difficult day. Her tone resonated with such sadness, I feared my heart would surely weep. Despite her husband’s having fallen asleep in death nearly a year prior to our dialogue, Ms. Williams had spent most of the day drowning in sorrow.

Along with him was gone nearly fifty golden years of wedlock, and the passage of time had not yet healed her wounds. It was truly remarkable that Ms. Williams gracefully rose above her mourning, and intimated a rare glimpse of the time they shared. She was very grateful for their time together, and reminisced over some of their fabulous experiences. This charming gentlewoman taught me volumes during our brief exchange and it’s as if she were passing the torch from one generation to the next of exactly what it means to be a lady.

They had already been married some eight years before “Me and Mrs. Jones” became an international success. Ms. Williams fondly remarked, “there was no pressure to be great” alluding to the constant pressure on most celebrities to be larger than life while in the public eye. She spoke of the “fun years,” the period during which her husband achieved local fame as a jazz singer.

Philadelphia International Records turned him into a rhythm and blues star, believing the genre would be more readily accepted by consumers. In recounting the birth of the soulful ballad that has bridged generations, Ms. Williams mentioned they were vacationing on one of their beloved havens, the Caribbean crown jewel St. Thomas. After agreeing the time had arrived for a much-needed vacation, they hopped on a plane, and Billy Paul made sure to bring along their cassette player.

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Billy used the provided melody, pulling in his lyrics and adding the finishing touches ala his unique jazz style, which altered the overall flow. After they returned to Philly, the label decided to remove a track that was part of the original lineup.

They pulled the song off and replaced it with Billy’s rendition of “Me and Mrs. Jones.” The rest, as they say, was history. The timeless song debuted in November 1972 – by the end of December it had gone gold, and it wasn’t long until it achieved platinum status.

According to Ms. Williams, becoming an overnight success initially came with a price. At one point, Billy went from being a humble, sweet-hearted man to having quite a large ego.

Suddenly they were being flown around the world with huge expense accounts and staying in the finest presidential suites. And then there was a tremendous amount of disrespect she received from women that were attracted to her husband’s newfound status. There came a point when she felt she couldn’t continue with the lifestyle any longer.

When asked what made her stay – after dwelling on the oftquoted adage “behind every great man, is a great woman” – Ms. Williams explained she chose to see past the negativity because she knew it is what’s inside that matters most, and Billy was “a really good man.” She had a candid discussion with her husband. This led him to reflect on their marriage before all the publicity came along, back to when he was playing jazz gigs at the Waterfront every FridaySunday from 9-2. In just three days, he would make more money than on his nine-to-five; but the downside was the minimal sleep he was getting – just a couple hours a night. Ms. Williams was working at the naval hospital then, and one day pulled Billy aside. She encouraged him to focus on his music career, stating firmly “I got us.” After thinking back on her sacrifice and loyalty, Billy concluded he didn’t want to lose such a phenomenal woman.

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Ms. Williams now shares her life with two precious, cuddly rescue pups. She describes Benji as being the brawn, though a bit of a scaredy-cat at times, and Charlie Parker as the brains. As she works through the grief that resulted from the end of an amazing chapter – fifty years with the love of her life – along with the loss of a super-star lifestyle, she admits the emotional drain can be overwhelming. She has adopted the philosophy that rather than rushing out to the movie theater, or shopping for new clothes, or even escaping to the super market, it’s best to sit in your feelings and feel the grief to get to the healing. She mentioned, “it’s so crazy – stuff will be funny to me that’s not funny to other people. Billy and I laughed a lot.

I’m smiling now just thinking about him.”

Ms. Williams later revealed she had shared our conversation with her trainer. Upon expressing her gratitude for how it helped her get past a really dark time, the trainer responded she had noticed something was different, that Ms. Williams was much happier than she’d been for quite a while. I assured her the honor was mine and thanked her for sharing such priceless, moving experiences. She and Billy Paul also recorded several Podcasts. To listen to the very first installment featuring Russell Thompkins Jr. from the Stylistics, go to: https://www. podomatic.com/podcasts/ billypaulpodcast/ episodes/2012-02-04T06_24_59-08_00.

Never tire of your uniqueness, even when others cannot understand it. Another’s inability to believe in what you know is real, is merely a lack of belief; do not let it change your reality. When it comes to greatness, first you must see it, then you can be it. Some have confided an intriguing secret about those that have achieved the ultimate levels of success: before greatness ever appeared, they were able to visualize it.

They knew beforehand exactly what their goals and aspirations were, that they were within

reach, that nothing would materialize until they could really see themselves having already achieved them.

There will be times others may try to harp on or ruin your dreams. People full of doubt, envy and self-loathing blind themselves to life’s possibilities and will try to make you believe that something that you know you can do, cannot be done.

Pointing to timing or circumstances or background, these naysayers thrive on exerting a negative influence, or imposing glass ceilings and limitations.

Anyone that reaches beyond the tangible knows that anything is possible. That belief, that vision, is essential to your success and must move you to your very core.

Remember: first you must see it, then you can be it. This is more than just a passing fancy or a daydream; it is an earnest, invested belief in yourself, an undeniable certainty that what you know is coming has already arrived. And this is much, much more than just a statistical probability. It is something that is going to manifest; it’s just a matter of your being ready. For while vision is the way in which you see greatness unfolding in yourself, beauty is the way that others see greatness already having manifested in you.

Yvonne Nobles is the founder of Climb42. Along with her husband Louis Nobles, with whom she shared her first kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists, and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, visit them online at climb42.com.

With a focus on helping others shatter glass ceilings – both societal and self-imposed – they work tirelessly to propel the masses to reach new heights.

They can be phoned at 561.914.1233 or 803.979.5865 for transformative speaking and coaching events.

CONNECT TO THE DIGITAL WORLD WITH CREATIV MAGAZINE INC. Our priority is to give you a platform to be seen and heard. Our magazine shines the light on men and women doing marvelous things in their community, those with a touching and inspiring story, those who take life by the horns by remaining heroes.

Download Joomag's free app and get connected on your mobile phone https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/joomag/id454833442

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Writer's Corner |

Travel In Style

One of the best vacation experiences possible is that of a resort vacation. There’s nothing like pulling up to a luxurious resort with a swim up pool room and ocean view! Selecting the right destination and room with an ideal view is likely the easiest part of planning a vacation to a tropical resort. Frequently, the biggest challenge is figuring out the meal plan options. At most resorts, you will have a selection of a few different food and beverage plans. What’s the difference?

What’s Your Plan?

All-Inclusive The all-inclusive plan (usually symbolized by the letters AI on booking engines) is generally what most vacationers opt for when booking at a resort. This plan typically includes all food and beverages. Some resorts will allow it to include certain brands of alcohol, taxes, and gratuity. The beauty of this plan is that you can eat practically anywhere within the resort without additional costs.

With an all-inclusive package, you can eat day and night, in or out of your resort room. That allows for the most flexibility when deciding when and where to eat. At most resorts, whether large or smaller, having an all-inclusive package does not include some specialty restaurants. Usually, the staff informs you of these specialty dining establishments and their individual fees. Also, not allinclusive pricing or packages include top shelf alcohol.

Therefore, it’s best to ask what brands are included in your package. It’s also good to ask about purchasing or upgrading the alcohol portion of your package if you’d Seeing the letter EP next to a resort name signifies that it offers a prefer higher-end brands.

European Plan. To put it simply a European Plan is an a la carte plan. Food and beverages within this plan are charged by the resort at additional costs. That also means that additional fees, like gratuities, are not included and must be paid by the resort guest.

European Plan

Flexibility is the main reason most guests will select a European Plan. In most cases, eating outside of the resort is the goal of those who book this type of package. This allows the opportunity to mix and mingle within the destination that one is staying. The plan is ideal for those who what a more adventurous vacation or who want to have more personal cultural

interactions.

Breakfast Included Plan Continental Breakfast Plan and the Breakfast Included plans look quite similar, if you don’t know the difference or read the fine print. Although the differences are minor, they are often important to some. The primary difference is that breakfast can be buffet or a la carte, there are more options for cooked foods and custom orders, and there is usually wait staff to assist. Again, breakfast is the only meal included in this plan and gratuities are customer, but at your discretion.

Continental Breakfast Plan Even breakfast can have its own distinctions. The Continental Breakfast Plan is the same as the continental breakfast severed at most hotels – consisting of eggs, sausages, pancakes, and more served buffet style. When opting for this plan, be prepared for the fact that breakfast is the only meal that is included in your cost. Gratuities are at your discretion, although it is customary to leave a tip.

When deciding on a resort vacation, take the time to read and understand the meal plans available. Some resorts will offer one or two options and others will offer multiple.

Either way, meal plans can help in managing funds and creating the vacation experience that’s ideal for you. Bon Appétit!

TRAVEL IN STYLE

written by Showeshi Boston www.creativmag.com | Apr - May 2017 | CREATIV | 89

Writer's Corner |

Empowerment

Written by GEORGIA BRYCE Georgia A. Bryce is the Founder of Building According To Pattern, LLC and the Bryce Legacy Group. As a certified Personal and Professional Development Coach, Thought Strategist and Transformational Speaker, her thrust is towards helping clients discover their own unique blue-print and personal authority and guiding them into building their lives by design. Her specialty is in the areas of self-discovery, purpose, vision, leadership, and legacy development. For group and individualized coaching, or to book Ms. Bryce as a keynote speaker or workshop facilitator, contact her at 786-471-8312.

90 | CREATIV | Apr - May 2017 | www.creativmag.com

Living My Life Like It s

n e d l o G

If you have never been to Cancun, I highly recommend putting that trip on your got-to-do-before-I-expire bucket list. Just recently, I visited this beautiful region in Mexico for some well needed R & R. By all estimations, I should not have been on vacation; let alone be in Cancun of all places, but when my sister called me up a few months ago pitching the idea, I decided, “What the heck. Why not?”

The truth is I was pretty much “strapped for cash” when I made the decision and all I had to offer was a promissory note to repay my portion for the trip at a later date. So we made it to Cancun and during our brief, but sweet stint there, I learned some very valuable lessons about myself and about how important it is to simply be in the moment.

On our way through the airport, we were stopped at the exit by a representative from one of the more popular hotel destinations (not where were slated to stay), who offered us a great deal on a tour package to experience Cancun’s famous Xenotes.

We later learned that Xenotes (originally “cenotes”) is the word used to describe underground caves with water. We had the opportunity to visit four locations during this particular tour and boy did we have a blast! Our first stop was all about zip lining. We were suspended from a cliff easily 100 feet above water and then dropped in water 240 feet deep. I was freaking out, not so much from being suspended then dropped, but from the idea that, here I was in water with no bottom in sight! I could not stand and swimming was almost virtually impossible. I remember hyperventilating and a fellow tourist having to come to my aid.

It wasn’t because I cannot swim. It wasn’t because the life-vest wasn’t adequate enough to protect me. It wasn’t because there weren’t enough life guards on hand available to support, in the event something went

wrong. My fear was simply entrenched in and amplified by the fact that, right in that moment, I had absolutely no control. This was water I could not stand in, even if I wanted to.

For the first ten minutes, these were the pervasive thoughts dominating my mind and threatening to ruin my entire day. I had to make a decision; either I was going to relax and trust that my life-vest would do a good job keeping me above water (240 feet deep!!), or I would have to settle with sitting on the side line at each tour stop, observing the rest of my comrades have a blast, while they chose to let go and be in the moment, without fear or inhibition.

The moment I decided to relax and allow the fear and tension to drain from my body, I found myself floating freely and enjoying the sounds and smells of the environment and the frolic and laughter exuding from my fellow tour partners. The remaining portions of the tour that day involved rappelling more than 100 feet from land surface, to an underground cave with water at 150 feet in depth, and kayaking in water over 200 feet deep. Though I was still somewhat apprehensive, each time I coaxed myself into relaxing, trusting in my life-vest and being in the moment, I succeeded in making the most of the experience. In the end, I succeeded at doing some things I had never done before and I had fun while I was at it.

Having left the comfort of my cushy engineering job almost a year ago to pursue my passion in the field of marriage and family therapy and business ownership, has presented its own unique set of challenges. The feeling is tantamount to being transferred from a small fish tank that represented the only world I had ever known, to being dropped into a vast ocean with no bottom in sight. In this place, I have absolutely no control. I have never traveled this way before, so there is no reference point. Although resources are at my disposal and a wealth of information to help get me on

my way, the process is still quite daunting and sometimes, knowing exactly what to do just does not come that easy. Hence, the reason why so many people, possibly yourself included, have opted to stay on “safe grounds”, or remain in their comfort zones.

But then what? After years of remaining on the sidelines of life, playing it safe, at what point do you believe you will be primed to take those risks that have been beckoning at you and calling your name? How much longer will fear cause you to stay out of the driver’s sit, while someone else or something else consistently takes control of your life and steers you, or at worst, keeps you in a spot where you do not want to be? Am I scared out here in this vast ocean; attempting to do things I have never done before, mapping my own path as an entrepreneur, calling my own shots, implementing what is in my heart, enacting my own vision, pulling on my own creativity and innovativeness? Heck yes!!! It’s like swimming in water 240 feet deep!!

BUT, I lived to tell the tale of my experience in Cancun and this should count for something.

I am learning to trust my process. I am learning that, though I am in a new arena with not that much control over the dynamics right at this moment, like that life-vest, my Master Designer is absolutely, totally, irrevocably, 100% in control. I am learning to relax, to let go and allow Him to take the lead. I would not trade these moments for anything else in the world. Now, can you say the same? SELAH!

www.creativmag.com | Apr - May 2017 | CREATIV | 91

Writer's Corner |

Love and Relationships

GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE!!

How to Tastefully End a Relationship With Your Partner

TONI DOUGLAS

Toni is in pursuit of obtaining her Doctorate degree in the field of Education while also pursuing her goals of publishing her first book, "What NOT to Do While Dating Your NonExistent Boyfriend."

I

It's no easy chore to end a relationship with someone you've been dating for a while. Whether it's because you're tired of their bad hygiene, you found out they're a pathological liar, or their parents hate you, you want OUT and that's it! Feelings of guilt, hurt or even embarrassment get the best of us when it's time to cut the cord and wish our partner a happy farewell-- either way you slice it, it sucks to muster up the right words for Mr./Mrs. Wrong.

However, this precious little thing called "life" tells you that you have to do what's best for you in the end and what's meant to be, will always be no matter what.

Here are a few helpful ways you can part from the person you know longer want to continue a relationship with and feel okay with your decision afterwards:

1. Be Open and Honest The best and most important thing you can do is to be honest with your partner as to why you no longer want the relationship.

No matter how you think he/she may take the blow, it's your responsibility to tell them why your part in their life won't continue.

Being honest doesn't require harsh adjectives to describe them, curse words to emphasize feelings or beating around the bush. It means you're not cutting corners and stuttering to come up with catch phrases. And let's face it, making up a bogus lie just to part ways makes you look silly and may only cause burned bridges later down the line.

2. Don't Give-in to Stick Around If your partner really cares about you and salvaging the relationship, they'll want you to stay with them. The worst thing you can do to yourself, (and them), is to stick around because you feel badly or you feel pressured to second guess your initial feelings. What annoyed or frustrated you in the beginning, will surely annoy you and

frustrate you in the end. Giving-in will catch up to you later down the line and you'll beat yourself up for not going with your gut.

3. Break-up in Person Meeting with your partner face-to-face in order to end the relationship you have shows that you're responsible for your feelings and more importantly, theirs.

Breaking up over the phone or through text/email is impersonal and shows a lack of emotion. Sure, you can pen sincere feelings behind a keyboard, but looking your partner in the eye and speaking your truth shows signs of seriousness and sincerity. For all the time you invested, you owe it to yourself and your partner to have a one-on-one while you end the relationship.

4. Save the Tears Even if you get emotional during the break up, you should hold back your tears for several reasons. For starters, you don't want to appear as though you are

emotionally unstable. Crying to your partner will appear as though you're not sure of your decision or even appear as though you're faking. For two, you don't want your partner to believe they hurt you so badly and now they're covered in guilt.

Even if your partner did something that is tear-worthy, don't give them the best of you in a break-up conversation. Be firm, be strong, and if you're not sure you can hold back tears, then wait a day or two until you know you're ready.

Overall, do what you need to do in order to be happy. There's no point in staying in a relationship just to have the title. Again, breaking up with someone is not the easiest task, but you'll pat yourself on the back after you've reflected and thought about your decision. Go with your gut, your womanly or manly intuition, and trust me, you will be fine.

www.creativmag.com | Apr - May 2017 | CREATIV | 93

Writer's Corner |

Artistic Entrepreneuship

FLAW ON SPOTLIGHT Use it or Lose it?!

94 | CREATIV | Apr - May 2017 | www.creativmag.com

written by

Emonde Prosper

H

eart racing. Palms sweating. Stomach tumbling. Nothing is going right. All you want is this moment and your anxiety to subside. Yet the spotlight has just been turned on to your flaw. We all have them!

Whether it is perpetual lateness or forgetting the materials for the special project. Again. Even biting your toe nails in a not so private place. Our flaws -as amazing as you all are- become a part of what is known as your character trait. You may barely notice them and their effect.

Still, like the spinach you ate for lunch now stuck in your teeth, others do. You alone are responsible for which ones you want shining out loud.

The lights were on my most compelling flaw recently and it became a life-changing experience. I took on an interim teaching position at my local elementary school.

There, I met the parent. The very punctual parent who demanded a punctual teacher.

One of my life long battles has been...wait for it....time management. It creeps in every area of my life. From procrastination to tardiness, time management has been my closest frienemy. However, if you have ever had a demanding client, like a parent, to get the job done your flaws have to be checked immediately.

Two things can occur with you in that moment: either you step up to the plate deciding nothing takes your shine away or you choke. I have choked before. It is a seemingly safe place where you internalize the shame, you hibernate and you feel protected. However, it is a frustrating place. Fear keeps you up because you are too afraid of the weight being judged by your flaws. You hide and take little risks.

Nevertheless, in time you begin to pay

attention and realize you have NOTHING to show for the time you spent taking little risks. There is no shame greater than that.

Recognizing a flaw and attacking it, therein lies the beauty of success and selfawareness. It is painful, but is imperative on your journey. Demanding clients, an uncompromising boss, a strong-willed mate or an overbearing mother-in-law keep you on your toes to teach you how to stay ready for anything.

When my flaw showed up and the parent put it on blast I decided absolutely nothing would hinder me. I decided to thank the demanding parent (silently, of course) and to not give him (or anyone else, for that matter) anything negative to talk about. I realized that my flaw had nothing to do with the parent, but it had everything to do with me. So I changed the focus from him to me and decided I would outwork my flaw. Simple, right?! News flash: Nobody is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, but a winner does not allow a flaw to be a habit because it prevents the goal of winning.

Embrace those people as they are the ones being vocal on what everyone expects from you; which is your best. Your best will then show up for everyone around watching silently. Just be prepared for the praise reports.

I still have a long way to go, but I have not been late for my meetings and class since.

Nowadays, that parent smiles alot. Now, when it comes to my article deadlines? Hey, I'm working on it ;)

www.creativmag.com | Apr - May 2017 | CREATIV | 95

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