Creativ nov dec 2017 issue # 23

Long LIVE ART

ART BASEL A LOOK BACK AT MASTERPIECES

BY ARTISTS AROUND THE

VISUAL ARTIST

Lammie Hanson POP- UP FASHION

Elegance in the Boho world

PHENOMENAL 4 a r ARTIST d WAYS n a s TO MAKE s d l e l o OFTHEA HIM OR G HER TO FULLY YEAR COMMIT HONORED FOR HER CREATIVITY AND SUCCESS

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Editor's Letter

The ART BASEL issue

I

23rd

I have to say that it feels good to be able to close out the year on a strong note. As you can see there has been a slight shift in the releases of new issues. As we are progressing we have realized our prints are more and more being recognized in the art world. We would like to take this time and thank our loyal readers and subscribers who have supported us for the past 3 years. We are now 23 issues in and I can’t tell you how happy this makes me feel.

This issue is very special, Alessandra Gold, a Fashion Mogul, Entrepreneur, Leader and Philanthropist has graced our cover this time around. She has amassed tremendous success in her industry yet remains as humble as they come. Having an international business is no joke, which means she has reached a milestone that most of us can only dream of. However, she remains steadfast in her pursuit to ultimate freedom, for she says that this is only hitting the tip of the iceberg “Until you can sell your company or become public, you haven’t made real money yet” she states. There is much to learn from this beautiful mind of hers, and we had the privilege to bring it to you up close and personal.

We also have had the pleasure of highlighting an emerging visual artist from New Orleans Lammie Hanson, she encapsulates the soul of a woman through her paintings.

The 3rd annual Diner En Blanc happened this year and 2 of our writers were able to write about their experiences through their words. We even learned how to network like a journalist though the eyes of Emonde.

Our writers truly poured their heart out in this issue, I can say that I am proud of each one of them for dedicating their time and talent to the magazine. I am excited for the year to come and can’t wait to see that it has in store.

From our family to yours Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

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

issue

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THE WORLD OWES YOU

NOTHING

- ALLESSANDRA GOLD

Photo by Sean Simpson

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CONTRIBUTORS

Would you like to be a contributor?

Contact us at info@creativmag.com

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 selfdiscovery 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

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.

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

Yvonne NOBLES 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, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com.

Victoria McCoy writer of the SistaMIA Blog and Host of the Social Sista Podcast is the multimedia journalist Victoria who strives to creative positive media platforms within her community. The ultimate goal is to connect Mccoy black creatives to support, aid, and promote the advancement of the urban black community. www.sistamia305.com

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NOV DEC 2017

44 COVER STORY: Honoring Fashion Mogul Alessandra Gold as Phenomenal Artist Of The Year

COVER CREDITS Subject : Alessandra Gold Jacket by Haculla/Plaid Top By The Drop Photographer: Tommy Chung Hair and MUA: Chell Love Assisting: Bo Khasamarina, Karol Del Gobbo Location: Square Meal Productions, Miami - USA Wardrobe Designer’s own Alessandra Gold Production by GSA House

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76

IN THIS ISSUE POP UP PHOTOGRAPHY

16

Life Is But A Fairy Tale Photographed by Dennis Madigan

24

Pop Up Fashion Photography Boho-Chic for the gods! by photographer Herbert Tucker

FEATURED STORIES

34 44

Artist Spotlight Getting to know Lammie Hanson

Cover Story Phenomenal Artist of the Year Alessandra Gold

FEATURED EVENTS

62 76

ART BASEL A look back at masterpieces from artists around the world Diner En Blanc - West Palm Beach 3rd Year Anniversary

by Photographer Ricardo St Cyr

62

WRITER S CORNER

78 82 86 92 90 94

Empowerment Live, If Just For A Little

by Georgia Bryce Artistic Entrepreneurship Network Like A Journalist

by Emonde Prosper Love and Relationships 4 Incredibly Insane ways to make Him/Her to commit

by Toni Douglas Hot Topic!

For The Love Of Friendships

by Victoria McCoy Story Telling Blowing The Wistle

by Yvonne Nobles Traveling in style Making The Most Of Your Vacation Dollars

by The Travel Diva

24

34

A.R.T.LIVE AREASON TOLIVE A.R.T.LIVE AREASON W W W . A R T L I V E I N T L . C O M

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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Editorial Director

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

ARTICLES CONTRIBUTORS Emonde Prosper Showeshi Boston Toni Douglas Georgia Bryce Jolaina Peltier Yvonne Nobles Victoria McCoy Tresa Chambers

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTION Sean Simpson

Peter Simpson Herbert Tucker Dennis Madigan Ricardo SaintCyr

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Life i aTale Fa Photographed by Dennis Madigan Designed by Richard Petit

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is but airy www.creativmag.com | Nov - Dec 2017 | CREATIV | 17

Pop-Up Photography |Life is but a fairy tale

French lace and chiffon V-neck high low dress Photography/ Dennis Madigan Designer/ Richard Petit Model/Ms. Russia Tourism and Model of the Year Svetlana Kramar

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French lace and chiffon V-neck high low dress Photography/ Dennis Madigan Designer/ Richard Petit Model/Ms. Russia Tourism and Model of the Year Svetlana Kramar

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One One -sleeved -sleeved asymmetric asymmetric gown gown in in sequin sequin stretch stretch and and satin satin Photography/ Photography/ Dennis Dennis Madigan Madigan Designer/ Designer/ Richard Richard Petit Petit Model/Ms. Model/Ms. Russia Russia Tourism Tourism and and Model Model of of the the Year Year Svetlana Svetlana Kramar Kramar

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One One -sleeved -sleeved asymmetric asymmetric gown gown in in sequin sequin stretch stretch and and satin satin Photography/ Photography/ Dennis Dennis Madigan Madigan Designer/ Designer/ Richard Richard Petit Petit Model/Ms. Model/Ms. Russia Russia Tourism Tourism and and Model Model of of the the Year Year Svetlana Svetlana Kramar Kramar

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New goodies for the true bohemian girl!

Pop-Up Photography |Boho-Chic for the gods

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Photographer /Herbert Tucker Model /Daria Skaya Agency/ MP Mega Management Miami Hair, Makeup /Valeria Buitrago Styling/ Socrates McKinney Clothing /Arnaldo Ladies Wear Video/ Javier Herrera

Boho-Chic for the gods!

Photographed by Herbert Tucker

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Photographer /Herbert Tucker Model /Daria Skaya Agency/ MP Mega Management Miami Hair, Makeup /Valeria Buitrago Styling/ Socrates McKinney Clothing /Arnaldo Ladies Wear Video/ Javier Herrera 26 | CREATIV | Nov - Dec 2017 | www.creativmag.com

Photographer /Herbert Tucker Model /Daria Skaya Agency/ MP Mega Management Miami Hair, Makeup /Valeria Buitrago Styling/ Socrates McKinney Clothing /Arnaldo Ladies Wear Video/ Javier Herrera www.creativmag.com | Nov - Dec 2017 | CREATIV | 27

Photographer /Herbert Tucker Model /Daria Skaya Agency/ MP Mega Management Miami Hair, Makeup /Valeria Buitrago Styling/ Socrates McKinney Clothing /Arnaldo Ladies Wear Video/ Javier Herrera

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Photographer /Herbert Tucker Model /Daria Skaya Agency/ MP Mega Management Miami Hair, Makeup /Valeria Buitrago Styling/ Socrates McKinney Clothing /Arnaldo Ladies Wear Video/ Javier Herrera 30 | CREATIV | Nov - Dec 2017 | www.creativmag.com

Photographer /Herbert Tucker Model /Daria Skaya Agency/ MP Mega Management Miami Hair, Makeup /Valeria Buitrago Styling/ Socrates McKinney Clothing /Arnaldo Ladies Wear Video/ Javier Herrera

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CRYSTALS FOR DAYS

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The revitalizing aroma of essential oils and incense waft through the air as many geodes and crystals catch and reflect the sunlight that floods the octagonal shop, it is here that you will be greeted by a friendly smile and welcomed to come in. www.crystalvisionltc.com

Featured Stories | Artist Spotlight Lammie Hanson

i D The Emergent Divina New Orleans-based African American artist D. Lammie Hanson reflects on her journey through the U.S. and Europe that has finally put her on the map as an emerging artist Written by Tresa Chambers

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Featured Stories | Artist Spotlight Lammie Hanson

There is the BPB series, aka the "Beauty Beyond the Brown Paper Bag Test" series. The "Transcedence" series shows images that reflect the moment you transcend spiritually and emotionally to the next level of consciousness.

I created my latest, the "Barna Black" series, in Barcelona. It introduces predominantly Silverpoint drawn portraits of mostly people of color and women on Black charcoal background.

Who is the greatest influence on you in pursuing your work as an artist?

I didn't go to school for art, so most of my influence were selfdiscoveries along the course of my life. As a child, I always admired the Renaissance painters like Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, who helped me see the emotion in art. Later on, surrealist Salvador Dali, helped me see outside the box.

Illustrator Patrick Nagel’s work helped me to see simplicity.

Picasso at the Guggenheim and his Blue Period is what made me fall in love with painting monochromic blue. My Barna Black series feels like it is coming full circle because Silverpoint was used by Renaissance artists for sketching and drawing.

Discuss your technique? What inspired you to take this approach?

When I was doing a residency in Barcelona, I created my own charcoal. I used the earth of Spain and incorporated the images of people of color who were dark-skinned. I studied how their skin glowed when light hit it, and I sketched on their light. I wanted to celebrate and create the reflection of light and beauty. This became the Barna Black series.

Artist: Lammie Hanson

F

or the past 17 years, SCOPE Miami Art Show has featured the works of emerging artists from around the globe. The timing of the show, which takes place as more than 100,000 art lovers converge on the region to attend Art Basel Miami and Miami Art Week, presents one of the best opportunities for visual artists to gain exposure to curators and private buyers alike.

Recently, artists who exhibit at the SCOPE show have garnered support by competing in the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series.

Contestants are judged in regional competitions and through online voting to win a place at the expo in Miami, as well as cash prizes.

CREATIV recently caught up with the winner of this year’s Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series New Orleans, D. Lammie Hanson. Her “Multi-faceted Divina” highlights the complexity and mystery of her subject, the African American woman, and adds a level of depth, through the use of silverpoint on a black surface of What is your favorite piece and what sparked its creation?

Each piece is my favorite because of their stories, the amount of selfdiscovery and the development of my individual techniques. They are like my children. I shape them and mold them and set them free. I like the qualities each represents.

I have four series of paintings, the "One Eyed Tulips" series which was created to spark the imagination as well as engage the interpretation of the obvious.

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When did you first fall in love with art? How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

I first fell in love with art around the age of 5. My aunt's boyfriend put a pencil in my hand and showed me how to draw a stick figure. I was hooked. But when I had bouts of severe depression through my teens and early 20's, creating something beautiful lifted me up. Art helps me to put life into perspective every day.

What rituals do you practice before or as you create?

I create and play a soundtrack of Downtempo Chill music (lately Stumbleine and Ghosts of Paraguay) every single time.

The moment the music hits me, it’s like I become in tune with an otherworldliness that heightens my sensuality. I choose an image by the feeling it evokes in me. I manipulate features but keep the feeling.

Where have you shown your work? What audiences would you like to reach? Where would you like your work to be seen?

I've shown in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Atlanta GA, Los Angeles CA, New Orleans LA in the US as well as Geneva, Switzerland, and Berlin Germany. Within the last year, I have shown at the LeMieux Galleries as well as Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans and Wiregrass Museum and GW Carver Museum of interpretive Art in Dothan Alabama.

I would like to reach more people who can see my work as a focal point in their home where it moves them in a positive direction of self. We all have it in us. My audience has been from so many walks of life and many ages. The one thing they have in common is they collect my art based on the inspiration of stories of the paintings. So many women see their own internal beauty in the women I create.

Quasi Self

Cherished Yamaye

The Blues Transparency to Healing

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Residual Being

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I would love to be a part of SCOPE Art Miami, Art Basel in Miami and in Basel, Switzerland, the Armory Art Show in New York. My ultimate goal is to have my work on display at the Whitney Museum, the Guggenheim New York and/or Bilbao, National Museum of Women in the Arts and The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Hey you asked.

Do you have a hidden talent that you would like to share with us?

I'm teaching myself guitar. And one day I'd like to choreograph a performance piece from one of my series.

What is your next project?

I am expanding my catalog of new works for my Barna Black series into larger pieces. I am also entertaining the idea of writing another art book to accompany the series. I am looking forward to teaching myself new techniques in the digital format. Converting my 2D works into video and projection mapping art.

Do you have any advice that you would like to share with aspiring artists or those who love art?

Art is extremely subjective. It can be emotional and instigates thoughts and action. Stay true to your craft and your message. Make sure you bring light to outshine the dark because we need more of that in the world.

Transcending into a Being

Smart Girl in Fickled Hat

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Multifaceted Divina 40 | CREATIV | Nov - Dec 2017 | www.creativmag.com

Season's Greetings

ex·ot·ic i 'zädik/adjective originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country however adoptable no matter what country you are from.

EVERYONE EVERYDAY EVERYWHERE #KRUZINEVERYDAY

ar·tis·tic är'tistik/adjective having or revealing natural creative skill. Made with its unique flair and the soul of an artist.

prac·ti·cal 'prakt k( )l/adjective Of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas. It's basically wearable art!

Shiruken Coat by DAMAGED / Volcanic Ashes Kint Su Dress by Khasamarina / Leather Spikes Ring by The Drop Photographer: Tommy Chung Hair and MUA: Chell Love Assisting: Bo Khasamarina, Karol Del Gobbo Location: Square Meal Productions Wardrobe Designer’s own Alessandra Gold Production by GSA House

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#Sneaker QUEEN

A conversation with Fashion Mogul of Kruzin Footwear: Alessandra Gold

S

ome people are just impressionable. Such is the feeling that we felt about Alessandra Gold, the Creative Director of KRUZIN Footwear, Brazilian of origin, she has completed her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York where she had the opportunity to become well anchored in the Fashion Industry.

There is much to learn from her when it comes to women piercing the ceiling of entrepreneurship. "KRUZIN Footwear is not for the faint of heart; its bold and

extravagant designs are tailored for strapping confident wearers who seek to live an inspired life, always proud, always in the moment. " We had the privilege of sitting with her to get to know her beginnings and what she plans on doing with the future: Why have you chosen shoes over clothing for your designing career?

I actually did, I did apparel and clothing design at FIT in New York. Actually, that is my major, And, I opened several stores, and I just realized through my years with women, that no matter what size they wore in clothing the shoes will always fit. So, by them uttering "Oh god, I'm a two." "Oh god, I'm a 16." "Oh god, I'm a 14." the shoes are always a size seven. (laughs) And I realized that, maybe they were unhappy about the head or unhappy about their body. But, they were happy about the shoes. I love it, it's really cool. Then I thought, shoes give you an opportunity to show who you are without too much commitment. Meaning, some people don't want to wear the crazy clothes, the crazy earrings, or change the color of their hair, or worry about what to put on their face, or around their body it changes you. But, if I see you behind a desk and you're wearing all black, and I think she's somebody boring, sitting over there and then all of a sudden you come out of the desk and you had these crazy shoes on and I just think, oh maybe I do not know her. Maybe I want to know her. Shoes give you an opportunity to push the envelope without compromising the comfort zone. So, shoes you can always push the envelope, so if people think they've got you figured out, the shoes will tell you otherwise.

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Cover Story | Artist Of The Year Alessandra Gold

Shoes give you an opportunity to push the envelope without compromising the comfort zone.

It is stated that you are the creative director of KRUZIN Footwear but I was wondering if you were involved in the partnership in any shape or form as you seem to be the face of the brand here in the US? Today Yes, I am one of the owners, so this is what happens with Kruzin. Kruzin I was designing shoes, high heels actually. I never owned a pair of sneakers, I never wanted to be a sneaker designer, I was never a sneaker head, so I was a high heel head (laughs). Because of being Brazilian, I’m not supposed to wear sneakers to go out on the street. (laughs) It's not what Brazilians do. You know so ...

Even when I was pregnant, I was with my high heels ... Nine months pregnant. People were like "How can you do that?" so I would answer, I'm Brazilian, don't ask me any questions. This is what we do, so and I designed ... I was very successful designing for Patricia Field in New York, and Revolve, and Anthropology and all these brands and…I used to do consulting work for a couple of companies, like Oshkosh B'gosh and Stride Right, and mainly big companies in New York.

So my agent at the time informed me of a sneaker brand. The CEO was the international sales CEO for Diesel for the Asia continent, and the developer was the developer for Pony, Diesel, and Nike. They created a brand, but at the end of the day they were two Chinese dudes, so nobody wanted to look at them as fashionistas. So, they need somebody to come in with fashion background, but they were emerging so they didn't have enough money to just contract anyone they wanted, so they’ve asked me if I wanted to come in and work Capsule Collection for them? So I said yeah, why not.

If you are reading the prints, watch the full video in our digital issue go to www.creativmag.net, or scan the QR code below:

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I took the job and I had no idea what I was doing, or putting myself into, so I spent months with no sleep, drawing, and drawing, and drawing, and I created a Capsule. They started, they did very well. From there I created another and another, I became the Director for the entire line, the Merchandiser, and now I take care of the whole line as design, marketing, international business here in the United States, I do a lot.

So when did you become one of the owners?

Five years ago I became one of the owners, and now I own the whole brand in the USA. So now I am the CEO of Kruzin Footwear in the USA. However, the brand is growing, from here we open Dubai, we just opened Cape Town, South Africa, where we plan on opening distribution. We opened a new store in Kyoto, Japan. We’re planning on expanding in Brazil and in Europe in the near future. We now have a distribution in Japan.

Distribution is big business right now, because retail is dying, and online is where it's at!! So we call it brick and clicks, having both a retail store and an online store.

It's omnichannel, so when you have the distribution they have the right to do all the websites, all the online business, the small stores and the branded stores.

One of the things that really stood out for me was when you did this wall of beautiful sneakers ... Maybe it was a contest of a bunch of artists on a mural? And, I think these designs ended up on your shoes. Do you intend to do something like that in the US? I did that for Art Basel, I do it every year actually, we call it the Miami Art Series, and every year we create this ... This is the mural from 2015. I really want to celebrate artists, and what they do and how they interact. We want to become a full lifestyle brand really soon. So, we’re going to start introducing clothing.

However it’s quite challenging,

The apparel starts this year. I have the drawings for about two years now, but it takes time. Money in this business is insanity, in the shoe business, because, it actually takes two years of investing before you see any money.

That's why it's very difficult to see people making shoes. Especially sneakers for women. That's why you see only the giants in the industry, and a few people with a lot of money that can make it happen, and nobody else.

Photo: Sean Simpson

When is the next Art Basel that you're about to do?

I created this project called The "Naked Sole". The 'Naked Sole " came to me because I shot Michael Heverly, America's Next Top Model, The gorgeous blond.

Yeah, everyone knows him!!!. So, we have a really good relationship.

I have a good relationship with all my models and people that I do business with. So, I took these pictures of him, that I was going to call the X-Ray images. Which the same images that he had with clothes, I took the clothes off, we would redo them naked just holding shoes. We actually took the inspiration from Marc Jacobs' campaign for cancer, so for a clever spin off we were going to photograph Michael with only a TShirt Saying “You know what they say about his shoe size” with a shoe size 11 in front of his junk!!!

LEADER

Volcanic Ashes Kint Su Dress by Khasamarina Velcro Horse White Gold Hi Top Sneakers : KRUZIN footwear by Alessandra Gold Leather Spikes Ring by The Drop Photographer: Tommy Chung Hair and MUA: Chell Love Assisting: Bo Khasamarina, Karol Del Gobbo Location: Square Meal Productions, Miami - USA Wardrobe Designer’s own Alessandra Gold Production by GSA House

WORKS HARD

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Plaid Oversized Shirt by The Drop / Leggins by DAMAGED / Leather Spikes Ring by The Drop Photographer: Tommy Chung Hair and MUA: Chell Love Assisting: Bo Khasamarina, Karol Del Gobbo Location: Square Meal Productions, Miami - USA Wardrobe Designer’s own Alessandra Gold Production by GSA House

PLAYS

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FASHION

Solid Gold Kint Su Dress by Khasamarina / Crazy Horse Chrome Gold Hi Top Sneakers : KRUZIN footwear by Alessandra Gold / Jewelry by Mordekai Photographer: Tommy Chung Hair and MUA: Chell Love Assisting: Bo Khasamarina, Karol Del Gobbo Location: Square Meal Productions, Miami - USA Wardrobe Designer’s own Alessandra Gold Production by GSA House

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Solid Gold Kint Su Dress by Khasamarina / Crazy Horse Chrome Gold Hi Top Sneakers : KRUZIN footwear by Alessandra Gold / Jewelry by Mordekai Photographer: Tommy Chung Hair and MUA: Chell Love Assisting: Bo Khasamarina, Karol Del Gobbo Location: Square Meal Productions, Miami - USA Wardrobe Designer’s own Alessandra Gold Production by GSA House

MOGUL

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RELENTLESS

Trench Coat by The Drop / Leggings by Vivienne Westwood / Crazy Horse Black Camo Hi Top Sneakers : KRUZIN footwear by Alessandra Gold

Photographer: Tommy Chung Hair and MUA: Chell Love Assisting: Bo Khasamarina, Karol Del Gobbo Location: Square Meal Productions, Miami - USA Wardrobe Designer’s own Alessandra Gold Production by GSA House

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Jacket by Jitrois / Skirt by The Drop / Crazy Horse Black Camo Hi Top Sneakers : KRUZIN footwear by Alessandra Gold / Leather Spikes Ring by The Drop

Photographer: Tommy Chung Hair and MUA: Chell Love Assisting: Bo Khasamarina, Karol Del Gobbo Location: Square Meal Productions, Miami - USA Wardrobe Designer’s own Alessandra Gold Production by GSA House

DEDICATED

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FOCUSED

Persistence is the only thing that's going to get you through it

Jacket by Jitrois / Skirt by The Drop / Crazy Horse Black Camo Hi Top Sneakers : KRUZIN footwear by Alessandra Gold / Leather Spikes Ring by The Drop

Photographer: Tommy Chung Hair and MUA: Chell Love Assisting: Bo Khasamarina, Karol Del Gobbo Location: Square Meal Productions, Miami - USA Wardrobe Designer’s own Alessandra Gold Production by GSA House

However, we have decided that The "Naked Sole" project would benefit a charitable institution but not in a monetary way, instead I would prefer creating a memory into a child’s life that he will remember forever. For example a child taking a class from school who has never seen the beach, out to see the beach would definitely change this child’s perception of life.

And I would have the satisfaction that the project could benefit such an action. Though I would have loved to donate millions of dollars, we have not reached this level yet. So, if I do anything ... The project is that, and then for me to do anything, I will want to do that for Basel.

As an entrepreneur, what is the biggest obstacle that you ever encountered?

Just Myself. Myself, because as an entrepreneur you have to develop so much persistence. You have to wake up in the morning and not get into the trap that you're not good enough, you cannot do it anymore, you're just too tired. In life, like us you know, I have kids, I have a family, I'm not just doing this. A lot of people are just doing one project, and they cannot just do one.

That's why I have my consulting agency. Believe it or not the brand is like a baby. It’s growing slowly and will eventually be making the millions that we all anticipate. you can only make money, real money, were talking about real money ... Not the little money that comes in and you have your little successes, which is good. It gives you a good taste in your mouth, no. We’re talking about money. You can only make that money when you sell your company.

When you go public. That's when you

make that kind of money. The kind of money that can take care of people.

You know I take care of so many people, but I want to take better care of people. I want to be like the next Google, I want to be the next Diesel, I want to have a hub, I want to have workshops. I have interns that come here from France and they stay with me from six to eight months. You know, like what Nike does right now, in Oregon. That's when, for me, that's when it means you made it. Not when you buy all your cars and your stuff.

It's when you really provide a good work environment for people to actually be loyal and love your brand.

Whatever you did, there is a legacy you know, but other than that, you're just really pushing. It's the dream.

So what's next for you in Kruzin, like what's the next thing?

Lifestyle branding, the apparel that we're creating. Get stronger and stronger globally, which is the distribution channel in Japan we just opened, its amazing. In three months we’ve opened the store in Kyoto. And we have the full distribution there. We just launched this week in South Africa. It took us six months to get there, in Cape Town. I just actually did the post and I'm going to show you more, so that we have good partners there. Australia is talking to us, and we have other parts of Europe also talking to us. So it's just getting stronger.

So, what advice that you would have for someone who's just trying to make it out there?

YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANYTHING. In this world it’s male dominated industry. Unfortunately, I hate to say that the person that is

going to open the door for you is a man. I am the change in this business with women. When I go through this door I am responsible to make the change. When I went to Dubai to make the deal I sat there to deal with other men but I made sure that I had to be affirmative and assert my ground.

Nothing is given in life, but instead you have to make your own way. And keep negativity out of your life as well.

I had to learn in the past 2 years that there is no feelings in business. If I don’t like something I have to voice it out. And It eliminates so many headaches trust me. So BE TRUE TO YOURSELF AND ASSERT YOUR GROUND. That’s my advice.

Just persist. It's going to be hard no matter what, but just persist!

Photos by Sean Simpson

www.creativmag.com | Nov - Dec 2017 | CREATIV | 55

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Featured Events | ART BASEL

2017 dec 4-10

Photo credit: Art Basel Miami 2016 -Courtesy Art Basel

CONVERS Conversations: Art Basel’s 2017 Program in Miami Beach Conversations, Art Basel's talks series, will bring together leading artists, gallerists, collectors, art historians, curators, museum directors and critics from across the world. Programmed by Mari Spirito, Founding Director of Protocinema, this year’s Conversations will present 19 talks that feature prominent artworld figures including Agustín Arteaga, Yto Barrada, Stefania Bortolami, José Carlos Diaz, Jordan Casteel, Teju Cole, Füsun Eczacıbaşı, Charles Gaines, Juan A. Gaitán, Alberto Ibargüen, Arthur Jafa, Pamela Joyner, Isaac Julien, Daniel Knorr, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Anne Pasternak and Thaddaeus Ropac among many others. Art Basel, whose Lead Partner is UBS, takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center from December 7 to December 10, 2017.

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RSATIONS ART BASEL A LOOK BACK AT PAST

The program will begin on Thursday, December 7 with the Premiere Artist Talk with Charles Gaines (b. 1944) who will have a sitespecific commission at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Miami and discuss his work with Bryan Stevenson. Further artist talks will take place throughout the week, including a discussion with Lars Jan (b. 1978) and Isaac Julien (b. 1960) on how artists respond to climate change through their practices, and Yto Barrada (b. 1971) and Daniel Knorr (b. 1968) in conversation with Philipp Kaiser, Curator of Art Basel's Public sector, on art in public territories.

‘Is Culture in the Americas in Big Trouble?’ will address the current threats to art and culture in the midst of a major conservative shift in politics and changes in economies. In light of recent trends in the art market, ‘Global Business Models’ will discuss the different ways in which museums and galleries are responding to the increasing pressure to participate in the global artworld, while ‘Is Innovation Enough for Middle-Market Galleries?’ will explore the rise in new itinerant gallery models and communal sharing systems. 'Beyond Collecting: What is Patronage?' will focus on collectors who have been

expanding their participation in art in different ways over the past years, discussing their approach to commissioning new works, opening foundations and supporting museums and publications.

Other highlights include ‘LA/LA and Institutional Collaboration’, which will use Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA as a reference point to examine how institutions can encourage the growth of regional art scenes; ‘Digital Museums and Virtual Audiences’, focusing on digital innovation and how new technology is starting to leave a deeper mark on the museum world; and 'I Was Raised on the Internet’, which brings together curators from three major institutions that collaborate on exhibitions investigating the effects of the Internet on contemporary art.

Conversations is held daily from Thursday, December 7 to Sunday, December 10 at the Banyan Room in the Botanical Garden. The program is open to the public and free of charge. All Conversations panels will also be live streamed on Art Basel's YouTube channel and on the show’s website: artbasel.com/ miamibeach/conversations.

PRESS RELEASE MIAMI BEACH | NOVEMBER 13 | 2017 www.creativmag.com | Nov - Dec 2017 | CREATIV | 65

Featured Events | ART BASEL

Izumi Kato, Untitled, 2017 Courtesy of the artist and the gallery Courtesy Art Basel

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Jessica Silverman Gallery Julian Hoeber Head, 2017 Courtesy of the artist and the gallery Courtesy Art Basel

Robilant + Voena Roberto Sebastian Matta Santiago, Inscape, 1943 Courtesy of the artist and the gallery Courtesy Art Basel

Tyler Rollins Fine Art Manuel Ocampo, Torta Imperiales (detail), 2017 Courtesy of the artist and Tyler Rollins Fine Art Courtesy Art Basel

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Featured Events | ART BASEL

Galeri'a Jorge Mara - La Ruche Grete Stern Courtesy of the artist and the gallery Courtesy Art Basel

Lehmann Maupin Ashley Bickerton Courtesy the artist and Lehmann Maupin, New York and Hong Kong Curtesy Art Basel

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David Castillo Gallery Xaviera Simmons, Overlay (Image Nine), 2017 Courtesy of the artist and the gallery Courtesy Art Basel

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Featured Events | ART BASEL

Altman Siegel Alex Olson, Current, 2017 Courtesy of the Artist and Altman Siegel, San Francisco Courtesy Art Basel

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Featured Events | ART BASEL

JTT Dan Herschlein, Ignore Him, 2017 (detail) Courtesy of the artist and the gallery Courtesy Ar Basel

Kurimanzutto Haegue Yang Courtesy of the artist and the gallery Courtesy Art Basel

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Galeria Raquel Arnaud Frida Baranek, Reflections on the Horizon, 2017 Courtesy of the artist and the gallery Courtesy Art Basel

Galerie Urs Meile Cheng Ran Courtesy of the artist and the gallery Courtesy Art Basel www.creativmag.com | Nov - Dec 2017 | CREATIV | 73

Next year's Thanksgiving Dinner at this year's dinner!

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Gather the family together for the Thanksgiving trip of a lifetime aboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas November ,

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Celebrating 3 years in the making

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Diner En Blanc West Palm Beach

Featured Events | Diner En Blanc - West Palm Beach

Pho

tos b y Ri

Live, if Only Just a Little!!

card

o StC

yr

I suppose you’ve deduced by now that this was my first encounter with an affair of this kind and you are on point. I was more than thrilled when the invitation to attend was extended a few weeks As the huge buses pulled into the Riviera Beach prior, by my dear friend and Editor-n-Chief of Creativ Bohemian Marina Village in West Palm Beach, spectators Magazine, Corhinn Brunot. Here’s why; I had been thinking. . I could not help but feel the build-up of excitement had been mulling over in my mind for the past two months how I for what was about to unfold. It was absolutely have been living my life and whether I was doing, being, seeing, breath-taking. No really, it was! Everywhere you giving, receiving, and experiencing the best that life has to offer. could look you were mesmerized by a sea of white of varying shades. Diner-en-Blanc was in full effect! I must have butchered the name a thousand times but it did not minimize the thrill I felt being in this kind of atmosphere. Blacks, whites, Hispanics all gathered together in this once secret location to dine under the stars, to mix and mingle and to party like there was no tomorrow. I simply cannot do justice in explaining what I both saw and felt. You would have had to be there. You would have wanted to be there. Tables decked out with crisp white linen and exquisitely decorated with wares and delectable dishes. It was clear that attendees had put much diligence into preparing for this affair and rightfully so. It paid off. The smiles, the laughter, the chatter, and the live energy in the atmosphere were testament to this truth.

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In-fact, I recently found myself one morning during my private devotion, having a very intense come-to-Jesus meeting after muttering that I did not want to wake up one day finding myself at 50 years old (which really isn’t that far away!!) man-less, childless and full of regret. You want to know what I heard in my spirit following that eureka moment?

“If you do, that would have been based on your decisions and not Me.” Wait a minute! Did Father just say me not experiencing a fulfilled life, which includes having the opportunity to birth a beautiful family, would be more my doing rather than His? You mean my diligence and commitment to the work of the ministry, constantly striving to ‘doing the right thing’, and being in full pursuit of my purpose does not count? “Yes, all of that is important,” He responded, “But where you are failing is that you have been intentional and dogmatic about discovering and pursuing your purpose, transitioning in your career, completing school, building your businesses, and serving in the Church, yet somehow you are failing to transfer that same drive to your own personal wellbeing. You must become as intentional and dogmatic about your personal life as much as you are about everything else.” I was stunned. It was the absolute truth! In that moment I made the decision to make a change. I am choosing to live, if only just a little.

DJ Pheniks and The Organizers: Nora David, Corhinn Brunot and Jimmy Moise

Attending Diner-en-Blanc afforded me an opportunity to do something different; to have an experience outside my norm. I am beginning to diligently plan more outings and connecting with new people. Opportunities that I had let pass by in times past, I am now beginning to explore and re-engage.

I am opening up myself to taking new and bold risks and doing things I had never considered before. I am ready to live my life to the fullest with the same fervor, force and passion as I have been with everything else. I have declared that 2018 will be the ‘year of Georgia Bryce’.

What’s your story?

Written by GEORGIA BRYCE www.creativmag.com | Nov - Dec 2017 | CREATIV | 79

WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD YOU CAN BE AS CREATIVE AS YOU WANT TO BE, BRING YOUR OWN OR BUY FROM THE EVENT YOU ARE SURE TO SATISFY YOUR TASTE BUDS

THE FELLOWSHIP BETWEEN THE GUESTS IS JUST INCREDIBLE.

THE OUTFITS WERE COMPLETELY OUT OF THIS WORLD THIS YEAR.

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THE WAVING OF THE NAPKINS IS TRADITIONALLY START THE DINNER

IT'S THE EVENT OF THE YEAR WHERE PEOPLE ARE WELCOME TO BE AS ELEGANT AND CREATIVE AS THEY WANT TO BE

NETWORK LIKE A JOURNALIST

A

ttend a well organized event and you are bound to be mesmerized, empowered and fulfilled in ways that fuel your own passion. A great event can captivate you from the door to the event's exit. You become enamored by the ambiance, the audience, the business acumen then sent into a euphoric frenzy. Your artistic ideas take flight as you are now peering over to the plastic champagne glasses for the name of the retailer to meeting the venue manager for prices of the center.

In fact, you could not wait until the morning so you start writing your to-do list on the plush napkins. :) Ah, entrepreneurship.

Attending events and true networking is supposed to build such excitement in you. The error many novice and serial entrepreneurs make is that they handle the networking improperly or without tact. On the other end, event producers can become so possessive they reluctantly bridge businesses together. When in reality, the more clientele developed from their events the more free marketing and buzz forms around them. However, there is an avid group that are always welcomed at any event and are fantastic at gathering innovative information. That is the journalist.

A journalist knows the right questions to ask to gain intrinsic insight of an event. A journalist can identify what makes a business truly successful and what to avoid simply by using curiosity as their networking technique.

The recent Diner en Blanc event in West Palm Beach was an example of possible content a networker can gather simply by working the room like a journalist.

Understand, first and foremost, a

journalists' sole purpose is to gather enough notes about an event in order to write a great story. With this approach, an entrepreneur can gain so much vital stats that can allow their ventures to soar.

Journalists always begin with the background. Before they even get to the space there are details they already are aware of. Case in point, Diner en Blanc, is a French-inspired annual international dinner, a franchise founded in 1988; fueled by mystery, live music and an elegant, chic DIY picnic.

For the last three years, West Palm Beach has been host to one of the franchise's South Florida locations. A joint venture by our very own editor-in-chief, Corhinn Brunot, Jimmy Moise; and fashion designer Nora David, who fell in love with the concept after attending the dinner in Miami. Each member -already robust leaders in the arts business community are known for their impact on the fashion and creative community, respectively. A tough contract to obtain and maintain Diner en Blanc amplifies their talents as franchisees of the

brand. A good journalist knows this background research sets a dynamic setting for their audience to connect with.

Only the top entrepreneurs ever research background data, but as you can see it opens them to numerous possibilities available out there. The mystery venue this year was at a marina off of Riviera Beach overlooking the pier. At the event, a journalist keeps an eye on the possible stories. For instance, capturing the moment the guests made it to the secret location. From the excitement on their faces as the 9 buses arrived to the inspirations behind the costumes that adorned them. One woman posed with an all white "north pole" that pointed towards the direction of a dozen of the 70+ countries that hosted a Diner en Blanc, including Canada and Africa. The festival itself crosses six continents annually.

As an entrepreneur, the thoughts are similar. Such as, who are the bus companies involved, the hotels if any; and the possible sponsors? The stories you can build upon from the costumes for continued content and possible testimonies. Who are the fashion designers, the bloggers and top photographers present? The culture and norms that surround the event giving the audience a sense of ownership and community. For example, guests are fully aware of the DIY expectations for the event.

Guests brought their own tables, food and decorations for their table. This gave caterers, such as D'Zine and DBLE Cateringboth based out of Miami- opportunity to show off their culinary skills.

Jean Elie of DBLE Catering said: "My catering service is allowing me to express my love of cooking and entertaining...Diner En Blanc is a very exquisite ambiance that I hope to participate [in] every year." Mr. Elie surprised his table guests by flying out to Haiti and bringing back a bottle of Sherry for the occasion. Other guests nearby got to taste the country's fine wine. "...That's what my company and everything I do is all about. Sharing as much of the Haitian culture so others can learn more about Haiti," he added. The food he and his wife/ business partner prepared for the day highlighted the way the natives of Jeremie, Haiti prepared their poultry adding cashews customary to the Southern parts of Haiti.

Another event's norm is hearing the sounds of the horns signifying for the audience to light up sparklers transitioning from the dinner music from saxophonist, Reginald Ellison to the full-on dancing highlighting the skills of DJ Pheniks. He kept an international vibe going with his sounds. No

hype or voices needed just a steady flow of tunes- reggaeton to house to disco-that tantalized the bones. An inquisitive entrepreneur adjusts to accommodate the crowd, as a result, the organizers brought in a Haitian dj for a 20 minute Konpa/rara/ bass/house set that brought the avid Haitian supporters to the center of the dance floor.

Similarly, journalists are not afraid to ask questions with a genuine inquisitive nature.

With that spirit is how you can run into top model and Haitian community advocate, Nayeli Fanfan at the front of the stage dressed like a young Josephine Baker and get inspired. Her attendance was a renewing debut of sorts expressing she was in shape for her return to the modeling/public figure world after a brief hiatus to focus on her recent promotion as supervising nurse. She spoke proudly still about her work in and for the Haitian community and ended with: "Fashion is who I am...so I am looking at some agencies [for my return]." Being an inquisitive entrepreneur builds rapport with guests, the event producers and enhances the experience overall. You become a lively part of the story not a selfish person only looking for the opportunity.

ON YOUR WAY TO MEETING YOU Georgia A. Bryce is the author of "On Your Way To Meeting You: The Journey That Changes Everything" and the Founder of both Building According To Pattern, LLC and Building Families According To Pattern, LLC. As a certified Personal and Professional Development Coach, Thought Strategist and Transformational Speaker, her thrust is towards helping clients discover their own unique blueprint and personal authority and guiding them into building their lives by design.

Her specialty is in the areas of selfdiscovery, 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.

All good events allow guests to leave with a keepsake sponsored by MiamiSnapBooth, based out of Miami, MiamiSnapBooth provided pictures for guests to grab via email.

In the end, both a journalist and an entrepreneur could agree that the scene of the guests boarding the buses - their tables, chairs and leftovers in tow- both overjoyed and tired was gratifying. Watching a successful event of over 600 guests end by getting home safely. That makes for a great story and for some fruitful networking.

written by

Emonde Prosper

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Writer's Corner | Love and Relationships

4

INCREDIBLY INSANE

(Yet Easy) Ways to Get Him or Her to Commit

We all know by now that when it comes to dating the guy/ girl you like, it becomes increasingly difficult to get them to cross the forbidden line—the line of commitment.

It’s never an easy job to take relationships to the next level, but it is possible. So how do you get him/her to commit?

How do you get the person you’re dating to see you for all that you’re worth and actually take things up a notch?

Be Yourself.

I’ll TELL you how!

Can’t stress this one enough. Be who you are; simple. If you’re naturally timid, be that. Whether you’re a jokester, you like to have an active social life or you’re a book worm, be those things with pride. Your potential partner will have to take you as you are, or not at all… (Next!)

Here are 4 incredibly-insane (yet easy) ways to get the guy/ girl you’re seeing to commit to something more serious while you’re dating:

Tell Him/Her What You Want from Day 1

When he/she asks you why you’re single, (because he/she will) or what you’re looking for, that is the perfect opportunity to be 100% open and honest. You have absolutely nothing to lose. Whether he’s/she’s intimidated by your answer or not, he’ll/she’ll respect your honesty and act accordingly. (Don’t tell them you want 5 kids though. YOU don’t even know if you’ll have 5 kids. Keep it general.)

Commit to Your Standards/Inner Rules

This is huge! Say for instance, you don’t want your potential partner to use you for sex. Guess what? Don’t lose your standards by having sex with him/her just because you’re a little horny. A part of the reason we can’t get a commitment from our potential partners, is because we push some of our standards to the side all in the name of love or good sex, or whatever. And when our potential partners behave differently, we find

Keep Your Emotions Consistent

Don’t act like a boss bitch or a macho man when you first meet your person of interest, and then a helpless puppy when things begin to take another direction. When your potential partner first meets you, they’re adjusting to the man/woman they THINK you are. Often times, that’s someone who’s confident and knows what he/she wants.

Don’t all of a sudden switch out and turn into a cry baby, a whiner, or even worse, someone who can’t keep it together. Keep your emotions regulated by maintaining a healthy balance in your personality.

There it is. These rules aren’t very complicated to understand.

However, it’s very difficult when you don’t follow the rules and wonder why your potential partner won’t take things to the next level. Stay true to yourself above all things. Everything else should fall into place and align with what’s to be.

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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 Non-Existent Boyfriend."

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Writer's Corner |

Hot Topic

For the Love of

F

riends. How many of us have them? No, really like how many of us really have friends?

In the ages of social media, it would seem we all have friends. No one, is really alone, right?

In actuality we are or can be lonely. The most popular person on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook could have the loneliest of Friday nights. Social media has completely rearranged how we communicate and interact with individuals on the daily. So the concept of the lonely socialite is 100% understandable. We also live in a new age of fraudulent self - absorbed folks, who also tend to cling to social media to gain their daily interactions with their "friends". Today, we can gain some interesting and sustainable friendships via social media. But when are these relationships taken from the land of the web into the land of reality?

I stated all of this to say how important it is to have productive and sustainable friendships that hold depth and personal meaning to your life. I mean the type of friend you will miss if you haven't heard their voice within twenty four hours. The friend you call on to for a quick guidance of a wig choice, outfit or date choice. A friend you know will have a lasting bond with regardless of the distance. Wow. This sounds like a romance, huh. Well, if you think about it, in ways it is. I have always quoted, "You can find a soulmate in friend, a romance will be an added asset", not sure where I heard this but its true. Having a bond with an individual(s) can be the mirror you ignore everyday. These people will genuinely appreciate you but see things you might have missed in a good self - talk. In my opinion everyone should have a tribe. A tribe that is filled with others who motivate, support, and love each other through all life obstacles. This is what we all know as Sisterhoods or Brotherhoods.

The hilarious comedy "Girl's Trip" highlighted the relationships between black women. The obstacles and all the good times and experiences. It's such an amazing moment to experience real friendships.

We can even think back to the classic movies "The Wood" , "The Brothers and we can't leave out " The Best Man". All of these are great examples of how friendships can benefit your life in a positive way. When you have a tribe of positivity its so much easier to conquer goals and obstacles when you know the support is there. Ladies and Gents invest the time in a productive and positive friendship in the years ahead you will never regret it.

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Writer's Corner | Story Telling

GAME OVER BLOWING THE WHISTLE

90 | CREATIV | Nov - Dec 2017 | www.creativmag.com

T

he past few months have seen a significant rise in the number of catastrophes striking communities around the globe.

One scourge of growing concern is the plaintive cry for justice on counts of sexual harassment and assault, particularly within the entertainment industry. Crimes like these are a most pervasive disease, and are not confined to a single gender, ethnicity or culture. None of us are immune to this epidemic.

What follows is intended for very different audiences, and it is my hope that should you find yourself in either category, the intended message moves you to action.

TO GUILTY OFFENDERS: Your sordid games are over. Penalties have been called, and more will follow.

The proverbial cup runneth over: the longawaited ringing of the bell signals at last your time for accountability has arrived.

Vile secrets can no longer be swept under the rug, but will instead be shouted from the rooftops. The voice of social media has grown by leaps and bounds, empowering prey with essential tools that were missing formerly: a visible platform with tremendous reach and strength in numbers. While it is true that some may try to abuse this system by dishonestly contriving false accusations and robbing true survivors of the attention required to heal, those instances are far outnumbered by legitimate accounts.

This is not just a trend; it is not going away overnight. New life has been breathed into once lifeless bodies. They have been given a second chance, straining to lift the lids off of their coffins and shove aside filthy tombstones then climb from the depths of despair into the light of a noonday sun.

All those accused who are facing harassment allegations are certainly entitled to a fair trial, but for those who know they have preyed on the innocent all the while blinded by a warped mentality of "catch me if you can" - know this: your judgment day has arrived.

TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN OFFENDED: It takes immeasurable strength for

survivors of this most unwelcome form of attention to find their voice and speak on unimaginable acts.

Each time you hear of another incident, view it as a stepping stone along your own path of healing. Give a listening ear to each person in your circle who is struggling to break free from dusty chains, and pay it forward by helping them to understand IT WASN'T THEIR FAULT. Do not condemn yourself if your process takes longer than others; there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to starting anew.

It's as if you must learn to walk all over again. Does a child lose faith and throw its hands up in defeat when tumbling to the ground in an effort to take its first step? Of course not; instead, the baby is driven to succeed, no matter how many times it may stumble. So, too, some hours/days/weeks may be wobbly at best, but time heals all wounds. Rest assured that you will eventually stand up and stand tall, no matter what blows you may have taken that require your pursuit of recovery.

Do not waste precious time or energy struggling under the heavy load of whispered secrets and shadowed memories. Do not let another person's dishonorable actions in the past muddy your future. Turn the page on what has passed as swiftly and completely as possible. Regaining and retaining control of the next chapter in your life is vital; allowing monsters to encroach on what is yours alone equates to giving them something they just don't deserve: power over you. Your tomorrows are yet to be written, and only you are holding the reins now.

Here's to wishing you inner peace, along with every success in squarely confronting your past to make way for a fabulous future.

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, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com.

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Writer's Corner | Traveling In Style

MAKING

THE MOST

OF YOUR

VACATION

T

he beginning of a new year brings about opportunities to start planning vacations. It’s the ideal time to take advantage of travel deals that many destinations, tour operators, and attractions will offer. Finding the vacation that fits your budget is key in getting the most of your hard-earned dollars. Vacations don’t have to be expensive if planned and timed correctly.

BE BUDGET CONSCIOUS

No matter what your vacation goals are or what your personal finances may be, it’s important to work with a budget. There are vacation options at every price-point, even for those who want to keep a close eye on their vacation spending. Start by determining a reasonable budget for your vacation. For some, it may take time to save for the amount you desire. Therefore, make sure it won’t be a

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s r a l l $o

Timing is Everything

Once you’ve established your budget, think about the best times for you to travel. If you are single, this could be virtually any time of the year – depending on the destination. Single parent families may decide to travel when school is out for their children. Ultimately, knowing when you can travel will have a direct impact on where you can travel to within your budget

Cruises, theme parks, and the most popular

destinations will have peak seasons which means an increase in the number of tourists visiting and usually corresponds to higher prices. Peak seasons are times such as spring break, summer, or holidays.

Therefore, planning a trip off peak, or off season, will usually get you a better deal. If you must travel during peak times, then consider what is called the shoulder season. This is right at the beginning or end of the peak season and when fares tend to be much lower

Research, Research, Research Get Hot Deals

Booking at the beginning of the year is, generally, when vacationers can get the best deals on cruises and attractions. When selecting popular destinations and attractions, look for the best deals to stretch your budget. These can often be found right on their websites or by contacting a Travel Agent. Sign up for newsletters and deal alerts with your favorite destinations, attractions, and cruise lines or resorts so you can stay abreast of their latest offers.

Try New Experiences

While traditional tourist sites, destinations, and attractions are great for vacations, if you want to get the most out of your vacation dollars, consider doing things that will take you off the beaten path. Instead of a theme park, consider water parks, zoos, or other attractions in the same area you plan to visit. Substitute theater tickets for tickets to museums or national sites. Book a 3- or 4-night cruise instead of a week cruise. The options are endless if you’re willing to get creative.

The best tool at your disposal is the internet.

Use it to research your desired destination, attractions, and more. Read the fine print on offers you find and make sure you understand it before you commit. You can then maximize your vacation dollars using the knowledge you have gained. Don’t forget that Travel Agents are great resources for you in planning your vacation. They can do all the research and planning for you!

You can always find the best vacation options wherever you decide to go and whatever you decide to do. With a budget in place, planning and making your vacation dreams come true are right at your fingertips.

www.creativmag.com | Nov - Dec 2017 | CREATIV | 95

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