Issuu

LOUD & CLEAR magazine

Interview with Chris valdez

INTERVIEW by MELISSA VELASCO

Photo by BILLY NGUYEN

author + BUSINESSMAN

COME TO THE WATER BAILEY ELORA

“COME TO THE WATER” OUT NOW! SONG + VIDEO

song produced by the spot studios | MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTED BY JORGE ARANA

LOUD & CLEAR

LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE IS RELEASED AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. IT IS A DIGITAL MAGAZINE THAT IS DISTRIBUTED GLOBALLY. DIGITAL LINKS ARE PROVIDED TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS. WE DO NOT PROVIDE PRINT COPIES OF THE ISSUE AT THIS TIME.

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

DAVID R. NAVARRO // @_designprint @loudandclearmagazine

DESIGN

d&p MEDIA

CREATIVE ADVISORS

BAILEY ELORA // Art Direction ANDRES TRUJILLO // Marketing + Publicity MELISSA VELASCO // Creative Writing

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

AUTHOR RUSS RAY // @eat.travel.type.colorado

MELISSA VELASCO // @ melissa.velasco.31508

J@Y M@DH@TTER // @city_built_music

PHOTOGRAPHERS (REGULARS)

DAVE // @_designprint

JONATHAN WOODEN // @jzw_photo

DONTE TOUSSAINT // @d_2_shootz

DOUG MUNGAVIN // @dougmungavinphoto

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION dave.designprint@gmail.com

COPYRIGHTS

LOUD&CLEAR ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE is owned by DAVE NAVARRO. The magazine, its staff and writers, has made sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s)’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith.

@k4co_radio www.k4coradio.com

38 BEAT HOGS MUSIC JASON CAVE + MUSIC PRODUCER @beathogsmusic @jasoncave

39 QUEEN SELENA MAYRA ALEJANDRA + SINGER @mayra_alejandra

PHOTO

PHOTO BY ALEXA MAINWAL // LUKE SAULS

Geechie

dan

Geechie Dan aka Daniel Chamberlayne is the Co-Host of Planet of the Tapes on Rock the Bells Radio, Executive Director of The National Hip Hop Museum, and the Co-Chairman of Artists Archives, Tapes & Flyers at the Hip Hop Hall of Fame. He is also an Author, Brand Ambassador, Music Consultant, and member of many organizations. He is making waves where it counts in the industry.

(Excerp from Loud&Clear’s Issue No. 15 - Cover Feature and Interview by Jay M@dh@tter @city_built_music).

Man, that’s dope, I appreciate and respect your passion for Hip Hop, its rare that I meet someone with the same or more passion for this culture then I have. I’ve been blessed to still record with my fam from back in the day. I have a podcast and I’m now interviewing you, so life is moving in the right direction for me. I’m also going to finish my degree and begin teaching Hip Hop history.

That’s so dope man, we need more people like you, who wants to educate and bridge the gap between what was to what is, man. This generation doesn’t understand us cause there is a gap.

Thank you, man, Ok, I gotta ask this question to someone like you, a Hip Hop Head from back in the day. What do you think of all these rappers and social media personalities shitting on the pioneers, laughing at them, and calling them, “dusty” because they don’t have as much money as the new generation of Hip Hop artists have? It’s a huge disrespect for me that someone who sacrificed and did all this work for you (today’s Rappers) to make all this money and you gonna laugh at them and be disrespectful. We are the only genre of music and artist that shit’s on their elders and pioneers. What are your thoughts?

Exactly, Country Music don’t do that, Rock Music don’t do that. Unfortunately, some of our pioneers are not doing well, but you have to understand that some of these dudes is in their 60’s. I see some of these pioneers, that are like 62, 63 years old and they still gotta go to work. That’s sad man. So, instead of me talking and running my mouth, I’m trying to make something happen for them. These brothers and sisters are suffering, and it bothers me, so that makes me go harder for our generation because it’s not fair. And everybody ain’t dusty. I’m 57, I don’t look dusty, I look better than that n—ga that was talking that shit. I look better than him and he’s probably in his 30’s.

LOL! That’s real!! He look more dusty than the OG’s do! I mean who’s he talking about being dusty, LL ain’t dusty, Chief Rocka Busy Bee ain’t dusty, Rakim ain’t dusty. Fat Joe ain’t dusty, so who’s he talking about?

Distinguished Artist

WESLEY WATKINS

singer-songwriter + multi-talented MUSICIAN

Wes Watkins is the voice of a powerful past and a hopeful future.

Echoes of the screams of Sly Stone, the cool of Nat Cole, the curiosity of George Clinton, and the power of Nina Simone sound not only in his singing voice but also in his unique, genre-defying compositions.

His lyrical tone, though often serious, is playful and teasing. Wes often jokes about his personalities, channeling a wide range of distinct-sounding characters. Seamlessly switching between a deep, soulful bass and a nasally counterpart, you might forget you’re listening to just one human.

With a career marked by versatility and innovation, you may have seen him in bands such as Wheelchair Sports Camp, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, iZcalli, Air Dubai...the list goes on and on. But where he really shines is as a bandleader—fronting projects ranging from a 14-piece ensemble, a 40-person choir, an electronic duo, and of course, his intimate solo performances. Each project showcases his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. His work isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about creating an experience that moves hearts, inspires minds, and strengthens communities. Now, following his 2024 release with Unit E Records, Wes is bringing his powerful and compelling live performances to new markets.

MILESTONES

Westword’s Best Soul Band: Awarded for The Other Black. (2016)

Featured Jameson Artist with the Jameson Block Party (2018-19)

Premier release with Unit E Records (2024)

Extensive Collaborations with bands such as Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Kayla Marque, Wheelchair Sports Camp, Air Dubai, iZCALLi, and many others.

As a feature, Wes has been seen on stage with the likes of Leon Bridges, Jose Gonzalez, Digable Planets, and many more.

LEARN MORE AT: https://cosmicslim.bandcamp.com/ Facebook + Instagram: @theweswatkins

WES WATKINS

RAIN

SWEET TALK

PORTRAIT SERIES

Breaking Boundaries: Meet Author Melody Schoenfeld

By Melissa Velasco

Melody Schoenfeld, MA, CSCS, is a free spirit who marches to her own beat. Accomplished is an understatement, as Melody holds State and American records in powerlifting and strongman competitions. With a master’s degree in Health Psychology, along with a sense of adventure and limitless possibilities, Melody helps others realize their goals. Melody shares her expertise in keeping the body in motion through healthy living and self-determination with a collection of health focused books.

Her first book, “Pleasure Not Meating you, A Science Based Approach to the Vegan Lifestyle (And Some Recipes, too)” is an unbiased take on Veganism. A vegan herself, Melody informs on the science and function of veganism. Part cookbook and part scientific guide, Melody takes readers through a “one and done” journey of the vegan process.

Her second book, “Diet Lies and Weight Loss Truths” discusses popular diets, why they work, and potential pitfalls in their

processes. Combating the overwhelming confusion in the health and weight loss industry is a passion for Melody.

The third book in Melody’s collection is written with Lee Boyce. “Strength Training for All Body Types” focuses on the physics of how the human body moves. The biomechanics of the weight lifting body differs from person to person, and they offer guidelines and expectations for all body types in motion.

Vivacious in person and print, Melody also offers personal training via her company “Flawless Fitness,” to clients all around the world.

Melody Schoenfeld’s books and services can be purchased at: https://flawlessfitness.com

Follow Melody at: https://www.instagram.com/5ftoffury1/

KRISTY GRONSETH

Photo by GEORGE SANDERS @makeitfunkynow taken at photography workshop by PAULINA G. WALTNEY @paulinagwaltney and JONNY EDWARD @jonnycreative. Styled by PAULINA G. WALTNEY and GEORGE SANDERS @makeitfunkynow

paris mAEse @parismaese_

Model: Paris Maese AGE: 21

SOCIAL MEDIA/website: @parismaeseofficial https://kavyar.com/parismaese

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Biography:

Hello! My name is Paris Maese! I’m 21 years old. located in Albuquerque New Mexico! I do commercial, print, petite, fitness, swimwear, beauty, and hair. Willing to work in LA! As a petite model, I believe it is important to show that petite models can be fierce and successful! I’m a hard worker, and big on determination. For my book I traveled to both NYC and LA to expand my modeling portfolio and create amazing connections! If interested in booking with me please reach out to me or my agency dmemodeldivision@gmail.com or insta: @parismaese_

Modeling by PARIS MAESE @PARISMAESE_

Photography by PHOENIX ZITO @PHOENIX_SOL_PRODUCTIONS

Playwright

We were told we were wasting our time and our money. Our declared majors were English or Fine Arts or Humanities. Our classrooms were on the west side of the campus in the ancient buildings - Hellems, Guggenheim, and the tiny, quaint Cottage. We were writers, artists, musicians, and the theater kids. We were dreamers filled with insecurity.

The more sensible students studied business, finance, and astrogeophysics in classrooms in the modern buildings on the east side of the campus. They had plans and goals and confidence, not dreams.

It was the 1980s. The puzzle pieces of my life were misbehaving.

My marriage was falling apart. I was in my junior year of college trying to stretch the GI Bill and my bartending tips to pay rent and tuition. There was never enough love or money.

The cork board bulletin board in Hellems had an announcement: PLAY WRITING CLASS. I stood in front of it reading the details. I thought of Bernard Shaw. I thought of Neil Simon. I thought of William Shakespeare.

It would be an unconventional class taught over one semester. There was no sign up sheet. Instead, the department was seeking submissions from which the professor would select thirty plays.

Martin Jenkins was not a professor. He wasn’t a teacher. He was the director of radio plays for the BBC on loan to the University of Colorado from London. The deadline for submission was in three weeks.

I wrote a play.

Between my restaurant job and my other classes, there was no time for my wife. I was pushing her already thread-bare tolerance of me and my selfish behavior.

Now this.

I worried. The time I spent writing was time spent from my real life. I turned down extra shifts at the bar. I studied less for my other classes. I locked myself away from Karen. I worried that all the hours and hard work on the play were all for naught. I enlisted a My play was accepted.

Martin was a ruthless instructor. He pushed some of us to tears. He pushed some of us to drop the class. He pushed me to my wit’s end. If I wasn’t overwhelmed with frustration, I was overcome by self doubt and insecurity.

Martin took an interest in my play. His criticism stopped being acerbic. He transformed from a teacher to an editor. The other students took notice.

As the semester was drawing to a close, I began to consider life after graduation. I spent my time in college studying grammar, studying literature, studying acting, studying the power of the spoken and written word.

What would become of all those hours? Would I be another well read bartender in Boulder?

I thought about becoming a lawyer. I had friends in the law school. Whenever they came around, my wife bristled. She wanted no part of it.

Martin was stingy with grades. He handed out one A. He gave it to me. Even then, it was an A-. He remarked to me that when he returned to London, and when I finished his edits, he’d like to produce it.

My head was spinning.

Karen and I talked about our future. She wanted to be a journalist, but she didn’t want to put in the work. I wanted to be a writer, but I lacked the confidence.

We talked about me applying for a masters degree in the English department at the University of Iowa and studying writing under Kurt Vonnegut. I could be a novelist.

We talked about moving to England. I could apply for citizenship through descent. I had copies of my mother’s English birth registration and her British passport. Karen could get a work or student visa. I could knock on Martin’s door and see if he was still interested. I could be a playwright.

I applied for law school. Karen was furious. Well, maybe not furious. More disappointed and betrayed.

My marriage finally failed. We separated but somehow stayed close. We were clinging to the mast of a sinking ship. I continued working in the bars of Boulder wondering what would become of my life. Two letters arrived. One from the University of Iowa and one from the University of Colorado Law School.

I knocked on her door. She let me in. I showed her the letters.

I told her there were a million people trying to get Vonnegut’s attention. There were billion people trying to write for the BBC. The odds of becoming a lawyer were better.

She held me tightly.

“What do you want to do?”

“I want to write.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m staying at CU. I’m going to study law.”

We stood in silence for a few moments.

“I believe in you. It’s too bad you don’t.”

LOUD&CLEAR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY NEWS

by david r. navarro

ACTOR KENNY MILLER LANDS CAREER ROLE IN NETFLIX SERIES “RANSOM CANYON”

ALBUQUERQUE - New Mexico native, Kenny Miller lands bad guy role in recent Netflix series, “Ransom Canyon”. The series released on April 17th starring Kenneth Miller, Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, Jack Schumacher, and James Brolin ...too name a few. Watch the first season on Netflix now. Bravo, Kenny!! Proud of you.

MAWULE RELEASES NEW MUSIC “FINDING LOVE”

DENVER - Local Denver R&B Artist, Mawule released a new project, “Finding Love”. This project consists of 3 songs, “Say Love”, “Fall For Me” acoustic version, and “Get Old”. It is avaiable now on all msuic streaming platforms. Follow Mawule at https:// linktre.ee/mawulemusiccompany

BENNET LaMASTER RELEASES NEW SINGLE “BODY COUNT”

NASHVILLE - Singer-songwriter Bennet LaMaster releases new single, “body count”. Listen at: https://open.spotify.com/track/1xZxg6DbeBqVpwU53ycG1K?si=2d8ca43957fd4eb0 Bennet says, “I wrote “body count” as a true crime inspired story about being in a close relationship with someone who actually is out to get you. Someone who gets close under the guise of love, but in reality with ulterior motives.

I thought it would be fun to dramatize it and have the main character in the story be a sort of “Dexter” esque character who has sworn off their deadly temptation only to meet someone that they are enticed to destroy If you’ve ever trusted someone only to realize they weren’t who you thought, then this is for you.”

Follow her at: @bennetlemaster

// @_designprint

GRUPO KAOBA TRAVELS TO HAWAII FOR 2ND TIME

HAWAII - Grupo Kaoba, a Denver Cumbia group performs in Hawaii for the second time. This time with 3 shows on May 9th in Paia, HI, 10th in Kihei, HI and 11th in Kona, HI. For Booking and Show updates, contact Grupo Kaobo at: @grupokaoba

ACTRESS PARIS MAESE STARS IN FILM “NINEJAY”

ALBUQUERQUE - Paris Maese actress and model stars in independent feature film Ninejay , Directed by Robert Ray Jimenez, starring Nao Hosaka, Paris Maese, Patrick O’Connell, and FJ Zentner.

Ninejay is set in the 1800’s, a dangerous female Japanese Ninja is accidentally delivered as a Chinese mail order bride to a widowed Southern Gentleman-turned Marshall in the New Mexico territory. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36592999/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

LOUD&CLEAR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY NEWS

BAILEY ELORA TRIO PERFORMS AT PERDIDA - MEXICAN KITCHEN IN WESTMINSTER

WESTMINSTER - Bailey Elora Trio graced the patio at Perdida - Mexican Kitchen for their “Live Music Series”. Great tunes and tasty mexican food filled the air. Catch live performances on Saturday’s till August 9th.

Photos by Pete Larson @pete.larson.photo.video

NEON THE BISHOP HEADLINES DICKENS OPERA HOUSE

LONGMONT - Denver Pop-Rock Band, Neon the Bishop performs at Longmont’s historic venue, Dickens Opera House with Bailey Elora and Wesley Watkins. NTB played many orginals and finished off the night with a cover of Queen’s “Killer Queen”. Follow: @neonthebishop, @baileyelora, and @theweslywatkins

DENVER - Denver indie band, May Be Fern releases new single, “The Way We Do”. Check it out at: https://open.spotify.com/album/2WchMlKVL39LB0puuvoYuk?si=4e604d4c867d4d33

Visit their website for more information: https://maybefernband.co/

BAILEY ELORA MAKES IT TO “GROUP FINALISTS TOP 5” ON AMERICA’S NEXT TOP HITMAKERS CONTEST

DENVER - A couple months ago, Bailey Elora signed up for their chance to perform at the Global Citizen Festival in NYC, appear in Rolling Stone Magazine, be on the SoudCloud Billbaord, and take home $50,000! All possible by their faithful fans voting for them. Well, they have advanced to the TOP 5 in their group. Way to go, Bailey Elora! We are routing for you!!

Voting for Group Finalists ends Thursday the 3rd of July at 7PM PDT. Get in your daily vote at: https://tophitmaker.org/2025/bailey-elora

WHY WILL? SETS OUT ON HIS FIRST TOUR

ENCINITAS - Why Will? sets out on his first tour. Gary, manager for Why Will? says, “We were almost killed by a road rager in ABQ…the police shut us down in Prescott… but Phoenix was a vibe… Joshua Tree was 100 people deep with amazing sound… and after a great show at the Encinitas Roxy, our van lost its brakes—can’t wait to do it again.” Follow Why Will? at: @whywill.music

Oh , Hello Selfie !

Oh , Hello Selfie

10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

by Chris Valdez

TOP TEN CUTS

CHRIS VALDEZ @christopher_inspire // BILLY NGUYEN @billynguyenphoto

WANT TO WANT ME // Jason Derulo @jasonderulo

VINDICATED (Re-Recorded) // Dashboard Confessionals @dashboardconfessionals

CAN’T TELL ME NOTHING // Kanye West @kanyewest

BACKSEAT FREESTYLE // Kendrick Lamar @kendricklamar

SWEET CHILD O’ MINE // Guns & Roses @gunsandroses

AMERICAN PIE (Full Length Version) // Don Mclean @donmclean

LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING // Tim McGraw @timmcgraw

SHE’S EVERYTHING // Brad Paisley @bradpaisley

PAUL REVERE // Beastie Boyz @bestieboyz

NO SUCH THING // John Mayer @johnmayer

HEART+DRIVE+TENACITY: BUSINESS OWNER,

CHRIS VALDEZ

INTERVIEW by

MELISSA VELASCO

Photo by BILLY NGUYEN

Chris

“I’m always working, but it doesn’t feel like it, because I love it.”

–Chris Valdez, Business Owner

Heart, Drive, and Tenacity: Business Owner,

Chris Valdez

Interview by Melissa Velasco

I often interview successful and interesting people, and Chris Valdez certainly proves to be both. With a positive outlook, nothing derails this business owner. I had never met Chris, but he hit me with a winning smile as I approached the table at our meeting spot. His enthusiasm and love for life are inspiring. As you’ll soon learn, inspiration is at the heart of Chris Valdez’s life philosophy. It’s no surprise that he’s an accomplished businessman in the hairdressing and real estate industries. Meet Chris Valdez:

NGUYEN

Melissa: Chris Valdez, what do you do for a living?

Chris: I’m a realtor. I’m also a hairdresser. I’ve been a hairdresser for about twenty-four years, and I’ve recently pivoted from hairdressing to real estate.

Melissa: How did your hair dressing career begin?

Chris: Well, I guess it starts back further than even the career. I was a teenage father. I had my daughter when I was sixteen. Her mom was a little bit older, so we were able to get our own place. I would cut my own hair and she kind of pushed me into making a living of it because I was going to school and working and not really there all that much. So, my work would pay for the school as long as it was an accredited school. The Aveda Institute was the only accredited school in the area at the time. They didn’t have a barbering program, so they enrolled me in the cosmetology program, and I was fine with that. I ended up really liking it and did well with it.

Photography by BILLY

Melissa: Do you ever think you could go back to working for somebody else?

Chris: I don’t think I could. I work all the time, whether I realize it or not. I sometimes don’t realize I’m working when I’m working. With real estate, I’m on the phone quite a bit, but I enjoy it. Same with the hair industry. I’m at a bar, and people ask me about their hair. I’m networking. When you decide to work for yourself, you aren’t suddenly able to create your schedule. I’m always working, but it doesn’t feel like it because I love it.

Melissa: How do your two careers aid each other? What is the crossover? How did you take the skills that you have in your hair dressing business and utilize them in real estate?

Chris: They go hand in hand, believe it or not. What’s really nice is. . . Okay, so let’s start off with the skills first. I think that the people skills I’ve acquired in hair dressing really help me to talk to folks from all walks of life. I mean, everything from people that that are working a nine to five hard labor job, to somebody that’s a multi-millionaire getting highlights. You’re able to have these conversations with different types of folks, and I do a lot of listening behind the chair. Clients tend to vent, and they tell me the things that they probably don’t tell a lot of people. I think when it comes to selling real estate, being able to listen is really important. Listening

BILLY NGUYEN

and being trustworthy crosses over to Real Estate. One of the biggest things people do in their life is buying or selling a house. Their reasons matter and their lifestyles matter. I mean, it matters like how many bedrooms they might need or if they’re selling their house, the memories matter. I’m careful of still honoring those memories without saying, “Oh, I’m just gonna sell your house.” You know? I counsel them through the shifts and the pitfalls.

Melissa: You offer services that aid and impact your clients’ lives dramatically. How do you approach that responsibility?

Chris: I take that responsibility seriously, and I feel honored that they trust me with that responsibility. I’m fortunate that clients trust me to sell their homes. Homes that are full of their memories and legacy- things like the first steps of their children. I sell their homes, but also honor their memories.

Melissa: How do you navigate approaching, talking to, and working with people?

Chris: If I’m being completely honest, the people part came fairly easy. The business part was the part that I had to learn, you know? Everything from what licenses you need. . . I’m the type of person that sort of asks for forgiveness later. I just do it now and then I ask for forgiveness later. There was a learning curve. The business part was something that I had to learn. Working with people, that part was the easy part. I like people generally. I think people are good.

Melissa: What makes a good business manager?

Chris: I like to let people work for me. I believe they are capable. You delegate stuff out and give people an opportunity to do their work. In other words, it’s the opposite of micromanaging. It’s giving people the responsibility to do the work themselves, build their clientele themselves, and then you’re there as a parachute for them when they need your help. They can come to you. When they come to me asking, “What should I do?” I respond with, “Well, let’s figure out the situation and we’ll talk it through.” So, I think always being there for them to know that they can kind of lean back on is important. Also, giving them the room to excel is equally important. One thing I’m really proud of is, we’ve been open for nineteen years and we’ve had thirteen stylists open their own successful salons in Albuquerque. I think that’s amazing. I love it.

@billynguyenphoto

Melissa: How do you avoid feeling threatened or disappointed as someone you’ve trained and supported moves on?

Chris: Well, I think I started off you in kind of a very naive way. When it first happened, folks would come and say that they wanted to open their own salon, I would just be overjoyed and really excited. I probably overly helped them. I feel like there’s enough business to go around and no matter what, if you help teach somebody something and then they carry it to teach somebody else, your name’s still going to be brought up. There are plenty of customers in Albuquerque. I don’t worry about the competition part.

Melissa: It seems that you’re secure in your abilities and your business, and can make room for other people’s success outside of yourself, which I think is very rare. How do you combat a negative vibe in your business before it gets out of hand, and turn the tide?

Chris: There’s been times when I reacted really well, and other times where I didn’t react so well. Times where I reacted well are when I’ve nipped it in the bud quickly. If there’s negativity in the salon, I have a conversation with them, and say, “Okay, we need to leave negativity at the door, but let’s fix this. Let’s take the time to mediate it.” That takes time and effort on my part. There’s been times when I didn’t do it quickly, and I didn’t take the time and effort to correct it, and then it escalated into something to where I ended up having to let someone go. I don’t like it when it gets that far. So, having those early conversations about what is expected resolves problems. I think that’s the best way to go. It also takes time. It’s easier said than done. I wish I did that for every single instance.

Melissa: What is the most unexpected responsibility that you have as a business owner?

Chris: That’s a good question. I would say being the mediator. I think that was the most unexpected role when I first got into owning the business. You think you’re going to be the fun manager that everybody loves. Then you realize, ‘Oh no, I’m not that manager. I’m the manager everybody’s scared of.’ That’s something I didn’t expect. I’m a pleaser, naturally, I think. It’s very difficult to be in charge and please everybody. That can’t be done.

“This happened years ago, but I always think of it during the holidays. I was going through a tough time financially— feeling down, emotional, and completely broke. At that point, I only had $120 to my name.

I desperately needed a haircut, so I made an appointment with my stylist—a friend I’d been seeing since I was 19. It was a cold day when I walked into his big salon. He greeted me warmly, sat me down, and we chatted as usual. I don’t recall mentioning my financial struggles, but I must’ve looked like I was carrying the weight of the world.

At the end of the cut, he reached out, shook my hand, and said, “Merry Christmas, Billy.” I offered to pay, confused, but he refused, saying it was his gift to me.

In one of my darker moments, a local businessman showed me kindness I’ll never forget. If you’re ever looking for a great haircut, visit Inspire Salon.”

–Billy Nguyen, Photographer and Longtime Friend of Chris Valdez

Melissa: Your salon has standard hours. With real estate, you’re at the mercy of your client’s schedule. That requires time flexibility. How do you balance time between these two very demanding careers?

Chris: I’ve cut the salon hours down quite a bit and we moved to the smaller space. I no longer have a front desk person. I no longer have to train new stylists. I don’t have an assistant anymore there. All the Inspire stylists are now booth renters, so I no longer have any employees to deal with. That alleviated a great deal off my plate. I suddenly have extra time, and I can give that to real estate.

Melissa: What inspired you to write your book?

Chris: I’d always had the idea of writing a book. When I was trying to open the salon, I read every book I could find. There weren’t many out there that were relatable to opening a salon. The books that were the most helpful were actually real estate books. I thought that if I put my story out there, with my mistakes and wins, maybe someone could take something from that.

I just started writing. One of my friends, he’s a successful realtor in Arizona, had just come out with a book. I asked how he did it. He advised me to just start writing and then find somebody smarter than me to edit it. (Laughs.) My dad’s a college professor, and we have this great thing called Google box where we can share the document with the click of a button. He helped me.

Melissa: What are you the most proud of accomplishing thus far?

Chris: As far as business life goes, we created something bigger with Inspire salon than I imagined. Yes, we won a bunch of awards, but we did some crazy things in the hair salon business. I feel like we elevated the craft to a different level than it was before. I think when I first started hairdressing, it still had this kind of feeling of, “What are you gonna do after you finish hairdressing?” As if it wasn’t looked at as like a career. It wasn’t looked at seriously. People didn’t view hair styling the way that we do now. I feel like Inspire Salon really helped that. Not me, but me and my team. We would do hair shows, charity shows and really think outside the box. We would travel around doing that. So, I was lucky enough to be able to show my stylists what hair styling is like in other cities around the United States. We’d go to other cities and visit other salons. We have special guest people come in and teach us. I’m really proud of what Inspire did. I get to help people.

Get a copy of Chris’ book, “Love Yourself & Inspire Others” on Amazon. You will be INSPIRED!

505-247-1002 ext.

https://www.instagram.com/inspireabq_ realestate/

Visit Inspire Salon at: https://www.inspiresalon.net/

Jason Salazar, Chris Valdez, and Jeremiah Bitsui

Chris Valdez with his daughters, Marissa Shirdez and Jayden Valdez.

Laura and her husband Art Delacerda with Chris Valdez and his fiancé Marissa Sanchez.

Chris Valdez and Marissa Sanchez.

My homeboy Michael Scherer came over to the studio, 16 years ago to make beats with me, he had this keyboard that you could make beats on and scratch on too, it was siiiiiick! I messed with that thang for an hour straight and wouldn’t even let him touch it! He looked at me and said dude you a fuckin BEAT HOG!!! I was like…… what did you say?!?! I registered the name the next day with the State of Co and been rockin that shit ever since. This is Beat Hogs cause we be hoggin them beats bro, dead serious! All my artist hog them beats like a MF!!! Love ya’ll!

–Jason

It’s Official!!!

I’m beyond honored and thrilled to announce that my tribute show, “Queen Selena” is kicking off a Las Vegas residency at the Alexis Park Resort Las Vegas starting June 26th!

This is a dream come true not just for me, but for every Selena fan, every Latina artist, and every person who’s ever chased something bigger than themselves.

Thank you to everyone who has believed in me, supported my journey, and helped keep Selena’s spirit alive through music. —Mayra Alvarado @mayra_music

by BAILEY

ELORA

FOOD REVIEW: GB FISH & CHIPS, DENVER, CO

GB Fish & Chips

1311 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80210

7401 Ralston Rd, Arvada, CO 80002

2175 Sheridan Blvd, Edgewater, CO 80214

@gbfishnchipsco

https://gbfishandchips.com/

As a girl from a land-locked state, I know my knowledge on fish & chips could be questionable… that being said, this is my favorite fish & chips of all time. While it is a chain, GB Fish & Chips does not taste that way. The fish is always crispy, perfectly fried and NEVER dry. I’ve ordered 2 variations of the same meal and neither disappointed. The fries and mash have a good texture and are just plain enough to be perfect covered in the hot curry sauce that I like to order on the side for dipping and sometimes for smothering the whole plate. As far as fish goes, my favorite is the classic cod, but would also be happy with the slightly fishier Haddock. With weekly specials like $5 Meat Pie Mondays and $4 Happy Hour Sausage Rolls, even those less inclined to seafood will find something amazing here.

Food Review + Photography by Bailey Elora

Mel

Featured Model

@chrome_honey

PHOTOGRAPHER // DAVID R. NAVARRO

@_designprint

Featured Model

JONELLE TRUJILLO

@jon_elle.trujillo

PHOTOGRAPHER // TYLER DURDEN

@3tensor

Featured Model

ilyssa kay

@ilyssakay

@dougmungavinphoto

PHOTOGRAPHER // DOUG MUNGAVIN

INDIE SPOTLIGHT

FAST ASLEEP

Photo by Alexa Mainwal @its.justlex // and Luke Sauls @lukeweddingfilms

We’ve all been in or around the industry in some way, shape, or form for what feels like forever. Danny has an extensive background in musical theater and performing arts. Noah has been in the world of orchestra and jazz from a young age. Connor has a long history in bands and is an absolute wizard in the studio. Ryan is always practicing, running live sound/lights, or doing fill-in work for other amazing bands in the area. If he isn’t, he’s probably dead. Jason is the man we call the “Busiest Drummer in Denver”. Playing in multiple bands of varying styles, he brings a unique flare to the table.

Danny, Noah, and Connor originally connected while working together in sales. They bonded through similar musical backgrounds and a desire to put something together that felt real and authentic. Over time Ryan and Jason were brought in after spending time together at shows and in the studio.

FAST ASLEEP has been a labor of love over the years that’s gone through multiple overhauls and rewrites. Through everyone’s different inspirations we’re able to find a sound that shows our love for what came before us, but is unique to us and feels genuine.

BOOKING INFO: https://linktr.ee/fastasleepmusic/