L U X U R L U X
D R E A M E R S
|
B E L I E V E R S
F E M A L E
C L A I R E
|
A C H I E V E R S
E N T R E P R E N E U R
G O D A R D
|
G I R L
B O S S E S
M A G A Z I N E
| M O T I V A T I O N A L M A Y / J U N 2 0 1 9 I S S U E 1 0
I N F L U E N C E R
All you need to know is that anything is possible
Who we are Luxur Lux Magazine is a bi-monthly female entrepreneur magazine, which is offered in digital and print. This is for readers that would like to get the latest fashion trends, business tips, and female entrepreneur interviews. Luxur Lux Magazine is for women of all backgrounds, cultures, and races. I wanted everyone to feel included, that's what Luxur Lux is all about.
Luxur Lux Magazine is published independently by Luxur Lux magazine LLC. All rights reserved. American Copyright 2019 by Luxur Lux Magazine LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission from the publisher.
Issue 8 | 77
LET YOUR HAIR DOWN SOMETIMES AND ENJOY LIFE
Issue 8 | 3
EDITOR'S NOTE This issue means a lot to us here at Luxur Lux Magazine, because we are celebrating our 1 year anniversary! It's also the summer issue, where we share a few summer fashion and beauty tips. This past year has been a great ride with a lot of amazing, talented people. I want to personally thank my team, contributors, photographers, cover and featured girls, pr agencies, and brands that we've worked with to make every issue better and better. On the cover we are excited to feature Claire Godard, a global influencer, single mom, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and an advocate for women's empowerment. We are now accepting editorials for our July/August issue. Send in your submissions by August 1st or sooner. Angela Brickley Founder & Editor-in-Chief
LUXURLUXMAG.COM // @LUXURLUXMAG
Issue 10 | 4
Founder & Editor-in-Chief Angela Brickley
Fashion Editor Leslie Ybarra Copy Editor/Contributing Editor Yalda Kazemi Contributing Editor Lori Granded Contributing Editor Vanessa Buchanan Contributing Writer Dalphia Matthews Contributing Editorial Seeing Summer by BBODDY PHOTOGRAPHY Digital/PrintMarketing Director Avery Mitchell
EDITORIAL CONTACT INFORMATION Luxur Lux is published bi- monthly For advertising please email | info@luxurluxmag.com www.luxurluxmag.com Luxur Lux Magazine is published independently by Luxur Lux magazine LLC. All rights reserved. American Copyright 2019 by Luxur Lux Magazine LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any manner without the permission from the publisher. Issue 10 | 5
table of contents
13 Claire Godard 23 Ebony Bowie 31 Marie Valasquez 38 Jessica Markowski
13
23
31
54 Slip into Summer 58 How to Pay Yourself as a Creative Entrepreneur 67 Travel To Italy For The Summer
38
54
58
67
www.luxurluxmag.com
elegant, classy & girly. @THESTYLEBUNGALOW
Johanna Ortiz Old Garden Rose Floral Silk Dress $2995 modaoperandi.com
Johanna Ortiz Orchid Bud Drop Earrings $295 zimmermann.com
House of Lafayette's Bandito Straw Fedora $320 kirnazabete.com
5 VACATION LOOKS INSPIRED BY INFLUENCERS
daring, bold & fun. @SPIRITEDPURSUIT
Johanna Ortiz Zippy Billow Printed Silk Maxi Dress $1995 modaoperandi.com
MuuĂą - Rosa Straw And Cotton-canvas Tote - Beige $105 net-a-porter.com
Sachin Babin Noir Dupio Tassel Drop Earrings $250 nordstrom.com
Issue 10 | 8
Cult Gaia Ark Leather Mules $420 modaoperandi.com
sexy, fiesty & luscious. @TASHOAKLEY
Faithfull The Brand Lara And Luna Leopard-print Bikini $160 net-a-porter.com
Ganni - Rosedale Leopard Print Bandeau Bikini Womens $128 matchesfashion.com
Melissa Odabash Montenegro Animal Print Bikini $212 matchesfashion.com
Ganni Leopard Print Bikini $175.18 italist.com
Issue 10 | 9
darling, feminine & pretty. @AISHJAMES
Rosantica - Brezza Set Of Two Gold-tone And Gauze Hair Slides $165 net-a-porter.com
Sabo Skirt Jacque One Shoulder Dress $98 saboskirt.com
Issue 10 | 10
Romy 100mm Suede PointToe Pumpss $595 neimanmarcus.com
lovely, radiant & alluring. @LINAOSE
Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids OneShoulder Dress $225 therealreal.com
Christian Dior Diorissimo Saddle Bag Blue $1775 therealreal.com
Tom Ford Lips & Boys - Dylan 07 $36 net-a-porter.com
Valentino Rockstud Ankle Strap Pumps $1145 therealreal.com
Issue 10 |Â 11
DREAM BIGGER OR THINK BIGGER
Interviewed By: Angela Brickley Photographer: Anna Kay Styling: Nikko Panti
Claire Godard
Mother | Motivational Speaker | Philanthropist | Advocate of Women Empowerment
T
ell us about what you do as an entrepreneur.
What is your favorite thing about being an entrepreneur?
I am a Mompreneur - the founder & creative director at The Code of Style, my team and I work closely to stay on top of our goals and vision of the company. We are a woman owned business and our company's mission is to give back and contribute to women. Encourage, support, and motivate women to go after their dreams!
My favorite thing about being an entrepreneur is having the freedom to chase my dream and not to miss a beat with my daughter, Lauren.
Issue 10 | 13
"MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR IS HAVING THE FREEDOM TO CHASE MY DREAM AND NOT TO MISS A BEAT WITH MY DAUGHTER, LAUREN.
Who or what inspires you to chase your dreams? Who inspires me is again, my daughter Lauren. I inspire to be a great hero and role model to her; which is a pleasure and honor. What inspires me: I find inspiration and beauty all around us. Life. Why did you decide to start your own business? The Code of Style is my online diary established in 2012. It's a diary sharing my journey as a single mother; which later helped me find my purpose in life. The purpose is to give back and change lives. Whether it is one person you are helping - I believe, giving has no size.
We love that you are an advocate of women empowerment, can you elaborate on what role you play? Thank you. I am your sister, your best friend, your cheerleader. My job is to support you, to motivate you, inspire you to be the best version of yourself. And tell you, YOU CAN be anything you want to be. What does your current business model look like? I have a superb team @Nowprla @Nowcreative_agency. Regardless of the role in the company, everyone is hands on in every project and win as a team. I am blessed to be working with talented individuals whom are passionate about their work. Talk us through what your typical day looks like. Being in the fashion and public space, a typical day is not so typical. There will be scheduled meetings for the day, and all sorts of last minute meetings/errands added on. Some days, we wrap up early, some not so much. I power through quite a few cups of coffee and protein bars. And that's my typical day! ;-) How do you juggle being a mother and running your businesses so well? It is hard work. I try to maximize my day by starting as early as I can. I start around 5am to midnight daily. As an entrepreneur and single mother, there are no off days and absolutely no sick days. I do my best to conquer in all areas the best that I can; and the results are my fuel. What's next for your business? We have many exciting projects in the works for the next few years regarding women empowerment. Currently, I am designing my own fashion line named: Godard & Greizen - expected to launch this summer! This line is designed for the boss woman - and every woman has it in her! #wecan!
Issue 10 |Â 15
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out? First, I would like to congratulate them! Congratulations for having the courage on taking the first step towards your dreams. My advice would be: Don't ever let anyone tell you, you can't. Because you can! Where can people find your website or social media channels? My instagram is: @thecodeofstyle Website: www.thecodeofstyleblog.com
GET TO KNOW CLAIRE! What celebrity would you love to have dinner with? Maria Shriver. Growing up, I wanted to be a journalist - just like her. I read her book, 'I've Been Thinking' and her philosophy in life is intriguing to me. I love the way she sees life and how she lives it. She is a true icon and I would love to have dinner with Maria Shriver. What is your favorite vacation location? I have traveled quite a bit; but haven't pinpointed a favorite. Ideally, I travel where there’s warm water beaches, palm trees, lots of fresh coconuts and I am a happy girl! What is one thing on your bucket list that you would like to complete by end of the year? My fashion line Godard & Greizen
Issue 10 | 16
Issue 10 |Â 19
Coin Jewelry Omi Woods omiwoods.com
THE QUEEN OF SHEEBA Coin Necklace $98 omiwoods.com
Issue 10 |Â 20
THE CLEOPATRA Coin Necklace with Pearls $198 omiwoods.com
Your life is as good as your mindset Issue 9 | 21
BLOGGER INSPOÂ ASIYAMI GOLD INSPIRING INFLUENCER/ENTREPRENEUR
Ebony Bowie
Independent Insurance Agent | Serial Entrepreneur
W
Interviewed By: Lori Granded
hat is one of your favorite things about being an entrepreneur?
Flexibility when it comes to income potential and schedule. Who or what inspires you to chase your dreams? My children inspire me to chase my dreams. I want to be the example for them to know that you can do whatever you set your mind to. I don’t want them to have a limited outlook on life. We are as big as our vision. I also am inspired by seeing other entrepreneurial women being successful! Why did you decide to leave your corporate career and go full on with your businesses? I was working as a nurse and this opportunity was presented to me. I have always wanted to own my own business but wasn’t sure what exactly it would be. Originally, like most entrepreneurs I was scared to take the leap and quit my career. However, I quickly realized that I could not take my business to the next level without giving it my full attention. After 3 months of doing both I decided to quit my job at the hospital and go full on with my business. I haven’t looked back ever since. This has been a very rewarding decision. Issue 10 | 23
"I decided to quit my job at the hospital and go full on with my business. I haven’t looked back ever since. This has been a very rewarding decision."
What is your dream-level goal for your brand and businesses? To open multiple agencies in the Houston market and eventually expand to Oklahoma and Louisiana. Allstate is already an established brand however I would like to be recognized as the go to insurance agent for all your personal and Business needs. What does your current business model look like? I have a service department that assists clients with their policies. I also have a sales team that is responsible for selling personal products such as auto, home, renters, condo, life, motorcycle, boat, ATV’s and etc. They are also responsible for selling business insurance, life insurance, and securities products.
Issue 10 | 24
"My dream-level goal for my business is to open multiple agencies in the Houston market and eventually expand to Oklahoma and Louisiana!"
Talk us through what your typical day looks like. My day begins with a workout, meditation and a cup of fresh brewed coffee. After my morning self-reflection time I make breakfast and prepare my children for school and cover them in prayer. Afterwards, I navigate my way to my office. When I arrive I have a morning powwow with my team and, I work diligently throughout the day with daily operations to ensure that my team and I exceed our daily and monthly goals. After work I typically have a laundry list of things to complete such as assist my children with homework, transport them to extracurricular activities, work and prepare a meal. At the end of my day I like to relax and spend time with my husband.
Issue 10 | 25
What is your brand's mission? Our mission is to provide customers with exceptional customer service and help them protect the things they care about the most – their families, homes, cars, and finances. I want my brand to ultimately offer cutting edge insurance products and make sure everyone is educated about the products and services we provide. What's next for your career? I am currently working on the opening of my new agency location and I am also working on pursuing other business ventures.
Issue 10 | 26
What advice would you give to someone who wants to go full-time with their business and leave their 9-5? I would encourage them to go for it! It is a scary choice to make but trust in yourself and the plans that have been established for you. Get a good mentor, research the business you are seeking, and develop a clear business plan. Where can people find your website or social media channels? My website is www.allstate.com/ebonybowie Facebook: @ebonybowieallstate Instagram: allstate_eb LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ebony-bowie-aa232a2a
FUN FACTS ABOUT EBONY What is your favorite vacation spot? Any beach in the Caribbean What is your favorite type of food? When I can cheat I love a great steak restaurant! What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery? Buy a vacation home and take a vacation there, then come back home and flip it, lol. What is your idea of relaxation? Sitting in my quiet space reading a good book.
Issue 10 | 27
The best part about life is every morning you have a new opportunity to become a happier version of yourself.
2
1
SADIE MIDI DRESS, $368 REVOLVE.COM CULT GAIA ACRYLIC SMALL LILLETH BAG $175.00 THEREALREAL.COM
Editor's @LAURAHARRIER
PICKS
Summer isn't quite here yet, but we are already ready! Bright colors and prints are seen throughout the Spring and Summer months.
6 CHRISTIAN DIOR LOGO LEATHER BELT $275.00 THEREALREAL.COM
5
ROSANTICA ESTASI GOLD-TONE CRYSTAL HAIRCLIP $185.00 NET-A-PORTER.COM
3
LE SPECS + ADAM SELMAN THE LAST LOLITA CAT-EYE ACETATE SUNGLASSES $175.00 NET-A-PORTER.COM
4
ALEXANDRE BIRMAN SANDALS $560.00 YOOX.COM
Issue 10 | 29
2
1
YVES SAINT LAURENT All Hours Longwear Natural Matte Foundation B 75 Hazelnut $54.00 sephora.com
3
CAUDALIE Beauty Elixir Mini 1 oz $18.00 sephora.com
6 JO MALONE London Red Roses body & hand lotion $51.95 selfridges.com
TOP BEAUTY PICKS
"Step into the summer with your favorite beauty brands"
CREED Fragrances Ginger & Neroli Body Wash $360.00 bloomingdale.com
4 MILK MAKEUP Lip + Cheek Werk $24.00 sephora.com
5 TOM FORD Satin Matte shade 13 L'enfer $62.95 jet.com @THEGREYLAYERS
MARIA VELAZQUEZ
REAL-ESTATE ADVISOR NEW YORK TOP PRODUCER Interviewed By: Angela Brickley
H
ow did you get started within the real estate (RE) industry? I started getting involved in this wonderful industry when I was very young. My mother is a RE broker in Florida and back in the days when I was still in college I would accompany her to show apartments and do open houses, at that moment I wasn't that interested in the RE industry since my career focus was Hospitality at the time. After a while I started getting a genuine interest in the industry and having the best mentor possible ( my mother) she helped me get a job in the industry assisting brokers in a new building in Manhattan and thats where all started... 15 years ago.. Who or what inspires you to chase your dreams? I see and meet a lot of bad-ass women in this industry that are amazing brokers! My mother is a big inspiration every day because she raised my brother and I and supported us through college being in this business, where she could still find time to be with us as a family and be the business woman she always wanted to. Another bad-ass woman I admire is Bess Friedeman, CEO of BHS who is a true inspiration to any woman in this industry. What type of real estate do you specialize in and why did you decide to focus on that area? I specialize in residential real estate because that's the field I was more exposed to since I was young and I really enjoy it. Coming from an hospitality background, dealing with clients and their needs helped me find my passion in the real estate world. I love connecting with people and being able to read them well so I can anticipate what they need/want. What is your favorite thing about being an entrepreneur? Being able to manage my own time
Issue 10 | 31
What is your biggest goal for your career/business? Find my balance. Be a successful and happy human being that can find other peoples home and help them through that process along with the best information and professionalism What does your current business model look like? I am always hustling, finding new listings , clients and trying to stay on top of the major industry marketing trends to service my team and clients. Talk us through what your typical day looks like. I wake up at 6:30-7 am , I exercise because that's where I plan my day. I am ready for work at 9 am or earlier if I have appointments already scheduled. II start reading my emails from the very early am; trying to answer as many emails as I can, I like to respond to my clients asap letting them know I am either working on it or if I have an answer to their questions right away. I get A LOT of calls though out the day so I am in the phone a lot.I visit properties every day even if I don't have client appointments, I like to keep informed of whats happening in the market and be able to be vanguard to provide my clients the most recent info. None of my days are alike and my schedule is constantly changing because my time is very linked to my clients’ time and availability. What is the biggest accomplishment within your career/business? To be amongst the top brokers in New York City. What's next for your business? Everyday brings a new challenge, today I am finishing a 320 unit building that I started a few years ago and I am concentrating on new listings I have coming to the market. I am building new marketing strategies and working with amazing brokers in the industry that I am always learning from. Issue 10 | 32
Do you have any advice for people starting out in the real estate industry? Keep motivated, keep being curious, don’t give up and try to always keep yourself informed in order to provide the best information to your clients Where can people find your website or social media channels? I am very active on social media, my instagram is @mariavnewyork and I also have a RE blog www.Mariavelazquezrealestate.com where I am constantly posting cool RE stuff. Issue 10 | 33
FUN QUESTIONS ABOUT MARIA
What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe? Jeans...I don't know what I would do without them... they are versatile, fun and practical Tell us what is your favorite type of food? I am a foodie...It really depends on my mood. I am in a Thai mood right now... Uncle Boons is my top restaurant at the moment. What is one thing on your bucket list that you would like to complete by end of the year? Expansion! Netflix or a night out on the town? Night out on the town if I don't have early open houses the next day.... Otherwise Netflix is my choice. Do you prefer brunch or lunch? Lunch
Issue 10 | 35
There are secret opportunities hidden inside every failure
LUXUR
LUX
MAGAZINE
ANNIVERSARY
1
YEAR
SPECIAL
USE CODE: LUXONEYEAR For 15% OFF PRINT ORDERS OF ANY ISSUES
JESSICA MARKOWSKI Model | Actress | Content Creator
W
Interviewed By: Angela Brickley
hat is one of your favorite things about being a model, actress and content creator?
My favorite thing about being a model, actress and content creator is being my own boss. I love controlling my own journey. Everything is solely dependent on the choices I make and that brings me a lot of joy! Who or what inspires you to chase your dreams? 100% my parents. They came to America from Poland with very little and worked hard to get where they are now. Their story inspires and motivates me every day. Their life experience has shown me that hard work pays off. They made me who I am today. Why did you decide to be a creative entrepreneur and create content? I have always had the entrepreneurial drive inside me! Starting out as a model and actor, I could express myself creatively. Social media was another platform that came to me organically. I was able to expand my audience and show them what I do and how I do it. I love being able to express my style, opinions, and feelings online. Creating content gives me the ability to show people that I am a person too!
Issue 10 | 38
What is your dream-level goal for your career? I am already living my dream! I would like to continue growing personally and professionally! Which do you enjoy the most, film, television, or commercials? That's a hard one! I have to say I love each one equally. Anything that lets me perform in front of a camera, I am on cloud nine!
Issue 10 | 39
"I am constantly striving to be the best version of myself—with my job, with my relationships with friends and family, and with my health." Talk us through what your typical day looks like. I wake up at 5:30am. Yes, I am a morning person! I catch up on emails, drink coffee, and go for a workout. Then, depending what I have lined up, whether it is a modeling job, a casting, audition, or a social media campaign shoot, I just do it. If I end my day on the earlier side, I see friends and catch up. If I end on the later side, I get ready for events! What is your brand's mission? I am constantly striving to be the best version of myself—with my job, with my relationships with friends and family, and with my health. What's next for your career? Lots of commercials, TV, film and social media projects in the works! What is your favorite career experience to date? I cherish each experience. It is really hard to pick one over any other because I am thankful for every experience I have had. One experience lead me to another so I can't really pick just one. I guess the stand outs were commercials I have done for Conair and H&M! What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out? Hustle! Keep going for it. Treat every opportunity like it is your last. Never let yourself stop you. Where can people find your website or social media channels? Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessicamarkowski IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6059230/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessicamarkowsk
Issue 10 | 41
Fun Facts About Jessica List the 5 things you need to have with you on a film set or during a photo shoot. 1. Burts Bees Chapstick 2. Neutrogena face wipes 3. Eye drops 4. Almonds 5. Coconut water Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned? I always have new projects! You will have to follow me along on Instagram to keep updated! Keeping up with the Markowski! What is your favorite type of food? Japanese food! Sushi, noodles...I love all of it. If you can pick one location in the world to have a second residence, where would that be? I love cities, and although New York is my favorite place in the world, I wouldn't mind having a second home in London or Paris. What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe right now? I think it has to be my gold hoops from ReRe Jewelry. Her hoops just bring life to my outfit! Her signature hexagon designed jewelry are really a work of art.
Issue 10 | 42
Slip dress: Topshop Jacket: Topshop Shoes: Naturalizer Earrings: B Jewelled
EDITORIAL Photographer: BBODDY PHOTOGRAPHY Retoucher: BBODDY PHOTOGRAPHY Clothing/ Shoes: Hudson's Bay Market Mall Model: Rohini Bali @ the Numa Network Makeup: Mariam Akbar Hair: Jerusalem Abrahale- Lomii Beauty Studio Stylist: Yalda Kazemi- stylEsteem
Pants: Topshop Top: Topshop Hat: Winners Shoes: Topshop
Issue 10 | 49
Dress: Eliza J Shoes: Sam Edelman Belt: Topshop
’
’
You can t act like you ve arrived when
’
you re only just receiving the invitation
SLIP INTO SUMMER By: Yalda Kazemi Unless you’ve been swearing off social media, television and all fashion magazines completely, you know that slip dresses have been all the rage the past two seasons, and continue to be on top of the list as the dress style of choice for fashion girls everywhere. The coveted style has maintained its popularity for spring and summer, with brands offering a wide variety of color, pattern and even detailing options for the warmer months. So get ready to slip into summer with your favorite slip dress, and here are five quick swoon worthy ways you can rock your dress this summer.
Issue 10 |Â 54
Sizzling Summer Keeping it simple and sexy. Slip on your perfect slip dress with a pair of sleek, heeled sandals, and add big statement earrings and stacked bracelets to finish off the look. Skip the necklace to really show off your décolleté and keep the look sexy and glamorous for a night out on the town, or that upcoming date night. Workin’ It The last place you would think a slip dress would be worn is at the office. But, add a gorgeous blazer, dainty jewelry (particularly layered necklaces), a pair of pointy pumps and you’re set! Just make sure the dress doesn’t have any side slits, and isn’t sporting an excessively low cut neckline. Who Wears Shirt Shirts Probably the easiest, and quickest way to rock your slip dress all season long, is to pair it with a white tee. Throw it underneath with a pair of runners, slip-ons, or ballet flats for a casual cool girl vibe, or twist things up by layering the tee on top either loosely fitting or tied with a side knot to add more definition at the waist. Either way, the addition of a tee makes wearing a slip dress a super easy everyday option.
Rosemary Tile Print Silk Slipdress (Anine Bing) $399.00
Paisley Satin Slipdress (TopShop) $75.00
Issue 10 | 55
Plain Satin Slipdress (TopShop) $68.00
Raw Detail Slipdress (Helmut Lang) $550.00
Jack-et Up Another simple go-to option is the addition of a cargo/utilitarian jacket (which bonus alert, is super in trend right now) or a denim jacket. Add your favorite runners or slip-ons and you’re sure to turn heads while running around town and ticking off your to-do list. Tuck Tuck and Away Get ready for an evening with friends and wear your slip dress tucked into your favorite pair of jeans. The thin fabric makes it so easy to tuck in, and gives you the illusion of a sexy cami on top. Add a gorgeous belt, cool accessories, a sexy pair of heels and you’re ready for a night of fun! The only thing to decide now is how many slip dresses are you going to be adding to your closet this season? Wink, there’s no such thing as too many.
Issue 10 | 56
Issue 10 |Â 57
HOW TO PAY YOURSELF AS A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR
By: Vanessa Buchanan So you own your own business which means you’re the boss, and as the boss – you get to determine how much money you make. Awesome, right? Considering how often I get asked this question, it seems to be more stressful than awesome for most business owners. If you ask the average entrepreneur what they make, they’ll likely tell you their profits for the year. “I made six figures last year” often means the BUSINESS made six figures. But what did you, the business owner pay yourself? And how do you come up with that number? And what should your business goals be to align with your personal salary goals? So let’s break this all down more simply with steps to follow: Step 1: Separate Your Business and Personal Finances ASAP Mixing business and personal finances not only causes accounting headaches—it can also ruin your chances at securing a small business loan once your business is ready for it, and it can get you into hot water with the IRS. If you’re still using the same checking account to manage your business and personal finances, fix this now. Step 2: Pick the Right Kind of Entrepreneur Salary Once your personal and business finances are separated, you'll need to consider how to pay yourself. For the most part, there are two main ways to pay yourself an entrepreneur salary—with a regular salary or through owner’s draws.
Issue 10 | 58
Step 3: Understand the Benefits of Paying Yourself an Entrepreneur Salary—Even If You Don’t Have To For one thing, paying yourself a salary indicates commitment in the eyes of your employees and investors. It proves that your own financial well-being depends on the financial success of your business success. Likewise, a salary shows the IRS that your business is a legitimate business, not just a hobby that happens to bring in some cash. Step 4: Calculating Your Compensation Before you decide on what to pay yourself as a business owner, it’s time to get extremely familiar with your company’s financial reports. Talk to your accountant to gain more insight into your company’s cash flow to determine what you can afford. Step 5: Pay Yourself! Deciding exactly how much to pay yourself when you start a business is both an emotional and practical decision. What’s in the long-term best interest of your company? With this mind, you’ll ultimately take home what’s fair for your business—and yourself.
Issue 10 | 59
Collaboration over Competition
Suit: Topshop Shoes: Naturalizer
EDITORIAL Photographer: BBODDY PHOTOGRAPHY Retoucher: BBODDY PHOTOGRAPHY Accessories/ Jewelry: Stylist Own Clothing/ Shoes: Hudson's Bay Market Mall Model: Anisse Guzzardi Makeup: Mariam Akbar Hair: Jerusalem Abrahale- Lomii Beauty Studio Stylist: Yalda Kazemi- stylEsteem
Skirt: Topshop Sweater: Prince Peter Collections Shoes: Kate Spade NY
TRAVEL TO ITALY FOR THE SUMMER By: Dalphia Matthews Photography: Anne Menke So you want to travel to Italy in the summer? My best advice is to make the most of your Italian summer holiday and head for the coast, lakes, or mountains. Italian cities swelter and swell with tourists during summer months. Do you really want to be standing outside in the sun in 100+ degree weather waiting for an hour to get into the Duomo or the Lake Como famous castles, or elbowing your way through tourists in St. Mark’s Square in Venice? I did all of this last summer in Italy, so let me save you the trouble and tell you that it’s pretty much zero fun. Instead, if you head for the water during the summer in Italy, you’ll have breezes and swims to look forward to. However, if you opt for the mountains, you’ll get to enjoy cooler nights.
Issue 10 | 67
Many of these seaside, lakefront, or alpine spots are swarming with tourists during the summer, especially because they’re gorgeous and absolutely epic. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to be battling crowds, I’d much prefer to do so with beautiful scenery as well as options for cooling off from the heat. Lake Como Drive or take the train about an hour north of Milan and you’ll reach the bottom-most points of Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. Both have adorable little towns around them that make for an ideal base from which to explore the lake (recommended: Varenna or Menaggio on Lake Como, Stresa on Lake Maggiore). Apart from relaxing and frolicking down cobblestone alleys, definitely take a breezy boat trip around the lake in order to thoroughly admire the gorgeous scenery, and cool off with a dip in the lake or the pool (if your accommodation has one). The wishbone shaped lake is best experienced from early spring until late autumn, when the glaring sun warms the waters and flower gardens are in full-bloom. A host of tourist friendly activities are now available for those who are tired of just relaxing.
Venice Looking for things to do in Venice Italy as you plan your epic trip to Europe? Venice is a magical, romantic, water-filled wonderland unlike any other place in the world. The narrow streets and countless canals created in the 9th century are filled with travellers and locals exploring Venice by foot, watertaxi, gondola, vaporetto and speedboat. The city is gorgeous and bustling during the day, yet somehow even more spectacular and romantic in the evening. Step into a world that seems frozen in time as you walk amongst buildings that are centuries old. Cross waterways and rios built during a time where Venice was one of the powerhouses of the world. Traverse the island by cruising the Grand Canal, hopping off at any stop to enjoy its many historical sites. Spend hours dining, Italian-style, at a local trattoria, devouring bowls of pasta with fresh pomodoro sauce, handmade pizza ai funghi, a fresh insalata mista or a porcini risotto. Stroll down the many winding streets and alleys, getting lost under the stars, hand in hand with your loved one. Seek out freshly made gelato at one of the countless gelateria. With so much to do and see in Venice, you will not be disappointed. Issue 10 | 69
Photography: @luvangelamariestudio Location: Hotel Alessandra
Beyond checking off the major tourist sites like the Mennagio and the Grand Canals of Venice, people visit Italy to experience the Italian way of life. With a unique set of customs, traveling in Italy is a much better experience when you have some knowledge and insights from a local. Issue 10 | 71
Jeans: Levi’s Top: SFW Trench coat: Vero Moda Shoes: Expression
Style Chemistry Consulting WWW.STYLECHEMISTRYCONSULTING.COM SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: @STYLECHEMISTRYCONSULTING
Issue 9 | 72
www.luxurluxmag.com
Advertise with us FOR ADVERTISING RATES CONTACT US Luxur Lux is published bi-monthly  info@luxurluxmag.com www.luxurluxmag.com
Visit luxurlux.com to begin enjoying the May/June issue on digital today Available on iPad, iPhone, Kindle through the Issuu app. www.luxurluxmag.com info@luxurluxmag.com Issue 10 | 78
SUBSCRIBE FOR 3 OR 6 MONTHSÂ Print
also
digital
includes
subscription
starting
at
$45
Also available on iPad, iPhone, Kindle through the Issuu app. www.luxurluxmag.com info@luxurluxmag.com Issue 10 | 79
You create the world, blink by blink. It is entirely yours to discover and yours to create.