"highlighting and promoting women in business doing extraordinary things"
Author: Jules Lavallee
Jules Lavallee is an International Journalist from Los Angeles, CA. For the past eight years, she has covered celebrities, global leaders, royalty, entrepreneurs for over 20+ magazines and countless cover stories. Staying true to roots in Boston, MA, Jules is a true humanitarian. She has supported many nonprofits in fundraising, strategic partnerships, and media. She has served on the Board of Big Brothers & Big Sisters and is currently on the Board of Fund Duel, gamified fundraising platform. She is an influential person in the areas of gender equality, diversity, and empowerment. She is a graduate of Harvard University.
Chelley Roy is an accomplished talk show host, celebrity wardrobe stylist, author, founder and CEO of “The Chelley Roy” brand. Chelley’s pursuit to defy the odds to prove everyone wrong, by overcoming various traumas, abuse, and many setbacks, catapulted her on this amazing journey of passion for purpose. Through these tragedies, she found her passion by helping to INSPIRE, MOTIVATE, and UPLIFT women through one on one coaching and guidance. She’s the successful founder of brands such as, “THE CHELLEY ROY SHOW ”, which has rapidly gained momentum in the DMV, the author of, “The Making of a BO$$”, and a celebrity wardrobe Stylist of The Chelley Roy Styling Agency.
Tell us about The Chelley Roy brand and why it resonates with a global audience.
The Chelley Roy Brand is EDGY, CHIC, BOLD, and ICONIC. I believe there’s a little bit of a “fashionista” inside every woman/young girl. To me, fashion is one of the heart beasts that connects us women/sisters. Fashion just isn’t something you wear, it’s something you feel! Your vibe, your flow, your swag and I see that in a lot of women/men around the world! People are just allowing themselves to be free and expressive through their fashion and style and “I’m here for it!” Fashion also has a positive high-frequency component that’s tied to mental health, I believe. If you look good, you feel good, your vibration and energy is high, which leads to so much abundance of light, love, joy, etc. . Color makes me happy! You will always find me in the “brightest colors”. I’m not that girl who reaches for black first, it’s the other way around lol.
What has captivated your attention the most about 2022?
The heightened PUSH and elevation of entrepreneurs who are knocking down doors because they have a solution to a need of our every day folks. Over the last few months, I’ve conducted many cometary interviews with entrepreneurs in the fashion world who are “killing it” and just aren’t afraid of taking risks. Wardrobes styling and fashion go hand and hand with The Chelley Roy Show, one of the services offered via The Chelley Roy Brand.. The show allows me to use my platform to connect and showcase entrepreneurs all over the world, including those who express themselves through fashion.
Share your challenges as you rose to stardom.
For me, my every day challenge/struggle is “ The Journey”! What happens or what do you do when your goals aren’t aligning with your original plan or what happens if business isn’t thriving as you planned? What do you do? For me, it’s simple, just never give up, keep going, adjust, reset, re-access if you will, BUT never give up! That’s what keeps me going and that is the daily challenge I am faced with daily.
What hot topics can we find on the “Chelley Roy Show?”
You can find on any given day the hot topic of “Chelley’s Closet”! What will I be wearing? How will I style it?
You are a Celebrity Stylist. Who have you enjoyed working with the most?
Any advice for new stylists? I truly have enjoyed working with each of my celebrity clients! Each experience is different and I take something from each experience, which has helped me to evolve into the iconic celebrity stylist that I am. I would encourage a new stylist to be true to yourself, figure out what your niche is and go for it! Don’t be discouraged by the No’s! The No’s are an opportunity for many YES’s!
Tell us about your new memoir. “The Making of a BO$$.”
The Making Of. BO$$” is near and dear to my heart. It’s based on true stories of encounters with my mother. I talk about the challenges that I’ve endured and how I was able to overcome them by pushing through and never giving up. It was important for me to write the book to tell my story in my own words, get clarity and closure. My book is relatable and my readers will be able to see themselves in the book and be inspired to persevere and NEVER give up, no matter the situation or what it looks like! If I can do it, so can you!
What is the greatest lesson that you have learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that tomorrow isn’t promised. If you have a gift, dream or a talent, the time is now! I don’t want to leave this world and not get to share my talents with the world. I am putting my foot on the gas and I will leave this world on “EMPTY” because I would have given it all I got!
What is next for you in 2023?
I am working on my 2nd novel. I will also be launching “several BIG” fashion projects in 2023. Stay tuned …
“My realistic oil paintings depict people with animal heads, often riding the New York City subway. I use fun details that connect to specific animals to tell humorous stories. I became fascinated by animals as a child during frequent trips to the zoo. I was also enthralled by the fantastical stories my parents read to me. An Art History class in college sparked my interest in classical European figurative paintings. I loved how these works presented views of the world that my mind could wander around in. I wanted to create my own contemporary version of them, so I studied classical painting techniques and hit on the idea of anthropomorphic figures with animal heads. I grew up in New York where the subway was the central place everyone came together so this became the primary setting for my characters.”- Matthew Grabelsky
Your art shows a hyperrealistic painting technique with a surreal penchant for unlikely juxtapositions. Tell us about your work.
I make realistic oil paintings of people with animal heads. I fell in love with classical European painting during an art history class in college. I loved how these painters were able to create visual stories, often with mythological characters, and I wanted to make something that followed in their footsteps. After college I moved to Italy to study classical painting techniques and eventually hit on the idea of creating a modern version of mythology where people with animal heads go about their days while riding the subway in New York City were I grew up.
Why have you chosen animals as your focus?
My parents took me to the zoo a lot when I was a kid and that started my fascination with animals. I love how they seem just like us in some ways and are completely alien in other ways.
Much of your work depicts your characters on subways, and males with mythological human hybrids. Which have resonated the most with collectors?
The first painting that I did in this series was me with a bull head and my girlfriend at the time sitting next to me on the New York City subway. It felt both personal and captured my unique mix of interests in a way nothing else I painted up to that point had done. It was also the first piece that people who saw my work really responded to. That led to a series of similar paintings with a couple where the man had an animal head. Eventually I decided to expand my imagery and started painting the women with animal heads as well.
Luckily I found that as my worked changed, people continued to collect it. As an artist I think its important to evolve, and I’m happy that my collectors have followed my journey with me.
Where can we see your work?
My next show is coming up in January with Thinkspace in Los Angeles. I’ve got a bunch of new paintings at various degrees of completion that I’m excited to share when they’re done.
Felton Pilate is best known as the lead singer of Confunkshun, an R&B Old School band created in 1974 while in Memphis, Tn.
Pilate was born in Jackson Mississippi to Felton Pilate Sr., a naval physician, and Benita Akines Pilate, a music major and social worker. After many military assignments, The Pilate family’s last move would be a move to Vallejo, Ca., where Felton Jr. would spend his formative years.
Pilate knew from a very young age that music would be an important part of his life. He took trumpet and piano lessons very early and self-taught himself to play guitar and trombone. In high school he created a band and performed locally while honing his craft.
Michael Cooper, who had another local band, asked him to join his group during their final high school years and with no hesitation, Felton said yes. That was the beginning of his career as a member of Project Soul who went on the road with Stax recording artists, “The Soul Children” and moved to Memphis, Tn. Project Soul got a record deal and were asked to change their name. The band chose ConFunkShun and the rest, as they say, is history.
Pilate’s accolades include Record Producer, Songwriter & Recording Artist with (USA) Diamond Platinum Sales Status and numerous Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and Mega-Platinum selling albums; participated in and contributed to numerous Grammy winning and nominated recording projects; Recording Engineer, Mixer, and Mastering Engineer. Pilate has 45+ years touring history as an internationally recognized R&B artist principal, recording studio owner and manager having trained numerous other eventual Grammy winning record producers.
During COVID, he released two singles, “We’re Still Here” and “Waiting Just to Dance” and is currently in the studio working on finishing the album. Both songs are doing extremely well on the charts worldwide. As for ConFunkShun, Felton and Michael Cooper are fine tuning ConFunkShun’s new Christmas Album, set for release in the fall of 2022, and a new R&B album.
Pilate has a gift of perfecting and creating multiple projects at one time and is extremely busy with his music as well as writing, editing, and creating a soundtrack for a new TV pilot. Over the last two years, he has also developed several stage shows including; “Everybody Dance! ”, a tribute to Nile Rodgers and Chic, “I Love Music! ”, a tribute to the Philly Sound, and “Rock Steady! ” a tribute to Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.
When did you know that music would be your life?
I can’t accurately say that there’s an actual “when”. There was a time when I loved writing and performing but didn’t have confidence that music should be my priority… music was originally planned to be my back-up plan! To best answer your question, I have to go back a little bit. There’s always been a piano in the house as far back as I can remember, even when I lived with my grandmother at the age of 4. I always enjoyed watch and listening to my mother play and sing. When I was able to read, I started understanding the books that were stored in the piano bench… in retrospect they must have been the beginning books my mom started with when she was a child.
Music has always been a *part* of my life. I got the inspiration to actually consider playing music in front of an audience at a junior high school dance. It was my first time seeing a live band perform popular music and I was blown away! It didn’t occur to me that music could and would be the focus of my life until the summer of ’72 when Project Soul (what we were called before changing our name to ConFunkShun) became the back-up band The Soul Children, one of the recording artists on the STAX label out of Memphis. Music has been my only income since then.
Your accolades include Record Producer, Songwriter & Recording Artist with (USA) Diamond Platinum Sales Status and numerous Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and Mega-Platinum selling albums. What does it take to succeed in the business?
Ha! Before you get to the “succeeding” part, you have to get past the “surviving” part! Just to do that, you must learn and *respect* the fact that it’s called the music business for a reason. In order to have any *chance* of actually succeeding, one should learn as much as you can about the business, perfect your craft, and don’t take compromising shortcuts.
During COVID, you released two singles, “We’re Still Here” and “Waiting Just to Dance.” What was the inspiration for these singles?
“We’re Still Here” if you listen to the lyrics, is not just about people wanting the club to stay open longer… it is a statement about the fact that those of us who *have* survived need to be grateful that we can still do what we do. “Waiting Just to Dance” was literally written out of my frustration with the COVID lockdown. “Dance” became a metaphor for the world just wanting to get back to normal.
FMM: What makes your new single so special?
I can honestly say that most of the songs I’ve written, whether it’s an uptempo dance song, or love ballad, are tributes in some way to the people that I was inspired by or learned from, either directly or indirectly. I was really encouraged by the fact that Leave The Door Open, by Silk Sonic, won the “Song of the Year” award at the Grammys. That said a lot to me since that song, in my opinion is basically an old school style ballad and since I’m a romantic kind of guy, “Here’s What I’d Do For You” seemed to be a natural kind of song to write.
You are collaborating with Michael Cooper and fine tuning ConFunkShun’s new Christmas Album, set for release in the fall. Tell us more.
We started working on this last year when Michael Cooper suggested that we do one. I immediately wrote 3 brand new Christmas songs and currently working on 2 more. I’m very pleased with the progress so far and excited about the fact that it’s our first Christmas project. We released one of songs, “A Christmas Kind of Day” as a single last year and got a very enthusiastic response. Michael has a version of “My Favorite Things” that I really love!
What do you want your legacy to be?
To some degree, my legacy has already been set. Let me clarify… people approach me and tell me things like “We got married to your song”. Knowing that I’ve touched someone’s heart, affected someone’s emotions, or encouraged something positive in someone’s life based on something I wrote or created is huge for me. If I don’t accomplish anything else before I die, I’m totally happy with that….
Bebe Panian is a high school student who is pursuing a career in humanness. Bebe has a passion for helping others and was inspired by her family to launch Facial Nova Skincare.
“I’m evolving each day and I don’t have a particular occupation yet, however, I am considering a future in the medical field. I would like to improve on our country’s current lifestyle especially since our society is overmedicated and undernourished. Technology has come so far to even have autonomous cars, but, yet medicine has not improved & food is consistently lower in quality and nourishment. I love making people smile and supporting them so I became a cheerleader. I also enjoy swimming and baking. I am a homebody and love hanging out with my family and friends.” Let’s see what sparked Bebe’s desire to launch Facial Nova Skincare.
How did your family inspire you to launch a beauty business?
My father is a scientist. My mother has gained knowledge of science from my father as I have. It’s awe-inspiring to see a ”mom” turn into a business/ science professional. It was a game changer for me to see my mother running a business while taking care of my infant brother. It pushed me to step up to the plate and get serious about my career journey.
Tell us about Facial Nova and the groundbreaking beauty system.
Facial Nova is a skincare and wellness company that utilizes a new groundbreaking beauty system technology developed by my father’s lab that turns hydrophobic (non-water-loving) molecules into hydrophilic (water-loving) molecules. This tech permits all those valuable oil-based herbal molecules to be in a water-based product.
You spent a lot of time in your father’s lab. Tell us about this experience.
As a young girl, it was hard to find interest in things besides playing with my Barbie dolls. I remember the first time my father brought me to his lab, I fell head over heels. I thought about it as an obstacle course. There were so many machines that could be used for different levels of ideas for products. In other words, I found a deep interest in working in my father’s lab at such a young age. I admired his industrious work and still do till this day for teaching me everything I know.
What makes Skin Genius NAD+ facial serum the perfect product?
NAD+ is an incredibly useful molecule that has been shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, protect from sun damage and support new collagen formation. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and it is exposed to UV on a daily basis. UV can cause a deficiency of NAD+ which is linked to skin aging and cancer. NAD+ is crucial in preserving genomics stability which impacts all age groups. Recent research has also proven NAD+ signaling is impaired in teen brains mostly from stress during puberty. This can cause overweight issues and struggling to focus. A caveat of NAD+ is the high susceptibility to degradation. The tech that all Facial Nova products employ are used also with NAD+. This stabilizes and energizes our neural pathways.
Share your top-selling products.
Beauty Sleep facial skincare, Skin Genius facial skincare, and Honey C serum mask. All these are special because they are made with no alcohol or synthetic preservatives and are completely water-based.
Beauty Sleep facial skincare contains Melatonin, Apigenin, Omega-3, and GABA. Melatonin is a strong antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, nourishes the skin, and can also help one get better sleep. Apigenin improves skin immunity and helps with sleep cycles. Omega-3 modulates the overproduction of sebum from hormonal imbalances of adolescents and also helps improve sleep quality. GABA leads to a more restful sleep & reduced levels of anxiety. GABA also relaxes the skin to reduce wrinkles. This formula reduces any unwanted side effects from using melatonin.
Skin Genius facial skincare contains NAD+ and Resveratrol. NAD+ helps hydrate the skin, reduces fine lines, helps protect from sun damage, supports new collagen formation, and helps enhance cognitive capabilities. Resveratrol has antimicrobial properties and enhances the anti-aging activity of NAD+.
Honey C serum gel mask is curcumin packed, with Aloe Vera and Wild Honey Flower Raw. Curcumin and Aloe gel helps clear and calm skin with its natural anti-inflammatory and Wild Honey Flower Raw has antimicrobial properties.
What have you learned as a young entrepreneur?
Look at everything objectively
Work on preparedness
Dedicate time to goals. The end result is a perfect dynamic of success.
The holidays are around the corner, do you plan on offering bundles for stocking stuffers?
Yes! During the holidays it is definitely a necessity for my company to offer bundles for stocking stuffers.
Tell us about Healthy Awareness Minds: HAM.
Healthy Awareness Minds (HAM) is a program to benefit adolescents going through anxiety. During the pandemic, I had encountered what anxiety was. So, as the cliche goes, you don’t truly know anything until you go through it. I decided that Facial Nova will donate part of its profits to help teens going through issues by supporting anxiety prevention groups.
London Ladd, a graduate of Syracuse University with an MFA in Illustration, whose artwork has been featured in numerous critically acclaimed picture books, newspapers and magazines, along with community based murals. He uses a unique mixed media approach combining cut paper textured with acrylic paint, tissue paper, colored pencil, pen & ink to bring his diverse subjects to life. Each image is steeped in intensity and emotion, a reflection of the artist himself.
His goal is to open a visual arts community center for lower-income families so they can make their own art in a fun, creative environment.
His clients include, Knopf, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Philomel Books, Rise Books, Just Us Books, Disney/Hyperion, Scientific American, and New York Times to name a few.
How has art carried you through so many joys and pains?
During my almost thirty years of studying art, I’ve walked away numerous times, whether for personal or financial reasons. Still, I eventually returned to it because it was in my heart. The most traumatic years of my life were 2018 – 2019. In 2018, my long-term marriage ended. In 2019, my mother died. Art was a large factor in my healing from those end significant losses. In fall 2019, I started grad school at Syracuse University, deciding to approach art and life with an attitude of fearlessness that held me back. Art is my passion which I don’t take for granted. Art saved me and continues to open new possibilities in my life I never knew existed.
What do you enjoy the most about being an illustrator?
What I love most about being an illustrator is a variety of things. One is problem-solving. To take written text and have to create an image(s) is an exhilarating thrill. The rush I get when first seeing an email from the art director never gets old because the projects are never the same, so my thought process is different. Two, creating the art, whether traditional mixed media or digital, I’m doing work that best represents me within the depths of my heart, and to pour on the page is exciting. Three, the therapeutic elements of creating art. Being alone, surrounded by art-making materials, is my sanctuary from the world’s cares. I love it!!
Tell us about the powerful vibrant imagery in the book, Black Gold written by Laura Oboubi.
Laura Oboubi wrote a story that spoke to me in ways no other story I’ve illustrated has ever Black Gold is about the unconditional love between a mother and child. I wanted the imagery to convey that in this ethereal, mystical, vast, dense way that can span the cosmos. Each page builds upon this theme with rich colors that sometimes seem like it is moving and still at the same time. I poured so much love and care into Black Gold so the reader will not only see visually but feel it as well.
BLACK GOLD(Harper Collins), written by Laura Oboubi. This lyrical picture book is a joyous, poetic, celebration of Black children and a reminder of the Universe’s unconditional love in stunning verse and captivating collage. Perfect for fans of Sulwe!
When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earth—rich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star sapphires and full lips to speak the truth. With help from the Sun and the Moon, they create a child of the Universe: beautiful, powerful, and boundless with the brilliance of Black Gold.
Laura Obuobi’s empowering, whimsical text and London Ladd’s lustrous, captivating illustrations will inspire children to love themselves exactly as they are.
What was important to you on this project?
Everything! It is symbolic of rebirth as an artist by seeing and creating in ways that at most faithful to my heart. Understanding the importance of the details within each mixed media illustrates how it reflects me and how I desire to push deeper into my craft of creating art—seeing both the large picture and small details, points of movement, and stillness of the moment. My journey as a man,
father, friend, partner, and artist has prepared an expression through the art spilled the pages of Black Gold, a deep love that can’t be easily explained but felt in the spirit.
What’s next for you?
So many things!! Currently, I’m busy in many areas. I’m teaching some illustration courses at Syracuse University and loving it!! I get to share my knowledge and experiences with young people as they embark on their artistic journeys. I’m illustrating a fantastic book, My Hair is a Book, written by Maisha Oso, a beautiful story about the love of black hair. Afterward, four more books to illustrate over the next three years, so I’m literally “booked up” for the next three years. I’m in the process of writing and illustrating my first picture book too, and I’m thrilled at the opportunity. Also still doing editorial illustrations for various newspaper and magazine publications and anything else unexpected that might come my way. I love every minute because I’m doing what I love creating art.
Mila Johansen is a public speaker, writing and publishing coach, teacher, and writer. She is the best-selling author of five books, including, From Cowgirl to Congress: Journey of a Suffragist on the Front Lines, a first-person account from Jessie Haver Butler, Mila’s grandmother who taught public speaking to Eleanor Roosevelt. She also has several more books in progress and loves to write and produce short screenplays. Mila has developed “The Short Book” concept giving people all over the world permission to write their “short book” first.
When did your journey to publishing begin?
I always wanted to be a writer since a very young age, about 8 years old. I tried writing a book then and only wrote a page and a half because I was only 8. Later, at age 18, my mother tricked me into becoming a writer. She told me to write one sentence a day for a month. Well, you can’t just write one sentence and by the end of the month, I became a writer. I trick my own students in much the same way. I tell them to only write 20 min a day, or that even 5 min a day can add up to a book. Toni Morrison, the novelist, said she wrote her first book in 15 min a day because that was all the time she had between work and raising kids. My students/clients usually write more, but can initially wrap their head around the 5 min a day concept. I began writing and publishing books in my twenties and wrote 22 plays and musicals, 6 books and have many more in process. I am now enjoying helping other people write and publish their books. I am publishing a series of anthologies of collected stories, much like Chicken Soup For the Soul, so that people can easily become published authors without all the stress.
Tell us about the From Pen to Published – 12 week course starting October 4th.
Amazing 12 Week Writing & Publishing Training for Life in writing and publishing. This is the memoir edition. You are never too young or old to write about your own life. We’ll show you how to do everything step by step to write and publish your future books. And it results in a memoir anthology published professionally making you a published author by Christmas to give away or sell yourself. Each story can be from 2,000 to 5,000 words. I always say, write your memoir so your children will know you were young once. Check out all that is offered at the link. https://milajohansen.influencersoft.com/ptp-12week
Please share a few tips that we can find attending The Amazing 12-Week Writing & Publishing Training for Life in writing and publishing.
I will show the class how to do every aspect of writing and publishing. It’s a comprehensive course for life and recordings of each class will be given to each participant. We are bringing in some other experts to share their tricks and tips and knowledge. The class will end in a professionally published anthology book featuring each student’s story that they can give away or even sell. Included will be how to create and write your story, how to make a book a bestseller, how to use all the attributes of KDP-Amazon Publishing, Creating an author page, being on a scheduled Podcast, and so much more.
The holidays are around the corner, why would a memoir be a great gift?
Family and friends will love to read about where the author came from to where they are today. This short memoir can be the outline for the longer book to leave as a legacy for family and community. To hold your own book in your hands is a great experience, and to give it to other people, is even more fulfilling. To be part of an anthology is a wonderful way to get published without all the work and money it would normally cost. Everyone should write their memoir to leave as a record of their life for future generations.
What does it take to be an author?
The best answer to that is, “Just Start”, “Just Write” and the rest will unfold. Most people have the most trouble starting. So get it down on paper or on your computer as fast as you can and fix it later. Everyone has a story to tell or an expertise to share. Everyone can be a published author. Think about writing in short increments, like 20 minutes a day or even 5 minutes a day can add up to a book.
What do you enjoy the most about working with new authors?
I love making it possible. I love facilitating and showing them how to make the entire process easy and accessible. I love their excitement when they realize they are going to become a real live published authors, when they see the cover of the book, hold the book and share the book with friends, family and colleagues. It’s all very exciting and inspiring and not as hard as people think. Everyone has a book or books to write. I love when they say, “Wow. I can do this. I want to start working on my next book.”
Can everyone be a writer?
Yes! We have editors. Everyone has a story to share that the world needs to hear–or maybe their expertise. I encourage everyone to tell their story or share their expertise. Many people are writing their books to build authority to speak, teach and coach from.
Your signature talk is Writing and Publishing Your Short Book is Easy as 1-2-3. Tell us more.
The shortest book you can publish on Amazon, with a spine, is 36 pages. Anyone can write a 36 page book in a day or two, get it edited and self-publish it on Amazon in a week or two. Amazon makes it super easy and offers so many amazing attributes like samples, ISBN numbers, an author page and as many copies at cost that you want–and much, much more.
Share a few stories about people who have written their first short book with your help.
1) Working with Mila was a wonderful experience. She was supportive, professional, and engaging. I wanted information about getting my book traditionally published and although what I learned was straightforward, it was her “JUST DO IT!” encouragement that made her coaching beneficial. Her free form coaching style helped me go beyond the scope of my debut novel: TRUTH BE TOLD. All I had to do was apply some of the content marketing tactics from her workbook,and in less than 8-hours I ended up writing a NEW short form e-book and a blog. WOW! That’s a lot more than I expected. -Franzie JeanLouis
2) Mila shared many helpful tips. A positive, motivating, experienced coach. Highly recommend! -Anonymous 3) Mila provides concise and critical information that helped guide my writing partner and I through the publishing process. We are immensely grateful for her expertise. – Marlene Fabian Stiles
On Oct 22, you will launch THE CINDERELLA MONOLOGUES, Inspiring True Stories of 22 Women. Tell us about what makes this so special.
Many of the contributors have written before, but many haven’t and this will be their first time to be published authors and best selling authors as well. They are amazing stories and some of the women are very brave to share them with us. But also at the same time, telling their stories can be very healing. It’s a variety, some humorous, some very sad, others surprising, but all ending in inspiration.
What did you learn when developing this book?
I learned that women can go through unthinkable challenges and come out the other end whole and productive, ready to help others through the same experiences. Wow! And that everyone wants to write a book and/or be part of one.
Share your projects for the upcoming months.
I am currently working on several books of my own, both fiction and nonfiction. I finished a provocative novel last year during NanoWriMo (we all write a book in a month) and plan to do it again this year with my colleague–we each help each other with accountability of writing at least 2,000 words a day. 2,000 words is not that hard to do. I want to do more anthologies for people to become published authors and learn more about the process. I love this new novel because it starts in the USA and ends up in Italy, one of my favorite places on earth. I have several upmarket women’s novels in the works and I also love to write and produce short screenplays.
Andy Smith. Smith is currently one of the highest sought-after Branding & Marketing Agents in the country. His love for excellence has granted him access to notable platforms and opportunities not only in the Christian Community but also the Global Marketplace.
Andy is the CEO of Andy Smith Global Enterprises. (ASGE) Under this global entity he oversees three global magazines, I-Worship Magazine, Woman Arise Magazine, iCreate Magazine, three Global Newspapers, I-Connect Newspaper, Bastrop Community Voice and Winnsboro Connect Newspaper and a Branding & Marketing Firm for entrepreneurs Andy Smith Creative Media Group. Smith is a man of vision and believes strongly everyone has the potential to change the course of their future.
Now, Andy has launched, The iChat Global Network, a Social App that has been created to build effective communication through relational connections. “Our goal is to create a safe place for our children from bullying and negativity. Through positive feeds, our app teaches them how to build healthy, life-long relationships while communicating through the social world. In addition to that, we encourage all cultures, all ethnicities to enjoy life through positive communication. Through our app families will be able to stay connected as well as businesses from a corporate perspective will stay in the light of growth and expansion.”- Andy Smith
Tell us about your background and what led you to launch the iChat Global Network.
Well, growing up I’ve always been a technology geek. I’ve always had a love for electronics and active devices. Over the years as we know, social media has been a driving force in the world but also for some a place of danger, specifically our children! I was raised by a single parent in a public housing neighborhood. We didn’t have the best of everything, but my mom made what we had feel like Rodeo Drive, lol. So, growing up I was always told that I was different. I wasn’t the perfect child, but I was different. I was expelled from High School in the 9th grade because of my behavior. I never thought about a school again. I went on with my life and developed a passion to express my creativity in other outlets. I discovered I had an enterprising spirit, a gift for speaking, and a genuine interest in building authentic connections both in person and on social media. It was at that moment that I began to move quickly on the visions and innovative ideas I received. I begin watching how people interacted with each other, some positive and some not so positive. So as time grew, I begin to see my passion grow in the areas of public awareness.
I’ve watched social build up some people and tear others down, but the biggest concern of it all was knowing that people that had evil motives were out there approaching our children through inappropriate pictures and vile messages. This is where the desire to launch iChat Global and iChat 4 Kidz came from. It was launched to provide a socially moral platform coupled with safety and compassion as the leading factors.
iChat 4Kidz is a first of its kind, a revolutionary social media app where safety is paramount, and kids can enjoy a bully-free social media experience. Tell us about the 2-factor authentication.
The two-factor authentication is a security measure in which the parent/caretaker must be notified that the child is attempting to use the app. More specifically, it allows parents to have sole control over their children’s account. Secondly, we offer a time-based login which also allows parents to log their children out of the app. We offer two logins for iChat Global Network, one for adults and one for kids. Our subscribers will also be able to create their own customized profiles, personal posts with pictures, video, and content upload much like our competitors.
Take us through the app. Is it user-friendly? Is it for all-ages?
Yes, it’s user-friendly. It has a very easy login process in addition to an exciting surprise on every login screen for the kids. It’s guaranteed to be engaging, exciting and education for its duration. We have two worlds operating in iChat. We have iChat for adults which is for 18 and up and the kidz version which if for ages 4-16.
What makes this app fun?
Most social media apps are tailored to the adult or even the teen as the ideal client. Rarely have we seen toddlers and school agers as top of mind when building a social marketing app. That’s what sets us apart. To answer your question, this experience will be fun because they can play, learn, and connect with their real-life friends or meet likeminded children their age all over the world. Irrespective of life transitions the child may face they will still be able to access their childhood friends and grow up together, maybe not in physical proximity, but they can virtually.
Tell us about the #KidzChatRoom.
The #kidzchatroom affectionately known as “CIRCLE OF FRIENDS” is a space, perfectly curated for the iChat user’s personal friends. The process is highly monitored. To access it security credentials must be entered. Verification codes are sent to the parent(s) before this process is even facilitated. The Circle of Friends is the tool that takes the place of private messenger which will further allow our team as well as parents to securely monitor the protection and freedom of our children.
Tell us about The Andy Smith Wellness Initiative.
Andy Smith Wellness Initiative is a Non-Profit Organization that focuses on the safety and wellness of our children and teens. Through this program we will assist in the dismantling of the risk factors that lead to bullying and suicide. The ASWI is dedicated to protecting, educating, and rescuing our youth. ASWI will be a bridge of hope for the lost and a place of safety for those who feel as if they have no one to turn to. This initiative will be administered through all school systems with a special emphasis on holidays where most children with no family especially in juvenile detention centers really don’t have family.
Share your vision for iChat Global Network.
My vision for iChat can be described by two words: global expansion. I really want to keep precisely and strategically alive the traditional levels of social networking. We are pushing this directive on US soil for the moment and in the upcoming days launch into our international brand presence. However, once I feel that we’ve successfully expanded our reach my vision includes growing our international base to be a top social media app that revolutionizes how we communicate forever. If we don’t prepare for the future, who will?
Aaryaman Kakar is an Indian actor who has been seen in over 12 short films and has theater experience of over 6 years. His films include, KILL EM ALL Lead Brandon Mac BOY GIRL STEEL Lead Enmanuel Crespo SENSITIVE SENSES Lead Rudy Wilson THE WOLFSBANE CASE Supporting Mohammed Hammad PATH (RAASTA). He has tremendous talent and is fluent in languages such as: English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.
What do you enjoy the most about acting?
There are quite a number of things I enjoy with the process of acting, from experiencing a whole different life personality of another person, to portraying those characters with challenges on screen or theatre adds on a level of thrill. The most important element is the area of positive energy vibrations which are transferred all along in the making of the process which makes you feel not just excited but grateful and proud to do this for a living.
Share your favorite genres.
My favorite genres to watch are thrillers and murder mysteries, they always add another layer of a blanket of suspense which keeps you on your seat and interested. Apart from that I’m also fond of dramas and comedies. I mean, there’s no one on earth who wouldn’t enjoy a comedy. Personally, I find working on a comedy genre a rather easier job, “I mean what can I say, I’m a born comedian hahaha. No, I’m just kidding there.” However, I feel drama is something which needs a lot more commitment and dedication from me.
Where have we seen your work?
You can check out a couple of my short films on YouTube titled “Sensitive Senses” and “Going Up”, a social comedy about people with disabilities and the other is a thrilling drama about two people stuck in an elevator.
Do you have a favorite role?
My favorite role is a reprisal of a scene I performed and edited in college from the famous Edward Norton film “Primal Fear.” I performed the scene without watching the original and it turned out the character looked pretty similar to the original character. I also edited the scene and felt I was really connected to the character and the whole journey of the split personality of Aaron and Roy’s character. It’s one of my most special characters.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on an audition for a feature film which has a story about 4 friends set in the 90’s in the Kashmir valley of India. It’s a very strong drama and I’m really excited to crack this audition and book this particular character. I am Manifesting it as I share this in the interview with you. Apart from this I had recently completed a short family drama titled “Para Siempre Mama” directed by Ms. Anna M. Buksowicz in Los Angeles and can’t wait to share it with the festival circuit.
KYVAN Foods is a line of specialty products created by Former NFL Player Reggie Kelly. “I went from the gridiron to the cast iron. We have products that can cater to your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs. Products such as Honey Apple Salsa, Honey Apple Butter, Various Wing Sauces, Salad Dressing, Jambalaya Sauce and Seasonings. Our products are unique, full of flavor and made with LOVE. “One taste and you will appreciate the Goodness!”
What led you to launch KYVAN Foods?
We ‘took to heart’ our family’s advice when my wife Sheila and I held football camps in our hometown of Aberdeen. The football camps were designed to reward the kids who have excelled academically in the classroom. We invited fellow NFL stars & coaches to volunteer and make the events special for the kids. True to form, after the camps, our family cooked for the volunteers, and they raved about the flavor and goodness of the meals. Their responses were overwhelming and brought a smile to my face when they expressed their enjoyment of the meals and the difficulty of finding flavorful meals like these anywhere else. Those compliments started the ‘wheels to churn’ in our mind and a light bulb flashed, prompting my wife and I to ‘come up’ with a great idea… a Food Line!”
The holidays are around the corner, what can we find at KYVAN Foods for friends and family this holiday?
The holidays are approaching and here at KYVAN Foods, our goal is to bring families back to the table, because that is where great conversations are held, and memories are made. We feel that families that are enjoying our KYVAN products during the holidays will truly live by our motto…”One taste and you will Appreciate the Goodness!”
Taste-A-Monials
Chef Leen- Food Network’s Chopped Champion “While all Kyvan’s products I’ve tried are amazing my favorite is the honey apple salsa. It can be used for so many dishes to create huge flavor, a little bit sweet and spicy!”
“This is my one addiction I refuse to give up! Ymmmmmmmiicious! Eat it like applesauce. This stuff is awesome!”- Jennifer Willaimson-Facebook
“I would say I am the hardest critics when it comes to salsa…I can promise you that KYVAN Salsa is the best I have ever had. Well done!!!”- Matt Schobel- Former Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia
Thomson Andrews is a Pop R& B Singer-Songwriter, Bollywood Playback singer, and reality Tv star who has crooned songs in multiple languages. He started his career with Oscar and Grammy Winning Indian Composer AR RAHMAN and has sung additional vocals on the international album Superheavy featuring Joss Stone, Mick Jagger, and Damien Marley along with AR Rahman.
Thomson has performed in the USA doing 4 tours across 14 cities in America; entertaining Indian American audiences with his Bollywood singing performances along with Indian Music Icons Sunidhi Chauhan and Mohit Chauhan. Today he is known for his songs like ‘Rumani’ featuring Karthik Aryan and Nushrat Bharucha, ‘Sheher Mera’ featuring Abhay Deol, and even Ye Jawani Hain Deewani from SOTY 2. Thomson has worked on iconic TV and OTT reality shows like MTV Coke Studio, MTV Unplugged, Amazon Prime – The Remix, and as a talk show host on ‘Hungama Music Bus’. Thomson has also lent his voice to the Netflix Musical film Jingle Jangle and Christmas Chronicles, along with singing for Disney films like Alladin, The Lion King, Princess and the Frog, Frozen, Toy Story and is the voice of Gonger for the hit American children’s musical comedy puppet television series on Apple Tv. He was also a finalist of the Amazon Prime Music show THE REMIX, which gave him global recognition, followed by a stint for America Idol where he was hired to do a campaign to promote the singing show on ZeeCafe to Indian Audiences.
Thomson has recently lent his voice, singing for the Hindi version of the American show Waffles + Mochi, a children’scookingstreaming television series. Produced by Higher Ground Productions with Michelle Obama as executive producer,[1] it was released on Netflix on March 16, 2021. Former first lady Michelle Obama is joined by puppet pals to discover, cook and eat foods from around the world.
Since your Debut in 2010, you have reached superstardom in India and globally among Indian audiences and on social media. Share your greatest moments.
There have been many great moments for me during my entire career of mere 14 years in the industry. Firstly, I was studying science as my major in college as I wanted to become a doctor, growing up. Music was an inherent part of my upbringing with singing in choirs at church for holy mass. Being raised a Roman Catholic, singing gospel music at home was always a norm during our family prayer sessions. However, when I turned 16, my very first milestone was when I won the first place singing in a city-wide Gospel talent competition, which gave me the confidence and courage to explore my singing abilities onstage like never before. Soon my next big moment was when I got to perform with Grammy & Oscar winning Composer Maestro AR RAHMAN onstage at an Indian Award show. Post this I knew I was meant for something larger in life and my journey as a professional artist had begun; wherein I was hired to sing for all the top music composers on the Indian music Industry and I still continue to work with all of them till date. Soon people started watching me on TV being featured as a singer and vocal arranger on India’s top music show MTV Cokestudio and MTV Unplugged for several seasons. Following this I sang on several Hollywood projects via composer AR RAHMAN like Oscar nominated film 127 hours, International Music Album ‘SuperHeavy’ featuring Joss Stone, Mick Jagger, Damien Marley. In 2014 I started touring in America with India’s Iconic Bollywood Singers and performed in 14 cities in America, which was the greatest moment of starting my international concert experience. Following my 1st tour, I stayed back in Los Angeles and worked with a few of my director DOP friends who had worked with Clint Eastwood on few films, and these friends helped me shoot my very first American music video in LA called ‘I GOT YOUR MONEY’, which was executive produced by me, filmed around Beverly hills, the iconic Hollywood sign, Melrose Avenue, Rodeo Drive and Venice beach. Little did I know that the styling team who helped me on this shoot had also styled the likes of Beyonce, Jason Derulo, Lady Gaga and many such iconic American superstar singers and this song was mixed by Grammy winning Indian sound engineer Deepak Palikonda, hence it was something out of the world for me. Post that my next experience was when I sobbed like a baby watching the The Lion King live musical at Broadway in NYC, a dream come true. After this, God truly blessed me with tours in 15 countries, traveling the world and singing my heart out to Indian audiences globally. My recent greatest moments have been promoting the show American Idol on Indian television network Zeecafe as a celebrity singer, hosting a music travel tv show in India with the biggest music icons and my stint on the hit Music Reality series on Amazon Prime – THE REMIX.
Which collaborations have you enjoyed the most?
I have mostly loved collaborations with music producers the most, as I love the way they explore my singing styles in their compositions and each time I work with a new producer, I learn so much more about myself and how versatile yet definitive in my singing style and personality I am as a musician and singer songwriter. It gives my music a path to grow sonically, embrace change and evolve musically with the times and what’s current, staying true to myself with a new thought and sound.
What does it take to be successful in entertainment?
In simple words, immense patience combined with talent, professionalism, discipline, performing with excellence in all projects you are assigned to work on-be it live events, studio sessions or your own music. A combination of all the above and also my sheer drive, determination, passion for music and a positive attitude towards everything in life make a career choice in entertainment a success for those who chose this path. It definitely has its ups and downs and challenges as any industry, however I love turning challenges into opportunities and I choose to work with an optimistic approach in everything I do, giving praise to God for the success and opportunities he blesses me with via my industry seniors, mentors and colleagues. Having a clear vision for your career and embracing your strengths and weaknesses will help you reach where you are heading, a strategy on how you wanna get there, supported with a plan to put into action with a daily contribution of your time towards that vision/goal you wish to achieve. There are times during the year when work is on a slump for the entire event industry and live shows don’t happen much however, at such times I’ve chosen to focus my time more on upskilling my craft for the upcoming live event season, work on new song arrangements with my band, explore new music production and composition insights and create more original music, while focusing on my studio sessions for films, advertising projects and singles. I pretty much keep myself busy round the clock, though also ensure to spend quality time with the people I love and enjoy my weekends, unwind with family and friends, which keeps me sane and is extremely essential to create a work-life balance as I am true workaholic at heart. Whether there is a project that is hiring me or not, I keep creating, learning, networking, improving as an artist and this keeps me on the move, active, creatively driven and positively motivated to focus on growth and work every day on my end vision for myself. My wife is a brilliant pianist and musician herself and I am truly blessed to have a life partner who is an artist and understands the creative headspace, and she is my biggest motivator, supporter and critic of my work and pushes me to chase my dreams and follow my passion, full throttle. Hence, I owe my success to God, my family and my well wishers and having the right support system is also a must to succeed.
Well I have been singing for Netflix’s several Hollywood films since a few years, and have had the privilege to be voice cast in the Hindi version of the Netflix film ‘Jingle Jangle’, where I sang for Keegan-Michael Key‘s character Gustafson; voicing his solo song ‘Magic Man G’ in Hindi. Ive also sung on Christmas Chronicles 2 and a children’s web series Centaur World seasons 1 & 2 besides singing for Hindi versions of popular Disney films like Alladin, The Lion King, Frozen, Princess and the frog, Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Beauty and the Beast. Recently, I got chosen by Seasoned Voice Casting supervisor Sunayana Sarkar for the Hindi version of the American show Waffles + Mochi, as she has cast me in several of the above mentioned projects which were supervised by her. It was absolute fun working on the show Waffles + Mochi; the music, the songs, the characters and the adorable concept of the show itself is so awesome. Besides all these factors, the best and extremely overwhelming part is that this project is produced by by all time Idols Michelle and Barack Obama!. When I started dubbing for it and was called in for my first session to sing for the show Waffles + Mochi in Hindi, I had no clue about this; though the moment I realized, I was simply speechless as its been a dream come true for me to even be distantly associated on a project executive produced by the ever graceful and inspiring former first lady Michelle Obama and my favorite former US president Mr. Barack Obama. My wife, my family and friends are extremely proud and happy for me, and I am super grateful to God for his miracles and blessings in my life as an artist. I thank my mentors and industry colleagues for always believing in my talents and giving me such brilliant opportunities and projects to be part of as a singer and artist.
Tell us about your current projects.
I am singing for a few big upcoming projects with Netflix and Disney, which he cannot talk much about until announced. On the Television side of things, I was approached for India’s biggest reality TV show BigBoss 16 with Salman Khan, however, I won’t be able to commit dates due to prior work commitments and personal events that clash with BB16 dates and schedules. I am due to release 3 of my international pop singles in English and 2 singles in Hindi, besides which I have a collaboration with Snoopdogg along with other artists on the single coming up soon. I also have diversified my career as an entrepreneur in the entertainment industry since 2016 via my own production house named ‘Throan Of Art’, which is into Audio Video production, Marketing and Publicity In India and have launched my own record label named ‘Throan Of Art Music’ in 2019.
FMM: Where can we see you this holiday?
I plan to relax this holiday in Goa, India as it’s so serene and I love a beach stay. The chill vibe and laid back life of Goa is a breath of fresh air from the hustle and fast paced life in Mumbai. My wife is a pianist, and it truly is a blessing to have a life partner who is an artist and understands the creative headspace, which makes my life each day as good as a vacation as we work on our own terms and everything in our lives is musically and creatively fueled and driven.
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