WPEC CBS Channel 12: Mom rises above Asian hate and builds leaders through successful
WPEC CBS Channel 12: Mom rises above Asian hate and builds leaders through successful app
WPEC CBS Channel 12: Mom rises above Asian hate and builds leaders through successful
Our society teaches us to criticize looks, clothing size, what type of car you drive, how much money you have, how much plastic surgery or injections you can afford, and the list is never ending. Our society teaches us to bully each other, and we are beginning to see the effect.
I am a single mom with a 16-year-old daughter. When I look at her generation, I can see how much our societal pressures and norms have altered their lifestyles. They are fearful, intimidated and suffering.
The amounts of children and teens being diagnosed with anxiety and depression, attempting and committing suicide that’s on the rise these difficult days. Social media has allowed the bullying to creep into our homes, alter our children. The messages from the media and social media, as well as the use of social media, must change.
I want to help my daughter to fight back against a despairing life, and become a strong, confident woman. But right now, I can’t. Not until I do something to first alter the outside world, so that her generation has better tools and a better chance to navigate and understand the world around them.
So, I jumped in. I created a unique way to support Generation Z: a social media entertainment management company: dreamOway. Why social media? Because that is how we communicate with each other, that is our present-day reality.
dreamOway is an authentic way to build a community for dreamers: our younger generation. Those dreamers that need cheer, support, and a challenge to confront and mentors to assist.
dreamOway is two-fold: it’s a Televised Talent Show and an app to show off your talents!
How does it work? Simple!
Download the “dreamOway” app, post your dream in a video, and share it with your friends and family! dreamOway will monitor the amount of “hearts” you get, based on your dreams or talents. Those videos will be reviewed, and those with the most “hearts” will be invited to compete in our show on national television.
Our dreamOway team is comprised of many mentors to cheer on and guide dreamers through their journey to success. We will listen to their ideas, give advice and support.
My mission is to build a community in which members support and respect one another: see something great and promising in every person. And build upon a foundation of RESPECT.
dreamOway is always looking for mentors to join our team! If you are interested in,
please contact me at dream@dreamoway.com.
Live your dream! With all my love, Justine.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @dreamoway.app
Justine Sinclair Founder/CEO
dreamOway INC & dreamOway TV, LLC
justine@dreamoway.com
www.dreamOway.com
She started her international modeling career at 13 and went on to win the Miss Universe title in 1992 at the age of 19 for Namibia. While living in Los Angeles from 1992 to 1995 she studied acting in Hollywood. www.michellemcLeanuniversity.com
A Rotarian of the Down Town Boca Raton Rotary Club in Florida, USA. (5 years)
Member of the National Speakers Association in the United States
Member of the Florida Speakers Association (Board Member 2018/2019)
Media
Michelle has hosted, presented, and endorsed numerous TV and radio shows around the world, from travel, to fashion, showcasing celebrity homes, e-commerce and sports. She is previously, the Face for Lux Lotion, and the official voice of MTN (a cellular network in Africa) for the past ten years. She also manages a demanding Master of Ceremonies and Speaker schedule for many international corporations. Her clients include among others; The World Economic Forum, Puma, Revlon, Levi Strauss, Volvo, Nike, Ford Motor Company, YouTube, MTV, Fortune Magazine, Louis Vuitton and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Philanthropy
Close to her heart is the Michelle McLean Children Trust (www.mmct.org.na) , which she established in Namibia, in 1992. It has initiated and run hundreds of projects over the past 28 years, including 10 projects for international celebrities, like Angelia Jolie and Brad Pitt.
The Michelle McLean Primary School provides education for over 1100 children every year, since 2000.
In addition they established the Michelle McLean School of Excellence, which provides, scholarships and entrepreneurial and financial skills training to thousands of students.
Michelle McLean, as former Miss Universe and an internationally recognized model and celebrity offers these professional talent options: Live TV, radio, podcast or YouTube interviews or as a Host or Emcee. Corporate video presentations, voice-overs or productions. Live fashion show hosting, emceeing, special appearance as a model. Michelle also does choreography and coaching for fashion shows and events. Michelle could be your next Spokesmodel to endorsement your products and media campaigns. Please visit www.michellemcleanuniversity.com for more information.
Link to my work in business:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOLhqRdTfg8
Link to my work in philanthropy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS6Nx5oNrrY&feature=youtu.be
A native from Puerto Rico, he worked in the Chicago sports media market for seven years (1990-97), prior to arriving to Dallas Mavericks. He served as one of the Spanish-language voices for the Chicago White Sox and as a radio analyst for the Chicago Bulls on WIND Radio. Prior to that, he was the Sports Director for WONX radio, where he hosted a morning sports talk show. He also served as a boxing analyst for Telemundo’s WSNS Channel 44 in Chicago, and covered a large variety of sports including horse racing, wrestling, track & field, golf, NCAA College Sports, swimming, auto racing, the Olympics and international games.
A former basketball, baseball, football, and track & field stand out; Lopez won the Ohio Athletic Conference two years in a row and broke the 53 year old Javelin school record. In 1984, Lopez represented Puerto Rico during the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in Javelin. He has successfully coached basketball teams at different levels for more than 18 years; among them, the Quebradillas Pirates for the Puerto Rican summer league.
Experienced Sound Engineer and music producer, 5 time Latin Grammy award, with a demonstrated history of working in the music industry. Skilled in Electric Guitar, English, Sound, Management, and Music Composition. Strong engineering professional with a Engineer’s Degree focused in Sound Engineering from Universidad Tecnológica Nacional.
The Italo-Brazilian music producer Gianni Petrarca has entered into an emerging upward trajectory. His latest releases includes productions on labels such as @SonyMusic, @Liboo @UniversalMusic, @Alphabeat, @Arlequim, @MadusaRecords and @JuicyMusic.
Originally from São Paulo – Brazil, he began his passion of electronic music since childhood influenced by his older brother, Dante Petrarca. In 2016, Gianni launched his first project titled @JupiterCollision.
With the support of the artist/DJ @LeoCury a.k.a @WhyNotMusic performed for 3 years at the upscale Highline club, in São Paulo, as well as many other notable venues.
Gianni is schooled in various technics of music production and sound engineering. He is continuing to create unique concepts while utilizing his skills as a virtuous guitarist and pianist. Inspired by the diverse genres under the umbrella of house music, in particular the influence of the dance music, Gianni’s sets and productions captivate the audience with an intense lingering vibe.
Vincent De Paul was born in Baltimore, Maryland and is a multi award winning actor & producer. His film & tv career spans 3 (three decades) . De Paul was inducted into the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2014 and received his first Emmy in 2015 and second consecutive Emmy in 2016 for producing The Bay the series created by Gregori J. Martin. He is the president and co-founder of FIVE ARTS PRODUCTIONS. The other producers with his company are Chris G. Maier, Marco Marezza, Neeraj Bindal, Aaron Lee actor and prolific producer/director J.C. Barros. Another producing partner is Kirsten Lea, a current member of the Producers Guild of America, De Paul has produced feature films and art house shorts. His father is a mortuary scientist and owns funeral homes. His mother dedicated her time to chairing committees for the March of Dimes, Children with Birth Defects, and Relief to Earthquake victims in Naples. De Paul attended Our Lady of Pompei High School and was known to teachers, classmates and friends as Sammy.
Vincent De Paul got his start modeling after jogging on the beach in Miami, when designer Gianni Versace noticed De Paul and confronted him with modeling opportunities. De Paul got his start in film as Carmelita’s Dance Partner in Hairspray, and has since appeared in several television shows such as The West Wing, Frasier,As the World Turns,Six Feet Under,Mad Men, and Big Time Rush.
De Paul is also an award winning actor and producer. 2015, EMMY for producing “The Bay Series”. His awards include best actor for his role as Doug Damian in the film “Silver Case” directed by Christian Filippella co starring Eric Roberts. Vincent De Paul received the award on January 30, 2013 at Confidential from the LA Film and New Media Film Festival in Beverly Hils. De Paul is also a member of Producers Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild, and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He is also a supporter of the Special Olympics.
De Paul has completed several new titles including a triathlon film TRI directed by Jai Jamison, a spiritually uplifting film, Take Two for Faith directed by Nancy Criss, Razors directed by Ian Powell, All Out Dysfunktion! and Ear of the Beholder. In this film he worked with his teacher and mentor Sally Kirkland. In 2016 director Roy Belfrey lensed a Wolf of Wall Street inspired pilot “In the Black” based on actual interviews of Stratton Oakmont employees.[citation needed] De Paul plays Damon Whitney the owner of the brokerage firm. He also appeared in Hitch (2005) and Poseidon (2006). He has also co-produced the feature films Make a Wish and Walk a mile in my Pradas. In 2011 he had the role of Doug Damian in the feature film Silver Case – directed by Christian Filippella for which De Paul was also an associate producer. In December 2015 De Paul wrapped on “A Beverly Hills Christmas” with Dean Cain, John Savage, Kirsten Lea, and Donna Spangler with Associate Producer Yuriy Zubarev.[1] De Paul was directed by Brian Skiba and lensed by Christian Filippella.
De Paul also collaborated with the German TV producer and media specialist Chris G. Maier from networxTV, who is his talent agent in Germany. Maier is also in charge for movie castings in Europe for De Pauls’ upcoming productions. May 2015: De Paul is co-producer with Eanuela Rota and with filmmaker Marco Marezza . DePaul is currently working on Beverly Hills Christmas 2 alongside director Christian Filippella and producer Neeraj Bindal,Kirsten Lea, Maggie O’Brian and J.C. Barros.[2] which started filming in December 2016, with Producer Yuriy Zubarev.[1]
For more than thirty years, Dean Baker has represented some of the finest companies in the sports industry and represented some of the biggest names in sports, including Don Shula, Chris Evert, Mark O’Meara, Dan Marino, Payne Stewart, John Daly, J. C. Snead, Bob Friend, Joey Sindelar and Jack Nicklaus. Baker is the Vice President of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame and sits on the Board of Directors of the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame, South Florida PGA Section Advisory Board and Junior Achievement. He has served on the committees of thirty-four different charity celebrity golf tournaments. For more information, visit flasportshof.org.
Hi! my name is Eliza, I’m 20 years old presently at FAU for media and marketing. I have been using social media as a platform to help me in my future endeavors. Instagram has been one of the platforms I have focused on the most. To date I have grown a following of 13K Followers and still growing. Poshmark is a social commerce platform and mobile app for buying and selling garments and I have been selling high
end designer clothing for my customers and have grown a following of 86K! Last but definitely not least, Tik Tok has been my favorite and most fun! I’ve gotten 143.7K Likes and it grows at least 200 more each day with some videos reaching almost 600K views. I have collaborated with some very well known influencers and ran social media for 4 very well known radio stations in Miami with verified accounts and 40K+ followers which has taught me many social media tips. All this has given me a great background in understanding how to market yourself on all my social media platforms. Now I can help you and show you the tools to use on your social media platforms and help you to understand the algorithms, and what content to post. I am also an editor that strives for constant growth and learning new techniques everyday. I aim to perfect my skills, by reinventing myself, always learning new techniques of posting. The Internet is like a child constantly growing, learning, changing, and evolving, it never stays in one place. You have to be unique and different from everyone else and stand out in the crowd. My favorite quote is “If you can dream it, you can do it” -Walt Disney
Wadelene Nicola was born and partially raised in the Caribbean. She moved to Broward County Florida during her teenage years where she attended Broward College and earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Science Supervision and Management. She is a recent graduate from Florida Atlantic University with a Master’s in Business – International Business and Marketing. She also graduated from the Arts Institute of Fort Lauderdale with a degree in Broadcasting.
Ms. Carole, as she prefers to be called, managed and produced her own Radio and TV shows (emanating from Broward County) for over three years. Now, she is the writer and the executive producer of the new TV Show entitled “Obama Nation”.
Her radio, TV shows and films have made her a household name in the South Florida area. She is always available for advice and her faithful followers can never have enough of her. Ms. Carole would go above and beyond in order to response favorably to her supporters and fans.
Her philosophy can best be summed up with the following: “Don’t put off for tomorrow what can be done today.” If you can dream it, she can script it and put it on the big screen.
For more information, visit https://www.gotthem.org/wadelene-nicola.
Sarafina Thomas is a single mother of 4 amazing babies, a media mogul, influencer, coach, certified therapist, and founder of the Prayer Vault. She is also the CEO of BossoneBlueprint, iCoach Bosses and K&H Counseling Firm.
Her life is quite the journey. Growing up in a Christian home allowed her the opportunity to know the Lord at an early age, as well as enter ministry. Carrying the values given to her in my heart is what brought her to where she is today. Passing through life Sarafina experienced major turbulence beginning with a major breakup with someone she held dear. During this time, she began to come to herself and pray live on Facebook. She didn’t know at the time doing that would become something major what we now know as THE PRAYER VAULT. The Prayer Vault specializes in teaching on the foundation of prayer yielding effective results. Prayer Vault also focuses on bringing people to the place of wholeness in mind, body, and soul. Birthing this conference stretched her to capacity. She knows what it means to struggle. Sarafina had negative $26 dollars in her account with a double-digit budget but she had faith. As she pursued by faith, people began to gather from across the world. They connected with the warrior in her, the fighter, and teacher because when she wins, they win! Through the establishment of this conference, she was able to produce shirts, CDs, books, sneakers, and even be featured on magazines. So many people’s lives have been changed.
Sarafina’s mission is to aid in bringing people to destiny, to help pivot their lives from poverty to prosperity. She wants to see people live an abundant life of health, wealth, and peace. It is her mission to see families restored. She wants to build educational, rehabilitation and domestic violence centers in addition to her K&H counseling firm that will help people experience true freedom, bridging the gap and removing the stigma that you must be a certain color race or creed to be and live your best life.
Her story is unique because she came from the slums of life. All she ever knew was at the mercy of someone else but by God’s grace she has accomplished so many things. Sarafina is a living a living testimony and miracle that you can live and outlive the systems created to keep you stuck.
Life is full of testing. I have fell, she has messed up, she has mishandled many things, and even people but as she began to help people, she began to see her purpose! Sarafina wants millions of souls to know there is purpose in your pain! If you just keep getting up and keep pursuing.
As an educator, entrepreneur, and financial coach, Tomeka Lynch Purcell is the quintessential triple-threat. She specializes in helping women establish financial goals, build wealth, and change the way they think about money. A nationally recognized financial empowerment coach, mentor, speaker and strategic planner with over 15 years experience, Tomeka trains individual and collective clients on how to achieve personal and professional financial goals. Utilizing her extensive background in financial planning, corporate finance, and real estate, Tomeka founded Credit Solutions Services, a credit and finance management firm, where she teaches women financial stability and wealth that encourages personal and financial assertiveness and evolution. Her varied experiences have made her deeply aware of how frustrated and vulnerable many people feel about dealing with their money, especially after major life transitions such as divorce, job changes, or a death in the family. Using this as a driving force, Tomeka shares practical solutions that allow clients and attendees to up-level their finances and learn efficient & scalable credit management skills, which in many cases increases income and helps build towards a secure financial future. Her passion in educating and teaching women is exemplified in her intensives and workshops she facilitates at various organizations, businesses and events throughout the Greater Charlotte area. In 2016, Tomeka launched her Amazon bestselling book, “Why Pay Cash? Credit Is Better.” In this book, she challenges the antiquated mindset that millions of people have about the use of credit and how millennial spending can change that. Her latest effort, “The Ingredients To Better Credit”, takes an even deeper look at credit management solutions, providing a realtalk approach to building and repairing problematic credit. Tomeka brings her warmth and wit to every engagement, as she believes that humor reduces people’s resistance to change. She counts it a privilege to watch others experience a sense of freedom and confidence in their ability to not only make money, but make THEIR money matter.
Michael is an experienced tech entrepreneur and digital marketing specialist. Having spent time as a marketing specialist at Taktical, a digital marketing agency, Michael learned the skills necessary to build up the traffic and growth for any website or app. Michael further grew his expertise as Head of SEO at Fueled, one of New York’s top rated app development agencies. There Michael learned necessary management, business development, and app marketing skills. Finally, Michael founded SEMnexus, an SEO & digital marketing agency with an emphasis on mobile app marketing.
Amongst being Founder, and President of Ellen Jacoby Casting International, Jacoby finds time to lecture; teach and coach acting courses; devote her time to various local charities including Cystic Fibrosis and the YMCA; has worked with the local Police to provide alternative lifestyle programs for youth with rap sheets; and often donates her time to give lectures to various schools throughout the state. She was part of the initial local consortium to recognize how important the Caribbean, and the Bahamas were to the local Florida production business, and subsequently has worked with the Bahamian government on numerous productions, that brought work to Florida residents and companies.
Having worked with a who’s who of Hollywood directors, including: Steven Soderbergh, Joel Schumacher, Sidney Pollack, The Farrelly Bros., Bob Zemekis, Ron Howard, Mike Nicols, Michael Bay, Randa Haines, Tom Shadyac, Martin Scorsese, Tim Burton, Garry Marshall, John Landis, James Cameron, Joe Roth, Mira Nair and Tony Scott, Ellen Jacoby is one name that Hollywood keeps at the tip of its tongues, and at the top of its address book.
QIL is an electronic music songwriter, producer, performer and DJ. He’s known for writing and performing conceptual electronic dance music with ear candy hooks, thoughtful lyrics, and infectious beats.
QIL’s track ‘United in Dance’ ranked #2 on the BILLBOARD Dance Music Charts and has over half a million streams on Spotify. QIL wrote ‘United in Dance’ with Crystal Waters and R-Naldo.
QIL has co-written tracks with internationally renowned diva Crystal Waters, Jerry Wonda (Fugees), Grammy Award winner Andre Fossari, DJ/Producer Chris Malinchak DJ/Producer Daneon (MAX – ‘Lights Down Low’) and with 2 time Grammy award winner Eddie Perez among others.
QIL has an eclectic array of influences from House Music to Indie Rock, Moombahton to Mozart, Hip Hop to K-Pop that inform his musical palette and infuses it with an international vibe.
Aesthetically and philosophically, QIL is fascinated with the melding of ‘analog’ human culture and the emerging ’digital culture’. From
anthropomorphic robot love to interstellar travel, QIL’s songs reflect on what is real and what is virtual in the age of rampant AI and how these futuristic elements affect our humanity and ‘Touch our Soul’ ( or not ).
QIL has performed at events across the USA with artists as diverse as DJ Dougie Fresh and Marilyn Manson.
QIL has tracks on ‘Total Divas’ ( E! Network – Feb 2016 ) and on the soundtrack of the upcoming new film ‘Lamar Odom: Reborn’ by Zappy
Zapolin, Director of ‘The Reality of Truth’ with Michelle Rodriguez.
QIL’s tracks are available on Spotify, SoundCloud, Google Play, Reverb Nation and iTunes ( Under ‘Hi FI Gemini’ ).
QIL resides in Delray Beach, Florida and spends his time between Miami, LA and New York City.
Instagram: QilMusic
SoundCloud: Soundcloud.com/QilMusic
Web: QilMusic.com
Phil Lebovits is a successful writer/performer.
In Boston, he made his living as an improv actor in his comedy group “Guilty Children,” and had the pleasure of working with a young Steve Carrell when Steve joined the group for its first summer.
Six months after moving to Los Angeles, Phil became a lead actor on the HBO series “Night Rap,” where he played the character of Saul Fleishman, a prominent L.A. caterer and “Madonna’s secret lover.”
He has also appeared on Fox, MTV, and Comedy Central (on a comedy series called “Limboland.”)
As a musician, he wrote the opening song for the Michael Caine movie “The Debtors.”
Phil is looking forward to appearing as a regular guest on “DreamOway.”
My name is Alfredo Versace and I was born in the South of Italy. As a matter of fact, half of the town was named Versace. That is because my father’s family had six siblings. My grandfather’s family had another five children so there were a lot of relations in the town I was born, Bianconovo. My father came from one town over, Carmelo Versace, which is about 5 kilometers , named Bovolino. Gianni Versace’s father was also born in Bovolino. My father and Gianni’s father were cousins and had the same grandfather. Gianni was born in Bovolino too.
In 1952, after arriving from Italy, my father was involved in producing artificial flowers which were used on hats and dresses. Most evenings he would bring home a box of flowers and stems and wires and we would assemble them after dinner. One of the stores that bought these flowers was A & S, Abraham and Strauss. In the 50’s that was one of the leading department stores. My mother would take me downtown Brooklyn where A&S was located and we would shop. If there was an occasion my mother would buy me a suite from A & S and she would point out the garments and hats with the flowers and she would say: “This is one of the flowers you made”. That would give me a great sense of joy that I made something that other people would wear. Later on my mother would do additional work by sewing piece work. This entailed assembling garments for later sale. That is when I discovered that I enjoyed producing products. From that point on I decided that I was going to create objects that gave me pleasure. In 1957 the family moved to Coral Gables, Florida and my father and his associate were involved in a handbag company called Style Craft. That was my first experience working with handbags. I loved the idea of creating handbags and today I create handbags that are hand made from rare and exotic skins. This is why I call them one of a kind because you cannot produce a handbag identical to another. The hand cutting prevents that. That is why these handbags are unique. These handbags will never go out of style as they are timeless pieces.
When I was 20 years old, we opened up the first AV store on 4th Avenue and Sackett Street in Brooklyn. The second store under the AV Versace name was opened on Crescent Street and Liberty Avenue, also in Brooklyn. That was back in the mid 60’s. There we began to make garments for private sale. My first seamstress was named Maria and from that point on I began to produce tops, pants and skirts for women. In the early 70’s I was struggling to make a living and did construction work and tailoring on the side, especially in the summer. In 1975 I opened a showroom on Broadway and 29th Street in Manhattan along with with a partner named John Choi. We had connections in China and they could produce a pair of jeans for a very low price, which was then sold to Guyana. In 1978 I purchased a showroom on 39th Street and Fifth Avenue from Maurice Sassoon. We were doing sampling and we began to do men’s clothing from that store. Maurice Sassoon at that time was going to sell his name and get out of the business of selling jeans. He gave me everything in the showroom and he only wanted one thing out of the showroom. A desk and chair that came from Israel and belonged to his family. I told him I would save the desk and chair and keep it safe until he retrieved it. Here we are today in 2012 and I am still holding on to the chair and desk for him. If Maurice happens to read this, please contact me and I will deliver the chair and desk for you as I still have them. After 37 years, I am still dragging these items around with me after moving at least a dozen times.
In the early 80’s, I opened a store on Cortelyou Road in Brooklyn. We produced men’s garments. In 1986 I purchased a store on 34th Street and Sixth Avenue. In 1987 I opened Versace Boutique and began to sell rare perfumes, women’s gloves, scarves and elegant tops and bottoms. Versace Boutique was a beautiful store made of marble and brass. Being across the street from Macy’s Gianni Versace just produced his first bottle of men’s cologne and they would not sell to me. At that time I did not have a perfume under my name. They advised me that I was too close to Macy’s to sell Gianni Versace’s men’s cologne. I called Gianni Versace in Milan and I said that I wanted to carry his cologne but I was across the street from Macy’s and I was not allowed to sell his brand. Gianni replied that the cologne did not belong to him but belonged to Yves St. Laurent. He also advised me that if I wanted to put the cologne in my perfumery I would have to contact Yves St. Laurent. Gianni said “I will call Mr. St. Laurent and tell him that you would be calling him” and to wait 15 minutes to call. He provided me with the telephone number. I did as he said and I spoke with Yves St. Laurent and I explained my predicament and I would like to carry my cousin’s fragrance in my perfumery and what can I do. He said that it would be a simple measure and he would call his distributor and make sure that I received an order for the cologne. A few days later I received a large order for Gianni Versace’s cologne. The only dilemma was that I was not provided with an invoice. I reordered the cologne several times without an invoice and I called the distributor to ask him to send me an invoice. I called Yves St. Laurent and told him that I would like to pay for the orders. He told me “All you Versace’s are crazy. I am giving you a free product and you complain”. After the fifth order I began to pay for the product. In 1988 I went to Paris to a perfume maker and we went through the entire process of selecting a fragrance that suited my taste. After all the expense of travelling back and forth to Paris with this fragrance, I was told that his company was too busy to make the perfume for me. In reality, they were not too busy but were told through their distributors that if any Versace product was produced out of that company, they would take their business elsewhere. It wasn’t until years later that I would start producing a cosmetic and perfume line that came out of South Korea.
In 1988 I was approached by the Paolo Gucci’s organization to work with their label. I was very excited to do so. While promoting my own name, I began producing product with the Paolo Gucci label. I did the designing, manufacturing and distributing for the Paolo Gucci label. I became the head of the Paolo Gucci label in the early 90’s, simultaneously with my own label.
In the early 90’s we began to trademark the Alfredo Versace name throughout the world. We were producing Alfredo Versace sportswear and women’s garments for both labels and doing very well. In 1994 we started producing cosmetics, perfumes and men’s colognes with the Alfredo Versace label under the South Korean cosmetic company called Bebeco. Our first year out, after designing the entire line which consisted of 181 products, we made gross sales of 10 million dollars. The second year we did 15 million dollars in gross sales and I opened up 16 Alfredo Versace clothing stores throughout South Korea. Additionally we were doing designs and production for one of the largest companies in Japan called Sui Kim Buson. We produced up to 50, 000 garments a month between South Korea, Japan and into China. By that time we had 49 trademark applications in place worldwide. That same year I started a tobacco company because I was a cigar smoker. I produced tobacco products. My first sale went to Macao with a 36 million dollar contract, half of which would come back to me. From China we went to Germany and Russia where the tobacco products were doing extremely well.
In 1995 we began producing sneakers under the Paolo Gucci label and the Alfredo Versace label. We sold to Foot Locker which was our main distributor. We had over 200 customers throughout the United States. 1n 1996 we started selling our products worldwide. In 1997 I received a call from Gianni Versace stating that Donatella Versace was very upset and that while walking through her South Florida neighborhood she noticed a Footlocker store with the Alfredo Versace sneakers in the window. He asked me to come down to Florida and discuss our further business enterprises. At that time I explained to Gianni that I could not come to Florida because I was going to Germany to purchase a factory that was closed but had the machinery to produce cigarettes. At that time Gianni was opening his flagship store on Fifth Avenue and I asked him if we could meet in New York when I returned from Germany. He said we would talk when I returned from my business trip. Unfortunately, he was murdered in July and we never spoke. Over the years Gianni Versace and I respectfully coexisted. In the event that someone tried to use the Versace name, we would join forces to protect the Versace label. At one time one of our cousin’s in Australia was trying to start a cosmetic company under the name of Nicole Versace. While Nicole Versace was trying to obtain a trademark in Japan, Gianni and I instructed the attorneys that while Gianni and I were cousins, Nicole was not a relative and should be denied a trademark. Not many years later when my father’s cousin from Australia showed up in New York City and I met her, she asked why I denied her granddaughter the right to use the Versace name, since we all came from the same town. These are the same people that today have a trademark to produce wine in Australia under the Versace label. I apologized to her and stated that I didn’t know we had cousins in Australia. Gianni Versace always considered me his cousin. Gianni knew that I was the first one to use the Versace name back in 1962, AV Versace, Alfredo Versace and Versace Boutique and trademarks for the entire world. After his death, things changed and we got sued worldwide and the lawsuit lasted from 1997 to 2010. Up to this time, the Versace name is in decline. Today we are in production under the Alfredo V. label. We are making high end pocketbooks made of alligator, ostrich, python and stingray as well as wallets and checkbook covers. For men, we are producing suits, sportswear and wallets, belts and toiletry cases from the same skins as the pocketbooks.
Rogelio E. Rodriguez Jr. is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Rizen Inbound. Having begun in the business world using traditional SEO methods, Rogelio was amazed at the growth his company experienced after switching to an inbound philosophy. He describes his own growth in this area as “transformative” to how he approaches relationships with both his clients and co-workers.
He has led Rizen to become a Platinum Tier Hubspot Certified Partner, with international clients from small startups to influential corporate entities. As a Hubspot Certified Trainer continues to spread the inbound gospel to an ever-growing circle of friends and connections in the business world and even takes time to teach at the Miami Ad School Punta Cana.
Chenelle Miller also known as C-Slim, is a powerful bomb threat waiting to explode. She is a charismatic and artistic being. She is brave, beautiful, and laughs at challenges as she tries to perfect her heart as if she’s the only one in competition with herself. She is an R&B singer/songwriter who believes in hard work and sacrifices. What inspires her to do music is the joy that it brings to her soul when everything seems to be falling apart. She enjoys being able to play with her sound and give off different vibes of beautiful energy like some of her artistic influences such as Lauryn Hill, Beyonce, India Arie, Mary J Blige, Tyrese, Brandy, Stevie Wonder, and the list goes on. As you can probably guess she’s a 90s baby. Born on April 14th, 1990 in Fort Lauderdale Florida.
In addition to her inspiration and what keeps her going are her three young prodigies and the fact that her heart is still pumping so she feels that she must be here for a reason. When C-Slim began her music career in 2011-2012, she faced a lot of obstacles because she thought that people were on her team but instead realized she was being used for her talents and robbed of her financial contributions. Nevertheless, she stayed strong. What makes C-Slim stand out as an artist is an energy and passion she gives when she’s on stage or behind the mic and the fact that she wants her audience and fans to know that she’s a real person. And she makes it hard to look away because she is very colorful in her art, from what she wears to what note she’ll hit next. She was introduced to music at a very young age but has been singing all her life.
She’s performed at local talent shows, clubs, school plays she’s recorded in studios, and weddings. All this was merely practice for her big debut to open up for hip hop sensation Ball Greezy. She’s currently looking forward to collaborating with other artists in the music industry like her influences and others such as Jhene Aiko, Drake, and Fantasia. All in all, music is her life and will always be apart of C-Slim.
With over 25 years of marketing experience, Zane Carson Carruth is the founder and president of Carson Marketing, LLC, a full-service marketing firm offering integrated business solutions to small and midsize businesses.
Zane is also a certified business protocol and etiquette specialist. She has etiquette articles published in numerous high-end regional magazines. Zane understands having great social etiquette can provide people with the tools needed to navigate unfamiliar territory. Due to this belief, she offers business etiquette classes to non-profits who work with underprivileged women and men.
In addition to writing etiquette articles, she writes children’s books as well. Zane has published two books and a coloring book in her award-winning trademarked series, The World’s First Tooth Fairy…Ever. Her third book, Abella Starts A Tooth Fairy School will be published in the fall of 2020.
Zane is proud to call Houston home and generously gives of her time and resources to ensure Houston stays one of the top cities in the nation. She has done an incredible job of fundraising for causes that are near and dear to her heart.
Music as I can remember from the age of 3 years old, has always been a very important part of my life. As an artist, I am always in search of an escape or a place of eternal comfort where I can be as free as the wind. When I am composing music, I’ll sit back in my studio chair, close my eyes, and summon imagery or a moment in time that I can creatively morph into. Thus, making that experience a very most impressionistic one to be felt kinesthetically through the arrangement of major and minor chord progression; major chords for a much brighter effect or minor chords which are usually a much darker and mystical vibe conveyed to the audience.
My approach to the rhythm accompaniment within the composition is to present a natural and uplifting feel that can sway anybody to connecting with me. I hear my fans saying to themselves,”JONva’s music, makes me feel his music to the depth of my soul”. I know then, I’m connecting with fans, giving them a very nostalgic moment that they just can’t get enough of. When my fans are digging the music, I know I’m being authentic with a bit of surrealism. In the studio I have a simple goal, “it’s get the music right and make it tight”.
Working on music always reminds me of the audience’s needs as a consumer, and what they’re expecting to hear; nothing more than my music that can make them lose themselves for a moment in time. I find that it’s not necessary to choose sounds, patterns in creating music or being locked down to rules. I want my fans to say, he’s totally a universal ambassador with an international language known as music that speaks to everyone around the world with a simple melody for all to enjoy.
Zainab (“Z”) Fisher, originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa. Zainab came to the United States as a young girl and lived in Boston where she met her husband Tom Fisher. Nearly 15 years ago, Tom was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. After Tom’s experience with stage IV cancer, it unexpectedly led both of them on a healing journey. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy, because they ate animal protein and their bodies went through a detox period. As a result, Zainab has seen firsthand, the healing and health effects of a plant-based diet.
As a child, Zainab’s grandparents introduced her to the kitchen and how to cook. They made Lebanese and African food. This got her interested in food at an early age. Zainab used to work in hospitals, helping people, but she knew her passion was food and helping people with optimal nutrition for optimal health. Before she changed her diet, she was overweight, had digestive problems, skin issues, and had low energy. After adopting a plant-based (vegan) diet her digestion improved greatly. The unneeded weight melted off her body. Her skin became clear and vibrant. Her energy became much more abundant.
Zainab is a self-taught, professional vegan chef and speaker. She was a guest chef for Fox 29 WFLXD. Her passion is to teach people about the healthy lifestyle that she has adopted into her own life. She helps to inspire people to take charge of their health by adopting a plant-based diet. Many of her clients are people with cancer and are using nutrition to help heal themselves. She has worked with and helped people from all walks of life: from celebrities and billionaires to everyday citizens, all trying to make positive health changes in their lives. Zainab’s dream and goal is to have her own healthy cooking (vegan) show on television and to write cookbooks.
Angela is no stranger to the Talent, Model, and Entertainment industry. Having studied music from age five, she is an accomplished Singer, Dancer and Model. Angela took part in the Readers Digest European tour and was named “Female Vocalist of the Year”. Angela started her Dance instructions with Jan La Winter Cultural Arts Center, where she studied ballet and dance. She later went on to join the Carol Naso Dance Troupe, who was also the Dance Coordinator for the Miss America Contestants. Under Carol Naso’s guidance, she furthered her studies in Tap, Jazz and Musical Comedy.
In regard to her Vocal studies, Angela studied with the Troast Musical Studio, Ms. Ruth Hand (founder of the New York Light Opera Company), Ms. Allyson Starr (Television and Stage Personality) and took courses at Seton Hall’s Music Department. Angela’s appearances include The Jerry Lewis Telethon, Holland America Cruise Lines, The Princess Lounge at Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and also toured with Jonathan’s Big Band performing “Phantom of the Opera”. Angela’s Pageant titles include Mrs. New Jersey Globe 1996 and Ms. Morganville New Jersey US of 1997.
Angela has been part of the Pageant scene for over 25 years. She started singing for pageants, then went on to being the MC for many Pageants and then a director for the Mrs. Globe Pageant for five years before starting her own in 2003 with the introduction of Ms. Latina International. Her newest addition, Ms. International World in 2010 has truly expanded the Ms. International name.
Maria is a first-generation American, raised in Virginia. As a teenager, she was placed in modeling classes and booked nationwide fashion shows, pageants, and was even a debutante. Maria studied Greek language and dance, performing live at festivals. By the time Maria reached her twenties, she earned degrees in the beauty industry as a licensed Esthetician and Cosmetologist.
Having moved to Miami in the ’90s, she worked as a professional make-up artist and spokesmodel for a variety of products, starting with cosmetics in infomercials and then expanding to nationwide commercials with budgets of over $20 million in yearly marketing campaigns. She has vast experience with live audience sales, on-camera promotions to modeling for ad campaigns.
Some of the companies that she has represented in the last 20 years include KODAK, CHAMPION SPORTSWEAR, KORRES, and RELAXIUM, to name a few. Maria has also been featured on Channels such as A&E on their documentary segments, LIFETIME on “the perfect wedding story’ in addition to many infomercials.
She has a look that resonates with many ethnicities, natural poise, well-spoken with ease in front of an audience that is proven to make sales skyrocket.
Bimal Shah is on a mission to deliver breakthroughs to entrepreneurs by reaching their three-year goal in one year through customized systems of coaching, planning, & accountability that provide Security from Enemies of Prosperity. Rajparth Achievers, LLC. is founded on three platforms: Thrive, Transform, and Transcend.
Bimal’s story began when he came to the United States 20 years ago from Bombay, India …though coming from an affluent family, he worked five jobs to pay his own out of state tuition, graduated from UF with decent savings, chose to start his own business instead of accepting offered jobs, and has been a thriving entrepreneur ever since.
During more than 16 years in the Business, he has helped make a difference in the lives of more than 1000 families & businesses to preserve their assets, increase their income and reduce their taxes.
He is a lifetime member of Million Dollar Round Table®, MDRT. And also a member of Top of the Table®. It is one of the highest levels of recognition in the financial services industry. He has been awarded the Global Corporate Award in 2014 for being one of the best in the life insurance category. Recognized in Who’s Who, as well.
Rajparth Group has been named as one of the Best Small Businesses in Boca Raton in the Investment Category. He has been a Recipient of the National Ethics Award. He is a recognized speaker with presentations at several professional business associations, conferences,
& meetings.
Bimal has also done several speaking engagements with organizations such as NPI, BNI, The Millionaires Group, Health Care Round Table, SFHHA, SFTA.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native Erica Pullen has made it her mission to encourage children to never give up on their dreams, despite obstacles in life with her debut books, Believing in Myself & I am America’s Most Wanted. Inspiring and thought-provoking, Erica’s books are read in classrooms nationwide as well as International. Before becoming a full-time author, Erica was a former Chief of Staff for the Maryland Department of Social Services, as well as a highly sought after early-education consultant. She has a B.A. from Carlow University and an M.P.A. from the University of Phoenix.
Erica’s award-winning books have received wide media attention. She has been featured in the Pittsburgh Courier, Columbia, MD Patch, Red Posh Magazine, Vital Magazine, and VEU Magazine just to name a few. Ms. Pullen is in demand as a local and national conference keynote speaker however loves to speak with children of all ages in public schools.
Today, Erica lives in Severn, Maryland with her husband and children. When Erica is not writing or visiting schools, she can be found working on her Children’s Show, “Kudos for Kids,” sponsored by Hindsight Media Radio, 103.5 FM, or on her t-shirt line and other products along with helping other authors publish their books through her publishing company (W.E. Publishing Company, LLC). Erica also volunteers and mentors’ young women, who are trying to change the trajectory of their lives.
Hello, my name is Sylvester Britton. Stage name is Pookie F Baby. I’m a stand-up comedian from Miami,fl. Been doing comedy since 2006, I travel the country doing comedy shows.
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The word “innovation” is derived from the Latin verb innovare, which means to renew. Using the tech tools both today and tomorrow, dreamers across the globe are applying digital solutions to age-old problems. We want to help you tell your story.
Society’s current problems depend on the next big solution, and entrepreneurs are the builders of these next big ideas. dreamOway’s top candidates can clearly illustrate how their product or service takes an issue that matters and presents a way to improve it.
To become a model, it takes discipline, effort, and perseverance. They bring movement and vision to the fashion ideas we love.
Using a range of tools to combine color, shapes. And depth, artists create visual beauty in material form. With a stroke of the brush, chip of the chisel, or swipe on a tablet, our dreamers bring awe-inspiring images to life.
Those who seek to change the world are the heroes we always need in society. We love to see examples of people lifting others up and making the world around us continually better.
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People love sports because struggle and triumph make for great stories. We love to see athletes who use their physical abilities to take their sports to the next level and change the status quo.
Stories rely on storytellers, and performance artists bring imaginary worlds to life using themselves as vessels. We love examples of those who take us to new places and experience new conversations through their ability to tell an amazing narrative.
Music reflects all the emotions we feel during the human journey, and dreamOway looks for artists who take sound and make an irresistible urge to feel something unique.
Stories rely on storytellers, and performance artists bring imaginary worlds to life using themselves as vessels. We love examples of those who take us to new places and experience new conversations through their ability to tell an amazing narrative.
Food and drink are the visual examples of what makes us happy. Culinary artists know how to combine diverse ingredients to create dishes that comfort, enlighten, and satisfy. dreamOway looks for culinary experts who take unique paths in creating satisfying dishes.
Fashion designers design the looks that define our ideas, attitudes, and aspirations. Our judges look for creators and influencers who show clear ideas and voices through material garments.
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