Kanchana Rises To The Challenge As A Social Media Influencer

One reason why some people never make it as a social media influencer is that they lack the ability to consistently produce high-quality content. In order to be successful as an influencer, one must be able to consistently create content that is engaging, visually appealing, and relevant to their target audience. If an influencer is unable to produce this type of content, they will struggle to grow their audience and attract brands that are looking to collaborate with influencers.

Another reason why some people never make it as a social media influencer is that they lack the ability to effectively market themselves. Simply having a large following does not guarantee success as an influencer. In order to be successful, an influencer must be able to effectively market themselves and their content to their target audience. This includes not only promoting their content on their own social media channels, but also reaching out to other influencers and brands to collaborate and cross-promote. Without the ability to effectively market themselves, an influencer will struggle to grow their audience and monetize their platform.

Kanchana has risen to the challenge of being a top social media influencer

Kanchana has worked with multiple fashion brands such as Farfetch, Princess Polly, Gshock, MOTF, Guess, Revolve, Cash-By Cash app, David’s Bridal, Polene Paris, Cosette, and many more. Her unstoppable passion for what she has created for these brands makes her stand out amongst so many others in social media marketing. We’ve caught up with Kanchana to ask her about what she is doing presently and how she became an influencer.

I started creating random videos for fun and QUICKY learned trends and skills to create better content

Have you worked with another social influencer on a campaign before? If so, what factors led to your decision to work together?

I am launching my social media agency on 2.3.23 with another influencer friend of mine. As creators, we work well as a team therefore this project of mine going to be very exciting.

When would you decline a paid sponsorship?

If it’s not aligned with my brand and when a brand is demanding so many deliverables for so little money. I believe it takes time to create better content, and I love working with brands who trust my work and allow me to create something that my audience would love to see.

What would you do if your uploads were unfairly deleted?

This has never happened to me before but I’d submit a petition or if it still didn’t work I’ll try to repost. Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms have ways for you to have your content reviewed by a live person and in most cases I’ve heard where it was a mistake by the apps’ automated systems, the content was cleared as a post.

If you believe in your content, stand by it.

What is one tip you would give a new influencer starting their career?

Trust the process. I know there are so many social media gurus but what will help you be successful is the quality of your content. Keep learning new skills and improve your work because I am still learning and it’s very important to survive in this industry.

Olivia Salinas
Olivia Salinas

Journalist and writer for NY Style and Millennial Entrepreneur Magazines covering music, modeling and the fashion industry.

Olivia’s Posts
How Fashion Designers Hyper-Localize Their Brand For Worldwide Success
Patrick McClean Taking Charge Of His Modeling Career
NYC Street Performers Making $2,000 A Week With These Advanced Business Practices
Why Quebec City is considered the most romantic city in North America
Why Social Media Influencers Are Considered Marketing Geniuses

How Fashion Designers Hyper-Localize Their Brand For Worldwide Success

Most clothing designers can’t wait to break out on their own and conquer the world by becoming the next Jimmy Choo or Tom Ford. They spend an enormous amount of time cultivating social media followers and pray that their brand, will one day showcase in upscale department stores on Rodeo drive, Dubai or 5th Ave.

It takes hard work to receive recognition in the fashion world but sometimes a simple but impactful approach is what’s needed in a crowded haute couture market. To make a sizeable splash, you need 2 critical components that can excite potential clientele. Hyper-Localization and a good story.

A Brand Is Only As Good As Its Story

LVMH, the fashion conglomerate that buys and collects luxury brands such as Prada, Fendi, Moēt, and Tiffany among its other luxury holdings, understands what they really own, branded stories with a localized history. You see, no amount of social media advertising can give those brands as much prestige and desire as the stories and history they are built upon.

Designers can fake fashion prestige but without an original story or localized history, they will never reach anywhere near the level of success of an LVMH brand. A brand has to have a story of evolution with a starting point. Without them, you’re competing for price-conscious consumers instead of elevating your brand’s moment in time and localized space.

Hyper-Localize Where You Are

I know what you’re thinking. LVMH brands are mostly Italian and very much European. They’re perceived to be more opulent and fashionable around the world. And yes, European brands are a common denominator for LVMH but this is not why they are considered tremendously valuable. European brands have spent decades cultivating their mystique through storytelling and LVMH collects the best storytellers in the fashion gambit. With that said, other brands are starting to make major headway around the world with their brand story. Because of this, LVMH has bought into North American, Canadian, and African brands with rich storylines and may reach further into culture-rich Asian brands.

Wilglory Tanjong brand taps into her West African and American heritage

To further the point, let me mention Wilgory Tanjong’s story. She happens to be a full-time MBA student at Wharton School of Business who runs her own brand named Amina Iris, a luxury purse brand with pieces handcrafted by artisans from Dakar, Senegal. At 25 years old, her brand brings in over $100k per month through her own website. She has been approached by brand conglomerates as well as mainstream department stores but she’s been smart about keeping her purse’s build quality impeccably detailed by keeping inventory manageable with a small team which in turn, makes her handcrafted purses more valuable because of their scarcity. Her origin story and success were so compelling, that it became a featured video on CNBC.

NY Style Actor’s Edition featuring Kendrell Showers will be available in May 2022

Lewon’s House of Fashion

We’ve looked into some fashion designers here in the U.S. and we believe we may have found a few that may have the beginnings of Wilgory’s success. Kendrell Showers is one of those designers. His proud and unapologetic Southern African American fashion brand, Lewon’s House of Fashion has a great rooted story and a fiercely loyal customer base.

Kendrell’s story starts at Jackson University, where he made his first fashionable outfits by piecing together and refitting clothes from thrift stores. It was a success, Kendrell soon became a fashion guru within a group of admirers at Jackson University in Mississippi. He started styling fellow classmates and made quite a name for himself on campus. It was there that he notice that plus-size women, a lucrative demographic, were not being catered to. These women, with high purchasing power, were relegated to cheap department stores and were left out of the fashion conversation altogether. The few plus-size fashion pieces that were available to them, looked as if they were created only as an afterthought.

The Brands Origin Story

In fact, most of the fashion choices he found for voluptuous women were just stretched-out versions of fashion wear for thin body types. Kendrell wanted to change that and designed fashion wear that complemented full-sized curves. To his credit, Kendrell Showers went beyond complementing curves and created bombastic outfits that got plenty of attention in Jackson Mississippi, and his adopted Houston Texas. The styling I had a fresh take on local fashion with its unapologetic colors and patterns.

Lewon’s House of Style

In late summer, Kendrell Showers plans on introducing undergarments that better fit plus-size women as well. His designs will go beyond imitating underwear worn by thin models. It will bring a new sense of style with the same bold patterns of his clothing line and fabric cuts that show off the true sexiness of full-body curves.

Kendrell’s Lewon’s House of Style has an origin story that is hyper-localized from a Jackson Mississippi campus and has spread through word of mouth and small fashion shows. We feel that if you bought one of his creations today, they will probably become collector’s items in the near future as his localized fan base embraces his fashion. Other neighborhoods and cities are “discovering” his brand and naturally introducing it to a wider audience.

How Success Stories Begin

The third part of Kendrell’s brand “discovery” is that Lewon’s House of Style is in limited supply. Kendrell Showers measures and fits clients by himself. He does take on a limited amount of 3rd party measurements but it’s considered an honor to have Kendrell create or retrofit an outfit for you with his own measurements. This creates demand which in turn raises his profile. When someone asks, “Who are you wearing?” And you reply, Kendrell Showers, they are going to know that you can get what most others can’t get their hands on. Kendrell is just one person. Until he expands his fashion house, expect to hear about Lewon’s House of Style pieces going for outrageous prices soon and Kendrell Showers booking clients months, if not a year in advance.

Armand Lucas
Armand Lucas

Journalist and editor for NY Style and several other magazines and websites. Currently working on a book about the Quebecois in Canada and how the culture is related to Cajun Louisiana.

Armand’s Posts
Kanchana Rises To The Challenge As A Social Media Influencer
Patrick McClean Taking Charge Of His Modeling Career
NYC Street Performers Making $2,000 A Week With These Advanced Business Practices
Why Quebec City is considered the most romantic city in North America
Why Social Media Influencers Are Considered Marketing Geniuses

Patrick McClean Taking Charge Of His Modeling Career

Becoming a male model in NYC has to be crafted nowadays through various social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. By creating a strong online presence on these platforms, potential models can showcase their looks, personality, and lifestyle to attract attention from brands and agencies. A good strategy to attract followers is to post regularly and engage with your audience. This can be done by responding to comments, interacting with followers and creating interesting content that showcases your unique qualities.

Having a large and engaged following can be a great way to attract brands to use you as a male model. Brands are always looking for new and fresh faces to represent their products, and having a strong online presence can make you more visible to them. Patrick McClean showcases his talents and interests through his social media profiles, He demonstrates why he’s a great fit for particular brands and makes it easier for them to approach him for modeling opportunities.

It’s important to remember to present yourself professionally and maintain a positive image online, as your online presence will be the first impression that potential clients have of you.

If you were given $25,000 to spend on yourself or your brand, how would you spend it? Personal branding and marketing: I would spend money on things like website design and social media management to improve my online presence and make myself more marketable. I would also seek international opportunities, and consider traveling to other countries to attend castings and build my network.

Who or what is your career inspiration? I don’t really have one. I believe in myself. I set achievable goals. I seek constructive feedback, build a strong support network, surround myself with positive and encouraging people, develop a healthy self-image, and learn to love and accept myself as I am. I practice self-care, such as exercise and mindfulness. Confidence is not just about what you look like, but also about your inner strength, determination, and belief in yourself.

What social media platform do you use the most to promote your career? Instagram.

Patrick McClean @patrick_nyc/ Photographer: Juan Mendez @juanfmendz/

What is your experience using professional photographers? You have to be comfortable and trust that your photographer has your best interests at heart. Usually, when they are into making sure every shot represents them, they in turn will make every shot look good for you.

Whom did you idolize growing up? Athletes.

What would it take for you to consider yourself successful in this industry? Upcoming challenges. As I’ve said before, I’d love to work on runways in Europe and other places for my modeling career.

What is one story you MUST tell people about what happened to you during your journey? I had multiple bookings in one month to prepare for. That gave me the boost I needed to see myself continuing in my modeling.

Patrick McClean @patrick_nyc/ Photographer: Juan Mendez @juanfmendz/

What is one mistake you’ve made during your career that became the best learning experience? Not taking notes.

What is your favorite way to engage with your audience? Showing character.

Are you interested in pursuing other careers alongside modeling? (ex. Acting, product lines, music, etc.)

For right now, Just modeling. I’m sure the future may hold other things for me to do but I’m concentrating on one career move at the moment.

Patrick McClean @patrick_nyc/ Photographer: Juan Mendez @juanfmendz/

Do you currently, or plan to, have a product line of your own? (ex. merchandise, make-up, clothing line) Not right now but again, maybe in the future.

What is one tip you would give a new model starting their career?Prepare for the ups and downs. It’s an emotional ride but it is so exhilarating when you see progress.

Anything you would like to add? What more can I say but to work hard and believe in yourself.

Olivia Salinas
Olivia Salinas

Journalist and writer for NY Style and Millennial Entrepreneur Magazines covering music, modeling and the fashion industry.

Olivia’s Posts
Kanchana Rises To The Challenge As A Social Media Influencer
How Fashion Designers Hyper-Localize Their Brand For Worldwide Success
NYC Street Performers Making $2,000 A Week With These Advanced Business Practices
Why Quebec City is considered the most romantic city in North America
Why Social Media Influencers Are Considered Marketing Geniuses

NYC Street Performers Making $2,000 A Week With These Advanced Business Practices

Successful street performers in NYC can average $800 to $4k a week Most of us see street performance as the lowest form of employment. Having to rely on donations from passing individuals who give up loose change out of pity. This is neither the reality nor the response that most New York City street performers are experiencing. Using a combination of performance and business management skills, street performers in just about any major city can make $800 to $2,000 a week, and in the city of New York, individual performers can make upwards of $4,000 USD.

Beginner’s Luck

There are some newbies whose performances make buckets of money on their first day of street performing. They are the exception and not the rule. For some, it’s beginner’s luck, For others, making $39 to $75 a day, in the beginning, is normal. Unfortunately, that amount of income is not sustainable, and many new performers quit after about a month or so of trying to attract donations from audiences that are more interested in their phone’s Tik Tok feed than their surroundings.

Another problem street performers experience in this modern age is the fact that we live in an almost cashless society in the US. Almost no one has loose change or dollars in their pockets for street performances these days.

This is how professional street performers make real money

It goes without saying that, as a musician, actor, juggler, actor, or dancer, you need to practice your performance and people skills because you will have to interact with the public. Aside from the obvious, here are a few pointers that can help a street performer transition from a $39-a-day pauper to a $4k-a-week entrepreneur.

Use a Linking QR Code

Personal mini websites that can be created in minutes, like Linktree, Connect your social media pages, website, store, videos, music, podcast, events, and more. It all comes together in a link that becomes a landing page designed to convert. Connect your Cash app or Venmo link to Linktree. I guarantee you’ll make 5 times more money than cash donations going into a hat or bucket. Linktree and other alternatives that are similar, offer QR code generation. Use the QR code link within a prominent sign to let people know that they can support you through viewing your Youtube videos, or Spotify or by giving a donation directly.

Sign up for Patreon to gain monthly subscribers.

Your performance is a gateway to a lucrative subscriber funnel. People love to support artists and Patreon is the perfect way to gain monthly subscribers. You may be familiar with Patreon through artists who funnel some of their viewers to their page but you do not need to have a YouTube channel to use Patreon. Your audience can subscribe to your Patreon account at a monthly level that you set. Some artists offer $1, $2 and $5 a month subscriptions to exclusive offers and access to videos and music through their Patreon page.

Advanced street performers use these upgraded moves

Offer Tik Tok and Instagram stitches that you’ll make prominent on your website or social media when they become a Patreon follower of yours to help promote their endeavors.

Hire a manager that is willing to organize your recordings, YouTube and Patreon pages. Along with creating great signs and posters. They should also be responsible for permits and all tax implications. This will free you up to concentrate on creating and developing your craft.

Armand Lucas
Armand Lucas

Journalist and editor for NY Style and several other magazines and websites. Currently working on a book about the Quebecois in Canada and how the culture is related to Cajun Louisiana.

Armand’s Posts
Kanchana Rises To The Challenge As A Social Media Influencer
How Fashion Designers Hyper-Localize Their Brand For Worldwide Success
Patrick McClean Taking Charge Of His Modeling Career
Why Quebec City is considered the most romantic city in North America
Why Social Media Influencers Are Considered Marketing Geniuses

Why Quebec City is considered the most romantic city in North America

Yes! It is the most romantic city in North America! Quebec City, located in the mostly French-speaking province of Quebec in Canada, is usually reserved for the seasoned North American traveler.

Once you reach Quebec City, you’ll see why it’s considered the most European city in North America. Direct flights are usually just $87 for round-trip airfare from NYC, but if you choose to drive, expect an 8-hour trip through some of the most beautiful country roads, with vineyards and sheep farms waiting for you.

Most of the inhabitants are bilingual and will greet you in the shops with a “Hello, Bonjour”, to let you know that they can converse with you in English or in French.

Quebec City is beautiful and chock full of events during winter and summer. Since most of the old part of the city hasn’t changed much in centuries, you’ll feel as if you were transported unto a movie set of the most romantic French movie in this 400-year-old city of love.

The impressive Château Frontenac is Québec City’s most famous landmark. The luxurious hotel perched atop Cape Diamond since the late 19th century was designed to convey prestige in keeping with its Old
Québec surroundings. Historic events have taken place in the building, and famous heads of state, royalty, and famous Americans and international actors have stayed there.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac can be seen in the background of this picture of one of the many streets of the old city of Quebec.
The hotel overlooks most of the city and room prices start at $153 a night.

With its French and British-style architecture, fortifications, stone buildings, and narrow cobblestone streets, Old Québec is a historic area that’s been recognized by UNESCO since 1985. During the summer, some of its streets are closed to car traffic on weekends, allowing pedestrians to take up all the space and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the terrace restaurants.

Poutine is Quebec City’s most traditional dish.

Québec is a culinary treasure rich in history and flavor. Even though poutine is Québec’s most famous food, the success of Québécois cuisine stems from its heirloom recipes and regional specialties. Besides the authentic sugar shacks, try Buffet de l’Antiquaire, which is a staple of traditional French-Canadian cuisine in Québec City that sticks to traditions, one local ingredient at a time.

See and read more about Quebec’s Old City in our latest free issue.

From romantic Quebec City to the street fashion of NYC.
Armand Lucas
Armand Lucas

Journalist and editor for NY Style and several other magazines and websites. Currently working on a book about the Quebecois in Canada and how the culture is related to Cajun Louisiana.

Armand’s Posts
Kanchana Rises To The Challenge As A Social Media Influencer
How Fashion Designers Hyper-Localize Their Brand For Worldwide Success
Patrick McClean Taking Charge Of His Modeling Career
NYC Street Performers Making $2,000 A Week With These Advanced Business Practices
Why Social Media Influencers Are Considered Marketing Geniuses

Why Social Media Influencers Are Considered Marketing Geniuses

The Shubhi Prakash Interview

Advertising can be challenging for a small business trying to find a way to get attention for their product or service. You can spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars, and see only a paltry return on your investment. Social media influencers, on the other hand, make advertising a more personal experience for the consumer. They can make an emotional connection to a product, while regular ads must rely on the sheer number of ad views and an expensive advertising firm’s creativity.

An average salary of an influencer can range from $60k to $90k. With New York averaging $73k. These numbers vary depending on how long someone has been an influencer, their experience, and if they use an influencer agency or not.

I personally find that the more relatable an influencer is to me, the more willing I am to buy from their link without feeling that I was being manipulated into a purchase. This is why we interviewed Shubhi Prakash. A New York influencer who is so relatable, it’s hard to see the blurred lines between marketing and posting on social media for fun.

Here’s her interview…

How did you get started as an Influencer?

I always loved dressing up, and once I started college, I got to learn many tricks and fashion hacks myself and used to try some tricks from fashion magazines, as during that time, Instagram and TikTok weren’t used very often. Later, when I came to know about social media influencing, I was like, “Why not?” I dress up every day. Then why not influence people around me using this platform? It all began around 2017. It’s been 5 years now, and I totally enjoy it and I am proud of how far I have come.

Have you worked with another social influencer on a campaign before? If so, what factors led to your decision to work together?

I wanted to explore and try things, wanted to experience how it would be! I got many opportunities from different brands to come forward together with other influencers and it was fun, it is always been fun working with them and learning and sharing ideas with each other.

When would you decline a paid sponsorship?

If the time limit is less and content needs to be posted asap because it limits our creativity and ideas to represent that particular product and also if the product is something which would not be promoted without expert advice.

Which other social media influencers would you collaborate with?

I have a long list of this but I would love to work with komalpandeyoffical and Kylie Jenner

What would you do if your uploads were unfairly deleted?

I would request a review from Instagram and email them too.

What is one tip you would give a new influencer starting their career?

Be consistent in posting your ideas and have fun. Soon you will develop a style of posting that will stand out to advertisers. You can contact businesses directly or join an influencer marketing platform. Study other influencers in the market and incorporate what you find positive about their style and delivery.

Armand Lucas
Armand Lucas

Journalist and editor for NY Style and several other magazines and websites. Currently working on a book about the Quebecois in Canada and how the culture is related to Cajun Louisiana.

Armand’s Posts
Kanchana Rises To The Challenge As A Social Media Influencer
How Fashion Designers Hyper-Localize Their Brand For Worldwide Success
Patrick McClean Taking Charge Of His Modeling Career
NYC Street Performers Making $2,000 A Week With These Advanced Business Practices
Why Quebec City is considered the most romantic city in North America

This Attorney Started A Podcast To Educate Creatives About Contracts

Music contracts are loans against what you produce as an artist

Believe it or not, record deals are not hard to come by. There are plenty of music recording labels looking to sign as many talented individuals and groups as possible, with or without legal representation. The problem is that these same labels provide a predatory avenue for artists without good representation.

Artists don’t realize that they are signing a promissory note that guarantees that the music label will get paid first and foremost for their investment before anyone else gets a share of the profits from the artist’s work.

POPLAW is a brand new podcast hosted by REVOLT’s VP of Legal Affairs, Desiree Talley. In this newest addition to REVOLT’s podcast family, Desiree intersects business, law and pop culture as she dissects the intricacies of courtroom drama, contract disputes and infringement claims between celebrities, laypeople and major corporations.

Music streaming CAN BE lucrative but music labels have the advantage

When it comes to streaming, the big three—Apple Music, Spotify, and Google Music—take their 30% fee upfront. The artist’s music label will take up to 50%. What’s left is the writer, producer, and performer sharing the remaining 20% or less. Most streaming platforms only pay, on the high-end, $0.005 per streamed song for label-signed artists.

If you’re positioned with a mid-range music label, that happens to invest in a decent marketing budget for you as a new talented artist, you can expect up to 100k streams per day of your song. That’s $300+ a day for the label and around $100 a day for you, assuming you are also the writer and the producer of the song being streamed.

There’s no such thing as a bad deal. A deal is as good or bad as you negotiate.

As an artist, you need to flip the script on unfair contracts and make them equitable for both you and the music label. and that’s where Desiree Talley comes in. She’s a down-to-earth but no-nonsense entertainment lawyer who scrutinizes and negotiates contracts for her client’s best interest when it comes to money and long-term goals. She realizes that music labels need to make a profit. So negotiations are tough but not one red cent is left on the table that should go into her client’s pocket.

Contracts are limited partnerships that can work for you or against your best interest

As an entertainment lawyer, Desiree represents musicians as well as actors, hair stylists, movie and television producers, and others in the entertainment world. One of her top priorities is to make sure artists, don’t fall into the trap of perpetuity. A music label or television production will own the rights to your work forever and never have to negotiate with you when they add your work to another production.

Olivia Salinas
Olivia Salinas

Journalist and profile writer covering modeling and the fashion business for NY Style and Millennial Entrepreneur Magazine.

Olivia’s Posts
Kanchana Rises To The Challenge As A Social Media Influencer
How Fashion Designers Hyper-Localize Their Brand For Worldwide Success
Patrick McClean Taking Charge Of His Modeling Career
NYC Street Performers Making $2,000 A Week With These Advanced Business Practices
Why Quebec City is considered the most romantic city in North America

How Music and Architecture Created The Most Romantic Cities On Earth

The George Ranalli Interview

I’ll be honest with you. Once I realized I was going to have the honor of interviewing the famous New York architect George Ranalli, I was nervous. I didn’t want him to think he was being interviewed by a novice of architectural history in New York, so I brushed up on some of my limited knowledge of architects a few days before our scheduled interview.

Now, I’m no slouch. I hail from Chicago. And as Chicagoans, we happen to love our architectural history. Our city and suburbs are dotted with buildings by architectural greats like Frank Lloyd Wright, his mentor Louis Sullivan, the modernist Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and today’s Jeanne Gang.

I also wanted to impress George with my knowledge of other architectural greats like Frank Gehry and Phillip Johnson. And yes, I was determined to have a deep intellectual conversation, with plenty of notes in front of me to ask him. Some of the questions I prepared even impressed me, like my question about modernism vs. traditional architecture from the 19th century. You know, the typical “la di da” questioning we interviewers come up with to sound very intellectual.

George listened to me tentatively and patiently for a few minutes as I tried to impress him by comparing him to Frank Lloyd Wright, but with the boldness of Frank Gehry (argh! (What was I thinking?) After mumbling off some more niceties and historical facts, George finally interrupted me and said, “I appreciate all of the accolades, but I’m nothing like Frank Gehry.” Oh, no! The gig is up! He knows I’m a fraud, and I tried to apologize with a quick, “I mean, Ludwig Mies.”

K Loft designed by George Ranalli Architect

At this point, George Ranalli, the formidable but surprisingly relatable person you can see yourself sitting next to at a bar talking about current affairs, took over the interview. He realized that this was as much a teaching moment as it was an interview. “Armand, think of architects the same way as you think of musicians.” I was a jazz drummer back in my early days, and as a jazz musician, you want to work within the environment you’re in, either to uplift your surroundings or blend in with a unique perspective. Architects play their part within a group. They can be the lead vocalist or the bass player. They all have their role in creating a particular sound, like jazz. “It’s architects who create cities and fill them with a signature look and feel.”

I finally calmed down. George was being nice, and it stirred up a new line of questioning from me. I chimed in with an insight that was more coherent. “That idea reminds me of my feelings about Paris! I always found it remarkable that the land where the city was formed was in a very unremarkable area.” I said. “It’s the architecture that makes people around the world want to come and visit.” George added, “When people visit beautiful places like Paris or Tuscany, they take pictures of themselves in front of unique and beautiful buildings those cities have to offer, not their natural surroundings.”

Saratoga Ave Center, Designed by George Ranalli Architect

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The Saratoga Ave building designed by George Ranalli Architect

This is why jazz music is intertwined with great cities and great architecture. When you think of jazz, you think of giant posters from the 1920s showing bands performing in Chicago, New York, and Paris. You also think about other great cities like New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz as we know it today. There are many great things about these cities—culture, great food, and, of course, music—but it all comes together under the umbrella of great architecture.

George also pointed out something I hadn’t thought about but felt in so many ways. Architecture plays an intricate part in so many movies. It’s pretty much the third-most important character in many films. Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Once Upon A Time In America, Rear Window.

Architecture plays a key role in movies

Nothing In Common
1999’s Thomas Crown Affair
Home Alone 2
Breakfast At Tiffany’s
The Smell Of Success
Blade Runner
Paris was the 2nd character in the film Amilie

We both talked about the scenes in Blade Runner where they used a replica of Frank Lloyd Wright’s interior of the Ennis House. I was 14 years old when that movie came out, and I was blown away by that interior. I felt the opulence and importance of the character that owned that home. He didn’t have to say much, but I knew what he had to say carried weight because of that room.

George expresses his love for sustainable building and conversion.

Going back to the analogy of musicians playing together to create great music, George Ranalli Architect has a psychologist as their COO, Dr. Anne Valentino, to help them find equilibrium in communications between clients and GRA. Dr. Valentino was intrumental in designing great pieces of furniture, starting in 1985 with the Valentine I Chair, presented at the Trienella di Milano. The Valentine II Chair, which she also helped design, is in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After talking to George about Dr. Valentino, it seems that she is more than just an executive. She’s an integral part of the architectural process. Just like a jazz player who can join an ensemble mid-song and give it the staccato bass it needs to feel complete.

After talking to George Ranalli about Anne, the romance of city architecture, and how music and culture are intertwined, I realized that my view of architecture was limited to remembering facts about buildings and not realizing that those buildings, homes, and places of worship represent all of us and what architects want us to see, which is to find wonder and awe within ourselves.

Armand Lucas
Armand Lucas

Journalist and editor for NY Style and several other magazines and websites. Currently working on a book about the Quebecois in Canada and how the culture is related to Cajun Louisiana.

Armand’s Posts
Kanchana Rises To The Challenge As A Social Media Influencer
How Fashion Designers Hyper-Localize Their Brand For Worldwide Success
Patrick McClean Taking Charge Of His Modeling Career
NYC Street Performers Making $2,000 A Week With These Advanced Business Practices
Why Quebec City is considered the most romantic city in North America

Nikhat Afza, Passion With Fashionable Authenticity

There are models who enter the business with no idea how the industry works. Some will even figure all they have to do is show up and hope for the best. Nikhat Afza explains what is really needed to be a great model and stay authentic in front of the camera and in her profession.

Model: Nikhat Afza, Photographer: Bao Phan instagram.com/baotqphan

If you were given $25,000 to spend on yourself or your brand, how would you spend it?

I would use this money to start my own Modelling/Coaching Agency to help train upcoming models to set goals and build on wherever they are lacking as I wish to give something back. I would like to help them focus on their mindset and provide support to cope better with the pressures and demands of this job. But above all, it is wonderful, to see and make, the models grow in confidence, success, and ease, in a way that I wish I had access to myself.

Model: Nikhat Afza; Photographer: Luis P. Castillo instagram.com/lupecato

Who or what is your career inspiration?

My favorite part about modeling is not only working in front of the camera but also experiencing the exciting lifestyle that comes with modeling – traveling, meeting cool and talented individuals on a daily basis and making art with them. You get to experiment with new ideas and styles that represent femininity, sensuality, rich handwork, embroidery, and statement-draped silhouettes. I was drawn to it for its creative side. I love the idea that a group of people comes together to create a piece of artwork because after all, that’s all advertising is. It’s persuasive artwork.

Who did you idol growing up?

Gisele Bündchen

What brand do you fantasize modeling for?

Victoria Secret

What would it take for you to consider yourself successful in this industry?

A good fashion model shows confidence, fashion sense, and modeling skills to succeed in this highly competitive career field. You should become very familiar with current and past styles and trends. Learn about the industry and seek good representation with a reputable modeling agency. Create an excellent portfolio of photographs so employers can see your versatility and stylistic qualities. Modeling of all kinds—runway, print, commercial, and internet—is very competitive, but have confidence in your talent, and surround yourself with other professionals who can offer good advice.

Model: Nikhat Afza, Photographer: Bao Phan instagram.com/baotqphan

What is one tip you would give a new model starting their career?

I always say that if you plan to get into modeling, make sure you are getting into it for the right reasons. I am personally in modeling so that I can experience new cultures, get inspired by artists and express my creativity. Establish why you want to work as a model and ensure that modeling doesn’t feed into unhealthy energy. It is important to carry a lot of patience and endurance as you go through a lot of casting sessions. People tend to believe that photoshoots and castings happen quite quickly, but most of the time you will be sitting around waiting for something to happen. There’s a saying about the industry, which is “get ready to wait”. Fashion is about authenticity and personality, a fun place if you wish to explore your artistic side and get out of your comfort zone, set boundaries, and have fun!

Olivia Salinas
Olivia Salinas

Journalist and writer for NY Style and Millennial Entrepreneur Magazines covering music, modeling and the fashion industry.

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Model & Entrepreneur, Tisha George

The road to independence as an entrepreneur away from a 9 to 5 job is littered with beautiful mistakes that are critical to growth. The hardest part is not starting or maintaining a business. It’s making the decision to go for it. A regular job, no matter what the hours, gives us a level of security and comfort that being an entrepreneur doesn’t have. Everything depends on you getting up every day and making things happen, no matter what transpired the day before. From time to time, we love to highlight entrepreneurs worldwide who’ve taken that brave step, and with determination, never looked back.

We’ve contacted Tisha George, from across the pond for an interview because she’s a great example of someone who has taken the leap of faith and started her own product line of cosmetics.

She’s a full-time model, owner of TC GlitzGlam, and mother of two who decided to listen to the small voice inside that told her to follow her dream of independence. We contacted Tish to find out about her journey thus far and how her business has changed her life.

What motivated you into becoming an entrepreneur?

I have always known I wanted to be my own boss and being a single mum of two boys I knew only I could make it happen. It was important for our stability and my sanity!

What did you find difficult about getting started?

As I had no previous business experience, I researched everything I had to know to get started, and I learned as I went along. You make a few mistakes but you learn from each and every one of them and move forward.

There are 3 main stumbling blocks for entrepreneurs: funding, partnerships, and motivation. Which one was lacking or the most challenging for you?

The funding. I find as the situation I was in, that was what was most lacking I also struggled with partnerships until I let go of the fear of approaching like-minded others, after all, they’re no different than me.

Looking back, how much do you believe your success is owed to luck and how much is due to hard work, percentage-wise?

I would say 90% hard work and 10% luck.

Aren’t you afraid of the competition in your field?

No, because the only competition you should be in is one with yourself. If I sat around thinking about who I’m competing with, I might not have started at all. It’s good to see what’s out there but not put yourself in a position where you are stifled by what you see others doing.

Was there anything in your childhood that motivated you to do what you are doing now?

As a child I was always dancing and singing and loved makeup and beauty it’s what made me feel fulfilled and full of happiness.

Who did you idol growing up? It can be an artist, sportsperson, or someone in the business.

I was obsessed with Britney Spears but I had many others who I looked up to due to them being fun.

When did you realize you hit your stride? In other words, when did you become comfortable with what you were doing?

At the start of this year, my confidence has just skyrocketed as I’ve been really learning and improving my self-love!

What differences are you making in the business? Affordability, streamlining, or legacy?

I am building a solid foundation for the legacy of my family. And hopefully inspiring others to do the same and showing them that dreams can really come true. Very few people have the confidence to realize their dream of becoming a worldwide beauty brand. I want to show that you can do it and change your life.

Would you rather be bigger or faster in your profession?

I’d rather become bigger at the pace I’m working at now because that is where true growth is realized. If you rush too fast I feel that it will crumble just as fast.

Everyone feels like giving up at some point to find a “regular job”. What kept you going when you hit that wall and what did the wall look like?

I knew I couldn’t work for anyone else. I had to harness my creativity and talents in order to be my own boss. I cannot give up because my life and the lives of my sons depend on it. You will always run into obstacles and feel like you have reached a dead end, but there is always a way. I know my worth.

Armand Lucas
Armand Lucas

Journalist and editor for NY Style and several other magazines and websites. Currently working on a book about the Quebecois in Canada and how the culture is related to Cajun Louisiana.

Armand’s Posts
Kanchana Rises To The Challenge As A Social Media Influencer
How Fashion Designers Hyper-Localize Their Brand For Worldwide Success
Patrick McClean Taking Charge Of His Modeling Career
NYC Street Performers Making $2,000 A Week With These Advanced Business Practices
Why Quebec City is considered the most romantic city in North America