Meet Nancy See, Content Creator

Nancy See is a web developer who enjoys volunteering with her local CERT program, and she's also a board member at Forge54. Forge54 brings a community of passionate marketing and creative individuals together to serve nonprofit organizations through skilled giving.

For Nancy, 2017 is the year she's decided to stop placing limits on herself. She's getting out of her comfort zone, facing her fears, and doing things she wouldn't normally do--every single day. Follow Nancy's Break Outta Boring project on Instagram and YouTube as she completes 365 challenges in 365 days.

1. What gave you the idea to do 365 challenges in 365 days?

I was at a point in my life where everything I was doing was pretty routine. Then, it hit me. Here I was in my twenties and I wasn't living life. I was simply existing and I didn't want to anymore. I decided that I shouldn't wait until I was running out of time to see what life had to offer. The time was now and I decided to do something about it.

I actually started my project on December 1st, 2016, but the activities I did weren't so exciting--many were activities like, "try a new craft or try a new blend of tea." Mid-way through December, I decided that I wanted to do more activities that actually pushed me out of my comfort zone and/or normal things that I normally wouldn't do. That is where this idea was born. I had heard about two other people who did their own version of a 365 day project, and they inspired me to try my hand at it. That was when Break Outta Boring was born.

2. How do you come up with the ideas for the individual challenges?

Some of the challenges stem from fear. I have a fear of heights, so I went zip lining. I have a fear of snakes, so I went to hold a python. Other times, the challenges are spontaneous. I may be out and about and a situation may come up to try something new. If my immediate answer is, "no," then that is my new challenge of the day. I also have had family, friends, and co-workers give me some great ideas as well.

3. Why did you decide on Instagram and YouTube as the places to share your challenges, rather than setting up a website/blog?

I started with Instagram because that was a platform I felt comfortable with. With Instagram, it's very quick and easy to post a photo of the activity I did for that day. Even though I started with Instagram, I knew that YouTube would be a better platform for what I was doing. I wanted people to see my reaction and the reactions of others in my video when I do the challenges. Photos can't fully capture what videos can, so I started posting short clips on Instagram stories, then I moved to posting short clips as my Instagram posts, and then I finally posted my first video on YouTube on January 31st. The video has since been deleted. As for a website/blog, that will be up soon!

4. What are some of your favorite challenges you've done so far?

I enjoyed zip lining--how crazy that I may have missed the opportunity to find out that I actually liked it. I also enjoyed outrigger canoe paddling. That sport would have never even crossed my mind to even try. To add, I like the challenges I have done where I approach strangers. A few years ago, I definitely wouldn't have gone up to strangers and asked them for photos or asked to sit with them at dinner in a restaurant. Surprisingly, everyone is very nice and many are willing to participate in the challenges I do.

5. What's your advice to other people who are feeling a bit stuck in their usual routine and want to try something new and step out of their comfort zone?

As cliche as it sounds, "just do it." Many times people overthink things and situations before they even get a chance to try it. They have already placed a limit on themselves if that is how they approach trying new things. I know how that feels. I was there and I am still there on occasion. You just have to look at it and say, "No. I am not going to fear you. Fear has stopped me long enough and it won't stop me any longer." Just be curious about the world and see what happens when you stop limiting yourself.

Thanks, Nancy!

Meet Jamell Crouthers, Poet and Writer

Jamell Crouthers is a poet and writer who creates thought-provoking content about different aspects of life. His goal is to write poetry books on societal issues that we all face in today's age. Through writing poetry, he says, "it is an easy read for others, and it's a gateway to getting inside of my mind and how I write."

You can learn more about Jamell and read samples of his work by visiting his Amazon author page, as well as his author profile on Bublish. He is also on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and he maintains a personal website at http://www.aquarianmind.info/.

1. How did you first get started with writing poetry, and who are some poets whose work inspires you?

I got started with poetry when I was 13 years old. I wrote about life and thoughts that I had going on in my mind. As I got older, I wrote about my life experiences, love, and family. It wasn't until my 30s where I started writing about societal issues and more serious things regarding life.

A lot of the poets I follow on Instagram inspire me to write. Their poems relate to some life experiences I've been through. They give me a lot of ideas to write different things, too. I don't want to say names or anything, but I appreciate their work and self-expression through poetry. It takes a lot to share your thoughts and be vulnerable these days.

2. Why do you see poetry as the way to communicate your stories and ideas, rather than prose?

I see poetry as a way of self-expression. It's a lot of formulated thoughts all put onto a piece of paper. I find writing poetry and reading it as an experience that the reader will feel.

3. What's your process like for determining what goes into the manuscript of a book that you intend to publish?

I spend a lot of time brainstorming. I write everything down. I have a blue book with pens with me at all times. It's writing out chapters, developing the character I'm going to write about and thinking of a storyline for each character. I observe the world. I have a quiet personality at times, and that's where I'm thinking. I also talk to people and listen to their experiences. Listening to music gives me ideas too.

4. In sharing your work both in book form and through social media, do you get a lot of responses from readers?

With the readers that have read my books, I get a lot of wow responses and a lot of emotional responses from readers. It's an emotional rollercoaster for readers who read my books, and that's my goal. I like to create imagery and make people emote. I've had a reader tell me that she cried reading my book: that's when I knew I had them drawn in.

5. What else would you like readers to know about you and your writing?

I would definitely like to let readers know that my books are different. They deal with a lot of societal issues head on, and there is a lot of emotion that comes from the characters I've created. While it is fictional, these are characters that will relate to you in some way or they will relate to someone you may know. It's definitely not the traditional read. It's different but it's a good different and worth the read.

Thanks, Jamell!

Meet Dave K. of FanPageCash.org and ViralAccounts.com

Dave K. is the founder of a company that buys and sells viral social media accounts. Learn more about how to buy or sell accounts by visiting FanPageCash.org/ and ViralAccounts.com.

1. How did your company get started?

I started in 2010; back then the company was called FanPageCash. The website was built for my needs only, and it was never intended to be used commercially. I wanted to purchase Facebook fan pages to boost traffic to my websites, and in order to do so, I needed to raise legitimacy. The website provided just that, and FanPageCash.org was basically used as my online business card / portfolio. Even though the website was finished and I used it a few times, I had abandoned the project and moved onto different things. The website just sat there, collecting dust for nearly a year. Two months before the domain was set to expire, I noticed that people had actually started to visit the site, as I was getting new emails from willing fan page sellers. I decided to capitalize on this, and since then I've been buying and selling viral social media properties.

2. What are some reasons why people want to buy or sell social media accounts?

Well, people sell for obvious reasons, and the main one is money. Most viral account owners became popular out of pure luck. Usually a single funny image or video (and a bit of luck) is enough for a social property to become viral. The buyers, on the other hand, are mostly website owners who are looking to boost traffic on their websites. Social properties are the most cost-effective way of doing so (compared to paid ads). Typically, a website owner will purchase such a property and post relevant content to engage the fan base. In return, the fans/followers flock to the owner's website, and the owner reaps the benefits of extra ad revenue.

3. If an account was popular at one time but has been dormant for a while, what are some ways you've seen that buyers generate new interest in an old account?

This is really a hit or miss. There is no way of telling if a dormant account can be brought back to life, and on top of everything else, it is very difficult to revive one. One of the methods that works from time to time is to use a different, already active account to boost the popularity of the inactive one by shoutouts / retweeting or cross-sharing content.

4. What makes an account attractive to potential buyers?

Unlike paid ads where a business has to pay for every click or view, established social properties are a one-time investment. After the initial purchase, the buyer can advertise on it indefinitely, providing that he does it in a non-intrusive way. Over-spamming a viral property with irrelevant products will most likely kill the activity, thus ruining the buyer's investment. I always encourage posting quality content that complies with the social platform policies.

5. Are there any guidelines or terms of service that potential sellers should know about being asking you about selling an account?

There are too many to list. We go through extensive background checks, and not all properties qualify. Everything a seller needs to know can be found in our basic seller rules located here: http://viralaccounts.com/sell/.

Thanks, Dave!

Meet Joshua Valderrama, Designer and Artist

Designer Joshua Valderrama resides in the U.S. where he is an entrepreneur, seeking opportunities in a digital world. He wants to inspire dreams in those who have given up on theirs and/or those who have forgotten that anything is possible. For examples of Josh's creative work, including photos, artwork, mobile apps, and videos, check out his website, Vision Lingo. You can also find him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

1. How did you come up with the name "Vision Lingo," and what does the name mean to you?

Well, I don't speak much, and it has always been easier for me to give a visual of what I want to interpret. To me, the name means that it's easier to express yourself in action than in words.

2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

I wouldn't say entrepreneur, but I am more of a free spirit. I never felt it was for me to follow anyone's rules or anyone's dreams but my own.

3. What projects are you currently working on?

I am working closely with a friend who has his own company that provides dog massages. We are creating an app for his services to his customers. But more importantly, we're working on branding the company's name.

4. How does your skill and training as an artist influence your work when it comes to creating apps and video content?

My artistic skills have no part in my creativity of my apps or videos.

5. Where do your best creative ideas come from?

My kids. Without them, I wouldn't have the vision of creativity that I have.

Thanks, Josh!

Meet Matthew Hatt, Artist

Matthew Hatt is a former sous chef and Canadian outsider artist. His work can be seen hanging in all parts of the world. His art combines different styles and includes words that he thinks encourages the viewer to think. Check out his work on Instagram and Facebook.

1. I really like the textual aspect of your work. Why did you decide to include text in your paintings?

I think great art makes you think, and I starting adding text to create another level in my work. I wanted to create three "truths": my truth in what I am thinking in regards to the text, what the viewer reads into it, and what it actually means.

2. When you create a work, do you have the idea for the text before you start painting, or does the text occur to you as the visual part(s) of the piece comes together?

It all depends on the piece. Sometimes I create the visual first, and sometimes I know exactly what I am going to write before I start the visual. It all depends on the amount of time I can spend working on a piece at the time.

3. How did you find time to create your art when you were working elsewhere--and did you leave your job as a sous chef to be able to focus more your art?

I have always been creative and doodled and things like that. I worked for a sous chef for almost 15 years, but I had to give it up in 2006 when I was hospitalized for a mental illness. The kitchen was too stressful for me to return to. But then my Grandmother required a full time caregiver, and I stepped in. Been doing that ever since. I love it, and it gives me time to paint, when she doesn't need me.

4. What and/or who has influenced you as an artist?

Warhol, Maude Lewis and Basquiat. But mostly life. All the text in my paintings come from real life or some of my delusions.

5. What keeps you motivated to continue to create art?

It's basically an obsession. It's not something I could stop even if I wanted to. They are not all perfect, but it feeds my need to tell my "story."

Thanks, Matthew!

Meet Brenda Moore, Wife Coach and Author of WifeCheck

Brenda Moore is a wife coach, who works with her clients according to biblical truths and sound advice. She has written a book called WifeCheck which developed out of a group she started on Facebook. Brenda's book is on sale now and be purchased through her website at www.TheWifeCoachBrendaMoore.com.

Find Brenda on Instagram and Facebook.

1. Could you tell us how you would define your role as a wife coach?

I assist wives and single women in finding purpose and clarity in their marriages or while they are in waiting. My book is for single women, too. There in a section in the book titled "wives in preparation." I also give my readers tools to overcome hurt, betrayal, and infidelity. We explore the hidden areas in the heart.

2. When it comes to facing the ups and downs in a marriage (and in life!), what do you find helpful in terms of shifting perspective?

I find it helpful when we accept responsibility to how we've contributed to the issues in our lives. The first step is recognizing how your behavior and actions contributed to the problems you're experiencing. We take a look inside the heart to see what motivates a person and then address those hidden areas to start the healing process.

3. What inspired you to write your book, WifeCheck?

My marriage and journey inspired me. The first years of my marriage were tumultuous because I was a broken woman. I started the WifeCheck group on Facebook to help other women and to help support wives who are in need of answers on how to be successful in marriage.

4. Did you always have a strong spiritual practice in your own life, or was this something that grew over time?

I started to seek God after I married, and it was only then that I was able to see myself more clearly and to recognize how my behavior contributed to the issues. My faith grew stronger because I needed more of God to be happy and have peace in my life.

5. What do you see as your overall goal in your work as an author and coach?

I want to see wives succeed and win in marriage, and to understand their roles and their purpose according to God. In the end I want to see them have a pure heart, a heart healed from all of the things that are hidden and that caused them to become a woman that is motivated by hurt and manipulation.

Thanks, Brenda!

Meet DoMoJOAT, Artist, Musician, and Performer

DoMoJOAT, short for DoMo The Jack of All Trades, is an amazing artist/performer from Brooklyn, NY. He dances, plays the steel pan and piano, arranges music, writes poetry, write songs, sings, and raps. What can't he do?

He used to perform with his backing music on cds or mp3s, playing digital tracks. Then he realized that the live sound always sounds better during a performance, and in time he formed his own band. They call themselves "Andefekt" (And-Effect). They have performed all over NY, and DoMoJOAT himself has performed all over the country. He and the band are seeking and working to expand.

Learn more about DoMoJOAT and Andefekt on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube.

1. How did you first get started making music as a young man?

My first introduction to music was when I was in 6th grade and I learned to play the steel pan. I then started to write music in high school. I started with writing reggae music, then in college I started writing more hip-hop.

2. When you're composing music, what's your process like? Does the rhythm usually come to you first, or the words, or...?

When I'm composing music, the rhythm usually comes to me first. It's more of a feeling and mood that I get, and I express it through the music. The words usually come after.

3. Would you tell us a bit about Andefekt and the music that you create and perform with the band?

Andefekt consists of five members. DoMoJOAT lead vocalist and steel pan player, Jovii Linkz Lead Guitarist, Ryu Drummer/Keyboardist, Jabbsz Drummer, K9 Keyboardist. We're all from Brooklyn, NY. The music the band plays is DoMo's (my) original music, also some cover songs as well. We're in the process of creating new material as a band.

4. What are some of the key differences between digital/recorded sound and live music?

Key differences are freedom for the artist. When playing with a band, the artist has more freedom to do more and add more theatrics to their performance versus an artist performing to a CD that's just playing the track that was produced, mixed, and mastered. When playing the music live, it's a natural feeling that the artist knows they're creating for their audience which is a great experience.

5. Looking ahead into 2015, what do you see yourself doing over the course of the year?

I see myself creating some new videos for the year, touring with the band, working on either another mixtape or album, and always keeping working and never quitting.

Thanks, DoMo!

Meet Andre' Stewart of Ardané, a Clothing Line

Ardané is a privately held company that all started with a simple idea: design fresh, high-quality, unique items. The company's CEO, Andre' Stewart, has been working in fashion and entertainment for 14 years, from runway modeling to acting, which all goes hand and hand with fashion (which is how Ardané came about!). Keep up with Ardané on Instagram and Twitter.

1. Do you design the items in your collection yourself, or do you collaborate with designers?

Well, let me start by saying I'm definitely no Photoshop or Illustrator guru, but I do have an eye for design. Some I have designed myself, and some I have been fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with some great designers, but on every design I have had my input on what I think needs to be changed, added, or taken away to get us the finished product. I will say sometimes it is challenging having a great idea in your mind and having someone else try to create it and have it done the way you envision it.

2. Why does Ardané specialize in t-shirts, tops, hats, etc?

The reason I chose T-shirts, tops, hats, and etc is because with a lot of the new designs I saw coming out, none seemed to be unique, and the quality wasn't great in my opinion. The way we come up with our designs and choosing our fabric is strictly by what our customers suggest, and that's how we differentiate ourselves from a lot of other brands. I also wanted to create something people could do everything in, like wear the same shirt out to dinner, at an upscale lounge, or to the park to play basketball in and never once get looked at like what are they wearing?? That's why we choose the type of designs and the style of shirts we do.

Along with that, I know everything starts with branding. I'm building a brand, not only through clothing, but with our service, shipping, social media presence, local events etc. We also knew starting with those options is the easiest way to break into the clothing industry and generate the buzz and income needed to branch out into other product lines without expending too much of your own capital in the building and growth process. It will also establish a brand-loyal customer base, and that's what any business needs to be successful, especially in this industry. As with any brand you need those consistently loyal repeat customers who will buy from you just because of the name. A brand-insistent customer is what we are trying to develop.

3. I noticed that Ardané will debut a denim collection soon. What else can we expect to see on ardaneworldwide.com over the next year or so?

Yes, we are looking to release the denim collection soon; it is in the developmental stages but it's going to be amazing stuff, great quality and price which is hard to find with denim. As for what's to come, we hope that people stay connected with us through social media, because what we try to do as often as possible is let our customers dictate what we release or do next. At the end of the day, we want them to be happy and become that brand-insistent customer I mentioned earlier. Let me ask, would you want to be a part of creating your next piece of clothing you were going to buy? That's what Ardané is about. So to answer that, you have to stay connected to see what's coming next.

4. Would you tell us a little bit about how Ardané helps by contributing to Autism-related charities?

Autism is a very close to home reality for me; my niece was diagnosed with Autism when she was three years old, and I have two friends who have kids with Autism as well. I really don't think people understand what it is or know how expensive it is to care for a child with Autism and also the magnitude of Autism. ASA estimates it is $3.5 million to $5 million lifetime cost just to care for a child. With that being said, we have an Autism collection that continues every season, and all the proceeds from the collection go to different Autism charities in different states. We also donate a portion of all of our proceeds to Autism charities as well. We have done multiple fundraisers and events to raise funds and awareness for Autism and will continue to do so until people are really aware.

5. What has been your experience so far in starting a clothing line, and how has it been similar and different to your career in modeling?

Starting Ardané has been an amazing journey. It's not easy by faaaar, but I wouldn't want to do anything different than continue building the brand. It's hard to explain the feeling you get when you see someone wearing something you created or someone you don't know giving you a compliment about what you are aspiring to do. It's the same with the modeling career. To turn a page and see yourself in a magazine or on the side of a bus, billboard, or commercial, it's like, wow I'm on the side of a bus! How many people can say that, but with both it's all about consistency and determination. Don't follow your dreams; chase them--that's my motto.

Thanks, Andre'!

Meet TheJonno57 (Jon Bachtold), YouTuber

TheJonno57 (Jon Bachtold) describes himself as a crazy guy who likes to mix comedy with serious topics. He says that his humor though is his kind of humor, which isn't always what's popular at the moment, but he's not gonna conform! Jon is a big believer in believing in oneself, having confidence, and abiding in faith.

Check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/THEJonno57. And follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

1. How do you get your ideas for what to make videos about?

For my show, "Jon Rants," inspiration for topics to convey will hit me at the most random times! I am always constantly writing down ideas in the note section on my phone. Also, I will sometimes receive ideas from my few, AMAZING fans and give my opinions on various subjects. I always try to be myself when I talk about anything. This isn't always seen as funny to everyone, but I am a big believer in being one's self! So, When someone watches a video of mine, I want them to get 100% me.

2. How frequently do you try to upload new stuff--and where do you share your videos in addition to YouTube?

I have two things that I upload on a consistent basis. Fridays, I upload the show "Jon Rants" where I give my opinion on certain topics. Mondays, I upload vlogs of really stupid crap that I do :P If someone is trying to find me on the interwebs, Twitter/Instagram is where I share most of the time: @Jonnob57 for both if anyone is wondering. Also, I share content on Facebook on the rare occasion I get on there.

3. Do you ever feel like you're making a video because you think it will help you gain more views/followers, or do you always make the videos you want to make, regardless of what others might like or not?

I have followers?

Now if I was really witty, I would have ended my statement there!

In a recent video of mine, Don't Care No More, I talked about how this year I'm going to not care what other think of me. So I this year I am focusing what God wants me to do and not what others want me to do. I have some "haters," if you will, that I feel like I have to appeal to, too. I'm going to not focus on what these individuals are saying and focus on doing what I feel is right!

4. When it comes to following other people on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter, what tends to catch your interest?

People I like to watch are people with their own sense of humor. People who aren't scared to be themselves are always interesting for me to watch/follow. I also am a HUGE music fan. There are lots of bands I love to keep tabs on. So what catches my interest? Well, originality, confidence, and hilarity!

5. Do you find connections between your online projects and your day job (etc), or are they mostly pretty separate?

Being a Youtuber, I am constantly having to push my personality to the limit. This has helped my in the outside world with talking to strangers. Very awesome tool! However, knowing when to pull the camera out and when to live in the moment is a thing I am currently learning. Some things need to be an experience between friends, and other things need to be shared with the world! I don't want to end up being "that guy" if you know what I mean.

Thanks, Jon!

Introducing Casa Couture Furniture Designs

Based in Chicago but selling its wares online to shoppers everywhere, Casa Couture Furniture Designs is a store that specializes in furniture pieces which are created from redesigned antiques. The founder and creator of Casa Couture is Julie Gathman who hand-selects antique pieces from markets and other locations around the midwest, and then she redesigns the pieces to create unique items.

If you are looking for one of a kind furniture, check out Casa Couture. I enjoyed the before and after page on the shop's website to get an inside perspective on how Julie creates her pieces. Many of the creations have a light-hearted feel and would definitely enliven a room! I found many brightly colored pieces which maintain the lines of the original piece while infusing it with new life.

To keep up with the latest pieces in the shop and to read more about Julie's creative process, follow Casa Couture on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr.

Meet Luca Di Fonso, Fashion and Fitness Blogger

Luca Di Fonso is 24 years old and passionate about fashion, traveling, and fitness. After finding success on Instagram (www.instagram.com/lucadifonso), he started a blog to share his passions in a better way, hoping that people can find some useful tips and enjoy seeing the world through his eyes.

1. How did you first become interested in posting on Instagram?

I started because of a bet with a friend of mine. Then I saw that people were interested in seeing photos of what I do in my daily routine, so I continued to post.

2. What do you think made your Instagram feed so popular?

I think probably it gained followers because people can see a lot of different things rather than only selfies! I try to keep the attention of my followers by posting about different topics.

3. What do you find the most interesting--and the most challenging--when it comes to capturing fashion through photography?

I started just a few months ago, so I'm not an expert, but a lot of people asked me, "How can you be so serious during the shoots?". Believe me when I say that the first time, it was difficult. But when you see all the people around you who are working really hard--such as photographers, stylists, and so on--you understand that you have to be very professional, too.

Every shoot is different because you have to help the photographer to capture the right soul of the brand. You know, posing for a street style brand is different than posing for a tank top brand.

4. Why did you decide to start your own website, and what will visitors find there?

On my website, you can find fashion tips for men and women, and a section showcasing the most stylish people I've seen on the street. You can also find a section talking about fitness where you can find diet tips and gym schedules/routines for men and women, too. I also have a lifestyle section where I discuss topics like music, food, and restaurants. Finally, I have a travel section where I post pictures and videos of the places I visit.

5. In the next year or so, what projects do you hope to be working on?

I hope that everything goes well and that I can continue to work with a lot of fashion brands, lifestyle brands, and travel agencies in order to reach my goals. But who knows?

Please check out my site at www.lucadifonso.com. Thanks, Luca!

Kelly Le Brock Takes Action for National Hunger Action Month

Did you know that September is National Hunger Action Month? Actress and model Kelly Le Brock (I know you remember her in The Woman in Red and Weird Science) is busy with a project that both helps food banks across the country and helps families eat in a healthier way.

The project is a collaboration with foodtweeks™, a mobile app that you download for your Android or iPhone. The idea of the app is that it suggests tweaks to help you adjust your diet in little ways that add up to big reductions in calories. The cool part is that foodtweeks™ donates the same amount of calories you save to food banks across the US.

When you set up your free account and use the promo code KELLYLEBROCK, foodtweeks™ will double your donations. Kelly Le Brock is also doing some special social media campaigns where you can add even more to your donations. Check out her Pinterest page as well as Instagram. Kelly will be using hashtags such as #healthycooking and #foodtweeks4foodbanks and #hungeractionmonth. Keep an eye out on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Kelly will be doing public service announcements and other publicity throughout September to promote National Hunger Action Month and increase awareness of the needs of our food banks. In her off-screen life, Kelly has been a rancher for the past ten years and raises her own food for her family. She hopes to promote healthy eating choices through her work with foodtweeks™.