Meet Matthew David Parker, Photographer

Matthew David Parker is a photographer based out of New York City with over 18 years of experience. He primarily works in NYC and the but is available for opportunities worldwide.

1. At which stage of your life that you discover yourself with an obsession for architectural photography?

The Big Apple has always been a profoundly inspirational, profoundly influential place for me and my artwork because it (New York City) for me, is literally the most perfect representation of hope, opportunities, health, success and abundance. I have always seen the city of New York as the central hub for all things in life that are important in life, sort of as the pulse of everything new and cool. New York has always inspired this ambition in me to inspire others of the majesty of the heart of the city. More and more in my life, I have found New York's rich architectural backdrop as the one place on earth that I could happily explore with a smile on my face for the rest of my life.

2. When have you been most satisfied in your life?

I believe that I am at my happiest now, although you can argue that the first moment I discovered happiness was when I discovered photography, when I was 13. Oftentimes, I think, "how can a man possibly be luckier than myself?" I am a world-class artist and photographer who is making a name for himself, not just in the world of New York photography, but in art circles worldwide. Art critics around the world have labeled me a visionary, as opposed to just another uninspired, bargain basement wedding photographer. The fact that I've been able to make quite a good living doing what I love is just icing on the cake. Yes, the present time is definitely the best time my life has ever been and I wouldn't trade places with any other artist in the world.

3. Who are your influences as an artist?

Lucien Hervé, the Hungarian photographer popular for his very futuristic, very avant garde style. Some people see him as the Salvador Dali of photography and I'm one of those people who agree. I'm also a great lover of Berenice Abbott, a popular photographer known best for her breathtaking photos of cultural icons of the 60s and 70s.

4. Whose design language did you fall deepest in love with? How come?

Lucien Hervé and his avant approach to accentuating shapes and patterns in his black-and-white photos has always inspired me as an artist to create minimalist works of art. I often times find myself using Lucien's greatest works as a measuring stick for my success as a photographer and I see that is the greatest thing I've ever done.

Thanks, Matthew!

Meet Terry Gangaram, Founder of Drexel Mortgage Corporation

With 30+ years of real estate experience, Terry Gangaram founded Drexel Mortgage in 1995 to help Americans nationwide make their American Dream a reality. Starting with residential mortgages, Terry has helped thousands of homeowners buy their first house, investment properties, and commercial real estate to grow their business. Terry's team at Drexel is committed to finding you the financing you want for the home you want.

Learn more by visiting the websites for Drexel Residential Lending and Drexel Commercial Lending.

1. What made you decide to focus your career on working in the home mortgage field?

I wanted to help people become homeowners. Just like the American dream, I wanted to own a home rather than renting, and that's when I wanted to help others do the same. With decades of experience pursuing my entrepreneurial passion providing loans to clients, I built the Drexel Mortgage brand to become one of New York City's top mortgage providers.

2. What are some of the differences for consumers when it comes to working with a local agency like Drexel Mortgage rather than a large national company?

Drexel Mortgage offers great advantages with a hands-on approach to real estate. We're not quick to say no right away with a lot of red tape. For example, when it comes to credit, Drexel Mortgage works with the individual to repair their credit so they become creditworthy to become homeowners. We dispute charges, challenge charge-offs, and help fix delinquincies by advising clients how to prepare their credit for homeownership. Traditional lenders tend to cherry-pick who they want to work with, ignoring many borrowers who are only a few simple steps away from their own homes. We advise clients on a personal level to tailor-fit every loan for each borrower's needs. For example, we advise borrowers to have a co-signer, or have a family member assist them with the loan process to make the loan process comfortable and easy-going.

3. In addition to helping people who want to purchase a new home, what services do you provide for refinancing and debt consolidation?

Once people become a homeowner, they call Drexel Mortgage to utilize the equity in their home to purchase investment properties, consolidate their high interest credit card payments into one low monthly mortgage payment, or pay off bills. Refinancing has many benefits, and Drexel makes it easy for customers to refinance to renovate their homes, fix their credit, and even to finance major purchases.

4. Are there any common questions you get or misconceptions you regularly see regarding home mortgages and personal finance?

Being in the mortgage industry for decades, I've seen a lot of recurring mysteries and common questions. For example, people assume the mortgage process is a mystery that takes a long time. At Drexel, I make it easy for homebuyers to understand that buying a home is an exciting and simple process. Drexel understands buying real estate; mortgages can look like a daunting endeavor--after all, it's probably one of the biggest purchases a person will ever make. But the reality is, at Drexel Mortgage we take the time to assure you're comfortable with achieving your goals.

Another real estate misconception is that you need a lot of income with a huge down payment to own a home. With Drexel Mortgage, we put these popular myths to rest very quickly. I'm often asked what kind of houses are clients qualified for. Clients commonly think they need a high 700 credit score with 20% down just to qualify for a mortgage. Those days are long over, and today's real estate market understands that there are clients from all over the credit/income spectrum who can qualify for a home. At Drexel Mortgage, with flexibility to tailor loans based on the individual's needs we can provide loans to clients with a 600 credit score, with 3.5% down payment.

5. For people considering buying or selling a home in the Richmond Hill neighborhood of New York where your office is located, do you have any locally-specific advice?

New York City, where Drexel Mortgage is located, is one of the most sought after real estate markets in the country. New Yorkers are fast-paced, high-speed people who want it all yesterday. If you're buying a home in NYC, save yourself some time by getting pre-qualified first. Providing a Pre-Qualification is a free service we offer. We look at the income, assets, and credit of the individual to let them know what purchase price their income can support. Sometimes we can offer a pre-approval letter, to save some time for the realtors as well. With a pre-approval letter, the realtors, homebuyers, and appraisers can make fast, intelligent decisions to buy a home and start the loan.

Feel free to call me directly with any questions at (718) 441-1515, terry@drexelmortgage.com, www.terrygangaram.com.

Thanks, Terry!

Meet Ziv Shalev, Musician

Ziv Shalev is a guitarist, composer, producer, and educator from Israel who has lived in New York City for the past 10 years. He has been working for the music production company, Studio Pros, and he has also shared the stage with a variety of top artists from America and Israel. You can learn more about him and hear samples of his work at http://www.zivshalev.com.

1. When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career as a musician?

When I was ten years old, my older brother started a band, and I was watching them rehearsing. I was fascinated by the sound and looks of the guitar. It all started then.

2. You are skilled in playing diverse genres of music. Do you have a favorite genre?

My true passion is rock. Playing with a national act--Spread Eagle--while touring across the country was a dream come true.

3. How do you find inspiration as a composer?

The inspiration to write music comes to me, and I just let it be. Love is very inspiring.

4. For young musicians who are looking to build a career as a full-time musician, what's your advice based on your own experience?

Building a good foundation is the most important thing. It's all about persistence and elbow grease. While it may seem like nothing is moving along, when you work hard every day, every day is a step toward success.

Thanks, Ziv!

Meet Victoria Bolton, Author

Victoria Bolton is a writer who lives in New York. A graduate of the College of Westchester, she works as a computer technician in schools and as a part-time actress.

Bolton previously released two books in the Rude Boy USA series: Rude Boy USA Series Volume 1 and BunnyWine (Rude Boy USA Series Volume 2) The final book in the series, The Tide is High, will be released in September.

Learn more about her work by visiting her website at https://authorvictoriabolton.wordpress.com/.

1. What gave you the idea to write your Rude Boy series of books?

The ideas for the book started for me in 2010 after a concert in London. From there I kept notes for about five years before I even started typing the story. I've always liked mobster films like the Godfather series, Goodfellas, etc. However, the themes were always the same. The families were either Italian or Irish in general, the majority white. I knew that there were other organized crime groups back then, but they did not get the glamor treatment or were ignored altogether. I decided that a mixed group would be something new and exciting.

2. How much research did you need to do in terms of studying the Rude Boy culture of the 1960s as well as other history of the era regarding organized crime and other social/cultural information relevant to your story?

I was born in 1977 and NOT in New York. For the eight years that the story took place before I was born I had to interview people, rely on old footage (especially news clips) and articles to give me a sense of what it was like living during that time in New York City. As far as the Rude Boy culture was concerned, I was already a fan of the music and style so that was easy. A lot of Rude Boy culture originated in Jamaica and gained popularity in the United Kingdom. It was not widely known in the U.S., so I decided to make this the USA version. I used the style from the guys in the UK to dress my characters and the music from the Ska/Rocksteady era to come up with themes and subject matter for the plotlines, hence naming it Rude Boy USA.

3. What made you decide to construct the Rude Boy series as a trilogy, and what do you see as the challenges of writing a sequence of novels rather than one stand-alone book?

The book originally was supposed to only be standalone. However, early readers enjoyed it so much that I decided to make it a trilogy. With that decision, I had to change some character developments in the story to push the series along.

4. How do you balance your day job(s) with your writing, and when do you find time to work on your books?

I will be honest: it's tough to do. A lot of times I come home, and I am tired, but if I have an idea for a scene in my head for the story, I won't allow myself to sleep unless I have it written or typed out, or else I lose it. It took me a year to type the entire series out from start to finish because I only worked on it for about four hours a day tops.

5. Do you have plans for a new series after you publish the final Rude Boy book later this year?

I have an idea for a standalone book. I may not do another trilogy for awhile because I want to give this one time to grow. I will start on the standalone book soon. That one will be emotionally taxing on me, so we will see.

Thanks, Victoria!

Meet Pragathi Yadhati, Actress

Born in Anantapur, India, Pragathi Yadhati is a film and theater actress who lives in New York. In addition to acting, Pragathi writes plays and poems, and she also does modelling work. Learn more about her by visiting her IMBD profile.

1. How does it feel to be an Indian actress in New York City?

It feels great. In this era of globalization, the world is coming together sharing all the different cultures that exist in it. I'm glad that I have the opportunity to portray my own and contribute to creating this awareness of multicultural impact globalization has. New York audiences loved my performances in off-Broadway shows like Bollywood Wedding, Baggage Claim, and others, and my stand up comedy which introduced our culture to them. We all know that a high percentage of Indians are into IT as engineers, and many of them work here in the United States. But there are hardly any Indian actors who represent this population or capture the essence of their lifestyles. I'm working in cross cultural movies that are mainly targeted to present this to the American audience and at the same time provide a platform for those Indians to connect their lives with the global culture.

2. What was it like for you to attend the well-known Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute?

It was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot in the two years that I spent there. Apart from acting on stage and in front of camera, I've learned the importance of punctuality and discipline. I learned how to keep my body, mind, and soul in tune so as to perfect the craft that I perform.

3. Would you tell us about some of the awards you've won so far for your acting work? What are some of your achievements so far?

As I'm working my way to doing big things, one of my short films got nominated for the Best Film at Queens World Film Festival (2011), and the other one just got accepted at the prestigious Heritage Film Festival. One of my Indian short films won the Best Short Film award at the Kalaignar Television channel awards show called "Naalaiya Iyakkunar 3" in 2012. Now I'm working in a feature film which is the first language agnostic film ever made. Apart from these, I’ve received several prizes in dance and acting growing up when arts was just an extracurricular activity. I performed on many a great stages in my hometown in India such as Hari Hara Kala Bhavan, Thyagaraya Gaana Sabha, and others, all places dedicated for performing arts and cinema. I won several prizes for these performances and received them from the hands of notable people in India like the present Home Minister for the State of Telangana, India, Nayani Narasimha Reddy (formerly the Technical Education Minister of the State), elite stars of South Indian cinema like Ramya Krishnan and Chiranjeevi. I feel fortunate to have received several awards from award winning seasoned actors and movie industry prominents like Dadasaheb phalke award winner (India's highest award in cinema) Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao , C. Narayana Reddy, Telangana Shakuntala , Madhukar Anand, Shobha Naidu, and others. The tradition in India is that the awardee is honored by donning a silk shawl around their shoulders for their contribution to excellence in their field. I feel extremely proud to have received such an honor by Mr. Nageswara Rao and Mr. Reddy at such a young age that I was.

4. As someone who enjoys writing as well as acting, do you hope to expand your career into writing and possibly directing work in the future?

Acting and performing is my passion. There is nothing like being on stage, in the moment and in front of the live audience. And there is no feeling better than reaching out to and touching lives of millions of audience through cinema. I choose to be an actor.

Putting in words what you want to bring to live performance is a tough process. I love writing and I enjoy this process of writing. I've started writing my own screenplays. But I haven't thought about directing yet though.

5. What else would you like American audiences to know about you--and when can we see you on screen?

As many of you in New York call me, I'm your Indian girl. An authentic Indian girl who has roots in India and education in America. Who else could better portray all those Indian roles that you wanna see on TV and movies? With a few projects currently in works, I'm looking forward to more opportunities that give me a challenge to bring out my full potential and present it to the audience.

Thanks, Pragathi!

Meet Cathy Berger, Development Director for Queens Chamber of Commerce

Since March of 2014, Cathy Berger has been the Development Director for the Queens Chamber of Commerce. She has worked to encourage new businesses to join the Chamber and to help make sure that existing Chamber members are making the most of their memberships. She describes her position in part as working to advance the visibility of each member through the connections this prominent affiliation has developed over the last 100+ years.

Cathy also shares her expertise in business and networking through her Queens Today blog at http://cathybergerqcc.blogspot.com/.

1. How did you first become involved with the Queens Chamber of Commerce?

One October morning back in 2013, I decided to visit a Queens Chamber of Commerce / HBA networking event. At that time as a business owner, I was instantly impressed with the people in attendance. They were true professionals, dead serious about getting to meet new people. Right on the spot I joined my company to the Chamber.

2. What do you like most about your job with the Chamber?

I love that NO day is the same, because I am always speaking to different types of businesses. I work in a wonderful environment--my coworkers are terrific. They encourage me to excel, which is very important to me. I believe that if you are genuinely supported by your team, this goes a long way to going above and beyond at work, no matter what position you hold.

3. How do you personally define effective networking?

Just attending an event and chit-chatting there is not sufficient to network. Your objective is to emerge from networking with one (or more) goals than when you went in. If there isn't a good fit between your goals of being there and the person you are talking to, don't change the topic from business to the weather, sports, the food, etc. Move on. It's lovely to meet new people, but if you are looking to connect with certain people and their needs, seek them out.

4. What are some of your tips for business people looking to make more connections in their community?

To make a definitive mark in your community, give thought to when you last felt your heart truly soar. If for example, seeing a young child achieve his/her goal gives you goosebumps, then point part of your business or career path toward helping the young students (or schools) in some way. Your true passion will easily translate to wonderful community benefits. Enlist help from your team to gain maximum support.

5. What projects are you looking forward to over the next months?

I just started a blog, and through it, I hope to connect to more companies. When I do, I can guide their business development by facilitating referrals to them, as well as sharing stellar networking techniques.

I have been getting great feedback from readers, and it is becoming a community of knowledge. I hope to continue growing it!!

Thanks, Cathy!

Meet Michelle Rene, Fashion Designer

Michelle Rene is a designer and label based out of a small Pennsylvania town but with a huge fashion forward presence in the industry! She was invited to present in September 2015 for New York Fashion Week and was welcomed by media with open arms. In February of 2016, she brought New York Fashion Week to Garden City.

1. How did you get the idea of bringing Fashion Week to Garden City?

I wanted to branch out, as advised by my amazing PR rep Bridget O'Brien, into different parts of New York during Fashion Week. The hotels venue and location were perfect for a new customer base and exposure for my line.

2. Would you tell us a bit more about the event and how it went?

The event was called A Prelude to the Oscars, so I wanted to do an ode to Old Hollywood with vintage inspired designs by the starletts we so love. I design gowns on a regular basis, but this evening allowed me to play a bit more with different styles and fit.

3. What was your experience like earlier this year at Fashion Week in New York?

My last show was in the city at a location called Stitch. My designs were all in pink fabric to bring awareness to the battle of Breast Cancer, called "In the Pink with Michelle Rene." #pinkisthenewblack

4. What are some of your inspirations when it comes to creating wedding dresses?

I love the challenge of taking a flat piece of fabric and combined with my client's dreams and my ability we breathe it into life. I also look to the world around me to inspire the mood or look of a design and or idea. Many times I start out with a fixed idea of what I am going to do, and then the fabric starts to talk to me and we go a totally different direction. It's always an adventure when I pull out my scissors and start to cut. Most times I myself do not know where it will end.

5. Would you tell us a little more about the custom work you do, not only for weddings but also with casual wear and other designs?

I tell people that I don't make sizes; I design clothes that you want to wear, that flatter your style, your body and image. Something that concerns me is when clothes wear a person and not the other way around. If someone is saying to you that you look great in that dress and not you look amazing today, well then I think there maybe something wrong with what you are wearing. You need to shine through, your style, your fit, you! That is what drives me, finding that moment when we discover the design that allows YOU to look and feel the best you can be.

Thanks, Michelle!

A Guest Post from the Irish American Young Leaders

The Irish American Young Leaders are hosting a Hall of Fame and launch party this Friday, March 11, 2016 in New York City. Learn more about the organization below and also by reading the press release linked here.

What is the Irish American Young Leaders?

The Irish American Young Leaders program was initiated by a group of young people who are deeply proud of their heritage and are interested in finding ways to be a positive influence their local communities and globally.

Founded in 2015, the Irish American Young Leaders is a non-profit organization that fosters leadership among high school students, college students, and young professionals. We believe in the power of the youth to effect positive change for themselves and their community. Leveraging local leaders and community resources, IAYL offers leadership initiatives that give high school, college students and young professionals the necessary tools and real life experiences to become strong leaders in the community. Our motto is that some future "leaders are made, not born."

The Irish American Young Leaders builds strong teams, infuses those teams with a sense of personal connection to new members, and welcomes new contributors with open arms, making everyone feel they belong and thus growing a strong and scalable community that can expand beyond the current membership base and produce new generations of competent contributors in the future. This is an important way in which we can build our shared culture, founded on a strong commitment to our values.

I Am Young Leader Ambassadors work on their own initiatives or lend the power of the I AM Young Leaders network to those initiatives already in existence. The first chapter was established in New York in September 2015 with Kiera O'Conner as the 1st President.

New Members Are Always Welcome!!! Although we are a young organization, several chapters are already in place in the tri-state area and Florida, with ambitious plans for a global network uniting our young leaders of the future. We are reaching out to all our people and the corporate sector, among other audiences, to raise awareness of our mission to help build and connect. Our website is currently under construction, but in the meantime please "LIKE" our Facebook page to keep up to date with our progress! We hope that you will also assist us by spreading the word about our program to your family, friends, and business associates around the world!

The Irish American Young Leaders Hall of Fame has been created to honor leaders who have made invaluable contributions to society and the world beyond. The Hall of Fame reinforces the message to future young leaders that they can and should strive for excellence in any endeavor of their choosing. By presenting powerful role models and teaching young people about inductees, the Hall of Fame is a source of learning, inspiration, and resources.

Everyone is invited to our exciting, fun Launch Party as we honor today's most influential leaders, the brightest leaders from NYC & beyond, so come let's party! Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Meet Justin Michael Woods, Designer of Forgotten Citizen

Justin Michael Woods is an actor, writer, model, TV producer, and now fashion designer. His active lifestyle fashion brand, Forgotten Citizen, is making its debut this year at New York Fashion Week. Justin is also an engineer and a military veteran, and Forgotten Citizen expresses his beliefs toward the importance of the United States doing more for its veterans. Learn more about Justin and Forgotten Citizen by clicking here.

1. What made you decide to create your own fashion line?

I've always been a big guy. I have thick legs and a booty. I got tired of always having to squeeze my body into sizes that never properly fit my body type and did absolutely nothing for my frame. I'm big but I have an athletic build.

2. Where do you find the inspiration for the clothing that makes up Forgotten Citizen?

Forgotten Citizen is extremely dark and edgy. You will find minimal bright colors here. It's for the most part, monochrome. Black/Grey/Off White. My inspiration comes from the 1920s with a touch of The Addams Family.

3. How do you balance your work in acting and directing with your work in fashion?

In between takes or while on my lunch break on set, I find/make the time to sketch and design. I've even gone as far as to bring my portable hand sewing machine to set. After 15-18 hours on set, I walk out with either a new design concept or a full article of clothing to add to my collection. To answer your question, I'd say I am an expert at time management.

4. What are some TV and movie projects we'll be seeing you in soon?

You can see me in two upcoming episodes of NBC's Shades of Blue starring Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta. I just wrapped my scenes on Madame Secretary, The Good Wife, Limitless, and Daredevil. Recently, I wrapped the Clint Eastwood-directed feature film Sully starring Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, and Laura Linney. I'll also be appearking in How To Be Single and the two films I'm producing thru my entertainment company, Stone Wolf Entertainment, The Legacy of Cain and The Reunion.

5. Looking ahead, what are your long-term plans for Forgotten Citizen?

I see my brand on the set of major motion pictures. I'd love to be a costume designer for network television shows and major motion pictures. But more importantly, I want ALL body types to feel sexy and comfortable in my designs. I'd love for Forgotten Citizen to become a household name. I believe each and every one of us is sexy in our own unique individual way.

Thanks, Justin!

Meet Deanna Martinez-Bey, Author

The author of the new novel When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee!, Deanna Martinez-Bey has been writing since she was seven years old. At that time, she wrote poetry and short stories. She now enjoys writing novels, self-help, and cookbooks. Deanna is from New Jersey, but now resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a writer for Examiner.com and has been featured in Taste of Home magazine, Taste of Home "Best Of" cookbooks, Gooseberry Patch cookbooks, local publications, and Women's Day online. Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star was Deanna's first novel. In addition to writing, Deanna enjoys cooking, photography, running, and fitness.

Check out When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee! on Amazon, and learn more about Deanna by visiting her website, writing blog, and food blog.

1. How did you come up with the idea for When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee!?

I normally take a snippet from my own life and create a novel based in that snippet. I always create a general outline of the book first, and then I add the fictional details as I write.

2. In creating the town of Triple Creek, did you draw on any real town or towns where you've lived or visited?

I took a local residential subdivision that I liked the name of to come up with the town name in North Carolina. The area that Janine and Tom move to in New York state, I used to visit every summer growing up in New Jersey!

3. How would you describe your protagonist, Janine?

Janine began this journey living her life according to the expectations of her family and friends. As she grew and got to know herself, she changed and began to live a life that was pleasing to her and brought her happiness. 

4. What keeps you motivated to sit down at your desk and write?

Thank you for asking this question! Writing brings me joy and peace. I set writing goals for myself. When I achieve them, I have a wonderful sense of accomplishment. As I write to reach a goal, I remember the feelings of success I have felt in the past when reaching a goal, and that helps to keep me going. My family is also an unbelievable source of strength for me. When I need motivation, I think about them and the example I am setting for my children, and that keeps my plugging along as well.

5. Have you ever thought of writing a cookbook--or what are some "dream" projects you'd like to do? 

Funny you should ask... I am currently working on a comfort foods cookbook! My goal is to have it completed in 2016! Not a dream project, but something I think about often and strongly desire is to be on the New York Times best sellers list and to have my books made into Hallmark movies!

Thanks, Deanna!

Meet Pauline Baylock, Reiki Practitioner and Health Coach

Pauline Baylock is a certified Reiki practitioner and AADP Certified Health Coach. Her company, Balance Life 360, views wellness as a multifaceted labor of love, one that should combine self-care for the mind, body, and spirit. Her passion is empowering people to explore integrative healing modalities, relaxation techniques, and spiritual practices that restore, enhance, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Pauline's most recent project is expanding her practice to include mobile Reiki sessions in the Manhattan and Brooklyn areas. Learn more about Pauline and her company at www.BalanceLife360.com.

1. How did you first become aware of Reiki--and what inspired you to learn to become a Reiki practitioner?

I've been vaguely aware of Reiki for many years. I would meet a Reiki practitioner here and there, but I never asked for a full description of what Reiki was, which is interesting now that I'm thinking about it because I'm usually more inquisitive about things that intrigue me.

I knew it was energy healing that involved placing your hands on the recipient. I also remember most practitioners I met were slightly odd, perhaps that was a coincidence, or maybe they were on a different level of consciousness than I was and that's why their vibe was weird to me, who knows? What I can say is I was always intrigued by Reiki--the word itself is quite unusual; it's always had an erotic mysticism about it. Now who sounds odd, LOL! I've always wanted to try a session; even though the few practitioners I met seemed odd (not in a bad way), the idea of Reiki had a compelling allure to me.

My first attunement, that's when the transference of the Healing Energy is passed from the Reiki Master to the student, was a a game changer for me. I decided I wanted to do something personal and special to celebrate my 50th birthday. I was already on the path of spreading my wings spiritually, and in other areas of my life, I guess you can say I was having an awakening on many levels: reclaiming my power, validating, valuing and stepping up for myself etc. So it seemed like taking the Reiki class happened at the right time, or more specifically in Divine Order. I knew in my heart I discovered two things that weekend; one was the perfect vehicle for me to use to get people to initiate a self-love, self-care regimen, and the other was that Reiki was going to enhance my entire life. I'll never forget what fellow students said to me on day two of the class: "Pauline, something has shifted with you; it seems like you have a peaceful glow." That was interesting because I didn't notice any major shifts that I thought others would pick up on, only internal stuff that I was feeling a because I was spending my birthday doing something loving and beautiful for me. Whatever "it" was, was very noticeable to people that didn't even know me. I thought to myself, "Wow, this stuff is deep".

2. How does Reiki fit into the context of the self-care and healing practices you have been engaged in with your company, Balance Life 360? 

My healing practice at Balance Life 360 is Empowering People to Choose a Healthy Life. 

This is a good question, Mandy, because self-care is just what it states, self-care. Reiki self-care is a part of my daily healing routine. I'm experiencing positive changes in many areas of my life, which makes me a clearer vessel for the transference of Reiki energy to my clients. As I continue to practice Reiki on myself, I'm becoming a better practitioner, and I'm growing spiritually as well. The extra benefit is it's helping me to understand that people are as unique as snowflakes, and it isn't until you begin to deal with everyone as a unique individual that you are an effective conduit for their healing. No matter what your practice is.

Balance Life 360 is about encouraging people to explore their options when it comes to healing modalities. Self-care should be a multifaceted labor of Love. 

Reiki is the perfect fit for anyone that wants to introduce a self-care practice into their life because Reiki balances the energy in our body, and enhances our body's natural ability to heal itself. Reiki is unique in that it's individualized--it gives each recipient what they need, bringing all the areas that are out of balance in their life into balance. 

Balance Life 360 is a holistic approach to healing that encompasses all aspects of the client's life. It's taking into account what's eating them as well as what they're eating. It's gently supporting, loving, and empowering the client to develop a self-care system, or as I like to call it, a self-love system, that feels right for the individual.

3. What has been your own experience in developing healthy habits, and how has your own experience motivated you to help others? 

Trial and error, going easy on myself. I'm not out to prove anything to anyone. I don't define myself by my diet, which changes according to my moods and how much I weigh; rather I pay attention to what my body communicates to me. Yes, we have to learn how our body communicates with us, as that will eventually lead you to healthier habits. Like everything else, committing ourselves to a healthier lifestyle is a habit. I'm still giving myself time to develop healthier habits in all aspects of my life; it's an ongoing process. 

It's crazy that we think we can change a lifetime of behavior overnight; it's not realistic, and we're setting ourselves up for failure when we believe this. Let's take nutrition, for example. I come from a culture where food is a very important aspect of bonding and our celebrations. I've grown up on some of the most culturally diverse foods that you can imagine, from dishes of my southern roots, to sampling the cuisine of many friends of various ethnicities that have entered my life. Food, or should I say experimenting and enjoying rich delicious food, is as much a part of my spiritual flow as breathing! I've added healthier options and have developed a deep appreciation for high vibration foods, those foods that give us life and energy, so my desire to eat unhealthy foods has diminished considerably; however, I'd be lying to you if I told you fried chicken, lasagna, macaroni and cheese, and a delicious glass of wine, were a thing of the past for me, smile.

When you're taking loving care of yourself on a regular basis, then you don't have to become a fanatic about anything in your life. My healthy habits are me doing what feels good and right for me. Sometimes it's bike riding or a trampoline workout, here and there I've experimented with yoga, at times it's a vegetarian or vegan flow, morning lemon water....

My staples are drinking lots of water, green drinks, lots of walking, reading--nourishing the mind is just as important as nourishing the body. The most important life-changing habit is daily meditation. It's my time to connect with my source, my divinity, my light. It's my opportunity to connect to my true self, and get answers to many of my questions, direction, my time when I most experience unconditional love, my moment of peace.

Wow!!! It seems each question takes me deeper into myself.

4. Would you tell us a little bit about your mobile Reiki practice?

My mobile Reiki practice is just like the name says, mobile. It's part and parcel of who I am as a person: I don't like to feel encumbered or tied down, and I like the freedom of being able to meet people at different locations, and participate in events that wouldn't normally have a Reiki practitioner there. I noticed most people were tired of going to the gym, or having to rush to a class of one kind or another. A lot of people don't have the energy to add anything else on their plate. Many people tell me they like the privacy of their own environment, and some say they don't have time to add another appointment to their a schedule; however, if they didn't have to leave the house....

Mobile Reiki speaks to all of these issues, and I can relate to most of what people were telling me because these people are me, either now or at one point in my life. I love working out in the privacy of my own home, creating my own schedule; there was a time when I had ZERO energy to do anything, and Reiki is a energy balancing therapy that not only enhances a person's energy level, but it also makes people feel good. NONE of the people I spoke to had a problem with feeling good--in fact, EVERYONE is open to feeling good. BINGO!!! Reiki makes you feel good, which then makes you want to do other things that make you feel good, work out, eat right, create a hobby, seek more interesting friends, improve your intimate relationships and so on and so on....

Reiki, I discovered, is a catalyst for introducing ALL other healthy habits into your life, which in turn makes you healthier by default. POW!!!

I ask my clients at the beginning of a session or before a demonstration, if they are willing to set an intention to feel good, and surrender to the process. Everyone is is usually OK with that request.

5. What else would you like readers to know about Reiki and about your work as a Reiki practitioner?

I'd like people to know that there are no silver bullets; Reiki can be an invaluable part of a consistent self-care regimen that has enormous health and spiritual benefits, but it's not everything. We have to be willing to love ourselves enough to make our wellness a top priority in our lives. No one can give that to a client, not your family, your lover, or your Reiki practitioner. We have to be brave enough to participate in your own rescue. The Reiki practitioner is not the healer; we are conduits, vessels, supporters, but we are not the healers. That comes from a higher source and within the individual. We all have the power to heal ourselves and bring our body into its healthiest state with self-healing, but sadly, many of us are not aware of this power.

Sharing Reiki continues to be a humbling experience to me on so many levels, and most importantly, it gives me tremendous joy to be a part of another person's journey. 

It takes one person to change your life, YOU!

Love Light & Healing,

Pauline

Thanks, Pauline!

Meet Ariel de Lion, Artist, Musician, and Entrepreneur

Ariel de Lion is an Israeli-American, Brooklyn based Artist, Musician, and Entrepreneur. As a conceptualist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Ariel has led several musical and art projects most known by DE///LION, Punk hapoalim, Casino Ayalon, She Lion, and Hostel Ayalon. Best known for his multidisciplinary approach, he is also the creative force and founder of the start-up company and Brooklyn Art collective, Music Wagon. You may also know Ariel as the founder of the Lower East Side radio station, LES.FM at the Ludlow Studio and The founder of Hostel Ayalon, non-for-profit venue in Tel Aviv, Israel.

1. When did you first start playing music--what was the first instrument you learned?

8 years old, guitar and singing. I was awful and lazy, but I got better as the years went by. At year 11, I had my first band with Erez Moshe. It was a punk band, and we rocked the school holiday event, and everybody was terrified. The song was about a whore named Zippy and none of the words made any sense, but me and Erez convinced Assaf Efraim Weisman, a fat kid that was always shy, to come up and sing--he asked "but what should I do," and we told him just scream the words when we tell you. Assaf was standing with his back to the people, and once I gave him the key, he screamed so hard that it was terrifying, better than anything we could possibly imagine to the point that, me and Erez couldn't stop laughing in the show--it was painfully funny but yet so good! All the older kids in school where like, these young kids know how to Rock!

2. What does it mean to you to describe your work as conceptual?

It's a big word, but it doesn't mean anything but a fine way of saying weird. Besides being a musician, I am a writer, I curate weird events, and I'm always part of weird stuff. Calling it conceptualist is like calling a gardener a landscape architect.

3. How do you balance your time and your work between New York and Tel Aviv?

For the past 6 years, I have only been based in New York. In my 20s, I used to be all over the place, and I love Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, and Australia and what I've done there. But, I need the size of New York to focus and operate.

4. What are some projects you're working on right now?

Apart from She Lion, I am working now on a collection documentary and a record that will sum up the 2-3 years we lived in The Music Wagon StART up collective in Bushwick 2011-2013: 150 people, artists, DJ's, visionary preachers were living there along those 2 magical years and the Blue Bus. Emerging from the Lower East Side, The Living Theatre, LES.FM radio, the Ludlow studio, Mr. Bugsly present and the Rainbow gathering along with the House Of Yes across the street, Aldorado Afters with Burymeinbrooklyn under our shaking asses. I have so much material, and finally I got the time to work on something to remember, super excited. Gonna be super real s**t!

5. How do your strengths as an entrepreneur help you as a musician--would you tell us more about your work as an entrepreneur?

I was always interested with hosting--being modest, I am a great host. So it started with me having always the best houses, where all the kids hang, and later on it became venues with my bed somewhere under a guitar amp.

Then, in 2005 I opened my first real venue, Hostel Ayalon in Tel Aviv, a non-for-profit venue that hosts art events and music shows, and we recorded a bunch of albums there, too.

In 2011, I got offered to open a radio station in the lower east side at a mythologic rehearsal space from the 90s, where Blondie, David Bowie, and the Ramones used to practice. I opened there the LES.FM, the Lower East Side Radio, with the help of the neighborhood legends such as Clyton Paterson, Judith Malina, The Living theatre, John Zorn, The stone, Max Fish, Pink pony and Pianos. They were the main reason of the radio station's success. We gained 1000s of simultaneous listeners in three months.

But as usual in New York, they sold the building, and we all moved to our next entrepreneurship, The Music Wagon. The radio crew and the Living Theatre crew combined forces at a warehouse in Bushwick in 2012. We bought an old prison bus and converted it to a mobile radio station, and I went to Israel for several months to cut a deal with a development company that built for us an app for broadcasting, and we opened up a start-up art collective. In 2014, the start-up got nominated for the top 40 start-ups of the year by Tech Weak, sponsored by American Airlines.

These days we are working on a documentary, collection record that will sum up those magical 2-3 years, and we will have something to remember.

Thanks, Ariel!

Introducing Living in Brüklyn by Joe Bloch

Joe Bloch is an artist who lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. He has been running a Kickstarter campaign to fund his latest product, Living in Brüklyn, which is a series of paintings, products, and prints offering a unique perspective on Brooklyn with an industrial edge that is also influenced by street art, impressionism, and graphic design.

But the best way to get to know his project is to check out some examples of his work, like these paintings.

The Kickstarter campaign launched in mid-May and will run through June 13, 2015. You can also learn more about Joe Bloch and see lots of samples of his work at www.creativebloch.com.

The premiums for donors to the Kickstarter are really cool and include original artwork, such as these signed prints.

The paintings in this series are made over a long process involving many layers of acrylics. The days-long process creates a unique depth of color.

Really, the more I look at Joe's work, the more I wish I could see it in person. He has over 25 years of experience as an artist, and his knowledge of Brooklyn's overlooked buildings, cars, and other aspects of the city come through in a bold and intriguing way.

If you're looking to support the work of a creative and independent artist, check out this Kickstarter!

Introducing Ateaz Organic Coffee & Tea

Over the last few years, I've shifted more and more into organic foods, and beverages are no exception. If you likewise are a fan of organic coffee and tea, check out a company called Ateaz. Based in New York, Ateaz operates an online boutique selling artisan organic coffee and tea blends.

Ateaz offers a variety of blends and flavors of tea. Browsing the site, I'd say there's something for every taste. For example, there are lots of loose teas, from black tea to chai tea to dessert tea to detox tea. You can order the loose teas in sample zip pouches that give you enough tea to make five to seven cups and try the tea before ordering in larger amounts. And the site also has lots of tea accessories for sale, such as infusers and teapots.

As for organic coffee, you can find all manner of roasts, from light to dark. And there are decaf as well as caffeinated blends. When I visited the site, the featured coffee was an Organic Ethiopian Yergacheffee (Medium Dark Roast); this coffee was described on the site as peppery and zesty. You can get more of an idea about each roast by reading the individual descriptions on the site, as well as customer reviews that have been posted.

Another great fact about Ateaz is that they offer free shipping on any order, anywhere in the United States. Learn more at www.aateaz.com. It's definitely an affordable place to check out some organic beverages, and you may find a new favorite or two.

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!

Introducing ChronoStore, An Online Watch Retailer Based in New York

A leading online retailer for watches and jewelry, ChronoStore is based in Manhattan, New York. The jewelers at ChronoStore have decades of experience in customizing and selling watches, and they also offer a full-service repair center. Whether you're looking for a watch that will last many years, or you're wanting to restore a watch by having it professionally repaired, ChronoStore is a great resource to check out. They also sell a large collection of professionally inspected preowned watches. Learn more about Chronostore's services by clicking here.

1. How and when did Chronostore get started?

We first started selling jewelry in 1992, with only two employees. In 2000, we added watches to our inventory, and our business grew from there. Now we have over eleven employees, from salespeople to photographers to website administrators--and of course, several watchmakers.

2. What services do you offer for online customers?

We strive to offer competitive pricing and a solid return policy. We have low prices every day, including a special deal of the day that gives customers even more of a discount on our already discounted prices.

We have a 100% 14-day hassle free return policy, with no restocking fee for returned merchandise.

To meet our customers' needs when it comes to quality, selection, and pricing, we sell a variety of preowned watches. We also sell customized watches, which can include custom diamonds on face of the watches and/or the bands. We work with customers to create a unique watch by customizing dials and bands in many different ways.

3. What are some of the benefits for customers when it comes to choosing preowned watches instead of brand new ones?

All of the preowned watches we sell have been professionally inspected, so customers know they are getting a product that works well and isn't a cheap knock-off. Our watches are 100% authenticity guaranteed. With a preowned watch, you can get an expensive, high-quality watch for a fraction of the price.

4. When it comes to buying a watch for someone else as a gift, what are some tips you would offer?

Be sure to keep the receipt for 14 days, giving the recipient time to decide if they might need to return the watch for any reason. You should also keep the box and all the papers or manuals that came with the purchase. If any of items that came bundled with the item are missing, it makes it difficult for the item to be resold. Although there is no restocking fee, if you have to return an item and are missing any of the packaging, etc, ChronoStore will charge for the missing part which is usually more expensive because it's very hard to replace.

5. What are some good criteria for deciding when it's wise to have a watch repaired and when it might be time to buy a new watch?

We find that generally people buy a new watch because they want to own something new or stylish.

On the other hand, many people have a much-loved watch that they've owned for many years--or they might inherit a watch from a family member. Please bear in mind that all watches are repairable. Although watches can't always be repaired with their original parts, their parts can be replaced with after market parts which last the same amount of time--if not longer. In fact, after market parts sometimes function better than the original ones. When it comes to having a watch repaired, the labor and the parts are also very affordable.

Meet Jonathan Real, Magician and TV Host

Jonathan Real, a master magician from New York, performs close-up magic for small, intimate audiences that often include chart-topping musicians and celebrities. You may have seen Jonathan on Real Magic TV (RMTV); the show features Jonathan's magic skills as well as his ability as a celebrity interviewer.

Jonathan has performed for a variety of celebrities, from Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz, to Dan Aykroyd and Kevin Bacon. He also donates his time and magic skills to coaching youngsters as a Director at the Society of Young Magicians.

Learn more about RMTV on Hulu and YouTube.

1. How did you first become interested in magic?

I was always enamored with magic. When I was four or five, I saw a magician perform at a birthday party and was immediately hooked. There is something about it: it has the ability to take an audience on a journey. It makes us realize that there is much more in life than what we see. To be able to bring that feeling to people, and more recently, mainstream celebrities, is just amazing.

2. Would you tell us a little bit about the concept behind Real Magic TV and how you got involved with the show?

Real Magic TV was born from a film project called "Real Magic New York." The original film followed me around the state of NY performing magic in support of the Twin Towers Fund. At the tail end of the benefit project, I was invited to perform for the com band Sevendust. The band's appearance opened the door to a host of record labels and artists wanting to get involved with a magic/music show. We originally called it "RMNY Backstage" but quickly changed the name to "Real Magic TV" after the third taping, and it has stuck ever since.

The concept itself is extremely original. In a nutshell, I am invited backstage at popular music shows to do magic for the bands. The show captures both the magic and a relaxed conversation I have with each band.

A few years ago we added live music performances to the show as well and had the honor of debuting Jason Mraz's hit "I'm Yours" with an exclusive acoustic multiple-cam recording four years before its release. The performance has been viewed millions of times worldwide and launched a whole series of acoustic sessions that we continue to do to this day.

3. How can viewers of RMTV interact with you online and share suggestions of tricks they want to see you perform?

We have just launched a special website for just that purpose: http://www.challengethemagician.com. Viewers can submit their own magic idea videos for me to view and tackle on the program. The site allows the public to see all of the submissions and vote on their favorites. We've seen everything from card tricks to mentalism/seeing through blindfolds and escape requests come in so far.

4. What do you find to be the most fun--and the most challenging--about performing magic?

The fun part is easy: performing magic is extremely rewarding. Seeing the smile on someone's face is incredible and what I strive for in every performance.

The challenging part is practicing and keeping on top of your game. I'm in a really unique place with this show because unlike most magicians performing on stage or in front of a large crowd, I am most often performing for an audience of one. And that one person is a well-known celebrity with a loyal following. The first few tapings we did were extremely nerve-wracking, realizing that if I mess up an effect, not only will this person know about it, but potentially millions of their fans as well. But with risk comes reward, and my career was launched by so many mainstream artists that shared with their fan bases the great stuff I was able to do for them.

5. For people who want to improve their own skills as magicians, what's your best advice?

Practice makes perfect. As secretive as magic is, there are groups across the country that can help you learn the art and perfect it. I joined one such organization (The Society of Young Magicians) at the age of 12, but they welcome people as young as seven who have an interest.

Other than that, you need to perform for as many people you can once you have perfected a trick. And before you have it down perfect, perform for yourself, for a video camera or for other magicians. It's a lot like music: you aren't going to be very good at it at first, but with experience you can really create great and memorable performances.

Thanks, Jonathan!

Meet Liv Kirby, Actor, Dancer, and Model

Liv Kirby was born in Queensland, Australia and was brought up in Sydney and Melbourne. Liv began acting classes at age 12 at the National Theatre in the heart of Melbourne.

From acting Liv then started exploring the world of dance, and by age 15 she was dancing professionally in renowned hip hop crews situated in Melbourne. In 2012 Liv received her Diploma of Modeling and Business of Modeling from the Model Academy and since has been involved in many photo shoots as well as had the opportunity to walk for L'Oreal.

In July 2012 Liv made the move to the United States to take part in the Hollywood Immersive program at Margie Haber Studios in L.A. She then found her love for New York and relocated there. Since her move, she has been undertaking training in Musical Theatre and will be graduating from New York Film Academy in February which will take her onto her next chapter.

1. How did you first become interested in acting?

I first began acting classes at age 12, and at that time what drew me to acting were films I had seen and actresses who were around my age, such as Dakota Fanning--I really admired her talent and career because she could give such influential performances at such a young age, which gave me insight that this could be something I could do. I wasn't really introduced to the theatre till I was around 14. So I enrolled in acting for film classes first and then later also enrolled in acting for the stage.

I found acting as a way to express myself. When I was younger, I was painfully shy. I wouldn't talk to family or friends, and people at my school would spend hours with me just to see if I could say "Hi." So it was quite surprising that I really enjoyed acting. I guess I felt like when I was portraying characters, I didn't have to be myself--when I was acting, I was somebody else, and that helped me through my shyness.

2. What do you see as the connections between acting and dance?

Both of them to me are ways to express yourself in a creative way. Both of them allow you to put yourself, your emotions, and your experiences into an art form. I was taught by one of my wonderful teachers that "Words don't matter; they don't mean anything." It's all about your reaction. I find this so true--the powerful moments in plays are the reactions from one another. This goes for dance as well because your reaction to the music is what makes a piece so beautiful--the audience can tell when you are just doing choreography or when you are really embracing the music you're dancing too.

Acting and dance go hand in hand for me. I've seen dancers dance without feeling, and I can be guilty of that, too, when you're so focused on picking up the choreography because you might be in a class that's moving along really fast, or in an audition and trying to remember everything they're throwing at you. But in the end it's up to you to bring the movement to life, and that's when acting comes into play.

3. How do you balance your work as a model, dancer, and actor?

Right now, I'm focusing on acting, dance, and singing. I'm training full-time and developing my skills to their fullest potential and then will start auditioning and working again early next year upon my graduation. I've found with balancing everything it's important to do the things that excite you. There's nothing worse then working on a project that you don't enjoy: it's like working a job you hate. I'm horrible at saying no to things, so I found at times I really had to step back and work out my priorities. I just have to make sure that the projects I put myself forward for are things that I will happily commit myself to 100%.

4. What prompted your move from Australia to the United States, and how has your career developed following the move?

In 2012 I got into an acting program called Hollywood Immersive which was in L.A. It was an intensive for 10 days. I planned to stay for three weeks and see L.A., travel to San Francisico for a few days, and end the trip with New York. What was meant to be three weeks quickly changed to three months, and in that time I had fallen in love with NYC. After that I caught a flight back to Australia, packed up my room, and moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan with two other housemates.

Since 2012 I have learned SO much about the industry and about how important networking and education is. I've taken these few years to work on develop my talents and explore the art of auditioning in New York, which really is a career in itself, haha. I've meet so many wonderful people from directors to agents to Broadway stars to composers who have all given me such great advice that I've taken with me to auditions and classes and have been able to apply to my work. Networking I have learned is definitely a big part of starting off in New York--more than most of the time it's about who you know, so I definitely feel I'm on the right path.

5. As you look ahead to the next year or so, what do you hope to accomplish?

Once I finish the current training program I'm in early next year, I'm looking to going back out and auditioning as much as I can and taking the experiences that come my way. I will still keep taking classes as I don't think you ever stop learning and bettering yourself and your skills, so that will always play a big part to me. I've given myself a goal, and that's that by the time I'm 27 I'll have had my first Broadway show. I'm almost 21, so I'm going to work hard and stay motivated and dedicated to the arts and strive to reach that goal and enjoy my journey there.

Thanks, Liv!

Introducing Cowan Introductions

How many single people live in the United States? This question inspired the creation of New York City's Cowan Introductions. The company's founder and professional matchmaker Ms. Lorene Cowan works every day to help people who want to find true love.

Ms. Cowan herself was born and raised in New York City and holds a bachelor's in Communications. She started her matchmaking career as she worked on various projects in wellness and life coaching and found a natural focus on topics ranging from finding love to working through personal life issues. With Cowan Introductions, Ms. Cowan provides a service in areas of life too often neglected due to hectic schedules and busy lifestyles.

Cowan Introductions offers a different type of matchmaking service. The company differentiates itself from competitors by offering a concierge experience for its clients. Ms. Cowan is a Certified Life Coach, and before a client begins going out on dates, she sets up a coaching session with him or her to see if he or she is really committed to the process. This is separate from the client's initial consultation. Step two, she sets up a mock date to test the client's dating skills. If a client is in need of a makeover, a stylist will be provided to help adjust the client's image. Step three is to set the client up with a compatible match. Step four, Ms. Cowan will plan the date and set it up. After the date, she will have a conversation with her client and the client's date for feedback and to figure out the next step.

In addition to offering matchmaking services, she also coordinates Just Us Single Ladies Seminars. During these monthly events, women come together to discuss challenges in relationships. In a 90-minute semiar, Ms. Cowan offers advice on how to successfully date as a professional single woman. She is also at work on her first book, Just Us Single Ladies: A Matchmaker's Formula for Attracting, Engaging and Keeping the Man You Want.

Ms. Cowan was once a client for a very high-end matchmaking company and did not receive the service she deserved as a paying client. Though this experience was disappointing, it became clear to her that the high-volume environment, which is common in traditional matchmaking agencies, could not offer the personalized service that is needed when connecting two people. From this experience, Ms. Cowan found the desire to improve the matchmaking experience. She is now devoted to providing exceptional customer service that her elite clientele deserves.

Meet K.O. Giuseppe, Author

K.O. Giuseppe, author of Bonnie and Klyde + 2 Cats, is currently based in Los Angeles, California. He was born in Nigeria and raised in the United States in Queens, NY and Bridgeport, CT. According to KOG, writing is the only art form that transfers the power of imagination to anyone bold enough to read. Visit him online at his website, as well as on Twitter.

1. How did you first become interested in writing?



For a long time, I never felt interested in writing because coming from a different country, Nigeria, proper English was my biggest barrier. Plus. growing up in the inner city, reading was never the cool thing to do, so in order to fit in, I had to despise books. Silly now that I think about it, but that's how it was coming up in the inner city, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. My hatred of the literary craft led me to a stronger math comprehension and visual expression. After I graduated college, quit my good job, and took a journey to California, God guided me towards writing. Natasha and I, plus our two cats, were living in a car, with no electricity, no internet, and no home, but I had a pen and pad. I believe that that was God's way of telling me to write, and that's what I did.

2. What do you see as the pleasures--and the difficulties--of being an artist in today's world?



The pleasures of being an artist are also the difficulties of being an artist in today's world. It is pleasant to think differently from the status quo, but it is extremely difficult to be understood when you think differently. People categorize artists as crazy, simply because they see things differently. So the smart artist learns to fit in, sometimes.

3. If you had to describe your writing to someone who had never read any of your work before, what would you say?



I would say keep an open mind before reading. My books capture moments, so if I was angry at that moment a few years ago, you will feel the anger when you read it; same thing goes for happiness and sheer dumbness--yes, there is a hell of a lot of dumbness.

4. Would you tell us a bit more about your memoir, Bonnie and Klyde + 2 Cats?



Yes. Bonnie and Klyde + 2 Cats: Journey of a Starving Artist is a nonfiction book about my journey from Connecticut to California. I quit my good engineering job in Connecticut, got into my Jeep with my girlfriend plus her two cats, and spontaneously moved to California. We hit hard times, living out of the Jeep and sneaking cats in and out of motels. I would call it a fun survival guide with a DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME warning label.

5. As someone who writes both fiction and nonfiction, what do you find to be the unique challenges of each genre?

The challenge of writing nonfiction is not writer's block, but the underground demon I call procrastination. I love to experience life, then sit and write about my experiences, but that procrastination devil always has a chore for me to do: wash a car, go shopping, clean up, whatever it takes to avoid writing. The challenges of writing fiction are writer's block and realism. Writing fiction is like making Mars believable on Earth. The more outlandish the idea, the harder you have to work to make it believable to the reader.

Thanks, KOG!