Meet Arijana Rubin of WISHRENT

Arijana Rubin is the founder and CEO of WISHRENT, the world's first and greatest online rental and selling platform for all unique and creative things. You can rent out, borrow, sell, or buy costumes, props, historical clothes, wedding & bridal dresses, LARP & cosplay items, and many other crazy things!

To learn more, visit http://www.wishrent.com/ or check out the WISHRENT page on Facebook.

1. How did you get the idea to start WISHRENT?

As a professional working model, a cosplayer and larper (Live-Action Roleplayer), I often faced the problem that I didn't have the time or the money to craft new accessories, costumes or props for my cosplays and also noticed that production companies or other cosplayers invest a lot of time and money in something they only actually use once or twice (which is a shame). I also had storage space issues--the costumes, props and other special items I possessed took up a lot of time and space. So I thought to myself, wouldn't it be great if people (who own a cool costume or other special item) could rent/lend out costumes to each other for a shorter period of time? That saves not only a lot of time and money, and is sustainable but also enables creative people to earn some money with their work, without having to permanently say goodbye to their treasures. So I came up with WISHRENT, a way to rent out your personal wishes. :) We are the world's largest online platform for the rental and sales of costumes, props and other special clothes and accessories, and anyone can participate!

2. Where do people need to live to be able to use your service?

Most European countries as well as the U.S. and Canada can use my service. Here's a full list of all the countries that can currently use the service: U.S.A, Canada, UK, Germany (the main country using it currently), Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

3. What are some of the most popular items that people have been borrowing so far?

Game of Thrones Dresses and Wigs (a la Daenerys Targaryen), opulent Ballroom Dresses, Fantasy Headdresses, Mermaid Fins/Tails (that one can actually swim in), Fairytale and Princess Dresses, Evening and Wedding Dresses, Elf Armour, and more!

4. What are some benefits for people when it comes to borrowing something rather than buying it outright?

The benefits for people when it comes to borrowing rather than buying it outright are...

For Borrowers:

a.) Saving Money: The borrowers save a lot of money by borrowing. Instead of buying a ballroom dress that costs 500 Euros to buy, they can rent it for a whole week for just 40 Euros a week. Or instead of paying 1500 Euros for a wedding dress that one only needs for one day, they can rent it out on my platform for a price as little as 15 Euro a week! That's saving a lot of money!

b.) Saving Space: Borrowing frees a lot of space for the borrower! Instead of cluttering up their closets by buying a lot of things they only use a few times, they can simply rent out something for a brief while then return it, thus saving them from drowning in the clutter of their homes!

c.) Sustainability, Community and the Environment: We live in an age of over-consumption and materialism! Sharing between one another is not just more sustainable and better for the environment than buying a lot of stuff that gathers dust! You interact more with the community and get to know more people by borrowing rather than just buying!

d.) Save time: Many people make their own costumes and props. By borrowing something you can save a lot of the time spent making it!

e.) Flexibility & Variety: Since borrowing is so much cheaper than buying and you have a huge access to so many creative things--you can try out new looks, costumes or props every week without breaking the bank! That wasn't possible before because you had to buy it!

And for Lenders/Renters:

a.) Make Money: It's a much more sustainable way to make money. Instead of having special things you made or bought sitting around in the dust, you can make them go to work for you. By renting them out, you can cover what it cost to make them or buy them and even earn money. Your trash (or treasure) could be someone else's for a brief time.

b.) Lenders don't have to part with their beloved items forever like sellers have to do! :)

5. Do you have plans to continue to expand WISHRENT in the future--and is there anything else you'd like readers to know about it?

Yes, I have plans to expand WISHRENT into the future and have it reach out to every corner of the world, particularly Asia and mostly Japan (the birthplace of Cosplay!) We are covering a good portion of Europe and North America now but we want to give everyone a chance to rent out amazing things!

There are also plans to turn WISHRENT into a mobile app which is easily accessible for everyone and to institute an Escrow system for safer borrowing procedures!

I would like readers to know that...

1.) One can also SELL and BUY on WISHRENT. Yes, the core market is mostly based on rentals and borrowing, but buying and selling your creative or unique items is also a possibility we have recently introduced! :)

2.) You can save on shipping by using the map view option to find things in your area and pick them up directly from the lender or seller! By borrowing this locally, you save a lot on the shipping costs back and forth! :) Currently we have items all over Germany, but we are also waiting for input from all over the world!

3.) You can sell or lend out anything creative or unique or special on our platform!

4.) For added security regarding the lending procedures, we are asking that all lenders ask for a deposit, ship with tracking, and ask to have their items returned via shipped tracking or use one of our rental contract samples and review people honestly! Our community has so far been trustworthy and there have been no issues, but there could be future black sheep!

5.) We are young; tell your friends and family young and old! This is the most unique platform in a long time, and you won't find such special items anywhere else! :)

Thanks, Arijana!

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 Ellen Frazer-Jameson, Author

Ellen Frazer-Jameson is a journalist, published author, and former BBC broadcaster who hosted the largest late night radio audience program in Europe; she is also an experienced a life coach and theater professional. Ellen lives in Miami Beach and London, and she abides by her mission statement "to be part of the solution."

1. As an author of both fiction and nonfiction, how do you come up with the ideas for your books?

Writing almost every day since I was about seven years old--journals, short stories, essays--my mind is always buzzing. Some stories demand attention, forcing themselves to the front of the line. Much of the creative work I do in dream work, meditation, and reading opens up the imagination to characters, plot, and locations. I always carry a notebook and jot down unusual characters, dialogue, or situations. Writing is great therapy.

2. What inspired you to write your motivational book, Seven Steps to Fabulous?

Seven Steps to Fabulous was a labor of love and started as notes to inspire my god-daughter. Having been in the media and appeared on TV and stage, I believe, like Marlene Dietrich, "The show starts the minute you leave home." Opportunities come unexpectedly, so be dressed and ready for any invitation. Act fabulous.

3. How can writers learn from the theater and other forms of art?

Writers need to open themselves up to all art forms and culture. The imagination is stirred and the color and richness of life can be absorbed and transformed. Theater has all the elements of life on stage plus magic in the spotlight. Extraordinary and good theater always focuses on the great emotional experience that all writing should be striving to deliver to readers. Theater has the advantage of costumes, sets, and music--writers must draw their own pictures with words.

4. What projects are you planning to take on in the second half of 2015?

This year I publish my second novel. It is called Dark Hole in my Soul (4DSB Press). Set in Miami and New York, it follows the lives of three generations of women who display extraordinary courage in facing struggle, challenges, grief, and loss. The story is one of hope, redemption, and forgiveness. The message of the book is that only love heals. There is glamour, romance, and drama.

I will spend the summer in Europe researching my next novel, a follow-up to my first novel, Love Mother Love Daughter (Matador). Research is a very important part of the writing process and travel definitely broadens my mind. Life really is FABULOUS.

Thanks, Ellen!