Miami Shoot

MSM Online

Culinary, MSM Online

Father’s Day Feast Ideas in Coconut Grove

Enjoy a Giorgio Rapicavoli prix fixe brunch menu from 11AM – 4PM on Sunday, June 16th at Glass and Vine in Coconut Grove Paella for Two Enjoy a bottle from Peacock Garden Bistro’s collection of Albariño wine served best with a Paella for two!  2889 McFarlane Road Coconut Grove Wine It Down with Dad Grab a seat and let Jaguar serve you this Father’s Day with a 16 oz Sirloin Steak & Bottle of specialty wines! 3067 Grand Ave Coconut Grove  

Events, Luxury, MSM Online

A Look Back At Miami Fashion Week

  By Karen Huggins Miami has become the capital of Latin America and  Miami Fashion Week has shown us why. Five days full of fashion, Latin American designers and colorful collections. The first day we started with the press conference at the Kimpton EPIC Miami and a Kick Off party at Saks Fifth Avenue Brickell where fashionistas, fashion lovers, celebrities and influencers, gathered to preview beautiful pieces of different designers. Guests enjoyed music, cocktails and bites from Casa Tua. The second day, the show begins! We started early in the morning with the MIAFW summit “Sustainability & Technology”. This is one of my favorite topics in fashion, all the trends and new projects of different brands to make the fashion industry a sustainable industry. In the afternoon, Rene Ruiz opened the fashion week shows at Ice Palace Film Studios with the launch of his new brand: Rene by RR, a younger line that goes from day to evening. The following show, Agatha Ruiz de La Prada; a funny, colorful and playful collection. First row with Spanish celebrities such as Amaia Salamanca, Nieves Alvarez, and Antonio Banderas…. Third day of Miami Fashion Week, beautiful shows from Daniella Batlle, Herminas Reea and Vero Diaz. I loved the top designer of Haute Couture dresses, Herminas Reea collection; the dresses with sumptuous fabric choices and accessories for their hair were gorgeous.  After the runways, The MIAFW Benefit Gala was celebrated at Faena Forum in South Beach. Antonio Banderas hosted the event and the Colombian singer Juanes had the crowd dancing. On Saturday, the Influencers brunch took place at Seaspice Restaurant. A morning full of Mimosas and fashion. At 3:00 PM the shows started with Dash, then Miami Fashion Institute, Glory ANG and Fernando Alberto. Miami Fashion Week closed the last day with Jenny Polanco, Arcadio Diaz, Jacqueline Then and Gianinna Azar runway. Gianinna’s collection was amazing with chic looks for day and night. After the shows, the closing party began at Ice Palace Film Studios. A beautiful week that highlighted the importance Miami is gaining every year in Fashion.

Cover Stories, Fashion, MSM Online

7 Influencers That RULE Miami

Photography by 313 Films ? @313_Films / Makeup by Daria Marchik @MakeupbyDariia   Miami is progressively making its name in the Fashion Industry.  The Fashion scene has rapidly evolved and continues to do so on a daily basis.    The City is host to several annual fashion and trade show events such as Apparel Textile Sourcing Miami (ATS), Miami Fashion Week (MIAFW) & Miami Swim Week. These events bring together designers, producers, buyers & trade professionals from all around the world, not to mention the thousands of attendees that flock Miami to take part in these events.    There are several epicenters within the city that are helping fuel Miami’s Fashion growth. Places such as Shops at Merrick Park, Brickell City Center, Miami Design District, Wynwood, Aventura Mall & The Shops at Bal Harbor just to name a few.   But aside from the significant events & stylish epicenters, Miami has influencers that are continuously spreading the word on the latest trends and happenings in their own unique way. These influencers are making a difference and contributing to the growth of Miami’s Fashion Scene.   MSM met up with seven influencers that Rule Miami in the world of fashion. Hope you get to see & meet some of these amazing women around town at the upcoming events !     Annie of TheFashionPoet & AnnieTheAlchemist  is a fashion, travel and beauty expert and journalist who has been coined as one of the pioneers of Miami’s fashion blogging community. Accolades: This young entrepreneur was voted Miami’s Top Fashion Blog by The New Times and recently was awarded Best Fashion Content Creator Award at the Hispanicize x Telemundo Awards. Her work has been featured in glossies such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, The New York Times, Life, Refinery 29 and more.  She was the first blogger in Miami to score a major campaign with fashion brand Coach where she produced and starred in a 1 minute commercial for them. Savvy and creative, Vazquez  has gone on to work for several other brands as a spokesperson, model and consultant. Some of these top tier brands include Mercedes Benz USA, Bailey’s, Peroni, Tresmme, Victoria Secret Pink, 7 for All ManKind, Forever 21, H&M, Express, Macy’s, Express, Bloomingdales, TMobile and Sprint. Innovator: Vazquez has produced several events to unify the city’s fashion community. These include setting up educational fashion panels at Soho House, putting together the city’s first “Fashion Blogger’s Night Out at Neiman Marcus and launching the first blogger based event at Miami Swim Week Lounge called “Escape Miami”. Additionally, she cofounded Miami’s first fashion blogger networking event called “Fashion Bloggers Do It Better 1& 2” and to give back to her community, “Fashion for a Cause Campaign to raise funds for breast cancer. Plus, Google asked her to create the first ever Miami Fashion Blogger Page which has over 300K followers. On Camera: Always with her finger on the city’s pulse, Vazquez is often featured on several networks such as NBC, Fox, CBS producing fashion and lifestyle segments. as well as online for Nylon Magazine. At Mercedes Benz Swim Week, she served as ambassador and interviewed celebrities, designers, and guests. Aside from modeling in commercials, Vazquez also believes in the power of film. She produced the first ever fashion blogging documentary called Blogging Behind the Seams” to showcase how the industry works.  Teacher:  One thing Vazquez is passionate about is teaching others. She is often asked to lead fashion blogging and styling workshops at universities like Nova, University of Miami, and The Art Institute as well as for major corporations like Crystal Line Cruises and Soho House. Designer: “Lil Miss Miami” is her first jewelry line to pay homage to the city she grew up in. After a year of research, Vazquez decided to team up with a local jewelry maker and create her first ever capsule collection which has already been featured on the runway of Mercedes Benz Swim Week and was carried at over 9 boutiques in Miami and online. Today, she has her own wellness brand called AnnietheAlcemist.com which consists of positive tees, crystal kits, affirmations, and more.  Follow her on Instagram ? @TheFashionPoet @AnnieTheAlchemist  Karen Huggins is a Venezuelan fashion & travel influencer, stylist, designer and personal shopper based in Miami who spends as much time as possible on her greatest passion: traveling and exploring new things. What she loves most are the people she meets and the way every place expresses fashion. “It’s about getting out of your comfort zone and enjoy the great adventure that life is”. Karen was born in Venezuela, she studied International Foreign Affairs, and she has been living abroad since October 2007, taking a piece of every place in her heart: from Barcelona the beautiful multicultural philosophy, from Madrid the joy, from Argentina the passion, from Miami the sunshine state of mind and from Venezuela the Latin flavor. Karen has collaborated with many brands ranging from high street to high fashion, such as Fendi, Miu Miu, The Outnet by Net-A-Porter, Ann Taylor, Ritz Carlton, Victoria’s Secret, Eggie to name a few. Fashion is her passion and she loves to share her style, travel tips and insights around the world “fashion is for everyone and most importantly, style is all about being effortless chic”. Traveling around the world with her partners in crime David and Teddy (husband and a little mini toy poodle dog), Karen creates visual stories for fashion, beauty and travel inspiring multifaceted and cosmopolitan women with styles that take you from the office to happy hour to date night; sharing her passion for lifestyle and wanderlust with her followers around the world. Follow her on Instagram ? @karenhuggins_blog Erin Nicole is a local fashion blogger and the creator of Erin Nicole TV on YouTube. She started her channel in 2014 while working as the CHANEL Beauty Business Manager in Nashville, Tennessee. Previously, she worked in broadcasting as a local News Anchor in New Orleans, Louisiana which prompted her to pursue her passion for fashion and beauty. Three years ago, she moved to Miami and immediately fell in love with the unique culture and spirit of south Florida. Her blog and YouTube channel are dedicated to luxury

Events, MSM Online

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT 2019 ISSUE CELEBRATION AT SEASPICE

Seaspice Brasserie and Lounge, celebrated the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue last Friday Night. Those in attendance included Tyra Banks, Anne de Paula, Barbara Palvin, Brooks Nader, Camille Kostek, Danielle Herrington, Erin Willerton, Hailey Clauson, Haley Kalil, Hunter McGrady, Jasmine Sanders, Jessica Aidi, Kate Bock, Kelsey Merritt, Lais Ribeiro, Manuela Alvarez Hernandez, Myla Dalbesio, Olivia Brower, Olivia Culpo, Paulina Porizkova, Raine Michaels, Robin Holzken, Samantha Hoopes, Tara Lynn, Veronica Pome’e, Winnie Harlow, Barbara Palvin, Dylan Sprouse and more. Friday Night, 30+ Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Models and guests flocked to Seaspice to celebrate the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swim issue. The night kicked off with models including cover girls Tyra Banks and Camille Kostek with boyfriend Rob Gronkowski arriving by way of a new 100ft. Azimut Yacht provided by MarineMax Yachts and outfitted by Seaspice & Moet Chandon followed by red carpet affair overflowing with press and an evening of dining and entertainment in the Seaspice main dining room. Ladies were dressed to the nines in designers such as Berta, Laquan Smith, and Deivant La Vie. SI Rookies Winnie Harlow, Halimi, Tara Lynn amonst others celebrated riverside with champagne parades and dancing the night away. Located on the banks of the Miami River, exemplifies the essence of waterfront dining. The restaurant offers seating for 350+ guests in a post-industrial warehouse outfitted in unexpected and sophisticated nautical touches. The brasserie embraces the idea of gastro-classic dining, elevated to new heights via modern techniques and a heartfelt commitment to quality. Dining accommodations include the main dining room and bar, an exterior courtyard lounge, a luscious garden bar, a covered patio, and the Modern Garden. Offering a great setting for private and corporate events, Seaspice has brought a vision unlike any other to the Miami River, where locals and tourists flock to get a taste of the signature wood-fired casseroles and specialty crafted cocktails, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Miami River, the downtown skyline, and the gorgeous Floridian sunsets.  

Fashion, Health & Fitness, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online

EIGHTSPACE Runway Show

Photocredit: Marcus Brown/MSMOnline Everything health, fitness, fashion and lifestyle with The Retreat By Funksion took place at Paradise Plaza featuring Alala, All Fenix, Bala Bangles, Ernest Leoty, Koral Lanston, Michi, Recess, Splits59, Track and Bliss, The Upside, Urban Savage and Year Of Ours.  

Beauty, Entertainment, MSM Online

BIRTHDAY’S THIS WEEK: Joanna Krupa Turns 40 on April 23rd ??

  By Nadja Atwal Joanna Krupa has graced over 300 magazine covers over the years worldwide – and many titles: “most beautiful supermodel of the world”, “sexiest swimsuit model”, even “sexiest woman” Parallel to modeling acting and TV hosting she has always dedicated plenty of time and action to help the weakest link in society – animals. As a result, PETA featured her in countless campaigns : from anti-fur to anti-zoo and gave her several awards. Blessed with beauty and fame Krupa has always stayed humble and never believed the world owed her anything for being pretty. She is a hard worker and has her priorities straight: Family comes first. After her first marriage failed she felt luck that she found new loved with Hollywood film and TV producer Douglas Nunes. Now happily married again and eager to start her own family, Krupa does not fear but welcomes the big 40 with open arms. And why shouldn’t she ,since also her career is busier than ever. Just 2018 BILD newspaper named her one of the top Instagram stars, she has been successfully hosting Poland’s Next Top Model for years, has her own lingerie line Esotique, shoots movies and is praised by the media as a trendsetter and fashion icon. She also has successfully been running her own animal charity Angels For Animals that rescues pets and places them with new owners.  The beautiful blonde spoke exclusively with us about beauty, fitness and what really matters to her on life. Joanna, you are living proof that 40 is the new 25 (and without a facelift), but please don’t tell us it’s just drinking water that makes you look this fantastic…                Thank you thats very sweet and a huge compliment  …..I have always taken care of my skin since I was in High School, as my mom always told me how important it is to keep your skin moisturized which will help in slowing down the aging process…..As the years went by I stuck to that and growing up I didn’t spend a lot of money on face creams as I think  most of them of them are overrated and just a marketing tool. There are a few products I value and therefor put my name behind in. On the Skincare front I really like Elphia Beauty, since it’s innovative, effective and cruelty free. Every skin is different, but mine is more on the dry side – so the rich serum is perfect for me and camomile ingredient calms my skin down after days full of travel and TV make up. I also use the Elphia exfoliating gel to get rid of any makeup build up and dead skin and after that  I apply the serum to give me extra moisturizing and anti-aging nutrients . Oh and I never go to bed without putting Lucas Papaw ointment on which feels like Vaseline ( I used Vaseline most of my life under the eyes until I learned they test on animals) and I have used it for years to prevent any creases during sleep and I also never sleep with my face in the pillow as it will cause wrinkles ..Instead I position my pillow so my head is resting on it not my face….As a general take :I believe you have to care for your skin from an early age on though and also teach your children to take care of it and why its important – just like my mother did.You do love the beach, but you are not the ‘bake in the sun type’ , so how do you manage?  I love going to the beach indeed,  but I always cover my face by wearing a hat and sunglasses and tons of sunscreen..I spray tan my body so that way I don’t scare people away with my Casper the ghost natural skin color, but Its worth it because it definitely helps with the aging process.They say Vitamin D – which sun provides – is good for you and I agree, but there is no reason to bake in the sun for hours and not use sun protection as those people will regret it a few years later and wIll be looking for the magic potion that just doesn’t exist to undo all that skin damage….   We love about you that you are a woman  who likes to enjoy life and is not a gym rat necessarily. What are  is your fitness and well-being advice?  I enjoy going to the gym a couple to a few times a week and love hiking those beautiful hills in LA and I have do those spinning classes with friends occasionally . So I am active to keep my metabolism going, but I am definitely not obsessed with fitness. It has never been my goal nor my career to look like a  fitness chick. I always loved to have a feminine body over the “ all lean and muscles” type and that is what my career was all about.I can’t imagine my life going to the gym everyday for hours and doing all these crazy protein shakes etc .I love to live life and enjoy every moment cause you never know when it will end. Why worry about the things you cant change is my motto….Be the best you can be without killing yourself…maintain a healthy diet, but if you feel like having that piece of chocolate go for it…I never tell myself no..I just have learned over the years how to adjust my calories. If  I am craving some sweets and I decide to have some then I would eat less of a lunch or a dinner to balance out my daily calorie intake…Balance and moderation is key, so you also have to have discipline just like with anything in life.  Some people have breakfast, some skip it, but what is your preferred first meal of the day?  It all depends..sometimes I wake up and I am not hungry

Health & Fitness, MSM Online, Tech

The Latest AI-Powered Personal Trainer

Leveraging years of building health and fitness applications, including the world’s leading back pain app, digital therapeutics pioneer Kaia Health is now launching Kaia Personal Trainer, the world’s first full-body virtual personal trainer which tracks exercises, creates personalized fitness plans, counts reps and provides real-time audio feedback.  The app is powered by patent pending AI-powered motion tracking technology and uses just a smartphone (no additional hardware is required). It is like having a personal trainer at home – without having to go to the gym – and is democratizing access to professional physical training and wellness feedback worldwide.  The Kaia Personal Trainer app has been developed with physiotherapists and fitness experts. It combines AI-powered motion tracking technology and personalized training to offer a customized full-body workout featuring a variety of exercises, including the side plank, bridge and reverse crunch.  To activate Kaia Personal Trainer, users stand seven feet away from their smartphone camera and begin exercising with video instructions. The app tracks physical activity with a 16-point system that compares the metrics of actual movement against ideal movement, including the relative positions of limbs and joints, and the angles between them. Kaia Personal Trainer counts the number of reps and provides users with instant, personalized real-time audio feedback, advice and encouragement to improve fitness and performance. Kaia Personal Trainer covers all relevant body parts and muscle groups, including the lower back, core, glutes and hamstrings. The AI-powered motion tracking technology adjusts the difficulty level and exercise based on the user’s feedback – and is particularly suited to those with little experience or training who want to integrate exercise into their lives in a mindful way.  Maximilian Strobel, Head of AI Lab at Kaia Health says: “Kaia Personal Trainer is a full-body workout in your pocket. It uses tech to offer you the experience of a personal trainer anywhere, with real-time performance metrics – without the expensive personal trainer fees. The app puts users in control of their exercise performance with a virtual personal trainer which accompanies their every step. This fosters more intimate connections, establishing a relationship by becoming a part of their everyday routine and integrating with their fitness goals. We’re incredibly excited by our patent pending AI-powered motion tracking technology and virtual personal trainer as it has the potential to democratize access to a sustainable wellness feedback and fitness training worldwide.” Commenting on the unique technology behind the Kaia Personal Trainer, Achilleas Georgiadis, Principle Deep Learning Engineer at Kaia Health, says: “Up until now, specialized hardware like a Microsoft Kinect was required to track the human body. We remove the need for costly hardware using advanced Deep Learning and Machine Learning algorithms and optimized them for mobile. This enables us to track the human body in real time using only the hardware of the smartphone – hence democratizing access at no additional cost.”   

Beauty, MSM Online

Shop on V-Day! Spoil yourself with our editor’s picks

Our 5 top picks to enhance your life and looks.   It’s Valentines Day madness again and most of us get nothing or not what we want on this popular day. Flowers are wonderful, but only last a few days …and I know no Miami beach babe that gets excited over a box of chocolate. No matter, if single or happily together with someone, V-day is a great day to take action and shop for what you really want and what really works. Here our picks.   1.) A little game changer for your daily routine. Heard about Calm? It’s a fantastic App that helps you get through your stressful days via delivering  the right components to relax you, help you sleep and even assist with your meditation.The 5 star rating in the App store is well deserved and it was named one of the best Apps of 2018. Give it a try and feel calm. 2.) We have been testing it for a while now and know that Supermodel Joanna Krupa is not just posing for this brand, but really using it. Of course, we can not expect to right away look over a decade younger like Krupa does, but we are impressed with the steady progress our skin has been making with Elphia. First there is that “wow” effect when you apply the peeling (feels like a light gel) and within seconds your dead skin comes off. No scrubbing, no redness, just smooth skin like a baby’s bum. Then you follow up with the serum; it is rich and really nourishes your skin with too many good ingredients to mention. Your skin will love you for this. 3.) When our hair gets thinner, we panic. And rightfully so. But in a jungle full of empty promises it is hard to find a good bang for your hard earned buck. Now one product from Germany has been making waves recently with an impressive amount of studies from top institutes and universities around the globe. Factor Hair (out in a “for him “ and a “for her” version) promises to regrow hair and it actually does. All that you need  is some patience and daily applying. And please no more shampoos and conditioners with silicon. How can anything good penetrate into your scalp, if you covered it with plastic before? Exactly….   4.) Katarina van Derham is one of those renaissance women that is a jack of all trades and master of several. The successful entrepreneur who runs several beauty lines, a magazine (Viva Glam Magazine) and several fashion websites started out as a hair and make up artist to the stars. Parallel she was highly requested as a model and always got bombarded with compliments on her own make up. Especially her Brigitte Bardot like lip looks. Van Derham wanted to help women to find those lip colors that simply look great on anyone and desired to combine it with the right amount of staying power and shine. Et voila, the result is LA Splash Glamour Garden. The little collection of gorgeous fluid lipsticks is as divine as is the lovely box it comes with. A true self reward… Of course everyone of your girls will love you for a gift like this as well whenever, wherever. 5.) Last but not least something that presents itself as a shortcut  to having an overall happier life. We all have heard of the “Law of Attraction”. But asking the universe for what we want can be a long, tiring process in itself for many. While there is no gain without some pain, there is a way to speed up the good process. The highly praised book “Advanced Law Of Attraction Techniques”  by Eddie Coronado claims to be present the  fastest way to manifest your desires by implementing a Law of Attraction Action Plan. The book delivers very simple, smart mental exercises and solid advice that leads you to a better way to manifest and achieve what you want.    

Entertainment, MSM Online

One on One with Y100’s DJ Frankie P

Whether you are relaxing by the pool, laying on the beach or in dreaded bumper to bumper traffic on the Palmetto Expressway, you can count Y100’s DJ Frankie P to keep you entertained with good music and lots of laughs.  MSM recently caught up with DJ Frankie P to bring you insights on one of Miami’s most loved DJ’s. What inspired you to pursue a career in radio? I actually never intended to be on the radio I sort of just fell into it! A few weeks after graduating high school a friend of mine got me a job on a local radio station here in Miami (97.3 The Coast) working on the promotions team. I remember him saying, “this job is so easy! We drive around Miami, give away free stuff, and talk to people and you’re great with people!” Shortly after joining the promo team I started asking to shadow my boss who was the midday guy on the station and the rest is history. I fell in love, even though I was nervous to talk on a mic, I dedicated all my free time to practicing and learning how to be a personality. Early on I was inspired to be on air because of the art form that was being a personality. Now though I’m inspired by the love of our listeners. The moment someone says you put a smile on their face with something you said on air you become addicted to wanting to make people happy even if it’s just for a few seconds at a time.  How long have you been in radio and how long with Y100? In the industry, it’s been about 8 years but I’ve had my own night show now for 4 years! 2 of those at my dream job here at Y100 (this is where Drake’s Started From the Bottom starts playing).  Outside of radio any news that you should make your listeners and followers aware of?  Well I’m looking to get more involved with local charities. In previous years I always jumped at any opportunity to help out charities that helped those with breast cancer since my mom had it but I’m ready to expand and do more for my community. I also really want to get involved with the Wounded Warrior Project. Over the last year I kept having these amazing conversations with veterans and realized that so many haven’t been able to receive the adequate help they need so that’s definitely my next mission. When it comes to paying bills though I’m always going to be DJing at nightclubs and special events throughout South Florida! Finally, I’m really excited to have just started endorsing Body Armor Super Drink! What are some of your goals for the new year? Not get fired? Haha! No but seriously my goal every year is keep entertaining all of South Florida every evening and providing an escape from the craziness of the world (or just the Palmetto) even if it’s just for a few mins with good music and some laughs.  Any pending possible gigs outside of radio? Of course! While Y100 is where you can find me in the evenings Monday through Saturday I’m always bouncing around on weekends DJing at different clubs and private parties! Excited to say that I will be DJing at Hyde Miami at their Pool Party on February 3rd and at E11EVEN April 23rd. Other possible gigs are still in the works. Stay tuned for what’s to come. Any upcoming events coming up with Y100? Well we just had one of our biggest events before the new year, our Y 100 Jingle Ball presented by Capital One at the BB&T Center! It’s always exciting to see artists like Shawn Mendes, Khalid, and Marshmello but it’s even more exciting to see the looks on our listeners faces before, during, and after the show! Next big show will be probably be Mackapoolooza which we do every summer but in between that time we always invite listeners to our Southwest Sound Stage inside iHeart building whenever artist stop by to do small exclusive performances and meet and greats. Plus you pretty much always find me at every concert hooking it up with ticket upgrades before the show if you’re willing to embarrass yourself publicly for them. When your not in the studio, where in South Florida do you enjoy spending time? Even though I know absolutely nothing about sports I love going to Heat & Dolphins games! I mean let’s be honest most of are us are guilty of spending more time partying and socializing at games than we do actually watching (except for the die hard fans, props to you guys!) Aside from that I bounce around South Florida so much between appearances with Y100 and my DJ gigs that I really love spending time in my new apartment complex, Altis Pembroke Gardens. It’s like living at the FontaineBleau but in the suburbs without all the South Beach traffic (lol) Where can your listeners/fans follow you on social media and where can people reach out to book you? I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. People can follow me @itsFrankieP on all networks. For any bookings/features/etc. you can contact my management company Live Media Inc. at Davidlivemediainc@gmail.com.

Cover Stories, MSM Online

Q&A Sarah Raskey Masterpiece with Nadja Atwal

Interviewed by Nadja Atwal/Photos by Erik Marthaler She’s back! A visionary artist, a licensed clinical professional psychotherapist, certified art therapist and a former graduate art therapy/psychology professor at both the school of the Art Institute of Chicago and DePaul University, MSM sits with Sarah Raskey for our latest cover story. You can find her art at her own Sarah Raskey Fine Art Gallery in West Loop, Chicago where she exhibits her work exclusively. Sarah is also the co-founder/owner of Open Avenue Therapy, a Chicago-based private psychotherapy practice since 2008. She has exhibited nationally and internationally since 2000 and had created a prolific volume of work in both residential and commercial settings. Some of her notable works: She has several pieces at the Kimpton Hotel Allegro in Chicago which includes an 8’ x 6’ three-dimensional self portrait adorned with vintage jewelry, as well as 90’ of custom carpeting. Within the last years she has also created an illuminated 16’ x11’ custom art wall for MB Steak restaurant located in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. What made you decide to make art your profession and how did you get started? I have created since as far back as I can remember and art making could easily be considered my first love. Creating felt like this whole secret world I was connected to that held endless possibilities for me to explore and it came as natural to me as breathing.  In high school I began to take college level courses and I attended university with an art scholarship. I double majored in both art and psychology as I was completely fascinated by art as it related to body, mind and spirit which led to getting my masters in art therapy.  I deeply believed then as I do now, that art held the capacity for profound healing and could be looked at even as a planetary resource. After I graduated from college I began to exhibit and sell my work out of the love of being able to share my work and connect with others, while simultaneously working as a full time art therapist at a mental health facility. My commitment to the potentiality of art manifested into my pioneering that facilities first art therapy program servicing at risk youth living with mental illness as well as becoming a graduate professor at the art institute of Chicago. I guess what I am getting at is that art has always been so integrated into the landscape of my personal life, that art being a large part of my professional or career path was never really a decision as much as it was just never a question.  Ironically during a time period when I was physically debilitated by health issues, it was art once again that I turned to and leaned into more than ever to cope and to heal. Working as a full time art therapist at my private practice during that time period proved to be exceptionally energetically challenging after having undergone several surgeries. So I began again to use my art intensely as a tool to work through parts of my emotional and physical reality, when words were not enough. That moment in time was a pivotal catalyst that shifted my focus to more of the commercial art realm.  There was something so fragile about my health and my gift that I made a promise to my art that once I was finally on the mend, I would give my creative life much more of my time and attention. It was a way to honor my artistic journey while I continued to heal and remained deeply moved to share work differently and more robustly however I could. Some artists don’t support the commercializing of art. Others – like Dali – did it successfully and felt it was simply a way to make their art accessible to more people? Where do you stand on that topic? Entering more fully into an art market was never about anything other than my raw, pure, authentic, love of creating. For years I have been deeply driven to connect with others and cultivate meaningful dialogue about art by the sharing of my self expression. I actually see it as an extension of my work as an art therapist.  My creation of highly customized personal work for clients has undoubtedly been another way to encourage people to engage, reflect and flourish in the art realm as it pertains to their own story. It is similar in nature to that of a tattoo artist by creating something for someone else that holds deep meaning for them that they can look at every day. Perhaps I also subconsciously have always perceived the visual arts to be a bit of an unsung hero. My hero. And one I wanted to spend as much time with as possible. So it has always been a top priority of mine to raise as much awareness and accessibility to the potentiality of the visual arts as possible. This means accepting the gravity of being able to reach as many hearts and minds as possible all over our planet.  In my opinion, so long as does not disenfranchise the integrity of the work of an artist, the commercialization of art can be a healthy vehicle for allowing a broader audience to be an active part of the conversation of arts value – not just from a marketplace perspective but the value that art brings to the table in the way of self care and unity. How did the Chicago art scene react to you given that you are a woman and on top stunningly beautiful? If I am being fully transparent, I struggle to answer this. Whether in Chicago or any place else for that matter, I have always been self conscious that my being a woman in general could interfere with how my art was received and valued. That my appearance could be entirely problematic. That no matter what I have done or

AroundTown, Fashion, MSM Online

Around Town Art Basel

Last night, world-renowned artist, DJ Khaled joined SoleFly and CÎROC Black Raspberry to celebrate the unveiling of the newly released Air Jordan 1 Miami edition during Art Basel Miami Beach. Taking place at a private waterfront property on the prestigious Palm Island, the party was the place to be as Miami locals, influencers and A-listers from the fashion, music and entertainment industry alike joined the popular South Florida sneaker boutique to celebrate the launch. In true Miami fashion, DJ Khaled arrived on a YachtLife yacht accompanied by his wife Nicole, who was celebrating her birthday. The happy couple was all smiles as they arrived, hugging, holding hands and sipping on limited-edition, ultra-premium, CÎROC Black Raspberry cocktails. The night was filled with surprises as guests congregated under the stars for a helicopter drop of the Air Jordan 1 sneakers onto a yacht, and the unveiling of a breath-taking flower sculpture by New York based artist, Mr. Flower Fantastic.   

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