Tag: Entrepreneur

Categories
FM News Trending

D.C. Young Fly’s Girlfriend, Ms. Jacky Oh!, Passes Away At Age 32

Ms. Jacky Oh!, Girlfriend Of DC Young Fly Passes Away At 32

With heavy hearts, we learn of the unfortunate passing of Ms. Jacky Oh!, birthname Jacklyn Smith. She is the former Wild N’Out star and beloved girlfriend of singer, actor, and comedian D.C. Young Fly. Aged 32 years old, her untimely departure has left a void in many hearts. She left behind three young children named Nova, Nala, and Prince.

Ms. Jacky Oh!’s “Mommy Makeover” Cut Short

According to TMZ, while in the vibrant city of Miami, Ms. Jacky Oh! was undergoing a transformative experience known as a “mommy makeover” when fate dealt a devastating blow. A few months after giving birth to her youngest son, the model, actor, and Shein partner indulged in self-care to enhance her confidence and well-being. It is truly heartbreaking to consider the circumstances surrounding her passing.

dc young fly
Ms. Jacky Oh! and her plastic surgeon Dr. Zachary Okhah. Credit: The Independent

MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out” confirmed the tragic news on their verified Facebook page on Thursday (June 1). The complete statement says:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jacklyn Smith, known to the world as Jacky Oh, a talented Wild N’ Out family member whose impact will be forever treasured and missed. Jacky Oh was a loving friend and beloved colleague of the Wild N’ Out cast for five seasons. More importantly, she was a tremendous mother to three beautiful children. The BET Media Group extends our sincere condolences to the Smith family, D.C. Young Fly, B Simone, Nick Cannon, and all friends who loved and cared for Jacky Oh during this difficult time.” – A BET Media Group Spokesperson.”

Heartbreaking News Halts “Wild ‘N Out” Production

A source revealed to The Shade Room that it was during D.C. Young Fly’s active participation in the filming of “Wild ‘N Out” in Atlanta when he received the heart-wrenching news. The impact was so significant that it led to an immediate stop to the show’s production. Despite this distressing news, D.C. Young Fly has chosen to maintain his privacy and refrained from publicly addressing Jacky’s untimely passing.

Interestingly, destiny brought together D.C. Young Fly and Jacky Oh! in 2015 during his debut on the widely popular show Wild N’Out. Their connection blossomed, creating a beautiful bond that would endure the tests of time. They built a life together that now includes their cherished trio of children.

Exploring Additional Procedures In A “Mommy Makeover”

Reflecting on recent years, we witness the rise in popularity of “mommy makeovers” among celebrities. These remarkable individuals, such as Blac Chyna, Cardi B, and Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa, have openly shared their experiences, acknowledging the transformative effects of this procedure after giving birth to their children. One cannot help but consider the motivations behind this trend and its positive impact on these influential figures.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons informs us that a “mommy makeover” frequently encompasses a delightful assortment of procedures. These include breast augmentation, lift, or reduction, a tummy tuck that works wonders for the midsection, a butt augmentation to enhance the curves, the magical touch of liposuction for a more sculpted figure, and the graceful upliftment of either arms or thighs.

Now, let’s dive into the world of “mommy makeovers”! It’s no secret that many marvelous mothers opt for these transformative procedures after their pregnancies, seeking that magnificent “snap back” look. But did you know that these makeovers are not limited to just mothers? Post-menopausal women, who may have experienced weight gain due to hormone fluctuations, can also embark on this rejuvenating journey.

With all the options available, one can’t help but wonder: What other procedures might be included in a “mommy makeover?” How long is the recovery period for these delightful transformations? And most importantly, how does one ensure a safe and successful experience? Let’s explore further and embrace the wonders of these procedures!

The Importance Of Allowing Ample Recovery Time For “Mommy Makeovers”

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a trusted authority in the field, affirms that “mommy makeovers” are generally safe when proper recovery time is allowed for your body.

“A mommy makeover can radically change how your body looks, giving you more energy, vitality and self-esteem. It is also a surgical procedure that requires an investment of time for recovery. Patients with the happiest outcomes are the ones who plan accordingly,” the company writes. “The best way to ensure a great result is to give your body the time and energy that it needs to heal properly.”

While it is true that no plastic surgery, especially those involving invasive procedures, is entirely devoid of risks, it is vital to approach this decision with a clear understanding of the potential hazards involved. Are there specific precautions or measures you should consider before undergoing this procedure? How can you effectively manage and minimize the risks associated with invasive plastic surgery?

A Multifaceted Personality: Creating Opportunities Beyond The Spotlight

Ms. Jacky Oh! had a large following on her series “My Honeylicious Life” and Instagram. On the video platform, she garnered 816k subscribers, reflecting her widespread popularity. In her captivating series, she shared heartwarming moments with her adorable children, presented fashion segments that left viewers inspired, offered party tips that were the talk of the town, and even gave us a glimpse into their unforgettable family trip to Disney World with her partner, D.C. Young Fly.

One of her most recent episodes, uploaded on May 27, captured their family attending a special screening of the beloved movie, “The Little Mermaid.” The series was like a box of chocolates – you never knew what you would get, but you could always count on something sweet.

Jacky played a prominent role as a Wild ‘N Out girl on the hit show “Wild ‘N Out,” where she first crossed paths with her partner, D.C. Young Fly. Her dedication to the show lasted for five seasons, showcasing her talents and entertaining the audience.

Alongside her television success, she also left her mark as an influencer. She amassed an impressive 1 million Instagram followers. Additionally, in her social media bio, she proudly highlighted her YouTube channel. Her channel consists of family vlogs, beauty, and fashion videos.

Despite her achievements in the entertainment industry, Jacky Oh! ventured into other realms to pursue her dreams. She embraced the role of a realtor, showcasing her versatility as an entrepreneur. Additionally, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own lip gloss line, the highly esteemed J. Nova Collection, which undoubtedly adds to her multifaceted personality. These ventures demonstrate her passion for exploring various avenues and creating opportunities beyond the spotlight.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by J Nova Collection (@jnovacollection)

Honoring Ms. Jacky Oh!: Celebrating Her Love And Contribution To The World

At this challenging time, our thoughts and sympathies are with Jacky’s family, D.C. Young Fly, their daughters Nova and Nala, and their son Prince. While we eagerly await an official statement from the grieving family, it is crucial to remember that grieving is a personal journey, and they deserve privacy as they navigate this painful loss.

As we stand by the family in this trying moment, may we cherish the memories of Ms. Jacky Oh! and celebrate the love and joy she brought into the world.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by JACKY☆OH (@msjackyoh)

Written by Nikiya Biggs | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Follow and like FMHipHop on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, and YouTube!

Categories
FM Biz Trending

Climb The Mountain To Entrepreneurship: Taylor Ping Aims To Help Others Reach It

Taylor Ping Mentors Others In Entrepreneurship
Image source: Taylor Ping, Founder of Hierarchy Media and The Risen Group, with permission.

Most people dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Creating a successful business requires dedication, hard work, and a combination of knowledge and skill. However, the rewards make it worth it.

Dr. Dre is a prime example of an entrepreneur who saw a gap in the market and took the opportunity. In 2014, he used his influence, reputation, and resources to acquire Beats Music and Beats Electronics and turn them into one of the world’s most successful music streaming services and headphone companies.

Similarly, Vanilla Ice became an accidental real estate mogul, flipping houses and making a profit at a time when the market was booming. He quickly developed a knack for renovating and reselling homes, eventually launching his television show, The Vanilla Ice Project.

As the CEO and founder of Hierarchy Media, Taylor Ping has established a reputation for her work as an entrepreneur, advocate for women’s entrepreneurship, educator, and public relations professional. As a business expert, she provides advice on public relations strategy, business structure, venture capital investing, venture capital funding, and venture capital structure, among other things.

Throughout her career, Taylor has worked with and mentored young entrepreneurs looking for strategies to start their businesses, how to begin with no capital effectively, and providing advice to companies seeking capital partners, funding, global brand expansion, etc.

There Is A Passion Behind Every Entrepreneur

“It is my passion and mission to speak to and reach more young women and men who are looking for real advice on how to expand their business into a realistic, impactful and unique experience to the consumer,” Ping said. “Everything I do is to empower others.”

entrepreneur
Credit: Taylor Ping, Founder of Hierarchy Media and The Risen Group, with permission

With a global business group called The Risen Group, the 26-year-old entrepreneur offers a wide range of business and investment opportunities. As part of its mission, the group brings together a private network of people who want to improve this world.

Rather than focusing on money, Taylor is passionate about helping more people learn the ins and outs of business and marketing. As a rule, she only takes on clients offering impactful products or services with inspirational stories. “My passion for what I do is what helped me not stop what I was doing and persevere when challenges came up that made me feel like I wouldn’t be able to overcome them… passion is what will ensure you don’t give up,” Ping said.

Adversity Shaped Taylor Ping’s Character

During the 2007 market crash, the self-made woman entrepreneur’s parents divorced when she was very young. As a result of her parent’s divorce and the tumultuous market, Ping learned invaluable lessons about resilience and the power of hard work. Furthermore, Taylor Ping witnessed her father build his own business at an early age. She has also seen firsthand how things beyond their control can negatively impact their lives. With this in mind, she worked hard and built her own businesses to set her family financially free.

Many women in business face everyday struggles such as being underestimated, not being taken seriously, and facing gender bias. For Taylor, this battle was the key to her success. Without it, she would not be in the position she is in today.

After receiving multiple large clients for her media company several years ago, Ping put an end to taking small risks and talking down to herself. It became apparent to her that the knowledge she had to share could generate a 10x increase in their income and help the companies become notable, impactful brands in their industry.

Taylor had also been featured in Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 entrepreneurs who had chosen a business mission that inspired others.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Taylor Ping (@q_tay)

Providing Men and Women With Advice

Ping offers valuable advice to women and men who want to build successful businesses. “I especially speak to other women who have not had a mentor give knowledge to the extent I do,” she said. She states that young women have difficulty finding mentors in business because they are vastly underrepresented. Nevertheless, Taylor believes more women will be able to start their own businesses and make more impact in all industries with dedication and guidance.

“An entrepreneur without passion is not an entrepreneur. He is a slave to society, putting out services or products that the world does not need or does not connect with because he himself does not believe in it,” the woman entrepreneur said. 

Written by Nikiya Biggs | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Follow and like FMHipHop on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook!

Categories
Updates

#FMFeline: Yaminah Legohn talks ‘Red Light Special’ and female empowerment

Yaminah Legohn
Photo by Mike Quian

Embodying strength and sensuality

Art of Legohn founder Yaminah Legohn leads an organization that offers dance and musical performances, visual arts presentations, wellness and nutrition information, and other diverse services across New York City. The Art of Legohn Dance Company performs jazz, contemporary, West African, dancehall, modern, and other dance styles, and Legohn herself is a choreographer and professional dancer. In addition to her company’s endeavors, she teaches dance classes at EXPG Studio, Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance, and Brickhouse NYC, and is preparing to make Art of Legohn a bicoastal empire.

Legohn’s upcoming event is “Red Light Special: A Night Of Urban Burlesque” on Oct. 21 at Bushwick’s House of Yes. Far from your typical burlesque show, the performance is a liberating experience that is now in its third year. Legohn further described the “Red Light Special”:

“It’s a sexy, artistic and entertaining burlesque show. It takes you to a woman’s expression of self love, sexuality and confidence in her body. The show integrates dance styles such as burlesque, contemporary, dancehall, African dance and jazz dance. When I say African dance, I usually have at least one djembe player in the show… We have cocktails, art exhibits, and models that engage with the audience before the show starts.”

Check out our exclusive interview with Yaminah Legohn below!

FM HIP HOP: How and when was your business born?

YAMINAH LEGOHN: Art of Legohn was founded in 2010 in Los Angeles. I’m an artist and I wanted to express myself more creatively. I created Art of Legohn so I can choreograph work that I like instead of it just being a music video. Then I also created it to provide opportunities for myself and for other artists. I moved to New York and I revamped it in 2013. Following that, I formed an LLC, and it’s been going ever since. At first it was just me by myself, but then I added the music department and I added a visual arts department. It’s been a journey.

FM: With all of the discussion and awareness around women’s issues with #MeToo, #TimesUp, etc., how does “Red Light Special” in particular– or performances in general that speak to women being in touch with their sexuality– empower women in the current climate?

YL: The show definitely empowers women to be strong, being confident in ourselves, as well as being confident in expressing ourselves sensually (especially in an artistic way) without saying, “We’re trying to have sex with you.” Coming from the Hollywood world, I have been in a few situations where I have been sexually harassed because I am a dancer. The guy would see me in a music video half-naked and thinks because I’m dressed up that way, that I’m inviting him to touch me. It has been a ride dealing with those kind of things and it’s interesting that the #MeToo movement is here, because dancers in general go through that a lot.

In this show, it’s putting it in your face, [but it’s] not just about us being sexy and just wearing fishnets. We have a story. We have a meaning behind our expression. A piece may be about an abusive relationship that you have with yourself, and a woman watching in the audience may be able to relate to that because we’re telling you that it’s okay to feel insecure, it’s okay to feel like you cannot express yourself. With this #MeToo movement, some people are saying it’s these women’s fault. I don’t want that to make women feel like now we have to dress a different way, or now we have to be this way so we don’t get this type of attention. No. We’re going to do what we want to do. At the same time, we’re going to create boundaries letting you know that you can’t touch me, you can’t do this unless I say it’s okay. We make that very aware in our show. We tell the audience that we know these women are beautiful but you can only watch, you can’t touch, and that’s it.

For me, being a person who has been sexually harassed and assaulted– I’m a survivor of that. You would think that I would not produce a show like this, but I just feel that it gave me more confidence to express how I really feel. As a black woman, I don’t feel that the media portrays us in a way that we’re sensual. It’s either very ratchet or it could be very sexual and there’s no meaning behind it. There’s a meaning behind our sexuality and our sensuality. Each piece in our show relates to something. It could be where a girl doesn’t feel that she’s beautiful enough, or it could be a piece about a woman who likes to please herself [on her own]. Sometimes we have pieces where we talk about [us being] in charge and the men are submissive. I usually portray women in a dominant way to also help our audience feel that super power when they see a woman being dominant. That’s what I want my women to feel when they’re coming to these shows, as well as men looking at that woman in a creative way and not just a sexual way.

FM: Does Art of Legohn offer any classes or instruction?

YL: Yes. With the show specifically, I offer burlesque workshops where we focus on women and their confidence and being sassy, as well as training in heels. Then we’re producing an event called Dancehall Battle NYC where you get dancehall training for first half of the day, and then the second half of the day is a battle.We also do triple-threat workshops where I have our company members teach our students the styles that they’re more confident in and strong in. We have a person that may teach contemporary, we will have another dancer who can teach jazz, or switch it up with hip-hop or afrobeat.

FM: What or who inspires you as a businesswoman?

YL: Both my grandmothers have inspired me as a business woman. They’re the first people that taught how to save money. They would give me money and be like, “Make sure you don’t spend it all.” I would put it away. My grandmother was a nurse– a single woman, and she raised two kids– and then she has seven grandchildren. My other grandmother was from Mississippi. She moved to Los Angeles when she was 14, and she ended up owning property and giving apartments to low-income housing. I watched my grandmothers make work for their families, so that was a big inspiration for me.

I used to sell candy when I was a kid to make my own money. Plus, I’m the oldest of seven, so being the big sister you have to sacrifice. I started writing my own contracts at 15; I would choreograph for different cheerleading squads– different schools would call me in to choreograph for them. It’s just always been a part of my upbringing. Being a businesswoman has been inspired by watching the women in my family.

FM: What’s next for you and the business?

YL: We have our burlesque workshop coming up in December; we’re going to be publishing our calendar for 2019. We have the “Wine & Grind Dancehall Party” in November. Our next burlesque show after this will be for Valentine’s week in February. Right after this show, we’ll be in rehearsals for that. We have our dancehall battle in March. Then we have a few choreography projects that we’re working on through the company at the same time.

———————————————————————————————————————————–

Hosted by multifaceted entertainer Shernita Anderson, “Red Light Special: A Night Of Urban Burlesque” features sounds by DJ Hard Hittin Harry, and begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday. The theme is “50 Shades of Red,” and all guests are invited to wear their favorite shade of the sultry hue. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite. More information on Art of Legohn is available on their website, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Watch: “Red Light Special: A Night Of Urban Burlesque” teaser

 

Brownie Marie | IG: @browniemarie| Twitter: @mz_brownie

Related Topics: #FMFeline: Celebrity massage therapist Valencia Woods

Categories
Updates

5 Crowdfunded products that actually delivered on the hype

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt.

Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus.

Nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.

Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur.

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga.

“Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat”

Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur.

Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat.

Categories
Updates

#FMFeline: Sibrena Stowe Geraldino is a modern day Renaissance woman

Entertainment industry veteran and seasoned entrepreneur Sibrena Stowe Geraldino conquered the worlds of New York City media buying, publicity, and journalism years ago. Currently, the socialite sits on the board of the Arthritis National Research Foundation, is minority partner and director of marketing for the United Premier Soccer League’s New Jersey Teamsters, is a founding investor in cannabis company Planet Concepts, and drives several other diverse endeavors. In 1999, Stowe Geraldino was featured alongside FUBU founder Daymond John, “Living Single” producer Yvette Lee Bowser, and other black millionaires in Niki Butler Mitchell’s “The New Color of Success,” highlighting the achievements as President and CEO of Stowe Communications, Inc. The book reported the company’s net worth as $3 million after just two years in business, and described its founder as an ambitious, no-nonsense businesswoman. Those qualities, along with hard work, continue to allow the Philadelphia native to flourish at each new venture. Read more about Sibrena Stowe Geraldino in an exclusive #FMFeline feature for FM Hip Hop! This interview has been edited for content and clarity.

 

FM HIP HOP: What was your first foray into entrepreneurship?

SIBRENA STOWE GERALDINO: I became an entrepreneur in 1996 when I started Stowe Communications, Inc., which was a full service media firm [specializing in] media buys. I added publicity later. My clients were high-end real estate that would go in the New York Times, Newsday, the legal journals, and The Wall Street Journal. Eventually, I started utilizing my media contacts and became their media buyer– negotiating and placing 30- and 60-second commercial spots to say that an album is “in stores now” or “coming soon.”


FM: How were you able to successfully transition from being an employee to having your own business?

SSG: That was easy because I could never keep a job. I hated everything. I would work for the Spirit of Philadelphia [cruise line] and be a part of the group sales team, and that was exciting because it was seasonal. Then I would intern at Power 99FM in Philadelphia as a reporter, sound engineer, and producer of a show there. I also worked for Montgomery Publishing Company, which had the largest suburban newspapers outside of the Philadelphia area– so I was always on the advertising end of it. I’ve had jobs that I really enjoyed doing because it catered to my communications and broadcast background. I always wanted to be a writer, so working in a publishing company was like putting me right there where I could smell the newspapers being printed, etc.

My passion was to do my own thing, and that even happened accidentally. I never was anyone’s employee; I’ve always been [an independent contractor]. I worked with [Gelwicks Advertising] in Long Island City, NY, and I was like, “Hey, I can get all these music industry people, do you think I could run it through here?” And [the owner, Salvatore Franco] was like, “No, let’s just start your own division, start your own company.” I had a meeting at Universal/Motown– at the time it was Kedar Entertainment– Erykah Badu, Chico DeBarge, the home of these indie soul artists. I said to the guy, Kojo Bentil, who’s a friend and lawyer now, but I said, “Do you think I can do your advertising?” And he said, “No, I think I got it covered. But, can you do media buys? I said, “Yes, I can do it.” He said, “Alright, I’ll give you a budget of $50,000,” just as an example, “and let me know what spots I can get.” And I was like, “Okay!” I didn’t know anything about what the hell he was talking about. I had to run back to Salvatore. “They want me to do media buys. What is that?” He’s like, “Okay, you gotta establish credit with the TV networks and the radio stations. You know what these people are listening to and watching on TV. So pick the shows that the consumer would be able to know about.” It happened like that. It was never a planned thing for me to become an entrepreneur.

I sold [Salvatore] my entire real estate account so that I could kick off my entertainment industry account. So he bought it from me, helped me establish credit with the TV networks, like BET and MTV and all these different networks, and then he fronted me the money until the record labels paid me. So like, $100,000, $50,000. As a media buyer, you’re dealing with huge budgets. I was the first woman of color to ever own a media buying company in the country. It’s really a WASP or Jewish guy’s career.


FM: How were you able to diversify your clientele?

SSG: I was in the music industry at the height of hip-hop– no other generation will know what that’s like. I didn’t think about corporate clients, I didn’t think about art clients, I didn’t think about anything except music. Occasionally, a film would fall into my lap, or maybe three NFL players, and one was a Super Bowl champion. After I sold my real estate clientele to Gelwicks Advertising, I said, “Alright, I’m strictly entertainment,” because that was my passion. As a kid, from five years old to 18 [years old], I studied ballet, jazz, tap, theater, piano, flute, keyboard… I was in band; I was very active. I thought I was going to be a newscaster on TV. So I thought, “I can be a media buyer and still be involved in the entertainment aspect?” That’s where my head was. It wasn’t until recently when the music industry fizzled totally, to everything going digital– so no one has $100,000 to give me for media buys. So now it’s like, “Okay, I gotta think of something else.” I got a few real estate clients, but even they were going to the digital aspect of things. So I tried what I knew.

The only thing that I can say that I did successfully from that is buy real estate with no mortgage, and just roll my money into something like that. Four or five properties at the time, where I was thinking I was doing the safe thing. I had a million-dollar company under the age of 30, and then you have to bring that transition. It’s ten years later and I’m not Puffy, I’m not any of the guys. These guys are my colleagues, but I’m not hanging out with them. I’m not doing all the things that they’re doing. I had a child that I had to raise also, so I had to be home at a certain time. So, that’s when you sort of have to figure it out. So, now I know it’s better to diversify your assets and not stick with one genre and one industry.

Now, we’re an equity partner in Planet Concepts, which is a cannabis business that is based in California. I did that because I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and I wanted to support something that’s holistic to help find a cure, or to help people like me that are in pain every day, that may need to rely on pharmaceutical medicines that aren’t necessarily great for a long span of time. Especially for athletes, because they’re taking all these heavy drugs and then they’re committing suicide because of different illnesses and mental illnesses that happen with that. I would like to be an advocate for the cannabis industry with professional athletes, especially those with head trauma, because I think that they would be [less stressed], and the pain would be subsided.

I’m also partners with my husband, Alex Geraldino. I got married three years ago, so he’s like another asset I picked up. Marriage is a partnership, it’s not just love. You should be doing things like supporting one another and helping each other fulfill each other’s dreams. So he’s been around while I fulfilled the pageantry life and became a pageant queen, and really just challenging myself to overcome my health issues doing the Mrs. America circuit and the Ms. Northeastern pageant circuit. So now I’m a pageant director for Miss Globe and Miss Latina World, and I’m mentoring these young ladies. People think beauty pageants are about beauty– it’s not. It’s totally about self-confidence, awareness, giving back, community activism, and just empowerment for women. I love the pageant life, I’m glad that I’m directing now, and I look forward to doing that once a year [laughs]. I have the regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and in some cases New York.

My husband also purchased a pro-development soccer team called the New Jersey Teamsters, and our professional season will debut in March 2018. So that’s going to be exciting. We’re part of the United Premier Soccer League, bought into the franchise and created the brand and the name. We’ll be able to help young kids who aren’t able to play soccer because soccer is a rich kids’ sport– now these kids that can’t afford it, we can give them some assistance with attending different training camps, and watching and supporting our team.

Right now I’m consulting for Ruff Ryders and a firm that does memorabilia and brand name clothing deals. I work with [Ruff Ryders co-founders] Chivon Dean and Dee “The General” Dean, those two siblings out of the three. We did a pop-up shop and it was pretty successful for no advertising, so now it’s on to the next step.

I’m also working with a guy named Cooper James, who used to executive produce my podcast, “Stilettos, Sports & Entertainment.” Cooper is a Hollywood writer and executive producer, so I’m working on an off-Broadway play with him. I’ve taken a master class with Shonda Rhimes, so I’m learning television. So that’s my next passion. I’m working with Cooper on all of his projects in New York.


FM: How can people pursue their passions and wear multiple hats without spreading themselves too thin?

SSG: I think the first thing would be that if you’re truly passionate about something, and you’re doing a job that you’re really not excited about, you have to build your passion in some kind of way. My family thought I should work for the city because I worked for a congressman and had a job and all this security, and that was cool, but I wasn’t totally happy because I was doing someone else’s dream and not my own. I would encourage people to really look at the things that they truly love to do. If that’s playing video games all day, if that’s something that you’re addicted to and you enjoy it, perhaps you should be a part of that team that creates video games, or even do the testing or fan engagement of it. Find a way to get into that industry, set goals, know what you really like to do, and just take the steps to do it. Every day you should work on that. For the soccer team, I’m getting to know soccer. It’s not a sport that I grew up playing, but every day I do one or two things that lead to the end result of game day.

 

FM: What are some tips for being a successful entrepreneur long-term?

SSG: People see everything and they think, “Oh, it’s such a success,” but they don’t see the peaks and the valleys that I go through. Just be prepared for when you’re in the valley. Study other successful people. I would read a lot of motivational and inspiring books. I studied Les Brown, I studied Joan Rivers, Liz Taylor– autobiographies, preferably, but I do read other biographies about these people. People that have longevity in any industry that they are passionate about, I love those stories. It’s not about how they became rich, it’s about how they went from point A to point B that interests me. If being rich fell into the plan, then yes, I want to know all about that too.

Also, my mother taught me to never eat where you s***. I wasn’t sleeping with any of the guys that I work with. They respect me like a sibling, and I respect them. That kind of thing I kept as a woman, because everyone is going to try to get a piece of you, if they can. I think that you just have to keep things in mind. Unless you fall in love with someone, don’t even waste your time. You’d rather have your respect and dignity than a penis.

Lastly, set goals, and just do the work. Don’t stop learning. The minute you stop learning is the minute you might as well die.


FM: How are you able to balance all of your roles and responsibilities?

SSG: I balance all of these roles with a day planner! I love to write these things down. My husband is always saying, “Oh, you should use your digital notebook and your cell phone.” No, I need a pencil, I need a pen, I need a diary. I write everything down, I’m looking at calendars, and sometimes I set an alarm clock to let me know what’s going on and where I need to be. I undersell myself so you’ll be extra happy at what you’re getting. That’s just something that I like to do: Undersell and over-deliver.

 

Follow Sibrena Stowe Geraldino on Instagram and Twitter.

 

Brownie Marie | IG: @browniemarie| Twitter: @mz_brownie

Related Topics: #FMFeline: Billionaires Row co-owner Danni Benson exudes luxury and light

 

 

Categories
Updates

#FMFeline: @SNACItUp and 12-year-old CEO a role model for food entrepreneurs

Published author? Check. Entrepreneur? Check? Met and impressed former President Barack Obama? Check. At just 12 years old, Shiona “Shi” Curry has accomplished more than some adults, and is full of ideas for how to better herself and her company, S.N.A.C. it Up! (Shi’s Natural Approach to Cooking). The Georgia native began crafting healthy meals for her family when she was six years old, and is a proponent of veganism. In addition to her S.N.A.C. it Up! Cookbook and cooking club (complete with original recipes, instructional videos, and more), Shi also has a guided affirmation series, and conducts healthy eating workshops across the country with her mother, Celeste Curry. In an exclusive interview, both mom and daughter discussed building their brand, what’s next for S.N.A.C. it UP!, and their advice for parents and budding entrepreneurs.

FM HIP HOP: What is the best part of owning your own business?

SHI CURRY: The best part about owning my own business is that I get to do what I love and get paid for it.

FM: What advice do you have for young people with a business idea?

SC: Speak positive things over your business idea and believe that you can do it, even at a young age.  You don’t have to wait until you get to college. Start doing small things and get a mentor.

FM: What are some easy tips for parents to get their children to eat healthy foods?

SC: Don’t go cold turkey and shock your children. You can sneak vegetables in like I do when I make my “Smiling Heart Pizza Muffins” with spinach.  Children that don’t like spinach LOVE my pizza muffins. This is a great way to get your greens in. Secondly, parents can have their children drink more water. Lastly, let your children go to the grocery store with you and pick out vegetables and fruit. They are more likely to eat it if they help make the decision to buy it. Also, children can get my cookbook and learn how to cook like me.

FM: You’ve accomplished a lot at such a young age. What goals do you have for yourself and S.N.A.C. it Up?

SC: I want to reach all of the children in the world through my own television show, products, restaurants, and by traveling to speak at different schools and events. I would like to do a childhood obesity challenge, “For Kids by a Kid,” in all of the schools. I would also like to cook for different celebrities because they will tell their audiences to eat healthy and then everyone in the world will see how awesome it is to be healthy.

FM: How did you decide to turn your daughter’s culinary interests into a business venture?

CELESTE CURRY: Shi is the middle child between two brothers and she struggled to find her place in the family. She was sometimes disrespectful and would act out quite a bit. In the midst of this, we noticed that she LOVED to cook. We began to nurture this gift by buying ingredients, and noticed that her behavior improved. Shi later explained that although we were very attentive, she didn’t feel loved until we began to support her and encourage her in her endeavors to become a chef. We quickly recognized that not only did Shi have a knack for combining spices and making delicious foods, but she would also plate her food as if it were being presented at an upscale restaurant. This signaled to us that this was more than a hobby, and we legalized her love to become a business.

FM: How much time do you and Shi devote towards S.N.A.C. it Up, and do you have a support team?

CC: We devote about four hours per day, four to five days per week on S.N.A.C. it Up! This does not include traveling for television appearances, workshops, and other events. Shi comes up with a lot of the ideas and is involved in every aspect of the business, including finances. We have a team of seven team members, with Shi as the CEO and myself as the COO. Shi loves what she does so it never feels like work.

FM: What advice do you have for parents of children with creative gifts?

CC: I would tell the parents to explore their children’s gifts, building their confidence. Because children haven’t been exposed to a lot of adult-like responsibilities that could produce fear, they live in the world of make believe. This is the world where dreams are built with success as the only option. This is the energy needed to build a company that lasts beyond our lifetime.

FM: What’s next for the company?

CC: S.N.A.C. it Up! will be introducing unique health products, fun workshops and television programs that will highlight healthy eating and thinking “For Kids by a Kid.” You can follow Shi on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to find out what she is up to or check out her website at SNACItUp.com.

 

Brownie Marie| IG: @browniemarie | Twitter: @mz_brownie

Related Topics: #FMFeline: Meet the 23-year-old CEO of @MulanVBeauty

Categories
Updates

#FMFeline: @MarieDriven of @PlaybookMG and @LizzieGrubmanPR

Marie Driven is both the Managing Partner of Playbook Media Group (PMG) and Head of Music at power publicity firm Lizzie Grubman PR & Management. Multitasking is old hat for the seasoned entertainment professional, however, and Marie also balances event hosting and other interests with style and ease. Her background is in sales, working with top brands such as Mark Ecko and G-Unit, and she went on to document exclusive NYC nightlife events on her blog, “Marie Driven on the Scene.” Marie then formed the PR company Team Execution in 2012, and co-founded PMG in 2014. She now works with celebrities such as Stevie J, Mr. Vegas, “Love & Hip Hop: New York” cast member Swift Star, and more in publicity, brand management, and other capacities. In an exclusive interview with FM Hip Hop, Marie discusses misconceptions about her job, her plans to enter the restaurant industry, and the genius in linking with Lizzie Grubman.

FM HIP HOP: How was PMG formed?

MARIE DRIVEN: PMG got formed with a partner of mine that basically groomed me into what I am now, as far as showing me different things I could do with the skill sets that I have. My company used to be called Team Execution. I was a little young gun, and I was like… “I’m executing everybody out of this situation.” The problem was that the name was not welcoming… The guy I used to work with, Jean Jones, he came into the fold because I felt like… “I didn’t know what my direction is; some of these clients that I’m working with are not respecting me as an individual.” I needed to bring back [what] I had before, so I teamed up with Jean. …When we decided that we were going to use the name “Playbook,” it was actually to form a fuller agency, not just a PR agency– a brand marketing agency where we can give people publicity and brand management.

FM: Why did you decide to join Lizzie Grubman PR?

MD: There’s always room for growth. It took me three months to figure out if I wanted to make that move. It took me three months, and some credible people’s advice. I don’t want Playbook to be behind the scenes, because I worked so hard to build what I have… I was coming [to Lizzie’s building] to speak to her about something else, and she approached me and she was like, “Listen, I think you’re an asset, and I want you on my team.” And I said, “Lizzie, I really appreciate the opportunity, but I have my own company, and I’m not trying to take away what I built for years.”

The best thing about working with Lizzie was she allowed me to still continue my journey while I’m with her. That’s why I decided to take the position. Number one: It’s going to expand my brand. Number two: I still get to keep my brand. It’s not like I’m leaving Playbook behind. Making that decision was a smarter move for me, and it was a financial move as well.

FM: What are some common misconceptions about what you do?

MD: People think I’m a promoter…. People who don’t understand the industry, they just see you on Instagram and just think, “Oh, hey, you’re popping! Oh, so can you promote…” No, I’m not a promoter. A promoter is someone that does the club work. The difference between me and a promoter, I’m not here promoting parties. I host events; I put them together. Most of the time, they’re for the clients that I have… [Events coordination] is part of what I do. If a client is signed to me, I have to do their album release party, I have to do their mixtape release party. I have to make sure that I get the proper media out to let them see what they’re doing. That’s part of owning a media relations company. The second situation is that a lot of people don’t even know what public relations is. I don’t even understand. Why don’t you google it, because Google is so common.

FM: Is it hard for you to balance your work and personal life?

MD: You know what I do which is really not good? I kind of loop them in together… My close friends are involved in what I’m doing. And if I find an opportunity for my close friends, then they get the opportunity. For instance, my best friend, Kidear [Yomans], is a stylist. I had him style Stevie J the other day. I had him style Swift the other day. It still keeps us connected. We still get to be with each other, and I still open opportunities for him. So that’s how it works. If I’m dating a guy, he’ll come to an event that I’m doing. If we do something afterwards together, we just do something afterwards together… Anything that I’m doing, and I don’t have any time, I’ll just put everything together. But, traditionally, that’s not a good move because it doesn’t work for everybody.

FM: What are your long-term professional goals?

MD: I want to turn into a major agency, a multi-disciplined agency. I want to do music, I want to do fashion, I want to have different departments that we’re running… We are on the road to that– we’re taking on different clientele. We have a doctor, [Dr. Glenn Charles], that does hair transplants in Boca Raton, we have [the Love & Harmony Cruise] now in Florida. We’re the official PR company for the cruise line. Then we have the artistry side, and then we have the TV personality side. But I want to grow it where we have an office in New York and an office in L.A., which is going to take some time.

But my personal, long-term [goal] is opening chains of pizza spots in the south. That’s something I’m going to be working on this year. I’m going to go to Amarillo, Texas and start looking for a place out there, and from there I’m going to go to Dallas, then start seeing what areas in Florida need that spot. I want to open up a Two Bros. That’s what I want to do in the south. That’s my end goal. I want continuous income. I feel like this PR world stuff is not going to last forever, so why don’t I just start doing plan B. So that’s my plan B. I want to do a food truck as well, but it’s still going to be pizza… After people get out the club, I want to be there with the food truck… This is for New York City itself. Down south, I want the actual pizza store.

FM: What advice do you have for people currently working in brand management or PR that want to take their business to the next level?

MD: Practice. Learn new things… To polish up what you’re currently doing is very, very important, because there are new people every day that’s here to take your spot. But if you do know that you’re well-polished, then no one can take your spot. It’s just an illusion. That’s what I’m battling to do. I’m trying to make sure that I’m the best at what I do… If you’re in management, make sure that you’re trying to do the best that you can for the artist… If you’re going to do something, just make sure you do it right. Focus on what you’re doing, and just be great at it. That’s it.

FM: What are you and your clients currently working on?

MD: One of my clients is a cruise line– we didn’t even go on the first cruise yet, but the second cruise is already being promoted. [Summerfest is] the first hip-hop cruise ever, hosted by DJ Khaled. Migos is on there, Lil Yachty– leaving from Ft. Lauderdale going to the Bahamas. We have Swift from “Love & Hip Hop” that’s showcasing his artistry. Actually, his mixtape, [On Demand], is out [now]. We have [Lil Slick], my soca artist. We’re just wrapping up his soca music video called “Energy” that’s sponsored by Monster Energy drink. We’re releasing that for Trinidad Carnival, which is Feb. 27. We just signed on a new client called Jagwa; we’re releasing his single, “Chinese Food,” featuring Styles P. We have Josh Jacobs, which is a hip-hop client of ours. We’re releasing his project as well, Purple Skies, which is going to be a dope, dope situation.

The biggest one yet is Mr. Vegas’ Soul Therapy album that we’re releasing [today]. That’s going to be a new journey. He’s been doing gospel for years, but this album is so diverse… [There’s a] country element, reggae element– this guy is just multi-talented… We have Beat Author, which is a company that does beats. We’re doing a major event March 8 with Drag-On featuring Jay Major. So that should be really good as well. That’s what’s going on with the clients that we have. We are blessed because there are other clients coming in.

Be sure to follow @MarieDriven and @PlaybookMG on Twitter and Instagram!

 

Brownie Marie | IG: @browniemarie| Twitter: @mz_brownie

Related Topics: Stevie J Opens Up About Life, Love and the Road to Recovery on #PhoneTap

Categories
Updates

#FMFeline: Meet the 23-year-old CEO of @MulanVBeauty

Mulan V

At just 23 years old, Los Angeles native Mulan V of Mulan V Beauty has established a global brand, and positioned her company as a force to be reckoned with among online retailers. MulanVBeauty.com offers premium hair extensions, closures, eyelashes, cosmetics, styling products, and more at a price that continues to capture the attention of discerning consumers around the world. The talent and drive of the businesswoman born Marshayé Nicole Miller was also noticed by the team at Tyra Beauty, a makeup and skincare line founded by entertainment mogul Tyra Banks. The company will soon feature its products on the Mulan V Beauty website, demonstrating their confidence in the quality of her products, and the long-term success of her brand.

In addition to these accomplishments, Mulan V is also an actress, singer, and rapper signed to independent label Freestyle Records Inc. Her latest single, “Drop It,” is available on iTunes, TIDAL, and other digital outlets, and its accompanying music video has received over 125,000 views on YouTube. In an exclusive interview with FM Hip Hop, multi-talented entrepreneur and #FMFeline Mulan V shares lessons learned, motivation for her “V Dolls,” and what’s next.

 

FM HIP HOP: When did you found Mulan V Beauty, and what inspired you to launch the brand?

MULAN V: It started in high school… I take my appearance seriously, so I was doing the hair, makeup, things like that. But girls would ask me all the time, “Where did you get that hairstyle from, and that makeup?” How to do this, how to do that? I was giving one-on-one advice… but I figured, why not start a brand where I could give back and show girls the right quality? So I started my own, and I wanted it to be affordable too. I launched [Mulan V Beauty] about two years ago.

FM: How do you balance your roles as a recording artist and a businesswoman in the beauty industry?

MV: I try to put together a strong team of people that work for my brand and help me do what we need to do to get things done. I’m full-time– an artist and a businesswoman– so I kind of just split my time in half. When I’m not in the studio or working on music, I’m definitely in meetings, running my business, making sure everything is going smooth.

FM: As female entrepreneurs especially, we have a tendency to try to take on everything ourselves. What have been some of the benefits of having that strong team?

MV: I will be honest… I had to understand that as well. When I first got involved: “Oh, I’m going to do everything.” And then I realized, when the business started becoming more successful than I anticipated, so early– I was like, “I need help.” You can’t do it on your own. Having a team is important because you have so many different brains that come up with ideas that you don’t even have the time to even think of… You have people on your team that are skilled in specific things like marketing, and they’re skilled in sales, and that’s all that they do. They know so much about that field that they’ll teach you things that you didn’t even know were important.

FM: Who are some of the women that inspired you?

MV: A lot of women have inspired me, like Michelle Obama. I love Oprah for business reasons, and Tyra Banks, of course. Just to name a few. Also a lot of hip-hop women, like Missy Elliot.

FM: What are you currently working on on the music side?

MV: I’m working on some new songs; there are plans for a mixtape in the works… we’re going to be releasing some little surprises and little teasers over the next couple of months. Definitely there will be more music coming this year.

FM: Many people have an interest in beauty or may procure items for their friends, but not everyone goes  to the next level with a full website, a range of branded products, and presenting at leading shows. How were you able to take it to the next step?

MV: I said if I was going to do a beauty company, I wasn’t going to try to do it halfway. I want to go all in. I want to make sure we get as much success as possible. And it was different opportunities happening at the right time. We ended up being able to do Bonner Bros. [International Beauty Show] a year ago… We do a lot of investment into the company to make sure that it excelled, and just making sure that we were available for different opportunities to network with the right people and connect with the right people. I think that’s so important with business, and that really helped us to expand and get things were it is now.

FM: What distinguishes Mulan V Beauty from its competitors?

MV: Our brand is very affordable. I’m very big on selling high quality products for an affordable price… I have to go back and forth with a lot of people, they’re like, “You should up your prices, your stuff is so nice.” But that’s what makes it stand out from other people. I believe in not taking advantage of my customers. I used to be a consumer trying to save to buy beauty products and stuff. A lot of people are in it just for the money. I’m in it for the money but also for the experience: Seeing the look on a woman’s face when they buy the product. We have sales and I do a lot of giveaways for hair extensions, lipstick, just so girls can try the product.

FM: What does it mean to be a “V Doll”?

MV: To be a V Doll means that you’re a fan of the brand. Anybody can be a V Doll! You get to know a lot of inside announcements before everybody else, you get to know about secret giveaways… sometimes the giveaways aren’t open to everybody at first, so you might get a heads up. Sometimes we even ask for their opinions on certain things. There definitely are a lot of perks of being a V Doll.

FM: What advice do you have for aspiring female entrepreneurs?

MV: Believe in yourself, first and foremost. Whenever you have an idea like that, there’s always going to be people that are going to get in your head… It’s your vision at the end of the day, so don’t let other people try to get in and cloud your judgement. Don’t let people confuse you and deter you from your dream and what you’re trying to do.

Always make sure you’re setting an example for younger girls, because there are other people out there watching you and taking notes, and they might aspire to be where you are some day. Always make sure that you keep your brand positive and you give something that women can appreciate.

FM: What’s next for Mulan V Beauty?

MV: We’ll be expanding the collaboration that we have with Tyra Banks’ line, more products to be released, some new things coming– we like to give them out as surprises, but definitely new products are going to be launched. There’s a lot more stuff coming, and more sales. A lot of cool stuff!

 

Brownie Marie | IG: @browniemarie | Twitter: @mz_brownie

 

Related Topics: Tinashe and Dej Loaf Are Now the New Face of Mac Cosmetics!

Categories
Updates

#HipHop4Her: Meet Victoria Reese–CEO of Victor Group

VictorGroup1

These days, it seems like everyone’s a brand. Truthfully, we probably spend more time focusing on our brands than we do anything else. With heightened popularity of reality TV, social media, and the like, it’s getting easier to market yourself to people all over the world, with just one click of your finger (or theirs)—but that doesn’t mean everyone will be successful in their journey. One woman who’s been super successful, however, is Victoria Reese. The 28 year old CEO of The Victor Group is making strides with her own company, while simultaneously building brands of various clients around the country.

Continue reading “#HipHop4Her: Meet Victoria Reese–CEO of Victor Group”