Book Review: KIDPRENEUR$- Young Entrepreneurs with BIG Ideas

Recently I purchased KIDPRENEUR$ for my daughter to further provide inspiration to encourage her entrepreneurial pursuits. The book was written by two brothers, Adam and Matthew Toren, who are successful adult entrepreneurs that got bit by the self-employment bug as children thanks to their granddad who gave them model airplanes to sell at a local fair. Since that fateful occurrence, the brothers have gone on to own several successful enterprises. Their goal is to teach business techniques to children and show them that it is never too early to get involved in business in ways that are fun, creative and safe.
The book is an quick read and should be easily understood by children as young as age 7. It is practical and straightforward. I believe that it provides all a kid needs to turn their ideas into money-generating pursuits.
And best of all, the book is FREE! I simply paid for shipping and handling and the book arrived within 2 days.  Get yours here.

Art Star: International Model and Fine Artist, Alek McLean

1. Please introduce yourself.  My name is Patasha 'Alek' McLean and I'm an international model and award winning visual artist.

2. What do you create? Art. That's the best and simplest way to describe what I do. Let's say ... if you can visualize it, I can make it a reality.

3. How did you get started on your create path? I started as a young child; at the age of two. My family thought my behavior was not one that was "normal" when art was involved so they signed me up for everything artistic you could think of; even performing arts. 

4. What inspires you to create? I'm inspired daily, whether by experiences or others' stories, nature, random thoughts etc. I always feel the need to create something bigger than my previous creation so I always try to outdo myself.

5. How have you been able to make a living by being your creative, authentic self? I'd say this to the modern man, don't ever think that settling is an option. Find your target markets and aim your business towards them. If you feel stifled creatively then do personal projects that will allow you to create outside of the box by also market yourself to gain more clients.

6. What new projects are your working on? I am currently working on my 's.e.l.f by self' art exhibition in Miami. S.E.L.F means Someone Everyone Loves Forgetting. This exhibition is about the individual and how they may get caught up in other people not take the time to care about themselves. I took the role of being the main subject, dissected my feelings about how I view myself and the things I may have forgotten about me and just expressed that on wood, using paint, ink and lacquer.

7. How can people find and support your work?

Instagram: @i.am.rightbrainactive

Instagram: @alekmclean

www.behance.net/rightbrainactive

www.facebook.com/ rightbrainactive

Design Star: Malene B. of Malene B. Carpets

I met Malene Barnett approximately 2 yrs ago at a Tory Burch Foundation Networking event that mutual friend, handbag designer Nneka Saran, had invited me to. Nneka and Malene were both participants in the intensive entrepreneurship program that took place earlier in that year. As I was meeting women throughout the room and exchanging business cards, not one but ALL said to me, "You must meet Malene!" once I told them I was starting a line of home goods. So I marched over to woman with the tapered haircut, silky smooth brown skin and smile as bright as the sun; and introduced myself. Now, just so you know, that's not really my style. I prefer introductions because people can be cold and standoffish and downright rude when approached by a stranger but not Malene. She greeted me warmly. We quickly discovered that we were FIT alums and the conversation flowed smoothly. I asked her questions about approaching new stores with my line and she so graciously dispensed advice that still stays in the back on my mind to this day.

In the next few days I received my FIT magazine, HUE and guess who was featured? Malene B, of course! Her work has been featured in countless magazines and online publications and rightfully so. Malene B. Carpets are not just beautiful, they are soulful and come from a place of authenticity inspired by her travels. It has been an honor to have the opportunity to interview one of my favorite designers for The Lifestyles of the Authentic & Creative.

1. Please introduce yourself. 

My name is Malene Barnett and I’m the Design Director and Principal of Malene B Carpets. 

2. What do you create? 

We make handmade custom carpets and home furnishings for luxury residential and commercial environments.  Each product we create is inspired from my travels and passion for all things art and culture. 

3. How did you get started on your creative path?

My creative story starts in third grade when I was placed in an artistically talented program. The kids were encouraged to express themselves through drawing and painting.

4. What inspires you to create?
I love culture, rituals, celebrations and the stories behind these traditions. Combined with our planets landscape, these elements set the stage for creating the quintessential Malene B design.

5. How have you been able to make a living by being you authentic & creative self? 

I worked in the rug industry with major players for 10 years. And, before launching my business, I studied the design industry and the paths of its most renown entrepreneurs.  My personal savings were the foundation for opening Malene B Carpets. To date, I have not taken out a bank loans to support this venture. 

Prior to opening, I purchased a house.  Since my home was priority,  a grassroots approach to business building was its format.  I relied on word of mouth, heavily networked and developed great relationships with media. 

The first 4.5 years were really rocky. I had no credit cards -- maxed out on home renovations. I operated on a cash basis and only bought what was affordable.  If I couldn’t afford something, I created it or waited until I could afford it.  I trimmed spending to the basics: no cable, no landline phone and no vacations. My life had to be simplified to accommodate my entrepreneurial lifestyle.

6. What new projects are your working on? 

In the Spring of 2015,  I’m  launching a new collection of carpets, tile, wallpaper and decorative accessories all inspired by my mother’s homeland, the Caribbean island of St. Vincent.  Also, I recently forged

a partnership with Kravet, with whom I will launch a carpet collection in 2016.

7. How can people find and support your work?

You can visit my website:

www.maleneb.com

instagram @malenebcarpets

Pinterest maleneb

twitter @malenebcarpets

Facebook Malene B

Retail Store:

Peace & Riot, Brooklyn, NY

Receive more frank business advice from Malene B. on this amazing panel of entrepreneurial women designers on February 15th in Montclair, NJ.I'll be there.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heres-her-story-tickets-14902168788

It's so inspiring to see how bootstrapping, dedication, building relationships, and creating a beautiful product line will pan out and bring our entrepreneurial dreams to fruition.
Many, many thanks to Malene B. for sharing her passion with us.

Dope Brand Alert! Taila.Made Artisan Soaps

I was nothing but thrilled when fellow blogger, Taila O'Neal of Haute Hemisphere, launched a line of luxury, handcrafted soap. I had to know what was her inspiration to do so...

Q: Taila, you have been known as the maven behind the successful blog, Haute Hemisphere. What made you decide to launch a line of luxe soaps?

A. Taila.Made was manifested when eczema declared war on my hands. I grew up with sensitive skin and eczema. As I got older, my case started to dissipate. During my junior year of college my hands began to develop super dry patches that would flake, peel and sometimes bleed. It was so painful! Doctors suggested radiation, and I wasn't for it. I wanted a natural alternative, so I made one.
Alas, I birthed Taila.Made - Earth Inspired Luxuries. 

My brand is a fusion of high quality natural ingredients known for their hydrating and healing properties merged with  the concept of treating your skin as the ancient (Egyptians,Persians,Arabians and Native Americans ) royals did. Cleopatra used Castor, Frankincense and Myrrh oils to keep her skin radiate.
Taila.Made believes we are all royal spirits and should treat our skin as such.

Taila.Made Shea Butter Soap Stone

I don't know about you all but I totally consider myself royal and worthy of the same treatments Cleopatra used.Treat yourself to Taila.Made by shopping the collection at TailaMade.com.
Follow Taila O'Neal on Twitter:@HauteHemisphere

The Lifestyles of The Authentic & Creative: HUSTLE GUIDE

HUSTLE GUIDE is now available! This 50-page eBook is jammed packed with inspiration, sage advice and resources to make your dreams of creative entrepreneurship a reality from successful, creative dreamcatchers who are paving the way!
A compilation of interviews that I've conducted over 4 years here on LOTA-N-C with interior & fashion designers, fashion stylists, musicians, filmmakers and more. How do they make make a living following their passions? And how can you do the same? 50 pages jam-packed with sage advice and resources from successful creative entrepreneurs. 
Available now for $5.99. Grow, share and prosper! 
http://store.blurb.com/ebooks/486188-lifestyles-of-the-authentic-creative-hustle-guide

Erica Jones, CEO (CrafterExtraOrdinaire) of The Crop Shop

Erica Jones is one of my real life heroes. Despite her petite size, she has the vision and heart of a giant. The NJ-based, Rutgers University graduate landed a sweet, high paying job for a Fortune 500 company in NYC after graduation but eventually walked away from it to follow her dreams. It was a simple enough dream of being able to be a mother to her young child while earning a living doing work she loves. So she took her savings and opened a scrapbooking boutique in the hip and happening town Hoboken, NJ. Business took off and she had the luxury of creating a healthy work/life balance. Dream come true, right? Well, not exactly...

When Hurricane Sandy hit, her business was completely and utterly demolished. Totally destroyed. Did she close the door on her dreams and go crawling back to Corporate America, though? Absolutely not! Erica Jones rebuilt The Crop Shop and is now, after 5 years running a successful business, on the verge of expansion. She is terribly modest and her interview below may disguise the fact that she's a super hero but don't let her modesty fool you.

Erica Jones ROCKS.

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF. 
My name is Erica Jones and I am the Owner of The Crop Shop located in Hoboken, NJ. 

 
WHAT DO YOU CREATE? I would consider myself a multi-media artist. I love to work on canvases and in journals, but I also find myself creating a lot of functional pieces too, such as tables, chairs, and bookcases. I’m probably more of a crafty carpenter!

 
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED ON YOUR CREATIVE PATH? I began taking pottery classes at the age of 7 years old. I made vases and plates that my mother still has to this day! I’m pretty sure that was my only structured instruction. I just continued to work on my craft because it was a source of comfort and relaxation to me. Around my college years, I began getting into scrapbooking, which was the inspiration for starting my own scrapbooking business. I opened TCS in December 2009, first starting as a scrapbook studio, and then transforming to an all around Arts & Crafts studio a couple years later. 

 
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE? I am inspired by all things beautiful and different… oh, and the color turquoise! I love experimenting with different mediums and I am usually inspired by the desire to have things on display within my own home or a determination to use a material or medium I have never used before. 

 
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A LIVING BY BEING YOUR AUTHENTIC, CREATIVE SELF? I make my living by inspiring and teaching others to love the creative process too. I teach classes and run workshops, hoping to inspire the next generation of artists and creators! 

 
WHAT NEW PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON? I am currently expanding my studio to become an Art Café, a place where people can convene and create in the same space. 

 
HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND & SUPPORT YOUR WORK? TCS can be found online at crop-shop.com, on FB at https://www.facebook.com/TheCropShop on Twitter at Twitter.com/cropshophoboken or by visiting us at 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken,NJ 07030.

= Space : Newark, NJ's Sharespace & Incubator

=SPACE (also known as EQUAL SPACE) is a brand new sharespace & incubator that will be a magnet for creatives, techies & entrepreneurs of NJ, providing access to resources, co-working space & opportunities. 
Located at 89 Market St, downtown Newark, NJ, = SPACE strives to create a unique culture filled with  positive vibes. =SPACE will provide resources for startups, coaching for tech companies and a wealth of intellectuals to bounce ideas off. The next wave in Newark's enterprises will be born within these walls and will have access to the positive culture of its parent company MEDINA = CITI.
If you are an entrepreneur in need of space to work, conduct meetings or an environment for networking and collaboration, this is it! Features include indoor mini golf, wifi & internet, Socialisto coffee, yummy treats, and of course, office space and conference tables. Daily, weekly, and monthly plans are available.

So what are you waiting for? Claim YOUR space today at http://equalspace.co/ Connect on Facebook!

Fashion Trucks

Joey Wolffer is photographed in the back of her fashion truck, the Styleliner.

Approximately 2 years ago, when a friend was researching starting a gourmet food truck, I proclaimed rather enthusiastically, "Wouldn't be AMAZING to have a Jypsea BOUTIQUE on a food truck?" I truly thought I was on to something new...like uncharted territory. My own little INVENTION...the mobile boutique! So imagine my shock while hanging with a friend in the Meatpacking district last year when I saw the Styliner gracing the streets of NYC. Come to find out, the mobile boutique concept is a booming trend. Who knew? Clearly, there is nothing new under the sun. It's an amazing way to reach new markets, literally moving to where the customers are while cutting down on the overhead costs of renting a store. Brilliant!
Major new outlets have covered this business trend as well, such as CNN and CNBC.
So enjoy the best days of the year (Spring and Summer) while shopping the fashion trucks in your 'hoods.

Emily Benson’s The Fashion Truck

Here are a few haute picks: The Styliner: https://thestyleliner.com/
The Fashion Truck:
http://www.fashiontruck.com
Sneakerbox: http://www.sneakerboxtruck.com/
The YAPA Fashion Truck:
https://www.facebook.com/YAPAFashionTruck
Celebrities Mobile Boutique:
http://www.celebritiesboutiques.com/

Boston-based Sneakerbox

The YAPA Fashion Truck

Harlem-based designer, Nneka Green-Ingram started a accessory fashion line out of a former snack truck.

Haute Hangouts on Halsey Street

Halsey Street, without equivocation, is the best street in the city of Newark, NJ. As the land of my birth, I kinda feel like I became an expert on the city since leaving there in the 90s, entering college then the corporate world. I spent years defending the place to outsiders who refused to believe I came from such a "bleak" place and, as a result, I learned more about Newark's rich history.
But I digress! Enough about the city...let's focus on my favorite street there: Halsey Street. Located downtown, it runs parallel to Broad St from Washington Park to Lincoln Park. The enterprises below are on the blocks between Central Avenue (one block in from Washington Park) and Commerce Street.
Halsey is literally around the corner from my favorite Newark gem--the Newark Museum--and has been ahead of the curve in creating a chic, cosmopolitan row of cafes, restaurants, salons and boutiques. One spot more fabulous then the next. And with a Whole Foods opening there soon, Halsey St. will surely see a massive increase of popularity soon.
 Here's the lowdown:

The Coffee Cave:
45 Halsey St.
My go-to place in the area for salmon wraps, Italian sodas and homemade soups. Also known for its house music parties. It keeps strange hours but is usually open in the middle of the day, Monday-Friday.
Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Coffee-Cave/155658297829808 

Elbow Room:
41 Halsey St.

The latest addition to the Halsey St eateries is the Elbow Room which originates from Brooklyn and serves hearty comfort food with macaroni and cheese being the central sticking point. From cheeseburger mac & cheese to lobster mac & cheese, you are bound to found something for any macaroni & cheese lover. And you'll linger playing board games over dessert. 

http://www.elbowroombrooklyn.com

Art Kitchen: 

61 Halsey St.

Known first as Newark Art Supply, which had been around since I was a child, this retailer used to sell art supplies. The Newark Art Supply then later merged with a cafe. Now, the art supplies are gone and the name has since changed to the Art Kitchen. It's has a hipster vibe, pretty decor and serves sweet treats.

www.newarkartkitchen.com

27 Mix:
27 Halsey St.
A cool Southwestern, Asian, and Italian fusion restaurant and bar with a downtown vibe. Exposed brick walls, intimate outdoor seating in the back and delicious bites with  fair prices makes this a MUST-GO Halsey St experience.

http://www.27mix.com/

Luxe Boutique:
83 Halsey St.

Sexy, body-hugging dresses with equally sexy strappy stilettos are what you'll find at Luxe Boutique. If you need a freak 'em dress, this is the place to be! The boutique caters to its clients with fun shopping parties, brunches and other fab events.

https://www.luxenewark.com

Blush Spa & Lounge:
32 Halsey St.
I've never had their services but I have been inside twice. Hip environment with a pretty staff and an impressive list of pampering services.  If you're into faux lashes, the word on the street is that they're the best for lash extensions.

Marco Hall Boutique:
29 Halsey St.
Originally Karma Boutique, which featured the designs of Newark's own internationally-known fashion designer, Marco Hall. On December 7th, 2014, it will re-launch as the Marco Hall Boutique. Marco Hall is a genius at what he does. I had the pleasure of meeting him and watching him drape a new design on a mannequin. In minutes, he had a piece SO BAD, I was astounded. Not only is he extremely talented, but also fast---which is an oxymoron in the design world. He is a prized Newark design star. Can't wait to see the new shop!

St. James & Co.
25 Halsey St.
Finally, something for the fellas! Hi-end eyewear (the owner of shop, Cabral Miller,  is also the co-owner of Newark optometry shop, Elegant Eyes), leather man bags, silk ties, skin care, candles, and all the cosmopolitan urbane man needs to distinguish himself. The vibe is luxurious yet unpretentious there, thanks to the friendliness of the crew.

Other places of interest-
Lenzy's Health Bar:
I never been in but if they have all the natural goodies stated in the signage, I need to make that my next stop. It's been there for ages so it must be doing something right. I've seen quite a few shops open and close on Halsey over the last few years due to lack of support from the locals but this one has stood the test of time.

 

The Weave Bar:

1212 Raymond Blvd

(973) 733-2881

No, it's not directly on Halsey but just a block away on Raymond Blvd. I'm a natural chick BUT if I ever choose to indulge myself with a weave, trust and believe, this would be where I would do so. The owner is super sweet, the location couldn't be more convenience and the setting is totally chic! 

Enjoy your Halsey St. visit!
Meca xo

Citi Medina, Creative Director & Visionary

 
"I truly believe that by being YOURSELF you become your BEST asset!" ~Citi Medina

Following the exciting launch of Citi Medina's website for his brand (www.citimedina.com), I had the opportunity to discuss his vision for his company, his inspiration and what keeps him constantly evolving. Citi Medina is so full of inspiration and motivation that any creative entrepreneur can learn from.

LOTA-N-C: The new website looks phenomenal. I feel like I understand the brand and your mission so much more now. What led to the evolution?

Citi Medina: I am so over the moon that you love it! The new site citimedina.com was definitely an ever-evolving entity. When I began this separate brand, it was to separate my speaking engagements and provide resources to other entrepreneurs and also convey my expertise in creative strategies from MEDINA = CITI which was my design haus. I wanted to share the realities of owning a business and what inspires me with others and the response has been phenomenal. I believe individual style and personality are your best assets in being successful. Citimedina.com is my offering of everything that I can to everyone. It’s all about sharing my passions.

MEDINA = CITI Design Haus (www.medinaciti.com), is my NJ-based design haus which has and always will be my first love. Crafting custom visuals and forming creative strategies with my team is everything to me. We have such a diverse client base and every day is new and exciting. In 2014, we have so many new projects and growing the company out even more.

LOTA-N-C: What drives you? We see the luxe living, fun times with your loved ones, and ambition...what would you like your legacy to be once it’s all said and done?

Citi Medina: This is a great question that I have to answer in two parts.
What drives me has always been a deep-rooted need to be successful on my own terms, for my talent and my work. I began my journey with humble means and I have a determination that has always carried me through life. I’ve always felt the need to be creative in all facets of my life; that I have to express my point of view. It is as essential to me as air.


What I want my legacy to be in the end is that I set out to create something that would stand the test of time. My new platform www.citimedina is an outlet to show others they can do it. It provides resources for success and gives a behind the scenes look past the glamour, parties and luxe appointments. I want it to grow into a brand that people can go to for inspiration and support. MEDINA = CITI, I hope, will connect a city of creativity, tech and forward thinkers. My design haus will be an institution that continues to grow and be helmed by a MEDINA to continue the legacy.

LOTA-N-C: After reading your blog post, "You Can't Do It," it appears to come from such an honest place. But because you are full of self-acceptance, achievements and inspiration, I wonder have you ever experienced anyone trying to convince you that you wouldn't/couldn't be as successful as you are? And if so, how did you overcome it?

Citi Medina: I think in the early onset of starting my design haus MEDINA = CITI, there were many negative comments about a young, minority Creative Director. I didn’t listen to them. I wanted to merge tech and style together to create a Design agency that would really bond with clients and create a high-end experience through the whole process. Many people whom I’ve worked with or for me were completely not supportive of the initiative.

In the end you have to sit with yourself. I constantly say this to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. No matter the supporters that this dream and this road will be walked on by you alone, by your passion and commitment. The blood sweat and tears start and end with you, so your support system will be inspired by how hard you are working and your positive results will be directly reflected by your efforts.

LOTA-N-C: You have worked with fashion brands I know and love. Is the fashion world your primary focus? What qualities embody the ideal CitiMedina client?

Citi Medina: I’d love to clarify the two brands. CITI MEDINA is a lifestyle brand based entirely on me. People can go to citimedina.com for resources, inspiration and behind the scenes access to my world. I show you my passions and life for the first time.
Citi Medina was crafted to show the world who I am. So many times I am asked about my clothing style, my musical loves and what my everyday looks like. I am often booked by SBA, Rutgers or corporations to give workshops and speak on entrepreneurship, social media, technology and design. With the growth of interest, I wanted to relaunch citimedina.com to be the “go to” platform for my audience.

MEDINA = CITI Design Haus was formed in 2008 to craft custom visual solutions for discerning brands. We offer everything in Creative and Web development, to Digital Marketing and Social Media strategies. My team crafts Video Productions and Photography shoots as well. I am charged with leading creative strategies whether campaigns, crisis moments or creative production.

These two brands are based on my ideologies and workflow; on my vision and 14 years of professional experience. They are separate worlds that are all related to me and I love them both so much.

I work in fashion and entertainment, which was essentially my background when I started as a designer some time ago. However, our primary focus is clients and companies who want to push the envelope and are willing to commit to the process. We have worked with so many different industry clients (corporate communications, fashion, technology firms, not for profit, etc.) we only require that they trust in us and allow the process to build a great relationship and ultimately a beautiful end result.


LOTA-N-C: What words of encouragement can you give an aspiring creative wanting to make it in this field,
but has no personal role model(s) to emulate?

Citi Medina: "Keep your passion alive." I cannot stress this enough. I believe that this can carry you through it all. In this age of internet access, ignorance is a choice, so stay passionate, read on it, plan, day dream it and act on it! Passion can fuel you when you are sacrificing. Passion can give you focus. I know it is the driving force in my life, so I can definitely relate to the sentiment.

Learn more from this brilliant, creative mind at CitiMedina.com.