1. Your journey is truly inspiring, from being an Emmy-nominated Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to an Assistant Professor at USC. How do you balance your clinical practice, teaching, and entrepreneurial ventures effectively?

Balance is always a challenge and I think what has worked for me is hiring the right staff who I can reliably delegate to.  My personal assistant at home helps with small personal and professional tasks and also picking up the kids from school. My COO helps execute overarching goals for the practice and my businesses. I do most of my teaching on social media, through podcasts, webinars and conferences. Since I am in charge of my own scheduling, these are things that I just have to block off time for. It is true that there aren’t enough hours in the day but we all just do our best.

2. With a background in both medical and business fields, how do you integrate your expertise in medical management with your passion for plastic surgery to create a unique patient experience?

I learned in business school that nothing has to be invented. It has all been done before… just in a different industry. I starting the Nazarian Institute and ThinkBIG! online to bring experts from other disciplines to talk about their learnings so that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel in the healthcare beauty space.

3. Your role extends beyond your private practice, as you’re also the founder of Spa26, The Skin Spot e-commerce site, and the Nazarian Institute. Could you share your vision behind each of these ventures and how they contribute to the luxury space? 

Spa26 is my medical spa which we hope to expand into multiple locations. We have over 30 devices and access to all injectables which we use to rejuvenate as stand alone treatments or maintain and enhance the results of surgery. The Skin Spot is our curated, medical-grade ecommerce site so that everyone can benefit from our experience in the best of the best in beauty and wellness. The Nazarian Institute is my non-profit where we teach surgical, business, and branding skills to healthcare providers. 

4. Being a thought leader, you’re known for advocating “Think BIG” – Branding, Innovation, Growth. How do you apply these principles to both your medical practice and your business ventures?

It is not enough to be an excellent surgeon anymore. If no one knows about you, you aren’t helping anyone. Branding is essential to every business, and healthcare is not an exception. Innovation is at the heart of plastic surgery. There are new techniques and devices all of the time. It is key to our industry to innovate and to stay on top of innovations, not just in the treatment forum, but also in the online forum. For example, right now, I am working with AI to see how it can improve the patient experience. Growth is so important personally.  If you are not growing in the way you think and experience things, you will not grow professionally. For example, so many physicians suffer from imposter syndrome. Or they won’t post educational content because their hair wasn’t perfect, or they said umm. We have to grow personally and not stand in our own success.

5. Your presence extends to the digital realm as well, with significant influence on various Instagram accounts and other platforms. How do you use social media to educate, engage, and inspire your audience about plastic surgery and wellness?

I am so grateful that people want to listen to what I have to say. Most of the time, I am not in agreement with everyone else and I am not afraid to share my thoughts on beauty, religion, or politics. I always say that my family didn’t escape Iran for me to be quiet.

6. As the star of the Emmy-nominated Netflix Original Series, “Skin Decision: Before and After,” you bring plastic surgery transformations to a wider audience. How has this platform changed the way people perceive aesthetic procedures?

I think the show gave a lot of people permission to get aesthetic procedures. My colleagues would tell me that their patients would come in and talk about how the show gave them the confidence to make that appointment.

7. One of your accomplishments includes developing an organic line of skincare products for pregnant and lactating women. How did your own experiences as a mother influence the creation of these products?

When I was in business school, this was my project. Since then, I have moved on to more active ingredients with NazarianSkin as I learned about what products would give the best results. 

8. With your expertise in plastic surgery and your diverse background, how do you see the field evolving, particularly in terms of embracing inclusivity and catering to a wider range of patients?

I think darker skin types have been neglected for a long time. As a person of color, I know dark skin because I treat myself to all of this stuff and have been for 15 years. I also created NazarianSkin with darker skin tones in mind. In the future, I do see darker skin types being included in studies more. It is a hugely untapped market and the need is there.

9. Your dedication to mentorship and volunteer work is commendable. How do you balance these commitments with your busy practice, and what motivates you to continue investing in education and guidance for others?

I just look at my three children and I want to leave an accepting world behind for them. I do a lot of work to fight antisemitism and that started when I saw the statistic that over 50% of Jewish students on college campuses actively hide their Jewish identity. My eldest is only a couple years away from college now and I started my activism in a big way a few years ago. I want her to go to college and find spaces to share her thoughts without fear and to learn from others as well.

10. You’re married to a neurosurgeon and have three children, yet manage to maintain a remarkable professional trajectory. How do you navigate the demands of both your personal and professional life?

Family is the most important and always comes first. I pull back from work when needed to make sure my family is doing well. I think working is amazing and I am so grateful to have such an amazing career.  But I want to make sure women reading this know that the whole boss babe image is a lie. Motherhood and having a supportive husband are more fulfilling than anything else. Don’t give that up for a job that doesn’t hug you when you get home. And what good is building an empire if you have no one to give it to when you go?

11. Your Instagram handle “The Model Surgeon” suggests a unique blend of aesthetics and surgical skill. How do you see the intersection between aesthetics and medicine evolving in the coming years? 

We are already seeing a blend with the semiglutide trend. Putting patients on weight loss medications has been a great help to get patients ready physically for aesthetic treatments. For example, someone wanting a lot of liposuction may only need a little bit after weight loss. But as we age, insulin resistance makes it a lot harder to lose weight. Medications like ozempic and mounjaro have helped a lot of my patients.

12. Your work involves empowering individuals through aesthetic enhancement. How do you address the balance between personal empowerment and promoting a healthy body image in the age of social media? 

Most of my patients are already empowered. They just need help with a little something that diet and exercise haven’t been able to resolve. What you put out on social media is what you attract. I put out empowerment so I attract empowered patients.

13. What would you say to our readers, who would like to see you as a model?

Being a role model means maintaining integrity, strong core values, and staying true to yourself. We can all be role models.

The post Unveiling Aesthetic Insights – An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Sheila Nazarian appeared first on Wonder Woman Mag.

With over a decade in marketing across national and global scales in competitive industries like automotive, sports, and cosmetics, HVH Media & Marketing was founded.

Specializing in campaigns with major influencers, transforming startups into seven-figure businesses in six months, creating a cosmetics brand for Amazon beauty, and achieving over a billion campaign content views, our Hayden’s passion extends to her business, motherhood, and empowering women to invest in their dreams.

1. Your journey from a decade in marketing to establishing HVH Media & Marketing is impressive. Could you share the pivotal moments that led to the inception of your own marketing agency?

I read a study recently that suggested that most successful entrepreneurs have some element of trauma in their life that sparked positive change and provided some form of character building blocks that lead to the inception of their success.  I personally feel that I fall into this category.  I’ve elaborated in previous articles on some of the chaos and trauma in my formative years that lead up to the point where I took a risk and bet on myself. I am always grateful for some of the most painful moments in my life, because they truly were stepping stones towards my journey to success.

1. Working across diverse industries such as automotive, sports, and cosmetics requires unique strategies. How has your broad experience influenced the content and direction of HVH Media & Marketing?

I think the most important thing that I learned about the diverse industries that I worked in, was that my marketing expertise wasn’t linear, and that I actually enjoyed the challenge of taking on so many different industries and finding an avenue for marketing success.  I’ve since parlayed that into being able to build a diverse agency that doesn’t thwart its own scalability by being overly niche or siloed.  We really have worked with clients from religious television networks to sex toys.  If we believe in your brand, we can help you win.

3. Collaborating with world-renowned influencers is no small feat. Can you provide insight into how you build and maintain relationships with influencers to create impactful campaigns?

Relationships are often convoluted by what people think they should be doing that they forget the most important part about relationships is that they have to happen organically and come from a place of authenticity that can evolve into trust.  I think in business, people get so stuck on this idea of a “work persona” or “business appropriate” that they forget that people want to do business with people they are friends with.  To create friendships, you can’t be stuck creating safe surface level relationships, you need to be a person who puts themselves out there in a real way and invests in the real lives of the people you’re trying to create relationships with.

When I was working at some of the most elite levels of influencer relationships, I always remembered that these people on a daily basis are met with such a ridiculous amount of fandom, that the “fan” approach doesn’t work at fostering a real connection.  Sure, it’s flattering, but people don’t feel equal to their “fans” and equality is a key element in a relationship.  A person needs to feel like you are on the same level in order to consider continuing a meaningful relationship.

One of the easiest ways to achieve this, is to create relationships before “asks”.  So much of the business world revolves around creating a relationship WHEN we need something, instead of BEFORE we need it.  If you begin a relationship WHEN you need something, it is hard for it to be anything more than transactional.  If you create a relationship BEFORE you need something, it’s much easier to have a business related “ask” down the line, because prior to that, you’ve built a genuine foundation first.

The best campaigns and promotions come from people who actually care about whether or not you succeed or fail.  The only way to create this in an authentic way is to build real bonds.

4.  Your portfolio includes transforming start-ups into million-dollar businesses in a short span. What key marketing principles have been instrumental in achieving such rapid growth?

The marketing strategies implemented to evolve start-ups into million-dollar businesses evolves around doing something that competitors are unwilling to do. It is also about being strategic with your marketing spend.   Knowing where to place these dollars is why you need an agency.

Some of the most important marketing principles that I have learned are:

• Done is better than perfect.

• The power of genuine peer or influential testimony can really make or break a brand.

• Don’t skimp on customer service.

• Marketing is magical but it isn’t not magic, trust the process.

• Do something your competitors aren’t willing to do.

5. Developing a cosmetics brand for Amazon beauty is a notable accomplishment. How do you approach the branding and marketing of products in the highly competitive cosmetics industry?

At the time that I was helping to develop a cosmetics brand for Amazon beauty, Amazon wasn’t able to get a profitable piece of the luxury cosmetic space and so they were trying to create their own.

The most exciting part of this project was trying to come up with a brand that was interesting to the Amazon customer avatar, stay within budget parameters, come up with avenues to enrich our margins, and decide what would be necessary to advertise and market it.  Understanding the mind of your consumer and where to find them, what will resonate with them, and how to get them to buy is an intense but exhilarating process.

Anytime that you’re working in a new area, you have to get creative and take some risks.  You also NEED digital advertising and marketing budget.  When you’re competing in a highly competitive space like cosmetics, it DOES require dollars.  It is impossible to even make a splash in the ocean of cosmetics, but you can with great marketing, revolutionary strategy, and the right kind of calculated risks.

6. You’ve collectively garnered over a billion campaign content views. What strategies do you employ to ensure your campaigns resonate deeply with your target audience?

• Know your product, know what it solves, know who it solves it for, and make sure it’s safe and effective.

• Know your buyer, what makes them tick, and where they are looking for you.

• Work with influential people who genuinely want to promote and align with your brand.

• Be open to taking a risk and doing something different.

• Work quickly but have patience.

7. Empowering women is a clear passion of yours. How does this ethos translate into the content and messages you curate through HVH Media & Marketing?

Empowering women is a huge passion of mine.  I am currently an all female agency. There are plenty of industries where women have to fight for their place in it and I wanted to create a space where women were prioritized, appreciated, and elevated.  Great women help other women be great too.  I practice what I preach.

8. Being a successful businesswoman and a mother is a commendable balance. Can you share your insights on managing these roles and any advice for other women aspiring to do the same?

This is a great question and I am still trying to figure it out.  Anyone who says it’s easy to do both, is likely not as good of a businesswoman or parent as they try and say they are. Being a businesswoman and the kind of mother I want to be, are both more than full-time jobs and there are only 24 hours in a day.

Some things I have learned:

• You have to create time.  Sometimes this means getting up earlier or staying up a bit later.  I have noticed I can get more done when the rest of the world sleeps.  This will set you apart.

• Create boundaries and be firm about them.

• Be incredibly organized.

• Don’t say “yes” when you mean “no”.  Say it without guilt and remember that you don’t need to justify your “no”

• Time is your most valuable commodity; you don’t get it back. Cherish it above all.

• Your business won’t hold your hand when you’re sick, your family will, but it will pay the medical bills; appreciate them in that order.

• Great parents always feel like they are doing a bad job, because just caring about whether or not you’re doing a good job, usually means you are.

• Give yourself some grace.  It will make the process smoother.

• Life is short, happiness counts. Do what makes you happy.

9. HVH Media & Marketing likely faces the challenges of staying relevant in the fast-paced digital world. How do you stay ahead of trends and consistently provide valuable content to your readers?

You stay relevant in an evolving market by staying educated on the elements that are ever-changing.  All great experts are humble enough to remain students of their craft.  There is always more to learn.

10.  Your journey is an inspiration to many. What vision do you hold for the future of HVH Media & Marketing, and how do you plan to continue inspiring and empowering through your platform?

I plan to continue to grow HVH Media & Marketing and evolve it into other business ventures that are intended to help others.  I would like to continue to foster an environment for women to have an avenue to really love what they do and have fun doing it.  I also want to allow it to be a stepping stone and form of mentorship for other women who are looking for a place to stop on the road of their own journey to entrepreneurship.  I never want to be like some of the employers that I had previously that I felt capitalized and took advantage of my capabilities.  I want to make sure that I never let the people that work with me feel small or beneath me, I want them to feel like we co-create and grow collectively.

I want to be able to have the means to say “yes” to life in a big way and give my children the tools to do the same. I want to be able to say “yes’ to their hopes and dreams and provide them with whatever tools they need to get that done.  That is my goal.

The post Empowering Entrepreneurs and Elevating Brands: Unveiling the Journey of Hayden Merryn Van Hulzen and HVH Media & Marketing appeared first on Wonder Woman Mag.

Undeterred, Catalina launched a successful bikini brand, then founded Oasis Marketing during the pandemic, employing 10+ people globally. Her agency thrived, catering to casinos, Juventus academies, dentists, and clothing brands.

At 23, Catalina embraced a new challenge—establishing the first overseas flagship for a bridal store in Miami. Her inspiring journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination.

1. Your journey has taken you from modeling to film production, commercial plane piloting, and now marketing. How did these diverse experiences shape your perspective on life and career?

To be honest at the end of 2022 I felt like a failure. I changed so many times of my
ideas of what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be and our society shapes us to
believe you have to decide. But after hearing Steve Jobs’ story on how studying
lettering after helping him create the computer keyboard I started seeing it like
every little thing I did was shaping me for something greater. Modeling helped me
to get out there and not be scared to be seen. Film production, besides the
technical part, taught me a lot about creativity. Being a pilot taught me to overcome
extreme situations and challenges and how to stay calm to resolve them. And all came in together to what I do today which I see as way more than marketing. I lead
on a day to day basis a team in our bridal store ‘Nevada Novias’ in Chile to do sales
and create unforgettable experiences for our brides who deserve the absolute best
when deciding about “the most important day of their lives” and I also create
content for them where I make them company to the couple through it all, record
everything almost as their personal paparazzi, for them to always remember every
detail of that day. So I’ve learnt that you don’t always have to decide. Sometimes
you just have to follow what your heart desires and then put all your efforts into
that even if after some time you decide to quit and do something different.

2. You’ve been involved in various ventures, including your mother’s bridal store, a bikini brand, and a marketing agency. How did you manage to juggle these different roles and what motivated you to explore each one?

I would say I have a pretty active mind and I get ideas and recurrent daydreams
about different things I think I’d be into. Also I consider myself a romantic and I’ve
always thought of my life as a movie and is just one long movie so I like keeping it
interesting. For example, the pilot career came to my mind one day when I was
flying back to Chile and told my mom I enjoyed being back in the plane more than
the actual holiday. The bikini brand was an idea I had because I saw these
influencers in France that created a huge brand and I wanted to be like them. My
mom also plays an important role there because she had me when she was 17 and
had no support and now she is an architect, business owner, dress designer and
pilates teacher. So I’ve seen how an idea becomes materialized many times in my life and that’s definitely inspiring. These roles I have chosen come from the same place: finding something I enjoy doing which would lead me to succeeding and so money would not even be a thing on my brain, because when you put a 100% into something you love the outcome is always positive. To me, a rich person is not the one who has the most material things but the one who is more fulfilled with their lives. And knowing that has been a motivation.

3. The plane accident you mentioned in 2019 must have been a significant setback. How did you find the strength to bounce back and start your successful marketing agency during the pandemic?

The day I had the accident the only thing I wanted was to go back to a plane, but
they took my license away and had to do an investigation for a long time before I
got it back. The chief of the pilots told me that this time was necessary to process
what happened. I think that was the biggest mistake. I am used to getting an idea
and start acting on it immediately. Thinking too much usually gets me stuck. So
after those months I spent thinking on “how that day I could have died” or “how
dangerous and risky it is to fly alone” I ended up being afraid of the thing I loved the most at that moment. The hardest moment for me on piloting was not even my own experience, it was my friend’s Isabel. Sadly, she passed away in a bigger accident than the one I had. But actually that made me bounce back. Just that little reminder on how unpredictable and short life is and also the pandemic showed all of us how some things are completely out of our control and how we need to adapt to that. So I thought about what I could learn from home and started doing it. I partnered up with Josue and we ended up working with over 10 people, some from Chile, others from US and we even had a person working from Morocco and one from Mumbai. It was a very enriching experience to connect with these people and create something out of nowhere all together.

4. Your journey has led you from Chile to Miami for your bridal store project and animal volunteer work. How do different environments and experiences influence your creativity and approach to content creation?

From our environment and the people we surround ourselves with we learn. To me that is key to life. When you feel stuck, not creative, with a low energy, not valued, etc. It means you are just not in the right place or with the right people. If I was working every day at creating content, and selling wedding dresses I know I would not be as creative. I get burned out easily when I do the same over and over again. Just like animals, I need constant stimulation. Working with animals in a forest-like environment gives me balance. When I am there I don’t stop. I am focused on that, no phone. So the next day when I come to work I think more clearly. And when you change your routine you find things you never expected. For example at the animal foundation I ended up connecting with Nathan who is also a content creator but for a reptile company. Even though it is very very different from what I do, he has a very creative mind and when we share ideas he gives me a whole new perspective.

5. You mentioned your passion for animals and working with @zwfmiami. How does this volunteering work align with your career goals and personal values?

Probably with my actual work it will only align in ways I can’t even see right now.
And as I said before it will also help me balance. I am very thankful for every
opportunity I get. Working with animals at the beginning was just because every

time I think “Oh that job seems like fun” I want to experience it myself. But right
now that I have been doing it for over 6 months it has become a huge part of my life and now I can’t see myself not working with animals. And If I do stop, I will probably need a huge backyard to have my own! That would be a motivation too I guess haha. Animals and kids teach so much, it’s unbelievable. They have taught me about boundaries, respect, consistency, and so much more. If you wonder how? Well they really find a way to push your limits. Especially wild animals. And for a timid person like me, finding a point where I am respected without having the need to be mean or dominant it’s a challenge.

6. From your experience as a model to your current role as a community manager at @la_louvierechocolatier, how has your ability to adapt and learn new skills played a role in your diverse career path?

I guess for most models keeping up with trends is easy even if you are not
interested because you model for trends before they even become one. You get to
see how a photo production works, the roles people play in them, how they move
the objects to be shooted, angles, lighting, etc. For getting model jobs you have to
do a lot of castings, connect with new people and you start getting contacts. When
I started the community manager role for our Bridal store I already had the phone
numbers of many models, photographers, and filmmakers. I knew nice places in the
city to do the photoshoots too. So when I stopped modeling I already knew most
things I needed and I only needed to gain experience and learn on the way. The experience I gained with the bridal store led me not only to the chocolate store, but
to manage several accounts in the past. I think my ability to adapt comes from my
growing up environment. I changed schools many times because I got bullied in all
of them. My mom was an architect so she loved moving and we lived in very
different places during my childhood. But I see this ability as a gift. And every time I
meet a person who is in their comfort zone, I encourage them to get out of it.

7. Content creation seems to be a recent focus for you. What inspired this shift, and how do you draw from your various experiences to create engaging content?

I am in my hustling years. I think starting to focus young on the things you want to
accomplish makes life a lot more fun. I am 24, I still party from time to time but
what gives me motivation to get up in the morning is to have goals and work
towards them. And spending more time in Miami every time we have to travel and
check on the store, made my mind open even more. Most people at the Zoo I
volunteered for had more than 1 job and they were all my age. We had a group chat
to sign in and out of the Zoo. So every Sunday when I received those ‘sign in’
messages from others at 8 am I thought that maybe I needed to do more. I started
to think about what I could do as a side hustle and a friend, Camila, sent me the
idea of making content creation for weddings (Good friends who want the same as
you are key!). Since I already worked on creating content for brands and also for
myself as an influencer in Chile where I even did collaborations with Dior, Armani,
Tommy Hilfigher and more. So working at the bridal store gave me a step ahead on
finding new customers for this new challenge as a wedding content creator. To

create engaging content though, it’s a challenge. Most tips out there are not real.
The best content creators I know went viral only by creating something original
that people would interact with. So you have to think about who you want to get to
and with what purpose and then create something.

8. Your recent video from a wedding in Canada gained recognition from a renowned designer. How do you approach storytelling and capturing moments that resonate with both your audience and industry professionals?

Like in my response above, you have to find the niche you want to get to. In this
case it was ‘Bridal’. I made that video on a castle in Banff, Canada and that was not
even as a job. It was just for fun and to see if I liked doing it. But how to approach it
it’s difficult for me to explain because I envision everything in my head first, write it
down and then record. Then when editing I think “Do I like this because I did it or
would I like it when I see it from someone else?”. That question makes it easier for
me to cut off the videos to make them shorter and more shareable.

9. Your belief in pursuing one’s heart’s desires is evident in your journey. Can you share a pivotal moment when this belief led you to make a decision that significantly impacted your path?

Wow. Mmh. It was always my mom who told me to do everything with my heart.
Which is very significant for me because I had a heart surgery when I was 4 years
old. I identify myself with the word “Lucky” because of how that surgery went.
Besides, I am honestly very lucky in life. Probably the weirdest things happen to me

as well but when they do I know how to face them because I know without the hard
times the good ones would not be as good. One Pivotal moment in my life
happened on the 31st of December 2022. I decided to end a 5 years relationship
with someone I shared a dog with, worked with and basically spent 24 hours a day
with. He was older than me so we had spoken about marriage and the idea of it was
bittersweet to me. I love having a partner. I am an only child so I think I really enjoy
the company. But I am also very independent and want to experience the world, to
help as much as I can, adopt a child, travel the world, write a book and we did not
share the same goals in life. He wanted to stay with his friends and family and that
is also valuable. But that day my life changed completely, I loved him but I took a
plane on January 1st 2023 and never looked back. Today he still works with me, it
has its ups and downs, but I am sure it was the best for both of us. If I wouldn’t have
followed my heart I would have not met my actual partner with whom I have a
connection I never had before, I would not be working on marketing from my
computer and traveling the world. I wouldn’t have made friends with monkeys and
wild cats. Neither got bitten by a jaguar or have pitched to a group of entrepreneur
women that wanted to hear our experience with the bridal store. I simply wouldn’t
be writing this.

10. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your career and creative endeavors? How do you envision the intersection of your various interests shaping your future?

This is definitely the most difficult question to respond to. I have already shaped my
life based on the opportunities I have gotten, the ideas I have and following
whatever dream it is I have at the moment. So who knows honestly where I’ll end
up. I still would like to work at least once in Disney. I want to write a script for a
movie. I want to live in Africa for some time and work with animals there. I want to
write a book. I would love to get married with my actual partner. I want a farm in
my house and at least 3 children. I am very interested in the autistic spectrum and I
think if I am interested it is because of a reason so I would like to explore where I
can learn more from it. And I would like to contribute to finding ways to stop child
trafficking in lower income countries only because I had to investigate it at school
and the information stuck with me. I know, even if I would read all of that it sounds
very unrealistic but so has all the things I have done in my 24 years of living. So,
why not?

The post From Model to Marketer: Catalina Lledo’s Journey of Pursuing Passions and Overcoming Challenges appeared first on Wonder Woman Mag.

1. Can you tell us about your journey in the music industry and how you got started as a singer, songwriter, and producer?

I started in the music industry when I was 11 years old so I’ve been on this journey for most of my life. I started writing when I was about 16 and had my first song on FM radio within a year. That’s what really got me hooked and that’s when I knew I needed to really pursue music. It took nearly 15 years of navigating through the chaos of the music business, doing hundreds of shows, working with countless artists and management to finally find my current and most amazing team ever. They’ve taught me so much including music production among countless other important skills and they’ve helped me to create my 2 record labels Scarlet Cartels and Red Cartel. They really push me to become empowered and to not have to rely on anyone.

2. You have had numerous musical releases and songs airing across the globe. Can you share with us the process of creating and producing your music?

Every song is created different. Sometimes I’ll write the lyrics and melody acapella first and then create the music that fits the idea. Other times it’s the opposite – I’ll create the music and then write my ideas to it. There are times when my team and I are in the studio and create all elements of the song all at once. Sometimes I’ll bring a song I fully produced into the studio and my co-producers Starkillers & Howie Hersh just completely bring it to another level which always blows me away. You always just have to the let the idea guide you rather than force it.

3. Your track “Your Love” with Starkillers won Indie EDM Song of the Year in the Pinnacle Awards. How did you feel receiving this accolade and what was the inspiration behind the track?

Although we’ve won awards separately in the past, this was the first award we’ve won together so it was really special for us to receive this. For me, I was really inspired once we created the guitar melody in the song. I’ve played guitar for many years and I’m always drawn to the sound of that instrument when it’s combined with electronic music. Once we got the guitar in there, my vocal melody and lyrics came to me immediately. The lyrics came without even thinking but they worked great because they’re so universal and relatable. I think that’s one of the main reasons the song has gotten so much recognition.

4. You have collaborated with influential chart toppers and Grammy nominees throughout your career. Can you share with us some of your favorite collaborations and what you learned from working with them?

Excluding the work I’ve done over the past few years, one of my most memorable and successful collaborations was with Grammy Nominee Ryan Farish on our track “Memories”. This record was a mix of progressive house with a hint of trance and I worked on the vocals and writing for this song. Our sounds really meshed well together and although I had done quite a few dance tracks prior, this was my first time recording this exact genre so I was very pleased with the outcome! The song ended up on rotation on Sirius XM among many other stations also charted on the Top 100 on iTunes.

5. You started your own record label Scarlet Cartels and sub label Red Cartel. Can you tell us about the process of starting your own label and assembling your powerhouse team?

The first step to starting my own label was locking in distribution with Labelworx in the UK. This allows all of my labels’ releases to appear on the biggest platforms such as iTunes, Beatport, Spotify, Shazam, etc. I then designed my logos and branding that I felt represented the genres of each label the strongest. From there it’s been pretty straightforward in regards to getting releases lined up since we do all of our own production and recording in house. I never have to worry about wrangling out sourced producers or writers and worry about not meeting deadlines which is a definite bonus! We also do the majority of our own PR and marketing, although we do outsource for some things in that aspect.

6. Your label has a range of sounds from techno to melodic house, R&B to dark, gritty pop. How do you decide which artists to sign and what sound you want to cultivate on your label?

At the moment we are not signing any artists so that we can focus on really getting the labels to take off with our own music first. That way the labels will be the strongest they can be before we sign anyone. When that time does come there will definitely be a certain sound and work ethic I will look for in an artist. It will be important that the artist either knows many skills such as production, writing, branding, etc., or is willing to spend the time to learn these skills so that they are capable of taking charge of their career. As for sound, definitely nothing overly commercial/pop. Scarlet Cartels has a very dark, bold, and driving sound in the Techno and House genres. Red Cartel leans more towards the R&B, Trap, Rap sounds and again with a dark yet catchy sound.

7. You have your own monthly DJ mix show “Fresh & Wild” which is syndicated to over 100 radio stations worldwide. Can you share with us how you curate your playlists and what listeners can expect from your show?

Creating my own radio show has been one of the major highlights of my career. I have a very specific vision for the sound of my show each month and I go through thousands of songs to find the perfect fit. Even if there are certain songs I love and would listen to for myself, I don’t necessarily include them in the show because I want to be as consistent as possible while still adding some attention- grabbing tracks in each episode. I aim to play songs that no one has heard before rather than the latest tracks in the Beatport Top 100. Fresh & Wild most definitely has no lack of energy and is a mix of my absolute favorite house and techno records.

8. With steady releases lined up and in the works, can you share with us any upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works?

After just returning from Amsterdam, I was very inspired by the music in some of the underground clubs we went to. We created a huge Techno/Progressive House record titled “Slag Room” which has style I’ve been dreaming of doing for years. It’s finally come to life and I’m more than excited for it to be released (release date TBA!). We’re currently working on the video, promotional material, and PR plan for this record.

9. As a thriving success in the music industry, what advice do you have for aspiring singers, songwriters, and producers trying to make it in the industry?

Try to be as self-sufficient as you possibly can. You will go further not having to rely on anyone. If you’re driven it’s hard to find people to work with who have equivalent motivation and it can easily hold you back. 10. What do you hope listeners take away from your music and what message do you want to convey through your art? I don’t pigeon hole myself into one specific sub genre and I really hope my listeners enjoy the journey from my dark Pop/R&B sound all the way to my melodic techno vibe. I think it’s really important for artists not to box themselves into one exact style – it’s crucial to allow your creativity to flow freely. That’s when you create your best music. I also hope to have equal recognition for my production skills as I do for my vocal and songwriting abilities.

The post “Harmonizing Creativity: A Melodic Voyage Through Music with Andrea  appeared first on Wonder Woman Mag.

1. Can you tell us about your journey with mental illness and how it has influenced your writing?

I was diagnosed with Anorexia when I was 15–but at that time mental health was incredibly stigmatized and nobody was talking about eating disorders. I remember spending a lot of time online (there was no social media then, only Myspace and Livejournal type forums) looking for some way to understand what I was going through and stop it. All I found were Pro-Anorexia websites, which told me I wasn’t a good enough Anorexic if I wanted to stop losing weight. For almost 8 years I dealt with my eating disorder alone, and in that time experienced depression, anxiety, and eventually attempted suicide. I really thought I was the only person in the world experiencing my thoughts and behaviors, and I felt like a disgusting, worthless failure. Years later my boyfriend (who later became my now ex-husband) encouraged me to seek treatment. Being in group therapy and hearing other stories showed me I wasn’t the only person thinking and feeling what I did, and it gave me hope that change was possible. It inspired me to start sharing my story more openly in hopes of helping others feel less alone. 

2. How do you balance vulnerability and privacy when sharing personal stories online?

This is recently an important boundary I’m practicing. There was definitely an evolution and non-linear path to get here, and I wouldn’t say I’m done navigating this balance. When I started writing, I was open, but not really open. I left out details and was somewhat vague in discussions of my eating disorder or depression–I would talk about having mental illness or the solutions I’d found to help manage symptoms, but didn’t dive into what I considered the ugly, dark side of my brain. As I gained more trust with my readers, I felt safe enough to be more open, and I was. The more freely I shared, the more people related. This meant I was also getting frequent DMs or emails asking for help, which I’m not licensed to do. I had to start setting boundaries around what my writing was and wasn’t, and also remind people that I’m a real person (and there is only one of me). I started going off social media on weekends and allowing myself to have my own time, free from posting/writing/needing my life to be in service of content. As for folks who did DM me, I often read stories of people who were suicidal or dealing with trauma. While I didn’t have answers, I related to the aloneness and shame. I made a conscious decision to be more open about the thoughts in my head, the things I’ve done, and the uncertainty I often feel, knowing it would expose me as “imperfect” in a space that often expects us to show our ideal selves. I hoped that by showing up messy I could empower other people to embrace their humanness and settle more into what it means to be alive, rather than striving to change, fix, or alter themselves to fit some ridiculous standard. Nowadays, I long for more privacy. That’s partly because I feel some burnout from always being in my own head searching for stories. So I’m interested in finding ways to write and help others without needing to be a character in the plot. 

3. Your writing often challenges traditional notions of wellness. Can you expand on what that means to you?

When I was first diagnosed with an Eating Disorder it was relieving. For the first time, I had a name for all the symptoms I was experiencing. A box to put my scary thoughts into. A place outside of myself that could hold the part of me I longed to kill, but felt so deeply attached to. Naming my illness was empowering for years. It allowed me to witness my depression, anxiety, and trauma as external. This reduced a lot of shame and created space for Rachel to come through and challenge, support, and love on these illnesses so they could heal. After attending graduate school for Mental Health Counseling, I learned more in-depth about diagnoses and that the DSM (that’s the book of mental disorders, their symptoms, and criteria for diagnosis by a clinician) was made by the American Psychiatric Association. Diagnoses were created so psychiatrists could prescribe medication. I felt uncomfortable knowing that the pain people experienced was being categorized in order to make a profit. (aside: I believe in informed consent and that every individual has the right to choose medication. There is nothing wrong with doing what is best for you, and you get to decide what that looks like). I personally prefer not to take psychiatric medication. This is a personal choice I made because I know myself well enough that if I am taking a medication I rely on it to exclusively solve my symptoms and I stop taking responsibility for anything else that might help me get well (I’m not assuming others do this or would, this is just my experience). I also learned about the dozens of therapeutic approaches that therapists use with clients–there isn’t just one way to conceptualize “disease” or mental illness. Yes, we can look at it as a clinical, medical, concrete illness that has concrete steps to resolve like a physical illness. Yes, we can look at it like a dysregulated nervous system that has been overloaded with stress in a highly pressurized oppressive society that demands we perform and never rest. Yes, we can look at it as existential dread of our inevitable deaths, and that every act to control, change, or leave a legacy for our life is an attempt to stop our ultimate fate. Yes, we can look at it as wounds created in childhood that left us with trauma, attachment wounds, or limiting beliefs. Yes yes yes. There isn’t a right way to understand our mental health because mental health is inherently complex: it includes our cognitive, emotional, social, biological, cultural, historical, and generational health. So now, I look at myself as a human being. Someone who has had life experiences in this modern world that have shaped my views and beliefs. Someone who wants love and fears a life alone. Someone who needs to survive and is sometimes scared of how to do that. Someone who will continue to meet grief, loss, and death in her life and handle it to the best of her ability. Someone who over time, continues to learn and evolve and find new ways to handle life’s inevitable stressors. That is what wellness means to me.

4. Your memoir has resonated with many readers. Were you surprised by the response?

Honestly, yes. My mission was to make one person feel less alone. I didn’t imagine it would help more than a handful, and I certainly didn’t expect so many people to say they related so deeply with so much of the book. I’m deeply honored and humbled everytime someone says my book made them feel less alone.

5. Can you speak to the importance of representation in media and literature for those with mental illness?

Yesterday I was reading an article about transgender community belongingness as it relates to well-being, and the researchers talked about the importance of identity-based communities to allow members of marginalized groups to experience a sense of belonging (Barr et al., 2016). Belonging is a long-standing topic in psychology research. It is implicated in our survival, and ultimately our wellness. We are inherently social creatures, and to belong is to have a safe network of others to help us survive (Barr e al, 2016). When I was growing up, there was no representation of mental illness in media, which exacerbated shame and stigma. Folks that did go to therapy (at least when I was growing up) didn’t talk about it, and if they did, the topic was avoided and often met with judgments or assumptions of that person being “unstable.” Having a mental illness is still stigmatized and I am STILL scared to share that I struggle with an eating disorder when I meet new people (also, you do not have to share anything with anyone unless you feel comfortable and want to). I want to, because it’s important to me that friends or partners are aware of my history and understand who I am fully. Still, I ask myself if they’ll think I’m hard to deal with, if they’ll assume I have constant breakdowns, if they’ll think I’m unreliable or volatile…I project dozens of my own insecurities and fear of being rejected, judged, or looked down on. Visibility is important because it normalizes an experience that is incredibly common. I want to be careful here and remind folks that normalizing something should not minimize it–just because something is common does not mean it’s normal. While humans are an incredibly adaptable species, we haven’t developed superhuman powers to be unphased by traumatic events, tolerate long periods of stress, cope with oppression, or thrive in our current cultural climate. Representation should reduce shame, but not at the expense of minimizzing the severity, intensity, or pain of the people experiencing mental illness. Hopefully, more representation can also serve to educate folks without mental illness, so they can better understand how to support, love, and respect individuals who do (and let them focus on getting well).

Reference:

Barr, S. M., Budge, S. L., & Adelson, J. L. (2016). Transgender community belongingness as a mediator between strength of transgender identity and well-being. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(1), 87–97. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000127

6. How do you hope to create spaces both online and offline where individuals can feel seen and understood?

Because I started writing during the pandemic I never found a groove with offline spaces, though it’s something I’m considering in the future (writing retreats, for example). Online, I try to write in various places to reach different kinds of consumers, because I know people learn in myriad ways. I have an instagram where I connect with people through videos and short captions, which allows visual folks and readers to get short stories and inspiration. My blog is where I do more didactic writing and offer tips, resources, and journaling prompts for people who want to know themselves a little more intimately. In the past I’ve hosted live Instagram or Tiktoks to simply have discourse and a safe space to chat (though I’ve eased off social media this year for my own mental health and haven’t gone live in a while). I also write longer-form stories on my Substack for people who long to get away from social media and are seeking slower, longform content, which is now my primary space to connect with people. 

7. Your Substack, “The Messy Middle,” has gained a large following. Can you share your approach to creating engaging content?

This is still an experiment. I launched “The Messy Middle” in January, and I am still learning the ins and outs of Substack, what works, what my readers like, and what they don’t. While it’s a similar format to blogging, it’s a much more alive platform, in that it also allows me to connect with readers in a chat space, with notes (kind of like tweets), using polls in my posts, comments, and–if I feel really brave– podcasts. My approach is to have seasonal themes which allow me to stay within some kind of contained bubble (otherwise I roam too free in my subjects) while still giving me room to be creative. This season is about “accepting parts of self,” so readers know each newsletter will be loosely tethered to the idea of self-acceptance. My hope is that this provides readers with enough consistency to feel safe while allowing me creative license to take them on a journey. Ultimately, my goal is to write with more humor, levity, and play in my Substack. Much of my writing in the last few years has been dark and heavy. While I believe that work was needed, I am interested in bringing comedy, satire, and wit into my stories. “The Messy Middle” is, indeed, messy.

8.  In your opinion, what role should education play in promoting mental health and wellness?

I think education should primarily be left to educators. I used to play a much heavier role in educating my audience, but as I got further away from my schooling and wasn’t physically in the field, it didn’t feel ethical to me to share things I’d learned in school years prior. I also no longer had access to peer-reviewed journals or scholarly articles, which meant if I was continuing my own education to source my information, it was coming from websites that aren’t rooted in research. There is a lot of misinformation online, especially on social media where anyone can decide to teach a subject. It is difficult as an everyday consumer to discern who is teaching from a place of valid and reliable sources vs. regurgitating other ideas or prophesizing personal ideals. There is the added dimension of using knowledge as a funnel to sell, which unfortunately is fairly mainstream now. If I do share education with my audience now, I am clear about where it comes from (even if that’s my own experience). I do believe that mental health should be embedded in our actual educational model. I would love to see a curriculum from pre-school through college where students are taught basic self-regulatory skills, social skills, boundaries, coping with stress, appraising cognitive distortions, making meaning in life, letting go, grieving…that, to me, would be the ideal role education played in promoting mental health.

9. What advice would you give to someone struggling with their mental health?

Talk to someone. Call a friend. Text a family member. Write it on paper and share it with someone you trust. Yes, at some point, therapy would help. Yes, at some point, journaling would help. Yes, all the tools and tips and breathing would help. But first and foremost, you have to know you’re not alone. Life is not meant to be lived alone. We are social beings and we require connection. Oftentimes we are struggling with our mental health because we feel alone, or because we are alone. Having someone on our side or team while we face the incredibly difficult path of getting better creates a sense of comfort, safety, and support. So my advice would be, if it’s accessible, tell a loved one what you’re experiencing. Tell them you’d like to get help, and that it would mean so much if they were on your mental health team. Work together to make a plan, and know you are brave as hell for reaching out. 

10.  Can you speak to the impact of storytelling in reducing stigma surrounding mental illness?

Stories shift how we see our life circumstances.

11. Have you ever watched a movie and suddenly been inspired to take the same action as the main character? Read a book and felt more hopeful about what life could be?

Seen a play and felt a catharsis by sharing tears with someone on stage? Stories transport us out of our own predicament and into the predicament of the characters in the plot. They inherently help us separate from our internal dialogue for just long enough that we can imagine new possibilities. Stories take us through change and evolution–most stories have beginnings, where we witness some of our own longing or despair; middles, where we witness struggle and obstacles we may fear in our own future; and endings, where hope and resolution live. While I believe these kinds of stories are powerful, I don’t think they always alleviate the pain that folks with mental illness feel. For us, life feels like a constant beginning and middle, but neverending. We long for one day to be fully pain-free, but it seems to never come. Or if it does, it isn’t long-lasting. Mainstream storytelling is misleading in this way and can create less hope, less optimism, and more shame. My goal is to tell stories that don’t necessarily have endings. Stories that start in the middle and end at the beginning. Stories that represent what it means to keep going, not finish. My hope is that with stories like these, people start to experience less shame in their own messy middles. That they start to feel inspired by living life in the uncertain. That the catharsis is in knowing there is nothing wrong with them, and they are simply beautiful, wild, and very much alive.

The post Exploring Mental Health and Authenticity with Bestselling Author Rachel Havekost appeared first on Wonder Woman Mag.

She graduated from University College London (UCL) with an MSci in Biological Sciences. However, her huge passion in life is for social media and all things luxury! During her degree she set up her fashion blog and instagram as her creative outlet, who knew science and fashion would work so well together?!

After almost 6 years she has had incredible opportunities and she regularly works with high-end and luxury brands such as Rolls Royce, Audi, Elie Saab, Charlotte Tilbury, Balmain Hair, Chopard Fragrances, Farfetch and 5 star hotels in London. She is highly focused and thrives on a challenge and making something a success.

Be authentic and your true self!

– Kate Yuille

1.  Can you tell us about your journey from studying Biological Sciences to becoming a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content creator?

I always dreamt of being a fashion influencer, I have always loved clothes and fashion and followed content creators on instagram years ago, one which I remember following was Leonie Hanne who I still admire today. I studied Biological Sciences at University College London (UCL) however my passion for fashion was always lying beneath the surface. During my second year of university exams I created my instagram account and blog Ultrasophisticate as an outlet to share my daily outfits and this is where it all began. It was a creative space for me and a community which I loved as a hobby, my account started growing rapidly and I then began to push my content. Being based in London for university, meant I could now take my content with some iconic landmarks and cute cafes and from there I was doing my degree alongside my content creation. Now I am able to work with brands regularly and travel between London and Paris to shoot my content, this was always such a dream for me when I began my account.

2. How did you discover your passion for social media and luxury fashion?

I have always loved luxury fashion from a timeless viewpoint. The way the fabric is cut and tailored the stunning styles such as Saint Laurent and Valentino. I was investing in preloved designer clothes and bags when I was a student and saw these pieces as investments. Preloved was a way of affording more High End pieces and being financially savvy whilst also being more sustainable. I do buy new designer items as well but I always think carefully about the choices I make when it comes to cost per wear rather than buying into trend pieces. I love a bit of bling too, who doesn’t! Showcasing these beautiful pieces on Social media and how to style pieces in many ways is something I enjoy. Through social media you can also see how someone else styles a particular bag color or jacket and from that we can experiment to enjoy luxury pieces in many different outfits and styles.

3. What inspired you to start your blog and Instagram account, UltraSophisticate?

(Similar to my answer in question 1). I always loved fashion and clothes and followed other content creators and influencers for several years. I wanted to also be able to share my daily outfits and inspire my followers with my girly and feminine style. I often take inspiration from outfits I see on the catwalk and social media and so I wanted to be able to provide this to others. I absolutely love engaging with the community of other content creators and followers, my favorite thing is seeing my followers wearing an outfit inspired by one of my looks.

4. How do you balance your work as a content creator and running a social media and marketing agency?

Right now both my content creator account and social media agency are growing rapidly (which I am very grateful for!) so it all takes very good organization and planning. I usually do 1-2 shoot days a week and attend several launch events and dinners whilst also attending client meetings and scheduling work – it just takes a very good diary! The agency is also expanding soon in a few ways so will be hiring more help!

5.  Can you share with us some of the high-end and luxury brands you have worked

with, and what the collaborations involved?

Working and collaborating with high-end and luxury brands will always be a dream come true and are ‘pinch me’ moments when I see those emails in my inbox! I have been very fortunate to work with so many brands over the past 6 years but several really stand out. Working with Balmain Hair Couture for a few years creating content for their new launches and attending Paris Fashion Week and the Balmain show last October. Afternoon tea and a day being chauffeured with Rolls- Royce was probably the most luxurious day of my life! Attending The Olivier Awards with Audi was also an experience I will never forget. For beauty, I have created content for fragrances from brands such as Chopard, Elie Saab and YSL and makeup from Charlotte Tilbury, Nars. As well as online luxury stores such as Farfetch and multiple preloved designer stores.

6. How do you approach styling mid-price point and preloved designer items in a

premium way?

I also love styling high street and mid-price point brands in a premium way mixing these with designer pieces. If you know current season trends you can often find similar styles within mid-price point stores, for example bright fuchsia was in every store after being popular on the runway last year. The key is finding clothes with a timeless and luxurious feel and styling them well together in an expensive looking way (tailored looks is the easiest for this!). For years on my instagram I have mixed in pieces from Zara or And Other Stories combining them with a designer handbag or scarf to elevate the look. For example, mixing in a mid-price purple satin blouse with a black tailored blazer finished by adding a Chanel bag. Another small tip is looking at metal tones, I love gold hardware and jewellery, and i find this can often make an outfit look more expensive. Choosing a blazer which has gold buttons which ties in with a pair of gold chunky earrings and the gold hardware on your bag can instantly make an outfit chic.

7. What are your top tips for building a successful personal brand on social media?

Building a personal brand starts by finding a niche or niches which your style and content leans more towards. My biggest tip is to be consistent both in your content style but also in how often you post and interact, as a new follower it needs to be clear what your style is and what sort of content they will see. For some people this will be super chatty stories and reels and for others a more minimalistic aesthetic style content.

Most importantly, be authentic and your true self as people want to know you and engage with your personality. Try to answer every DM and comment individually, if people are taking the time to comment and message then it is important to reply to build a community. Plus enjoy it because it brings so many new people into your life and so many opportunities and this passion will shine through.

8. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest fashion and beauty trends?

Mainly through (of course) instagram and my favourite content creator accounts! I am loving the FYP suggested posts on instagram at the moment as it is introducing me to new creators and trends. I also still love a magazine and subscribe to Vogue every month, nothing compares to an afternoon looking creating a dream wish list of trending pieces from Vogue!

9. Can you tell us about your experience attending fashion events such as LFW and

PFW?

Wow, where do I even start! Attending Fashion Weeks is always a highlight of my career, the buzz and passion you feel at these events is incredible. I have been going to a few shows at LFW for several years but it was my first time going to PFW last October and I went again in February this year. The Balmain show last year was unbelievable to see in person with Olivier Rousteing also bringing Cher onto the runway! Seeing full collections on the runway shows is so different to exploring collections online or in the store, you see the storyline the designer wants to tell. The atmosphere from everyone attending is always so exciting, there is a lot of anticipation and also A LOT of stunning and creative outfits packed full of drama. Social media is also full of incredible style around the fashion weeks with creators posting their GRWM and full glam looks, it is honestly my favourite months for fashion and content creation. Planning my looks for LFW and PFW is something I look forward to doing again soon…

10. How do you use your social media and marketing knowledge to help small businessn owners and content creators grow their brand’s online presence?

Having grown my own account over the past 6 years and always keeping up to date on the latest instagram trends and new features I am able to provide this knowledge to my social media clients. Now having worked with many different sector businesses on social media and marketing knowing how each sector approaches social media is important and being able to create a strategy for growth and sales is vital, social media is a game changer for businesses when they are using it effectively. I am so excited for my online courses for small business owners and content creators to launch soon where I will be sharing all my knowledge!

11. What are some challenges you have faced in your career, and how did you

overcome them?

I do think the work/life balance can sometimes become a challenge as social media never sleeps and I love to be able to share my days out, my holidays, restaurants and because of this you never truly get to switch off, but that is why it is important you love what you do because I wouldn’t change this for the world!

12. What are your future plans for UltraSophisticate and your social media and

marketing agency?

This summer I have a lot of travel planned to Italy, South of France, Paris etc. so I can’t wait to plan more summer looks and continue to grow my account and work with more brands. I always set myself goals and dream brands to work with so hopefully I will achieve a few more of these this year! My biggest goal is my own collection with a brand or a fashion line so we will have to see what happens… My agency is also growing with training courses for small businesses and influencers launching very soon called Socially Leading to teach all my social media knowledge to others, and with more clients on the way My Luxe Digital will also be expanding into PR Soon.

13. What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in fashion,

beauty, and lifestyle content creation?

This is a question I am often asked and I always say to go for it and start today! I have seen the argument it is ‘too late’ to begin now or that there are ‘too many’ content creators but that is completely not true! If you have passion then that will shine through and your style and content will attract an audience.

The post The Sophisticated and Luxurious World of UltraSophisticate: An Interview with Kate appeared first on Wonder Woman Mag.

Yara is 28 years old, from Kyiv, Ukraine. She moved to America a little over 3 years ago, where her life completely changed. She decided to join a reality tv show, only had 3 months to get married to her then boyfriend of 2 years, and soon were expecting their first child. They were married and shortly after welcomed their beautiful daughter Mylah. Shortly after that, Yara opened her own clothing store. It was a challenge for her as an immigrant, but was able to figure it out and yarazaya.com is running successfully! Now she has been in the USA for 3 years, she misses Ukraine very much, but her home is here now.

Just keep pushing, don’t give up!

– Yara Zaya

The post From Ukraine to America: Yara’s Journey of Love, Motherhood, and Entrepreneurship appeared first on Wonder Woman Mag.

Dominique is the owner of Dominton Talent House out of Los Angeles, California. Growing up in the show business industry, Dominique knows the entertainment business inside and out. She has strong negotiating abilities, highly respected contacts in the industry, and a keen eye for talent.  

She is currently the business & talent manager of several reality stars (some who are the stars of their own TV shows), New York Times best selling authors, athletes, musicians, and entrepreneurs who are under contract with major networks. 

Dominique is also an executive producer, highly experienced in film finance, and a philanthropist

As you purse a career, continue your own projects and creative growth

-Dominique

1. Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in the entertainment industry?

I started in the entertainment industry at a very young age. My mother was Sherman Hemsley’s (from The Jefferson’s, Amen, Fresh Prince of Bel Air) manager and business partner. They had a production and film Finace company. I handled the film financing division. Once my mother retired and Sherman Passed, I took over. That is how Dominton Talent House was born. I manage a variety of talent including influencers, offer film financing services, am an executive producer, and I’m about to launch our own production company division.

2. As a business and talent manager, what are some of the biggest challenges you face in your day-to-day work?

To be an entrepreneur and successful talent manager, one must be ready to tackle challenges. It also means one is a problem solver and good negotiator. There are issues with the complex nature of contracts, advertising, handling and settlement of funds, acquisition and retaining of personnel and content, different personalities in talent which you have to be able to understand and flow with which sometimes is a challenge. It is my job to find the right person who will produce consistent results. One has to be able to understand the difference between ‘goldbricking’ and those with raw talents that can be polished.

3. You work with a variety of clients, from reality stars to athletes to entrepreneurs. How do you approach managing such a diverse group of individuals?

Coordinating the artist’s team, overseeing complicated legal structures and keeping track of all the numbers, from social media and radio spins to cash-flows and revenue splits, is the routine that comes with being a successful talent manager.

With all that being said, while taking care of the day-to-day, I have to aim for the stars: building relationships, anticipating problems and developing long-term strategies. Working closely with all sides of the industry, I must be “fluent” in the entertainment business – more so than any of my associates. Managing an artist means juggling dozens of hats at a time, and I have to be on top of my game at all times. It takes time, patience, tenacity, having an open mind, actually caring about my clients, and a lot of espressos.

4. What are some of the most important skills you need as a negotiator in the entertainment industry?

Adaptability, self-confidence, business intelligence, and persistence.

5. As an executive producer, what do you look for in a project before deciding to invest in it?

As an executive producer I have business acumen and insights into the film and television market and know how and where to make money. This is especially important when I’m financing the film or project myself. Investing in a movie or show can be lucrative and glamorous, but it is also a sophisticated and highly risky undertaking. Before investing in any project, I do my due diligence and research the project, the producers, the talent, and the potential audience appeal.

6. You have experience in film finance – can you tell us about a project that you worked on that you’re particularly proud of?

Unfortunately, I keep this private. Investors don’t like their business dealings and finances out out there which I highly respect.

7. How do you balance your professional career with your philanthropic work?

I’m good at compartmentalizing. I make sure that I give everything I do the time required without taking away from my other projects or obligations.

8. Can you give us some insight into the future of the entertainment industry, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic?

One thing that is never going to be at risk is the entertainment industry. It has proven to be resilient throughout the years. No matter what is going on in the world, everyone’s  escape is tv, film, music, entertainment .

9. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in the entertainment industry?

Hollywood is still all about whom you know, but arguably more important than meeting showrunners, casting directors and producers is building a solid network of friends.

Many find their ideal job in the entertainment industry by pursuing their own creative passions and talents. They overcome challenges and sometimes rejection until they get the chance to showcase their own artistic abilities. As you purse a career, continue your own projects and creative growth. Needless to say, having a good talent manager is imperative. Most importantly, never, ever give up on your dreams.

10. Finally, what’s next for you in your career? Are there any exciting projects or ventures that you’re currently working on?

I have two very exciting projects I’m working on at the moment that have been picked up by networks. I’m a believer in keeping things quiet until they air. Coming soon…

The post Dominique Enchinton: Having A Good Talent Manager Is Imperative appeared first on Wonder Woman Mag.

This article outlines the major steps needed to help you start a new sustainable business.

Identify an Eco-friendly Niche

A green business niche occurs in markets ready for eco-friendly, sustainable products and services. Green businesses deliver what modern consumers want in the marketplace and are rewarded with strong customer loyalty and emotional connections. A new green business may benefit from green tax incentives and other government programs, but the most important factor is to build sustainable practices and principles into every aspect of your new business endeavor. Be sure your green vision, operations, and brand are consistent and visible to convey your sustainability values to a target audience. 

Green Marketing and Business Plans

A business strategy outlines the green goals, milestones, and performance measures that encompass all your company’s products, practices, and operations. Outline how your company adheres to net-zero targets, and how stakeholders, including employees and customers, can get involved. Your strategy documents green leadership values, such as promoting zero waste living, using in-house green cleaning products, and employing green marketing tools.

Do your marketing initiatives, communications, and logistics extend beyond London, England? If so, how are sustainability practices used in outreach, transportation, and delivery of products and services? Do you reach and converse with your customers and

target audiences with minimal environmental impact? Do you employ green packaging and marketing materials, such as recycled papers and biodegradable inks? Is your business sustainability certified? 

Answering these questions publically provides good accountability and shows you are serious about sustainability and environmental issues. Social media outlets are a big part of green marketing plans. Consider using online sustainability influencer marketing agencies to encourage environmentally conscious decision-making by customers and suppliers. Influencers provide expert sustainability advice on marketing, such as visual identity and packaging, and may also have expertise in green product design, development, and logistics. Weigh the experience and cost of sustainability influencers and consult online reviews before selecting a green marketing partner.

Join A Green Community

In 2020 London, England was ranked on the Sustainable Cities Index as the smartest and most sustainable city in the world. Join others in this community to exchange ideas to promote, and grow your sustainable business. Individual company sustainability goals and

initiatives may be easier to achieve if you join forces with other like-minded ecopreneurs and community leaders to achieve synergy and certain economies of scale.

A community green team, for example, pools the efforts of several businesses and community organizations to reduce waste and increase efficiency through cooperation and collaboration. 

Ecopreneurs use community engagement to share sustainability values and provide community leadership, outreach, and accountability. Sustainability conferences, workshops, and webinars are additional ways to demonstrate green leadership in the

community and introduce your sustainable business to new audiences.

Reach Out

Ecopreneurship is the wave of the future as new business leaders build a sustainable economy, promote environmental values, and satisfy growing consumer demand for green

alternatives. Visit Wonder Woman Mag to learn more!

BY: TINA MARTIN 

The post Ecopreneurship 101: A Guide for Green Business Leaders appeared first on Wonder Woman Mag.

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Attorney Kathleen Martinez is the founder and managing attorney of Martinez Immigration. She received her bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles and her Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, in San Diego. Attorney Martinez has been practicing law for over 5 years and is proud to serve the immigrant community. Her mission is to reunite families easily and effectively.

Never give up. Don’t let anyone crush your dreams.

– Kathleen Martinez

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in immigration law?

My clients. I was working in a family law firm when my clients asked me to assist them with their green card applications. I then started volunteering with child refugee cases and fell in love with helping reunite families.

2. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing immigrants in the United States today?

The law is extremely narrow when it comes to obtaining status. You cannot get status on merit alone. Most of the time you need an immediate relative willing to petition for you, so it’s difficult for most people.

3. What do you think is the biggest misconception about immigration law?

That we help clients immigrate unlawfully, or that we, as immigration lawyers, encourage unlawful immigration.

4. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing immigration attorneys today?

We are extremely limited by the law, as it is determined by current administration. It is always changing and we have to keep up with having to change the fate of a client’s case when the news comes on with a different law implemented. It is extremely challenging.

5. Do you ever take work home with you?

I work from home, so yes. I work all the time. It sounds cliché, but I am absolutely in love with what I do, so It feels more like a hobby that simultaneously supports my family.

6. What five words would describe you as immigration lawyer?

Confident, passionate, empathetic, inspired and happy.

7. How do you build trust with your clients and ensure they feel comfortable discussing their case with you?

Communication is extremely important to me. They trust me with their lives, so I need to earn it. I educate them on their process so they don’t feel like they are in the dark about it.

8. I saw a picture when you and all your team wear pink suits, why this choice?

Pink represents my story. I was discriminated against at previous law firms for wearing pink and I was a good attorney. When I started my law firm, I wanted to embrace the fact that we are a “different” looking law firm and still incredibly talented at what we do. I hire people who have been made to feel inadequate for how they dress, etc so we like to wear pink to represent our stories.

9. What would you like to tell your readers?

Never give up. Don’t let anyone crush your dreams.

10. What advice can you give to someone who wants to be an attorney?

Don’t let anyone tell you no. You don’t need to fit in a box to be able to practice law and help people.

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully expanding. We have helped thousands of clients and I only want to help more, as both clients and employees.

The post Kathleen Martinez: Pink represents my story appeared first on Wonder Woman Mag.