Pa'lante...Siempre Pa'lante!

Video Song: Hasta Abajo Remix - Don Omar ft. Daddy Yankee

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Hey Guys,

My Boss, Jorge Cano-Moreno with Kyra Phillips!

What a week!…Here’s just a little breakdown:

• CNN
• Tiempo
• Los Premios Latinos Nomination party
• Backstage/sound check for the Machete Music Tour at Madison Square Garden!
• Nice mini makeover by new make up line, Latina Bella.

100 Hispanic Men Members & actor Paul Calderon

So…my boss/co-founder/publisher of ULM, Jorge Cano-Moreno was selected to be on CNN for the Kyra Phillips show. I accompanied him to the CNN studios. He did great, he discussed how Latina actresses are making strides in Hollywood and have come a long way from the stereotypical "maid" roles to Oscar award winning roles. You guys have to check it out, click here. Then from there the producers from CNN Español contacted me to get a spanish interview with him. We ended up killing two birds with one stone! Later that evening, I went to the Tiempo (ABC) studios to oversee an interview I set up with the board members of 100 Hispanic Men and actor, Paul Calderon. It will air this Sunday, October 31st at 11am. SO CHECK IT OUT!

 24horas @Premios Latinos Nomination Party

That same night, Jess and I got the chance to attend 
The Latin Awards (Los Premios Latinos) nomination party, located at Umbrella Lounge. This event was a preview to the show that will air November 5th and will broadcast to over 8 million viewers.  Los Premios Latinos is not only a spectacular show with amazing performances, but an opportunity to share the best of the best in Latin culture, music, sports, television & film. All of these leaders, entertainers, fans and many more come together to celebrate their Latino heritage and it’s positive impact on American entertainment and culture. That night they had great performances from various rising stars. My favorite performance came from 24horas! They remind me a little of Groupo Extreme, But their latest single “24 Horas” (yes, same as the group's name) is super addicting!

On Friday, October 22nd, Jess and I attended the exclusive 'invite only' rehearsal of the Machete Music Tour at MSG! It was great. This concert included, Don Omar, Ivy Queen, Tego Calderon, Cosculluela, Jowell y Randy, Flex, Angel y Kriz, and Nacho y Chino! 

Angel y Khriz!

So guess who performed as the opening act? 24horas! (I’m telling you, they're about to explode). This tour marked the 5th year anniversary/celebration for the record label. Machete Music is currently the leader in the Latin urban music world A.K.A reggaeton. This grand concert was hosted by Alex Sensation! He definitely knew how to hype up the crowd during the breaks! I’ve been a fan of reggaeton since high school, so seeing artists like Tego and Don Omar was a very nostalgic/dream come true. It brought back fun memories, while also creating new ones! Jess and I had the pleasure of being present with other media outlets while they conducted all their interviews. We were even lucky enough to get some "drops" from artists like Jowell y Randy and Nacho y Chino - to think that “Mi Niña Bonita“ was my song of the week in my last blog ;) That goes to show anything is SERIOUSLY possible! 

"El Principe" Cosculluela and I

The concert had us on our feet, so if you do go to one of the concerts wear comfy shoes and NOT 6 inch heels (lol). I must say none of this would have been possible if wasn’t for Loren Medina from Digital Girl! (Thanks girl!)

Latina Bella

Getting touched up by Latina Bella ;)

Lastly, on Saturday, Sazon catered a makeover event for a new cosmetic line called LATINA BELLA! It took place at a Duane Reade located in Queens. They gave FREE makeovers to all the customers, while I served coffee and yummy postres (desserts) from the restaurant. The result was great! All of the lovely women were so excited and were feeling so glamorous when they were being pampered, that they eagerly purchases Latina Bella products right after.  The makeup is very affordable and compliments olive skin tones. What makes this perfect for women with our complexion is the fact that the makeup   contains “yellow” undertones as oppose to pink ones! Not to mention its super AFFORDABLE! The highest item goes for a simple $15,  which is the illuminator (I bought it, it works miracles lol). You can use it on your eyes, cheeks and even lips. It gives you that SIZZLING LATINA GLOW, without over doing it.

You can only find these items at your local Duane Reade. 

That's pretty much a wrap on our week! It truly makes me proud being Latina and watching us take productive roles in this society. LATINOS STAND UP!!!

Jess & I con Nacho y Chino :)

xo, 

Samantha

Song of the week: Danza Kuduro -Don Omar ft. Lucenzo (I LOVE the Portuguese part)

P.S - I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN!! GRRR HELP!?

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Whats up!

Machete Music Tour 2010

Machete Music, owned by Universal Music Group, started it all and changed the Latin music landscape indefinitely by bringing reggaeton to the forefront of the industry.  While being the strongest label geared mainly around reggaeton, in recent years it has also been signing non-urban artists such as Malverde, Mala Rodriguez and Chino XL. 

On Friday, October 22nd, Machete Music kicked off their tour with the hottest stars in reggaeton and Latin urban music to perform live at the theater at Madison Square Garden, to celebrate their 5th anniversary of being the leader in Latin Urban music.

Samantha and I had the great privilege of receiving admittance to the Machete Music Tour 2010 sound check, press conference and concert. (S/O to Loren Medina of Digital Girl for the opportunity!). 

Jowell y Randy during sound check

We had a lot of fun watching how a concert of this magnitude all comes together.  The tour brought together artists that comprise Machete's past, present and future.  So new music, classic hits and surprise collaborations truly made this night epic. And with a lineup that included: Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Ivy Queen, Jowell y Randy, Chino y Nacho, Angel y Khriz, Cosculluela, Flex and other special guests - we definitely went into the theater expecting the unexpected.

I'm not a huge reggaeton fan, but I have to admit the concert was entertaining. 

Ivy Queen performing

The Venezuelan duo, Chino y Nacho were awesome performing their hits "Mi Niña Bonita" and "Tu Angelito."  It was interesting to see "El Abayarde" aka Tego Calderón perform with no flashy dancers or crazy light shows - but just a mic in hand, proving that his lyrics can stand alone. "La Reina del Reggaeton" (Ivy Queen) hit the stage with an abundance of girl power! (lol) 

"El Abayarde" performing

To close out the show, making his official return to the stage in NY, Don Omar had the entire venue dancing and applauding to this classic hits and new songs.  His set alone was over 40 minutes! "The King of Kings" definitely reminded the audience why he is and will always be the most electrifying superstar in the Latin urban genre.  He performed fan-favorites such as "Dile," "Pobre Diabla," and "Salio El Sol." He even brought back out Tego Calderón for a special rendition of their collabortation "Los Bandoleros," before closing with his new hit single "Danza Kuduro."

It was a great concert and is definitely worth checking out. You still have time to catch the tour if you're in the following cities - El Paso, Texas, Los Angeles, CA and San Jose, CA.  For tickets and more information, definitely visit Machete Music. 

Samantha & I during sound check

That's all for now. Catch you next week. 

Song of the Week: "Tu Angelito" - Chino y Nacho

P.S. Have a happy & safe Halloween!

xo, Jessica

Pretty in Pink

Video Song: Stereo Love - Edward Maya & Vika Jingulina

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Hey Guys!

Wow we are on our 5th blog! (Fun Fact: 5 is my Sorority number = Fave Number) As usual we covered so many different events this past week! Lingerie, a photoshoot, a performance and the Breast Cancer walk! 

Photo by Erez Sabag

On Wednesday October 13th, Jess and I headed over to visit the Luscious NYC store which is located on 4 Prince Street (you guys HAVE to check it out). The night was full of art, fashion and music and sweets (they had some yummy brownies)! This Moet sponsored evening was to unveil the new art collection, Entice by Erez Sabag. This Costa Rican photographer/director has worked with various fashion publications and events! His work is very sensual & modern – very ELLE Magazine. Along with the stunning artwork, Luscious NYC was displaying the new Fall collections that are NOW available at the store. They had models walking around and posing at the window pretending to be “window mannequins” - pretty neat and unusual, huh? The music was on point thanks to DJ Kalkutta! I loved her style and beats, she had a mix of everything! To be honest with you, other than Samantha Robinson, I don’t really know any other female DJs out there! So I enjoyed grooving to her mixes. She was actually born in Calcutta, India (hence the name lol).  Apparently she’s a very well known DJ in the fashion industry! She was recently on PAGE 6 the other day, where it stated how artist PRINCE was jamming to her flow!  

Moet

Its all about the feminine power! 

...and that's what I see and feed off from Luscious NYC, the power us women really have ;)! Shout out to the store owner Jennifer Rodriguez, and the ReThink ladies Raven Ramos and Kamey Butler for putting out a great show & for the invite! xoxoxo     

DJ Kallcutta

The next day, Jess stopped by at my other spot (Sazon) to work on the photoshoot with voluptuous singer, Mayra Veronica! They were shooting for the cover of Urban Latino Magazine. I love the connection that Urban Latino and Sazon has! To me its like ONE BIG FAMILY! And I feel that - that’s important to have in any work field. I feel blessed and grateful to have it in both. Since I was working Sazon ALL Thursday, Jessica got to see Pantoja at FB Lounge! I’m so jealous, because I haven’t heard them perform live yet,  but check out Jessica’s blog for the full details!

Finally on Sunday October 17th, we attended the Making Stride Against Breast Cancer Walk. I feel that it is super important to go out there and help in whatever way possible! Whether it's a family member, family friend... I'm pretty sure we've all been touched by breast cancer one way or another. Signing up for these walks and donating is another way to fight.  So let's all try to do something to save lives and create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays!

QUICK FACTS - DID YOU KNOW?

   

• Although rare, younger women can also get breast cancer. Just five percent of all breast cancers occur in women under age 40.

With Mommy & Daddy 0:)

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women.

• Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer among Hispanic/Latina women.

• Lesbians and women who partner with women have a greater risk of breast cancer than other women, but this is not because of their sexual orientation. Rather, it is linked to other risk factors (such as never having children or having them later in life) that are more common in these women.

• About 85 percent of all women diagnosed with breast cancer DO NOT have a family history.

• Only about 10% of breast cancers occur because of inherited genetic traits. 

• Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen. 

• Women are less at risk of developing breast cancer if they eat a healthy diet and exercise. 

*****Early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer. When breast cancer is diagnosed at its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is over 95 percent. 

So Much Pink!

• Mammograms are the best and most widely available breast cancer screening tool. They can detect about 85 percent of all breast cancers. 

• At age 40, women should get an annual mammogram. 

• Know how your breasts look and feel and report changes to your health care provider

• Make healthy living choices; maintain a healthy weight, add exercise into your routine and limit alcohol intake.

Lets live a healthy lifestyle and grace this world with our presence as LONG AS POSSIBLE!

The month is NOT over yet! so I better see you PRETTY IN PINK =)

XO, 

Samantha 

P.S. Song of the Week: "Mi Nina Bonita" - Chino y Nacho **Porque las ninas son bonitas ;)

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What up?! 

Things have been slowing down a bit here at the office, but Samantha and I are definitely keeping busy!  We attended very diverse and interesting events this past week, which were all impressive in their own rites.

As Samantha mentioned, we both attended the "Entice" event at Luscious NYC (thank you Jennifer, Raven & Kamey for the invites!).  It was a very fashionable affair, with model mannequins, a video presentation, music, Moet, strawberries, beautiful photography, and of course...oh so sexy lingerie!

Mayra Veronica

Thursday morning, I woke up bright and early to head down to Sazon restaurant to oversee our photoshoot with Mayra Veronica for Urban Latino Magazine's last issue of the year, issue #96. Mayra Veronica is a Cuban-born, American raised model and singer.  She acquired fame for her role as model and host on Univision's Don Francisco Presenta. She emerged onto the international stage following her appearance in the August 2003 issue of FHM.  In 2004 and 2005, she made it on to the magazine's list of the "Top 100 Sexiest Women in the World."  Shortly after, the military named her favorite pin-up girl of the US Marines and the USO asked her to tour with the troops.  

Since then she's become an official spokesperson for the USO and UNICEF, which inspired our photoshoot.  Le'Aura Luciano, ULM's Beauty & Fashion editor, picked up some great military costumes from Ricky's NYC and Josh DeHonney, the photographer, shot some great images.  I'm really excited to get them back and design the cover! The last two covers of ULM have been male (Marc Anthony & Robinson Cano), so I'm glad that I can "sex up" this cover, which quite honestly won't be hard with Mayra (lol). So be sure to pick up that issue, due out in Decemeber!

Pantoja Performing

Later that night, I headed back uptown to FB Lounge.  My parents were there with some colleagues having dinner and waiting for the band, Pantoja to perform.  Joshua Pantoja is a singer-songwriter and musician straight out of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and lead singer of Pantoja. He's very musically talented - playing the guitar, piano, trumpet and, surprisingly, the french horn.  He is a graduate of the Juilliard School and is the third horn in the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. Joshua just recently completed his first Latin Pop Rock album, Sentimientos Encontrados (which I did the artwork for!).  All the songs are written by Joshua and are a mix of romance and sensuality.  On the drums is actually Joshua's brother, Jesse.  Both Joshua and Jesse are definite talents and I'm excited to see where their music takes them. 

Sea Thai Restaurant & Bistro

On Sunday, Samantha and I attended the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.  It was definitely inspiring to be walking with so many people, from all walks of life, for a great cause. We walked so much, we worked up an appetite! We ended the night at Sea Thai Restaurant & Bistro with some of our linesisters.  I absolutely loveeeee Sea! The Thai styled food is amazingly flavorful and comes in generous portions, while being very reasonably priced, especially being located in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn.  The tum tim fritters, chicken fried rice and watermelon mojitos are my faves! Sea is definitely a trendy and lively place to eat and is worth a trip on the L train.  

 

Song of the Week: "Riot Song" - Johnny Polygon

XO,

Jessica

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P.S. We'd like to remind everyone to wear PURPLE on 

Wednesday, October 20th in support of the Human Rights Campaign - to  remember those we've lost due to anti-gay bullying and to support diversity being embraced rather than ridiculed.

"Starstruck..."

Video Song: Dirty Talk - Wynter Gordon & David Guetta

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Hey Guys!

Bobby Flay & Frank Maldonado

So this past week was a celebrity filled one! I was even on E! Entertainment (lol).

I was so grateful to be part of a private taping that took place at my other gig SAZON. I can’t really go into details even though I would love to, but I signed a contract :X What I can tell you is that I was supporting CHEF FRANK MALDONADO to the fullest! I’m so proud of him and what he has accomplished. He is the restaurant's executive chef! He is straight from Puerto Rico, so the food here is as authentic as it gets! He has done a couple of television appearances and is currently working on his book, so he is definitely on the road to becoming a well known LATINO CHEF! I actually had the pleasure to bumping into celebrity Chef Bobby Flay during that production. This show will air within 3 months on a very well known NETWORK! I promise I will let you know when it happens.



Speaking of “bumping into”…

Being yelled at by Khloe =/

After the Sazon taping I was notified that the Kardashians were around the corner. I wanted to invite them over to our restaurant, so I walked over. It turns out that they were taping “Keeping up with the Kardashians” at the Smyth Tribeca. It’s crazy how their fans know exactly what their every move is-- especially the paparazzi!  When they came out of the store all mayhem broke loose! Khloe Kardashian was even pushed and she thought it was by ME!  She YELLED “Don’t Push Me!” looking straight into my eyes!  I was shocked because I was the one who was getting rammed!  I was even more astonished when I found out I was on E! the next day.

Check out the clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEpKxkf1AhQ. Go to 00:53. I’m the one with the blue phone. Its pretty funny!


(So Khloe if you are reading this or watched the video I hope you know it WASN’T ME!!! By the way KUWTK is my guilty pleasure & so is your brother lol :p)

Paul w/ wife & 100 Hispanic Men e-board

On Saturday, we wrapped up Villa with a special ceremony for actor, Paul Calderon on behalf of the organization, 100 Hispanic Men. They awarded him with the 1st annual Arts Award! It went pretty lovely; the evening was filled with dancing, food and tons of mingling. I was also thankful and in awe when he mentioned me during his acceptance speech (thanks Paul!). CEO and publisher of El Diario La Prensa, Rossana Rosado was also at attendance. Jess and I had a brief chit chat with her. It was a very influential moment to have a powerful Latina like her at our event!

As you can see there was tons of lights, cameras action going on --  Jess and I are starting to feel like “Mini Celebrities”. We’ve been recognized a couple of times this week as the “Scene Stealer” girls! It sincerely means so much that you guys are interested and tuning in on us! So thank you once again!

Remember just follow your heart & dreams … 

Jess & I w/ Rossana Rosado

“This is your world. Shape it or someone else will” - Gary Lew

XO, Samantha

Song of the week: "Paparazzi" – Lady Gaga

 
P.S- Don’t forget to wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month! And if you are doing the walk this Sunday, October 17 -- let us know so we can walk and help together!! <3

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What up!



A starstruck week indeed!

Best Buy Theater

Tuesday, October 5th I was lucky enough to attend the SO Kodak Concert series here in NYC at the Best Buy Theatre (former Nokia Theatre). "So Kodak" is apparently a phrase Kodak consumers use to refer to the state of mind that one has when he or she feels that they are looking their hottest or when they are socializing in a place or with people that are considered hip or popular (bbm "huh?" face). Although I've never heard of the phrase (::shrugging shoulders::), Kodak launched this fall with this exciting new advertising and public relations campaign featuring recording artists, Drake, Trey Songz and Pitbull. 

So many eager fans (who won tickets via twitter, fan clubs and radio stations) arrived hours before the SO Kodak performance was scheduled to start, just to stand in line...and let me tell you that line was ridiculous! Inside the Best Buy Theatre, fans got the opportunity to check out the new Kodak digital cameras and test out how the Kodak share button (featured in the SO Kodak commercials) work. It's actually a pretty cool feature, where all you have to do is press the share button on your camera and in 3 simple steps you can upload your pictures and video to facebook, flickr, twitter, youtube, Kodak gallery site or your e-mail. 

Before the show got underway, fans got a video message from Pitbull, regrettably informing the audience that due to injury to his hand, he was unable to fly to be at the show (womp, womp)...but as they say the show must go on and it did, with Trey Songz and Drake.

Trey Songz performing

Trey Songz had the audience going crazy with his performance and I'm sure all the "Trey's Angels" were not disappointed. Then it was Drake's turn to bring down the house. Both performances were rather short and it would have been awesome to see the two on stage performing songs they have together...but it was undoubtably a good time.  At the end of the show, there was a surprise video from Rihanna, introducing her as a new part of the SO Kodak campaign. 

DJ Jenncity

Thursday, October 14th I was in downtown Brooklyn to attend the Pabst Blue Ribbon Pop Up Shop event. The event featured Do-It-Yourself custom Pabst Blue Ribbon swag (by Arrows Up, Shock Vintage Shock Star, The J's, Laura Rebel Angel & BFTP), interactive live screen printing (by BKNY Printing, S/O to Jose!) a Pabst-inspired fashion show and boutique (by New York Couture, Minnae Chae), Blue Carpet Photobooth (by Its Wet Paint), and live performance by local celebrity rap stars, Ninjasonik.  DJ Jenncity and DJ Roofeo brought the whole event together into one huge party spinning the best of everything. I had a great time, designing my own t-shirts, taking pics, listening to music and of course drinking some Pabst Blue Ribbon. It was cool funky Brooklyn kinda night (lol). What was also great about this event, all the proceeds benefited the Keep-a-Breast Foundation, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  

T provided by BKNY Printing

Samantha and I have been inspired by all the breast cancer donations and support (NFL players never looked so sexy in pink!) that we are participating in the Walking Stride Against Breast Cancer with our sorority, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. this Sunday in Queens, NY. If you'd like to make a donation, please click here. 

Well, here's to another fun filled week! Catch you next week =)

Song of the Week: "Fireworks" - Drake ft. Alicia Keys

 XO, Jessica 

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South Houston (how-stin)

We'd like to take the time to thank South Houston for their hospitality this past Monday and for allowing us to shoot our video entry for this week.

If you're in the SoHo area of NYC and looking for some Southern comfort in the form of grilled chicken wings with peach apricot BBQ sauce, buttermilk fried chicken and waffles, bacon wrapped meat loaf, or bottle of seasonal beer and/or ale, be sure to stop by this trendy, yet comfortable and friendly new restaurant....Oh yea, be sure to save some from for the South Houston Sundae....absolutely yum!

"Put Your Drinks Up..."

Video Song: Bulletproof (Hyper Crush Remix) - La Roux

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Hey Guys!

Thank you so much for tuning into our THIRD week! We really appreciate all the love.  I just finished e-mailing Pulp Fiction actor, Paul Calderon! (100 Hispanic Men are actually honoring him with the First Annual Arts Award at Villa—THIS SATURDAY!)  It’s still so surreal knowing that I have the contacts of top notch singers, actors, athletes, radio/TV personalities - I find it incredibly mind boggling!  

::Ok, Sam focus (lol):: 

So back to this week’s topic….

Jess & I attended a couple of liquor sponsored events last week!  “Rising Icons” (loving the title) sponsored by Grey Goose Entertainment and “Latin Nights” sponsored by Bacardi. They were both very different, but yet pleasurable and motivational affairs. The “Rising Icons” event was an evening to recognize two local women in the arts & fashion.  Going to this event with Jess, stimulated our drive even more to MAKE it into this industry. I love seeing young women striving hard to form their dreams into a reality. Check out Jessica’s blog to get the 411 on these fashion “Icons” and our exclusive interview with one of them!

 

Casino Game

On Wednesday, September 29th we had the opportunity to attend Latin Nights at the Empire Hotel (Rooftop). This Bacardi sponsored event to me was more of a soothing but engaging evening!

There were salsa dancers, casino games, and hand rolled cigars being passed out by beautiful Bacardi models. There was also a Piragüero serving frozen treats that were made out of shaved ice and covered with fruit flavored syrup & Bacardi! I later found out that they actually found him on the street and brought him to the event! How crazy?!  It definitely went along with the motif, so thumbs up! I felt like I was on vacation in Puerto Rico for the night! The ambiance was very tropical. Not to mention the abundance amounts of FREE drinks, yea… that was on point! My fave were the Mojitos! 

Piraguas!

We actually bumped into some of our entertainment associates, co-workers and friends – you think the world is small? Ha! It’s even tighter in this circle; everyone is somewhat connected. You don’t know who you might be talking to or even learn a thing or two from!  SO GET YOUR NETWORKING GAME ON! (I enjoy these events for that specific reason)

Jess & I are content with what we have accomplished thus far and we are excited to see how our work will prosper and continue. With that being said “Put your drinks up” & CHEERS TO SUCCESSS, CHEERS TO YOUR DREAMS, CHEERS TO LIFE <3

Enjoying a Bacardi Mojito

XO,

Samantha

P.S. - Song of the week “Bottoms Up”  – Trey Songs ft. Nicki Minaj (love her)

P.S.S. – WE WANT TO READ YOUR COMMENTS!

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What up?!

Another busy fun-filled week has come and gone.  I'm thoroughly exhausted (**bbm yawn face**). It's more of the usual at work - promotions, magazine, social media updates and more.  We're coming up on our last Given Saturday at Villa (so be sure to stop by if you haven't already to check out the venue and to enjoy a great night out), hoping we close it with a "bang!!"

Along with our crazy work schedule, Samantha and I were able to attend two very different liquor sponsored events to network and enjoy a cocktail or two. Tuesday night, we traveled downtown to a small lounge named RDV for Grey Goose Entertainment's "Rising Icons" series.

Laurel & Amanda w/ Grey Goose Reps

Grey Goose Entertainment (founded in 2005, dedicated to producing original and unique content for TV, music, and etc to reflect the spirit of Grey Goose vodka, while celebrating the interests of their consumers) honored two very different local "icons." Amanda Diva and Laurel DeWitt were recognized that night for their creative excellence and for "rising" as revolutionaries in the world of visual art and fashion.  Both women are extremely talented and have made very influential contributions to their respective crafts....what's so also interesting about these two extraordinary artists is that they happen to be close friends as well. The event (adequately named) “DivaLuxe”, featured an art installation combining Amanda's paintings and Laurel's ready-to-wear jewelry designs (and of course, Grey Goose flavored cocktails!)

Some of Amanda Diva's Hand Bags

Amanda Diva, actually started out as a young actress on Nickelodeon's "My Brother and Me."  Moving from Florida to New York, she became exposed to hip hop culture in a whole new way, which has has been a heavy influence in all her faucets of work.  She started writing and performing, and was chosen to perform on Russell Simmons' Del Poetry Jam in 2002 and later in 2005. She was "discovered" and offered an oppportunity to host her own show, "Breakfast at Diva's" on Sirius Satellite Radio. She then landed an job as a TV personality on MTV2 and VH1. After that other opportunities began to arise from becoming the host and creator of a humor based web show ("Diva Speak TV"), a host on Music Choice ("Speaking of..."), and the host and creator of "The Spark" on AOL's Blackvoices.com.  While all these accomplishments are honor worthy, it's her visual art that sets her apart as a "rising icon."  She has exhibited her work in various shows, participated in live painting events, created murals and has developed a hand-painted bag line, which is available at Karma Loop. 

A LaureLuxe Design

Laurel DeWitt is the designer and creator behind the LaureLuxe brand.  She's a native New Yorker, graduated from Pratt Art Institute in fashion design with an emphasis on jewelry and accessories. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work in fashion and previously served as a handbag and accessories designer for Guess, Rocawear, Nine West, Calvin Klein and Oscar De La Renta Intimate Apparel (just to name a few!). Her fashion bags have also been seen in Target, Forever 21 and Nordstrom's. Her LaureLuxe designs have been worn by a diverse array of celebrities and personalities, such Milla Jovovich, Nicki Minaj, Amerie, Lady Gaga, the ladies of Dirty Money, among many more. Her pieces are handcrafted, unique, edgy, customized to fit each client and created from aluminum geometric shaped plating.

Samantha and I got the chance to have a Q&A session with Laurel, here's a little of what she had to say:



Samantha & I with Laurel Dewitt

What/who inspires LaureLuxe? And how would you describe your jewelry line? I'm an artist. I can paint, draw, do all of the traditional forms of artistic expression. But, working with metal and chain is sculpture. It allows me to express my inner crazy.  But at the same time, I've learned to focus the unbridled energy into sexy, wearable outfits and a thriving business.  No one person inspires me. It's the artist inside speaking out.

Tell us a little bit about your journey to starting LaureLuxe? It all started with a class I took at Pratt Art Institute entitled “Wearable Art”. One of our assignments was to make a garment from found objects/costs nothing to make. So, when I told my father about the assignment, he sent me aluminum metal scraps from his company that makes high-end lighting. From there,I created a metal bra and the reaction was very positive. So I continued building my craft from there.

How did you feel being honored by Grey Goose as a "Local Rising Icon"? It felt great to be recognized for all of my hard work. All of the sleepless nights and lost life moments finally felt worth it.

What's in the near future for LaureLuxe? LaureLuxe is now in Heaven Sent showroom, which will significantly drive sales. I'm also starting a line of pink chain bracelets in support of breast cancer awareness. All proceeds will be donated towards the cause.

Where can consumers purchase your line? http://www.laureluxe.com/

Enjoying a 'lil Grey Goose

That's all I have for now, see you next week! (Don't forget, follow me on FourSquare)

Song of the Week: "All Talk" - Kid Cudi ft. Chip Tha Ripper

XO,

Jessica